Finance Manager

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC Syria

DRC has been operating in Syria since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis before pivoting to a full-scale response to the Syria crisis from 2011 onwards. Our work encompasses the full cycle of displacement—responding to life-saving humanitarian needs and supporting community recovery until durable solutions can be achieved. DRC Syria takes an area-based approach to supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across our key sectors: Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (including Humanitarian Mine Action).

With an established rapid response mechanism, DRC can rapidly respond to emerging crises and shocks to meet acute emergency needs. Recognizing the significant need for early recovery and resilience programming to ensure dignified, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for fragile communities, DRC’s programmes foster resilience for individuals and communities in situations of protracted displacement and during the initial stages of post-conflict recovery, towards a durable solution of their choice. With active portfolios in the neighboring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye and Iraq, DRC offers a cross-border, regional response to the Syria crisis, through cross-border protection monitoring, advocacy, and trends analysis.

About the job:

The post holder will be responsible for managing the financial and accounting functions of the country-wide operation, with a strong focus on financial planning and providing support to budget holders for effective budget management.

The Post holder will ensure adherence to financial compliance policies and procedures, lead financial monitoring of projects, and serve as the focal point for both internal and external audits. The role also contributes to DRC’s localization commitments by strengthening financial governance, accountability, and capacity within partnerships with local implementing partners

Responsibilities:

People Management

• Lead and manage the finance team, including workforce planning, performance management, well-being, and staff development.
• Support the design, rollout, and strengthening of financial management capacity-building initiatives for DRC staff and local partners aligned with DRC’s localization objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to finance staff involved in partner financial monitoring and support.Financial Management
• In close coordination with Managers across geographic areas, reinforce and maintain robust financial management and control systems, ensuring compliance with statutory laws/regulations, DRC’s Operations Handbook, internal policies, and donor requirements.
• Support timely submission of high‑quality financial reports to donors and prepare accurate internal financial reports for internal and external reporting.
• Ensure full compliance with all statutory financial obligations, including tax, levies, and other required returns.
• Provide monthly financial briefings for relevant managers.
• Ensure strong and effective budgetary control across country programs.
• Coordinate with managers on key financial matters, including co-funding requirements, financial reporting, variances, and necessary corrective actions.
• Consolidate cash forecasts from Programme Managers and ensure timely fund requests.
• Maintain an updated overview of funding levels, with particular attention to shared support costs such as staff salaries.
• Ensure all required documentation is prepared and available for internal, external, and donor audits, in coordination with country and HQ teams.
• Hold monthly review meetings with project managers to discuss variances, root causes, and required remedial actions.
• Support the due diligence and local partner financial management capacity building and monitoring of financial reports.Lead financial risk assessment and mitigation measures for partner-managed budgets, in coordination with Programme, Partnerships, and Grants teams.
• With support from the Partner Finance Specialist and the Partnership Coordinator, review, validate, and provide feedback on partner financial reports, ensuring accuracy, eligibility of costs, and alignment with approved budgets.
• Support and oversee partner financial audits, spot checks, and donor verifications, including follow-up on findings and implementation of corrective action plans.
• Ensure partner financial management requirements are clearly reflected in Sub-Grant Agreements (SGAs) and related financial annexes.
• Contribute to proposal development by leading the budgeting component in collaboration with managers.
• Support development of country plans and financial results contracts in line with DRC Global Policies and guidelines, ensuring staff monitor progress against targets and indicators.
• Prepare and maintain the Master Budget, including regular status updates and gap analysis reports for HoSS/CD.
• Develop, keep updated and roll out contextualized financial policies and SoPs.

DRC Dynamics ERP System

• Ensure full and effective utilization of the DRC Dynamics ERP system.
• Ensure proper implementation of all finance-related ERP processes across the country office.
• Use ERP-generated reports and analytics to drive improvements in financial performance.
• Ensure ERP support mechanisms (e.g., super users) are in place and functioning effectively.
• Capacity building of budget holders and finance staff on effective use of ERP system.

Managerial Accountability

As a manager, the post holder is accountable for:

• Achieving DRC’s strategic goals and objectives within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Making significant decisions regarding the unit’s purpose, functions, and resource commitments.
• Managing direct reports, including recruitment, performance appraisal, development, probation, and addressing performance issues.
• Ensuring effective financial oversight, risk management, and accountability for funds transferred to local implementing partners.
• In coordination with the Partnership Coordinator, ensure principled, transparent, and equitable financial partnerships with local implementing partners, in line with DRC’s localization commitments.Making sound financial operational decisions, in consultation with HoSS, guided by DRC policies, MOPs, standards, and technical advice.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of National/ International experience in Financial Management role.
• At least 3 years of experience in people management.Demonstrated experience in managing and overseeing financial components of sub-grants to local or national partners.
• Proven experience managing large budgets and working with ERP financial systems.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and strong people management skills.
• Strong competence in providing technical guidance and training.
• Experience working with national / international partners and local/government authorities.
• Technical experience of financial management of major donor grants.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power Point and other related software.

Education

Graduate level degree in finance/accounting or business administration.

Internationally recognized certifications (CPA, ACCA, CFA etc.) will be considered as strong asset

Languages

• English – Advanced
• Arabic - desirable

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:  

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.  
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.  
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.  
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.  
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: 12 months (extension based on performance and funds)

Level: Management F1

Location: Syria - Damascus

Expected Start date: ASAP

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on one of the links below:

Advertisement link: Talentech - Finance Manager

Direct application link: Talentech - Finance Manager - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

Applications close on 18th of February 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Need further information?

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org