Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and
instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against impossible
odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1 billion in assistance to people
in 82 nations.
Supported by headquarters offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 9 million people in more than 40 countries. Over the last five years, more than 90 percent of the agency's resources have been allocated directly to programs that help people in need.
Supported by headquarters offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 9 million people in more than 40 countries. Over the last five years, more than 90 percent of the agency's resources have been allocated directly to programs that help people in need.
1. Finance Manager – Wajir Based Position
Program/Department Summary:
Traditionally, Mercy Corps programs in Kenya focus on increasing young people’s ability to peacefully resolve conflict, engage in the democratic reform process, and increase access to employment and economic independence.
Mercy Corps Kenya began emergency operations in Wajir West and South in the first week of August 2011 focusing on provision of clean water to approximately 90,000 individuals in 13 locations.
In the coming weeks, Mercy Corps will scale up water and hygiene promotion activities to include:
1) Voucher system to enable vulnerable households to purchase water from private vendors;
2) Provision of generators and spare parts to functional boreholes that are under extreme stress from over use;
3) Construction and rehabilitation of water storage facilities and separate receptacles for humans and animals; and
4) Training of community groups in Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST).
To protect household assets, Mercy Corps will work with market actors to initiate an unconditional cash transfer program enabling up to 2,000 households to flexibly purchase basic foodstuffs and other essential items.
Cash for Work activities will provide immediate short-term employment opportunities primarily to safely dispose of animal carcasses which pose a significant public health risk, and to rehabilitate water infrastructure.
The Mercy Corps Wajir Finance Manager is responsible for all financial functions in Wajir, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance.
The Mercy Corps Wajir Finance Manager ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures.
In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Manager provides timely reports and assistance to the Program Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.
General Position Summary:
Working in the Wajir program under the direction of the Finance Director, the Finance Manager is responsible for all aspects of financial management of the Wajir program, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures as well as donor regulations.
Essential Job Functions:
- Oversee
and manage daily Wajir accounting and finance functions including the
timely recording of transactions, cash management, banking, payroll,
inventory, receivables, and payables.
- Plan
and implement systems for financial operations in both the main Wajir
office and in field offices in accordance with the Mercy Corps Field
Finance Manual and donor regulations, including systems for cash flow
management, budgeting, consolidation of accounting information, internal
controls, financial reporting, financial record-keeping, grant management
and compliance.
- Hire,
train and supervise Mercy Corps finance staff in Wajir.
- Maintain
banking relations and plan and monitor Wajir cash flow requirements to
ensure the smooth implementation of Mercy Corps programs.
- Provide
monthly standard accounting submissions to Mercy Corps Nairobi, including
subjournal files, account reconciliations, expenditures by cost
center/project, required subgrantee reporting, as well as other financial
information in a timely and accurate manner.
- Provide
monthly management reports to the Program Director, including expenditures
by cost center/project, subgrantee reporting and other financial
information, in a timely and accurate manner.
- Develop
annual fiscal year budgets with the Program Director and develop and
implement grant budgeting and forecasting systems with the Program
Director.
- Perform
internal audits and reviews as required to ensure compliance with Mercy
Corps and donor requirements.
- Effectively
stay abreast of donor policies, procedures, rules and regulations; compile
and update applicable local policies; and train Mercy Corps program and
partner staff in these policies.
- Review
and monitor partners’ financial reporting and compliance. Provide
additional technical assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high
standards of compliance.
- Ensure
compliance with Mercy Corps’ procurement policies and procedures for all
goods and services.
- Develop
and maintain local office policies and procedures and provide training for
all issues related to local financial matters.
- Analyze
compensation packages, taxation requirements and human resource policies
for local staff to ensure that Mercy Corps’ has adequately accounted for
the financial impact of local staff compensation and benefits.
- Maintain
appropriate local insurance coverage to protect Mercy Corps.
- Conduct
himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to
bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian
mission.
- Other
duties as assigned.
Organizational Learning
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility: All Wajir Finance Department Staff
Reports Directly To: Kenya Finance Director
Works Directly With: Program and operations teams, Program Director, Africa Finance Advisor, Regional finance team, Regional Program Director and Deputy Regional Director
Knowledge and Experience:
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility: All Wajir Finance Department Staff
Reports Directly To: Kenya Finance Director
Works Directly With: Program and operations teams, Program Director, Africa Finance Advisor, Regional finance team, Regional Program Director and Deputy Regional Director
Knowledge and Experience:
- Four
or more years of progressive financial management experience is required.
- A
BA/S or equivalent in accounting or finance is required. An advanced
degree is preferred.
- Four
years experience in grants management as well as an understanding of donor
regulations is required.
- Three
years international experience is required; international NGO/PVO field
office experience is preferred.
- Demonstrated
experience and skill with budget preparation and analysis, financial
reporting preparation and presentation and the proven ability to translate
technical financial data into informative reports.
- Strong
accounting skills and experience, including management of the general
ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables and balance sheet.
- Advanced
computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
- Prior
management experience and strong organizational skills
- Fluency
in Somali languages is an advantage. Excellent oral and written English
skills
Success Factors:
The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity is required.
An ability to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful financial information is essential.
A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
An impeccable professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
The Finance Manager must be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.
2. Grants Finance & Compliance Officer (Nairobi Based Position)
Program/Department Summary:
Mercy Corps Africa region includes the country programs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, North Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, Niger, Liberia and Tunisia. Mercy Corps implements grants from a wide range of donors, including USAID, OFDA, FFP/, MYAP, CMM, UN, OCHA, EC, DFID etc.
The region is supported by a regional finance team that is based in Nairobi, Kenya and travels frequently to visit and provide support to country programs.
The Mercy Corps Regional Finance Team is responsible for financial functions in the region, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance.
The Mercy Corps Regional Finance Team ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures. In its role as a support to the Country programs, the Regional Finance Department works closely with Regional Finance Officers (US HQ) and International Finance Officers (Scotland HQ).
General Position Summary:
Working under the direction of the Africa Finance Advisor, the Grants Finance and Compliance Officer will provide technical support to Africa country programs in collaboration with the Country Finance Managers.
She/He will support finance staff throughout the region and ensure that the country programs comply with all applicable policies and procedures, laws and regulations, proper accounting standards and administrative and donor reporting requirements.
The Grants Finance and Compliance Officer will offer temporary coverage to country programs that have current staff limitations. The Grants Finance and Compliance Officer is based in Nairobi, Kenya and travels frequently to visit and provide support to country programs.
Essential Job Functions:
The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity is required.
An ability to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful financial information is essential.
A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
An impeccable professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
The Finance Manager must be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.
2. Grants Finance & Compliance Officer (Nairobi Based Position)
Program/Department Summary:
Mercy Corps Africa region includes the country programs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, North Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, Niger, Liberia and Tunisia. Mercy Corps implements grants from a wide range of donors, including USAID, OFDA, FFP/, MYAP, CMM, UN, OCHA, EC, DFID etc.
The region is supported by a regional finance team that is based in Nairobi, Kenya and travels frequently to visit and provide support to country programs.
The Mercy Corps Regional Finance Team is responsible for financial functions in the region, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance.
The Mercy Corps Regional Finance Team ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures. In its role as a support to the Country programs, the Regional Finance Department works closely with Regional Finance Officers (US HQ) and International Finance Officers (Scotland HQ).
General Position Summary:
Working under the direction of the Africa Finance Advisor, the Grants Finance and Compliance Officer will provide technical support to Africa country programs in collaboration with the Country Finance Managers.
She/He will support finance staff throughout the region and ensure that the country programs comply with all applicable policies and procedures, laws and regulations, proper accounting standards and administrative and donor reporting requirements.
The Grants Finance and Compliance Officer will offer temporary coverage to country programs that have current staff limitations. The Grants Finance and Compliance Officer is based in Nairobi, Kenya and travels frequently to visit and provide support to country programs.
Essential Job Functions:
- Assist
with submissions of regional monthly reports, including subjournal files,
account reconciliations, expenditures by cost center/project, required
subgrantee reporting, as well as other financial information in a timely
and accurate manner.
- Assist
in the financial review of purchase requests, purchase orders and payment
requests to ensure compliance with MC policies and procedures and project
budgets.
- Set
up Finance Dept.’s grant files; file grant agreements, maintain current
copies of the approved coded budget and reports.
- Assist
in the month end review of sub-office journals to ensure proper coding of
all transactions.
- Assist
in the preparation of the monthly cash flow projections.
- Assist
in the preparation, maintenance and consolidation of office operational
budgets.
- Travel
around the region to support country programs as needed
- Assist
in the documentation of match files and match tracking spreadsheets.
- Assist
in the review and monitor of partners’ financial reporting and compliance.
- Provide
additional technical assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high
standards of compliance.
- Review
subgrantee financial reports, assist in subgrantee site audits and follow
up on subgrant compliance issues.
- Maintain
subgrant financial files and reconcile subgrant financial tracking to
general ledger reports.
- Assist
the Africa Finance Advisor in responding to audit inquiries and requests
for financial information.
- Assist
the Africa Finance Advisor to ensure compliance with local regulations in
respect of financial, administrative and other matters (e.g. registration,
taxation, visa and labor laws).
- Conduct
himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to
bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian
mission.
- Other
duties in Kenya or abroad as assigned.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Reports Directly To: Africa Finance Advisor
Works Directly With: Africa Finance Advisor, Senior Finance Officer and Country Finance Managers/Directors.
Knowledge and Experience:
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Reports Directly To: Africa Finance Advisor
Works Directly With: Africa Finance Advisor, Senior Finance Officer and Country Finance Managers/Directors.
Knowledge and Experience:
- Three
or more years of finance experience, including budgeting and grant
management
- A
university degree in finance, accounting or a related business field is
required.
- Two
years experience in the Finance Department of an non-government
organization
- Familiarity
with major international donor rules and non-profit accounting
- Prior
experience with computerized general ledger software
- Advanced
computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel and Access.
- Strong
analytical skills coupled with a solid understanding of grant management
rules.
- Fluency
in French language is preferred. Excellent oral and written English skills
The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required.
A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
A high professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
The ability to take financial data and present it in meaningful financial reports is essential.
The Grants Finance and Compliance Officer must be willing to travel to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites in Kenya and abroad.
Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a current or/and previous supervisor) to hr@ke.mercycorps.org on or before 04 January, 2012 4.00 p.m.
Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject the position that she/he is applying for i.e. “Application for the position of Grants Compliance & Finance Officer” or “Finance Manager”.
Applications without a subject heading will be disqualified. Please do not attach any certificates.
Please note for the Finance Manger Wajir applications can also be delivered to Mercy Corps office in Wajir, Airport Road (former VSF office)
Only qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted
You can now click on this link www.kenyanvacancies.com to visit our sister website for more vacancies.
