Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Finance Assistant
• Location: Kakuma, Turkana County, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Competitive (not specified in the original posting)
• Category/Department: Finance
• Reporting To: Finance & Grants Officer
• Contract Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding availability)
• Application Deadline: 21st July 2025

Introduction

The Finance Assistant role at the Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) in Kakuma, Turkana County, Kenya, offers a vital opportunity to support the financial operations of a mission-driven NGO dedicated to empowering pastoralist communities. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, dependable professional with expertise in financial management, eager to ensure accuracy and compliance in a dynamic humanitarian context. Based in Kakuma, the role supports APaD’s programs across the Karamoja Cluster, addressing challenges like conflict, climate change, and food insecurity through sustainable and inclusive solutions. This position is a chance to make a meaningful impact in Northern Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands.

About Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD)

APaD is a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Kenya, headquartered in Lodwar, Turkana County, with field offices in Kakuma and Lokiriama. Founded in 2002 as a Community-Based Organization and transitioning to an NGO in 2019, APaD envisions empowered, secure, dignified, and resilient pastoralist communities. Operating in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), particularly Turkana and West Pokot Counties, and across borders with Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, APaD implements programs in peacebuilding, food security, community health, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, women and youth empowerment, WASH, and policy advocacy. Using participatory, inclusive, and rights-based approaches, APaD integrates peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian action to foster long-term resilience in the Karamoja Cluster.

Key Responsibilities

The Finance Assistant will support APaD’s financial operations, ensuring accurate documentation, compliance, and timely reporting. Key responsibilities include:

Financial Transactions and Record-Keeping

• Process Transactions: Handle day-to-day financial transactions, including data entry, cash disbursements, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain Records: Keep accurate and up-to-date financial records, ensuring timely posting into accounting systems.
• Prepare Payment Documents: Process payment vouchers, supplier invoices, and verify supporting documentation in line with APaD’s financial policies.
• Manage Petty Cash: Oversee petty cash transactions, including disbursements, replenishment, and reconciliation.

Reporting and Compliance

• Support Reporting: Assist in preparing monthly financial reports, including reconciliations and budget versus actual expenditure analysis.
• Ensure Compliance: Adhere to procurement and financial procedures in processing payments, ensuring compliance with internal controls and donor regulations.
• Support Audits: Collate financial documents and reports required for donor reporting and audits.
• File Documents: Maintain proper and systematic filing of financial documents for audit and compliance purposes.

Administrative Support

• Manage Advances: Process and monitor staff advances, travel claims, and liquidations in a timely and accountable manner.
• Provide Support: Offer administrative and logistical support related to finance and office operations as needed.

These responsibilities ensure the Finance Assistant supports efficient financial management and compliance, enabling APaD’s programs to thrive.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in the Finance Assistant role, candidates should meet the following qualifications and demonstrate the listed skills:

• Educational Background: Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in finance or accounting, preferably within an NGO or development organization.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage) and Microsoft Excel for financial management and reporting.
• Knowledge: Solid understanding of basic accounting principles, internal controls, and donor financial compliance requirements.
• Contextual Knowledge: Familiarity with the local context in Turkana County or other pastoralist areas is desirable.
• Core Competencies:
  • Financial Accuracy: Ensures precision and consistency in data entry, reporting, and documentation.
  • Time Management: Manages multiple tasks and meets deadlines under pressure.
  • Accountability: Maintains high ethical standards in processing and managing financial resources.
  • Teamwork: Works cooperatively with colleagues and supports program teams effectively.
  • Communication: Communicates financial information clearly and professionally.
  • Problem-Solving: Applies sound judgment in handling financial discrepancies and inquiries.
  • Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and responds to emerging priorities.
• Additional Skills: Strong organizational and documentation skills, with a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

These qualifications ensure the candidate can effectively manage financial operations while supporting APaD’s mission.

Company Culture and Values

APaD fosters a culture of integrity, fairness, passion, gender equity, community-centeredness, justice, respect for human dignity, and teamwork. Committed to diversity and inclusion, APaD encourages applications from women, individuals from Turkana County, and other diverse backgrounds. Employees work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment that prioritizes participatory and rights-based approaches. The Finance Assistant will play a key role in reinforcing these values, ensuring transparent and accountable financial operations that align with APaD’s vision of sustainable development and community empowerment.

How to Apply

To apply for the Finance Assistant position, candidates must submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter: Highlighting relevant experience and motivation for joining APaD.
• Detailed CV: Outlining qualifications, experience, and skills.
• Academic and Professional Certificates: Copies of degrees, certifications, and relevant testimonials.
• References: Contact information for three professional referees.

Submission Options

• Email: Send applications to recruitmenthr@apadkenya.org with the subject line “Finance Assistant Application” by 21st July 2025, 5:00 PM EAT.
• Hard Copy: Deliver during official working hours (Monday to Friday) to:
  The Human Resources Officer
  Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD)
  P.O. Box 342-30500
  Lodwar, Turkana County, Kenya
  Turkwel Buildings, Off NORAD Road, Nawoitorong’

APaD is an equal opportunity employer, prioritizing diversity and inclusion. Female candidates and applicants from Turkana County are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the high volume of applications.

Additional Engagement

• Explore More Opportunities: Visit JobKenya.org for additional job listings in Kenya.
• Join Our WhatsApp Channel: Get real-time job updates at https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAvng36RGJC2TlYSW3N.
• Follow Us: Stay connected via Twitter (https://x.com/kenyanjobfinder) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-kenyan-job-finder/).

Tags

Finance Assistant jobs, NGO jobs in Turkana, Kakuma employment opportunities, APaD careers, humanitarian jobs in Kenya

Detailed Role Overview

The Finance Assistant position at APaD is a critical role designed to support the organization’s financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Based in Kakuma, Turkana County, this role involves managing financial transactions, maintaining records, and supporting reporting and audits. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in a high-impact nonprofit addressing complex challenges like conflict, climate change, and food insecurity in the Karamoja Cluster.

Why This Role Matters

The Finance Assistant is essential to APaD’s ability to maintain transparent and compliant financial operations, enabling the organization to deliver effective programs in peacebuilding, food security, and community empowerment. By ensuring accurate financial management, the assistant supports APaD’s mission to create sustainable impact in Turkana County and cross-border regions. This role is ideal for professionals passionate about humanitarian work and skilled in financial administration.

Career Growth Opportunities

The Finance Assistant role offers significant professional development, including:

• Financial Expertise: Gain experience in managing financial operations in a nonprofit context, with exposure to donor compliance.
• Technical Skills: Enhance proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage.
• Cross-Cultural Exposure: Work in diverse, cross-border settings, building cultural competence and teamwork skills.
• Long-Term Potential: The contract is renewable based on performance and funding, offering a pathway to sustained impact within APaD.

Kakuma: A Unique Work Environment

Located in Kakuma, Turkana County, the Finance Assistant will work in a region known for its humanitarian significance, hosting one of the world’s largest refugee camps. Kakuma presents a dynamic and challenging environment, ideal for professionals dedicated to making a difference in pastoralist and refugee communities.

Financial Management: Ensuring Accuracy

The Finance Assistant will handle daily financial transactions, including data entry, cash disbursements, and bank reconciliations, ensuring precision and compliance with APaD’s policies. Managing petty cash and processing payments, the assistant will maintain accurate records critical for audits and donor reporting.

Compliance and Reporting: Supporting Accountability

The Finance Assistant will support the preparation of financial reports and ensure compliance with internal controls and donor regulations. By maintaining systematic filing and assisting with audits, the assistant will uphold APaD’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Who Should Apply

The ideal candidate for the Finance Assistant role is a detail-oriented, dependable professional with at least 2 years of experience in finance or accounting, preferably in an NGO setting. Candidates with proficiency in accounting software, knowledge of Turkana’s context, and a commitment to humanitarian work are particularly encouraged to apply. This role suits individuals who thrive in fast-paced, cross-cultural environments and are dedicated to APaD’s mission.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare Documents: Compile a cover letter, detailed CV, copies of academic/professional certificates, and referee contacts.
2. Submit Application: Email to recruitmenthr@apadkenya.org with the subject “Finance Assistant Application” or deliver hard copies to APaD’s Lodwar office by 21st July 2025, 5:00 PM EAT.
3. Ensure Compliance: Verify all required documents are included to avoid disqualification.
4. Await Response: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Why Choose This Role

The Finance Assistant position at APaD offers:

• Impactful Work: Support programs empowering pastoralist communities in Turkana and beyond.
• Professional Growth: Build expertise in financial management within a humanitarian context.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a team committed to diversity, equity, and community-driven solutions.
• Dynamic Environment: Work in a fast-paced setting with opportunities to address complex challenges.

Turkana’s Humanitarian Landscape

Turkana County is a focal point for humanitarian and development initiatives, with organizations like APaD leading efforts to address conflict, climate change, and socio-economic challenges. The Finance Assistant will play a pivotal role in supporting APaD’s programs, contributing to sustainable development in a region critical to Kenya’s growth.

Final Notes

The Finance Assistant role at APaD is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in Kakuma, Turkana County, while advancing your career in financial management. With a competitive salary, a one-year renewable contract, and a mission-driven work environment, this position is ideal for dedicated professionals ready to drive change. Apply by 21st July 2025 to join APaD’s transformative journey.

Disclaimer: JobKenya.org is not the hiring company. For inquiries, contact APaD directly at recruitmenthr@apadkenya.org. Do not send applications to JobKenya.org, as we cannot process them. Due to high email volumes, we may not respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

Follow us:

• Twitter: https://x.com/kenyanjobfinder
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-kenyan-job-finder/