Finance Intern

Job Description

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and displaced persons worldwide: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities for a better future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and within the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive to achieve responsible and sustainable solutions. We work for the successful integration of vulnerable communities and, where possible, to fulfill their wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council (hereinafter: DRC ) was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown into an international humanitarian organization with over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Headquartered in Copenhagen and present in 40 countries, the DRC is a non-governmental, non-profit, politically neutral, independent, and non-denominational aid organization.

Our vision is a life with dignity for all displaced people around the world. All our efforts are based on our moral compass: humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency.

1. Context

The DRC has been present in West Africa since 1998. The DRC Regional Office for West Africa and Latin America (hereinafter: WAAM Regional Office), based in Dakar, Senegal, covers nine countries outside Senegal. Under the leadership of the Regional Executive Director for the West Africa, Africa and Latin America Region (hereinafter: WAAM Region), the Regional Office supervises, supports and provides strategic guidance to the DRC country offices in the region, which currently include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Mali, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Venezuela.

2. Purpose

The WAAM DRC is seeking a dynamic, highly qualified intern to join its Finance Department. This internship will be full-time and professionally rewarding.

Based in Dakar, the intern will be fully integrated into the WAAM Finance Department, and will report to the Regional Finance Manager. The intern will work with all colleagues in the support services, and under the technical supervision of the Finance Officers, while collaborating closely with other members of the Support teams. The intern will ensure an efficient archiving system for all financial documents and accounting records kept within the Regional Office and the daily management of financial transactions (cash and bank management). This responsibility also includes verifying the correct compliance of the accounting records and all supporting documents present.

3. Responsibilities

The main responsibilities and expectations for this internship are:

Archiving (25% of his time)

• Responsible for the proper archiving of all accounting documents and financial archives kept within the Regional Office;
• Responsibility for checking that accounting documents are in good condition, legible, easily consultable, stored in a safe and professional manner, while ensuring the proper maintenance of stored documents;
• Responsible for the regular scanning of accounting documents and the electronic archiving/filing of these documents according to the standards defined by DRC;
• Operational support to all colleagues in the WAAM Finance Department, as well as potentially to the Support Departments (Supply Chain and Human Resources) if required by senior management.

Accounting: (50%)

• Manage cash register operations, including receipts and payments.
• Ensure the entry of expenses into the accounting or financial system.
• Classify and archive supporting documents for expenses.
• Participate in the reconciliation of cash transactions.
• Provide technical support in the daily management of administrative and financial tasks.

Audit & Compliance (25% of his time):

• Support from the WAAM Finance Department in the event of an audit or preparation for audits (document scans, archiving, etc.)

• Responsibility for collecting all supporting documents necessary for the accounting document to be considered complete and compliant;
• Ensure compliance with the WAAM Internal Regulations, the DRC Code of Conduct and all policies and procedures in force, with the obligation to formally alert senior management in the event that a breach is observed or suspected.

In addition, the intern may be asked to take on other tasks and work, at the request of the Regional Finance Coordinator or any other hierarchical superior.

4. Required qualifications

• Academic level equivalent to a minimum Bac+2, university in the field of Finance/accounting, Project Management, Business Administration or Bioforce type training;
• Initial professional experience of at least 1 to 6 months
• Knowledge of accounting and financial management software (SAGE, Dynamics, NAVISION, SAGA, etc.) is preferable;
• Excellent command of Microsoft Office;
• Excellent mastery of Excel tools;
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work under pressure and stressful conditions;
• Excellent level in French ( perfect mastery of the French language, both written and spoken, is essential );
• A good level of English is a strong advantage;
• Good understanding of the working context within an international environment.

5. Skills and qualities required

• In this position, you must demonstrate the five essential skills of the DRC, namely:
  • Strive for excellence: You focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process. You strive to produce accurate, thorough, and professional work with optimal use of time and effort.
  • Collaborate: You cooperate with and involve stakeholders, actively seeking their opinions and sharing key information with them. You support and trust others, while encouraging feedback.
  • Take the Lead: You take responsibility and prioritize your work based on DRC’s overall vision and goals. You take the initiative when faced with a challenge or opportunity and seek innovative solutions.
  • Communicate: You write and speak effectively and honestly, adapting your style and tone to the situation. You actively listen to others and engage them in dialogue.
  • Demonstrate Integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values ​​and code of conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
• Ability to work in a cosmopolitan environment
• Proactivity, with a cooperative and collaborative approach;
• Excellent communication skills (including attention and patience) are required;
• Good organizational skills are required;
• Exemplary professional ethics;
• Ability to work in a team and a good sense of humor.

6. Application process

If you are interested, then apply online by going to this site: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1036&ProjectId=174565&DepartmentId=19110&MediaId=5

Applications can only be made online, on the website indicated above. You must upload your CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter online. The CV and cover letter can be in French or English.

Applications submitted by post, email or physical application will not be considered.

The DRC provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. The DRC does not discriminate in its recruitment processes.

However, candidates should be aware that the DRC can only employ Senegalese nationals under a national contract. Candidates are expected to already be present in Dakar, Senegal, and DRC will not be able to cover any travel expenses to attend a possible recruitment test or interview.

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit the organization’s website at drc.ngo

Applications will close on October 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. (COB). However, it is possible for the DRC to begin the recruitment process before the end of the publication of the offer if an application meets the expectations and requirements of the position.

Deadline: 17 Oct 2025