The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a renowned humanitarian organization committed to helping displaced and conflict-affected populations worldwide. With operations in over 40 countries, DRC continues to expand its programming and operational approaches to meet emerging global challenges. A key area of growth is in commercial contracts and fund management – an increasingly strategic pillar of DRC’s programming portfolio.
To support this innovative work, DRC is pleased to announce an opening for the position of Commercial Contract – Finance Advisor, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role is ideal for a highly experienced finance professional who is passionate about humanitarian development, commercial contract implementation, and high-level financial oversight.
About the Role
DRC has over the years expanded into new business modalities, including commercial contracting and fund management. These dynamic modalities carry unique operational risks and require customized procedures and systems to ensure efficiency, compliance, and sustainability. As DRC enhances its capacity to deliver and manage commercial contracts, financial strategy and implementation remain central to project success.
The Commercial Contract – Finance Advisor will play a pivotal role in ensuring sound financial management of commercial projects, supporting business development initiatives, refining internal policies and procedures, and guiding the organization on fund management systems and compliance frameworks.
This role will be based at DRC’s Nairobi office and is open to both Kenyan nationals and foreign nationals. The position is fixed-term for two years and is supported by profits generated through existing commercial contracts.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Management
The Finance Advisor will ensure robust financial management across the lifecycle of commercial contracts. Duties under this domain include:
- Verifying and ensuring correct financial setup of new contracts in DRC’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (Dynamics).
- Supporting and monitoring compliance checks on financial management systems of downstream partners, including subcontractors and implementing agencies.
- Reviewing invoices prepared by project managers to ensure they are accurate, compliant, and ready for submission to clients.
- Analyzing internal budgets related to commercial contracts and monitoring financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to advise the Commercial Contract Resource Committee.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop Business Intelligence (BI) reports for effective monitoring of the commercial contract portfolio and Commercial Risk Contingency Fund.
- Supporting commercial contract audits and advising the Head of Section on Local Entity (LE) profit share proposals to enable informed decision-making at headquarters.
2. Business Development Support
The advisor will actively contribute to expanding DRC’s commercial contracting capabilities by:
- Supporting Local Entities (LEs) in developing financially viable and compliant proposals.
- Reviewing commercial budgets for alignment with DRC’s financial policies and donor requirements.
3. Policy Guidance and Development
A key part of the role involves enhancing the organization’s internal systems and guiding policy development. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting the refinement and maintenance of DRC’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for commercial contract delivery and financial management.
- Contributing to the development and review of DRC Dynamics user manuals focused on contract setup, implementation, and closeout.
- Assisting in the formulation of DRC’s Profit Policy to standardize earnings and reinvestment strategies across commercial engagements.
4. Fund Management Oversight
The Finance Advisor will support effective cash flow management and compliance in fund-managed projects by:
- Monitoring donor inflows and grantee outflows to ensure timely and compliant transactions.
- Identifying challenges in Dynamics that hinder efficient fund management and collaborating with colleagues to develop and implement workable solutions.
- Recommending necessary changes to DRC Dynamics and supporting their adoption through engagement with Business Process Owners and the governance board.
Required Experience and Technical Competencies
To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate a strong background in financial management, preferably in the humanitarian or development sectors. Key competencies include:
- Proven capacity in financial systems and procedures, particularly from an oversight perspective.
- A minimum of five years’ experience working in the development/humanitarian sector with a focus on service contracts or similar commercial engagements.
- Solid understanding of various contract modalities and donor mechanisms relevant to DRC’s portfolio.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with multicultural teams and provide training and support to individuals of diverse technical backgrounds.
- Fluency in both English and French (spoken and written) is essential.
- Familiarity with commercial contracting practices in either the humanitarian or private sector.
- Strong experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement.
- Advanced user proficiency in ERP systems, especially Microsoft Dynamics.
Educational Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in Economics, Financial Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
Languages
- Proficiency in English and French is required for this role.
Core Competencies at DRC
As part of DRC’s global team, the successful candidate will be expected to embody and promote the organization’s core values:
- Striving for Excellence: A commitment to achieving high-quality results with an efficient and effective process.
- Collaborating: Engaging relevant stakeholders, valuing teamwork, and encouraging feedback and learning.
- Taking the Lead: Demonstrating initiative, ownership, and creativity in problem-solving and innovation.
- Communicating: Communicating clearly, honestly, and respectfully at all levels.
- Demonstrating Integrity: Acting in line with DRC’s mission and values, and upholding the highest standards of professional ethics.
Terms of Employment
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (2 years), subject to continued profit from current commercial contracts.
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
- Availability: September 2025.
- Reports to: Head of Section – Commercial Contracts & Fund Management.
- Stakeholders: The role will engage with internal stakeholders including Business and Finance Controllers, Heads of Support Services, Finance Managers at the country and regional levels, and members of the Commercial Contract Resource Committee.
Organizational Commitment
DRC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of accountability, ethical conduct, and safeguarding across all operations. The organization follows its Humanitarian Accountability Framework and Code of Conduct, ensuring that all staff act with professionalism and integrity in all settings. Staff are also expected to actively participate in safeguarding mechanisms and background checks will be a part of the recruitment process.
Gender Equality and Inclusion
DRC values diversity and is dedicated to gender equality and inclusion. The organization strongly encourages women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. DRC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, religion, ethnicity, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.
How to Apply
Qualified and motivated candidates are invited to apply through DRC’s online application system. Applications should include:
- A one-page cover letter expressing the candidate’s motivation and how their qualifications align with the job requirements.
- An updated CV.
- Contact details for three professional referees, one of whom must be the candidate’s most recent manager.
Applications must be submitted no later than 15th July 2025.
Only applications submitted via the online form at www.drc.ngo under the “Vacancies” section will be accepted.
If you experience technical issues during the application process, please visit www.drc.ngo/jobsupport for assistance.
Please note that DRC does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it engage recruitment agents.
