Position Title
Support Services Specialist
Supervised by
Finance & Administration Manager / Supply Chain Manager
Reporting to
Emergency Response Project Manager
Duty Station
Bamenda, NW Cameroon
Area of Operation
Northwest Cameroon, with travel in NW and Central CMR
Employment Period
1 year
Type of Contract (Expat/National/Trainee)
National
Salary & Benefits
NM.G.2 Level 1 Step 1 (1.200.000 XAF)
Introduction
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity 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 โ whenever possible โ for the fulfilment 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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.
Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
1. Background
DRC has been present in West and Central Africa since 1998. DRC's regional office for West Africa & Americas is based in Dakar, Senegal, and covers twelve countries outside Senegal. The Cameroon country office opened in 2018 and currently comprises a coordination office in the capital Yaoundรฉ, a base in Bamenda covering the Northwest region, a base in Garoua Boulaรฏ covering the Adamaoua and East regions, and a base in Maroua with sub-base in Mokolo for the Far North.
DRCโs interventions in these areas include providing assistance to vulnerable populations, especially IDPs and refugees to enable them to meet their basic needs, shelter and protection, providing durable solutions to the ultra-poor while rendering them resilient to shocks via resilience and peacebuilding activities. Due to the lack of emergency response services to the newly displaced in the NWSW regions, the DRC has stepped in with emergency protection and food assistance in the NW region in collaboration with two national organizations as partners.
2. Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the Emergency Response Project Manager, the Support Services Specialist is responsible for the capacity strengthening and monitoring of DRCโs local partners Support Services activities under the โLocalized RRM projectโ in the NW region of Cameroon. The Support Services Specialist ensures effective implementation of Finance, Supply Chain and HR activities of the local partners DRC Bamenda office, while ensure procedures are done in accordance with DRCโs internal procedures and standard operation procedures.
3.Duties and Responsibilities
Partnerships
Ensure partner capacities are assessed, and realistic expectations are factored into the project in terms of Support Services. Ensure partners are aware of their commitments during the kick-off meeting and throughout project implementation. Leads the assessment of partners' capacities, ensures the development of training plans, organizes capacity building and training with support from technical staff the Country Office (Finance Manager, Supply Chain Manager, HR Officer, Partnership Management Specialist etc) while actively involving partners for better ownership of the capacity strengthening. Support partners with tools and systems required for them to comply with donors and DRC Support Services technical requirements/standards. Carry out regular monitoring and quality checks to ensure partners are adopting the required standards of Support Services. Before project closure, ensure that partners complete all requirements for the projects, ensure all data sources are complete and accurate, all relevant data for the project are transferred to DRC, and any supporting means of verification and justification are also turned over to DRC. Ensure timely communication with CO, Partners, Project Manager concerning all issues related to finance administration, supply chain and Human ResourceSupply Chain:
Ensure procurement procedures are followed while being the focal point for tenders together with the coordination unit (including being the sponsor for all major tenders) Closely follow department KPIs and ensure that monthly supply chain reports submissions are timely and of high quality Be a focal point and decision-maker for fleet movement in line with Supply Chain Managerโs advice. In coordination with Country Office, lead any regional or national procurements to ensure compliance with internal procedures, donor regulations, and on-time delivery of tenders. Ensure that Assets are verified and registered properly in Dynamics Ensure proper Fleet management (right numbers of vehicles in place, fuel consumption is monitored on time) Ensure proper functioning of the guest house and office (Repairs, maintenance etc)Finance:
Responsible for budget monitoring and forecasting for support service budgets via DRCโs tools (BFU, budget trackers, Finance Management tracker for partnerships) Provide overall financial planning and support to the Project Manager by advising on spending and financial spending strategies, provide accurate financial outlook of the program on a regular basis for both DRC project and partners. Ensure that critical monthly and annual finance tasks are completed with support from the Country Office and in line with Operations Handbook procedures Ensure financial regulations, procedures and documentation requirements are adhered to and compliance requirements are met. Ensure efficient support is extended during internal and external audits Communicate to the Finance and Administration Manager and Project Manager any financial information that could have an impact on the implementation of activities and/or the organisation. Ensure that payments are made on time and in compliance with internal validation procedures. Anticipating cash requirements in order to systematically have the funds needed to implement activities in Yaoundรฉ and on the bases; communicate any potential risk of cash flow problems to the Head of Support Services and/or the Director;HR support:
Ensure that HR documentation is forwarded to the CO's HR team on a monthly or fortnightly basis. Act as the HR focal point for the main government partners (CNPS, Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, Labour Office, etc.); Provide reporting to the CO HR team of up-to-date data relating to absences, leave, etc. Act as a relay for the CO HR team in monitoring HR activities and projects such as appraisals, setting objectives, etc. Take the lead and follow up on initiatives related to staff welfare and solidarity;- Ensure that HR documentation for the team in Bamenda is signed on time (contracts, pay slips, etc.). Ensure that HR documentation is forwarded to the CO HR team on a monthly or fortnightly basis. Provide the CO's HR team with up-to-date reports on absences, leave, etc. Act as a relay for the CO HR team in monitoring HR activities and projects such as appraisals, setting objectives, etc. Taking the initiative and following up initiatives relating to staff well-being and solidarityOther:
Ensure filing and archiving are in place and followed by all respective DRC staff Support the implementation of DRC Dynamics (Enterprise Resource Planning System), including being a heavy user, training relevant teams/staff in the Area Office, and checking and monitoring use of the licenses.4. Required Qualifications
To be successful in this role we expect you to have:
Bachelorโs degree in any relevant field ; Masterโs degree in any relevant field will be considered an asset. Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role Good knowledge of project cycle management Good knowledge of supply chain management and procurement processes Good knowledge of budget cycle and monitoring processes Good knowledge of code of conduct principles and the HR systems for performance management Fluent in English Local language - Piggin5. Required Skills & Qualities
Core Competencies of DRC: Striving for excellence Collaboration Taking the lead Communication Demonstrating Integrity Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required Multi-tasking and Organizational skills are necessary Adaptable and Flexible Proven analytical and critical thinking skills Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace Team-oriented & good sense of humor6. General Regulations
The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request7. Application Process
Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter, an updated CV (no longer than four pages), and a document containing 03 references including name, phone number email address of the referees. Out the 03, at least 01 must be a recent line manager and 01 from HR. All must be in French or in English.
DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
However, candidates should take into consideration that the DRC cannot employ, under an international contract, a national of the country in which he/she will be working (in this case, Cameroon).
For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit the organization's website at drc.ngo.
Applications will close on 20/08/2025 at 23.59 GMT. However, it is possible for DRC to start the recruitment process even before the advertisement is closed, if an application meets the expectations and requirements of the position.
At the global level, DRC does not request any payment for any application within DRC.