We are seeking a highly motivated individual to support the strategic initiatives and operational objectives of our [Program/Department Name] within the broader [Company Name] ecosystem. Your responsibilities will encompass a diverse range of duties aimed at enhancing efficiency, driving growth, and ensuring compliance with established guidelines. Key tasks will include, but are not limited to, project management oversight, cross-functional collaboration, and the evaluation of processes to identify opportunities for improvement. Additionally, you will be expected to maintain accurate documentation, analyze performance metrics, and communicate findings to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. Ideal candidates will possess [X] years of relevant experience in [specific field/industry], a strong proficiency in [required skills/software], and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This role demands exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to adapt to evolving business needs while adhering to company policies and industry regulations.
Mercy Corps is actively recruiting a Finance & Compliance Director to oversee the anticipated FCDO-funded Land Border Program. Addressing irregular migration and its linked criminal networks in East Africa presents a multifaceted and intensifying challenge, often resulting in severe exploitation of displaced and vulnerable individuals. The upcoming East Africa Land Border Program will adopt a holistic strategy, encompassing prevention, preparation and protection, as well as enforcement measures against human traffickers and smugglers exploiting migrant populations. The initial phase of implementation will focus on border regions in Kenya, with subsequent, staged expansion planned for Uganda, Ethiopia, and potentially Somalia.
Summary of General Position:
This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities essential to maintaining smooth operations. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience. Key duties include performing administrative tasks, managing schedules, and assisting with office coordination. Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills are necessary. The ideal candidate must be detail-oriented, adaptable, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
The Finance & Compliance Director will oversee the finance, grants, and finance officers, ensuring rigorous quality control and meticulous management of the program’s financial operations, including financial analysis and accounting. This role demands robust financial oversight for the program and its associated awards, fostering collaboration across countries and organizations to guarantee timely, budget-conscious delivery while strictly adhering to Mercy Corps’ and FCDO policies and procedures. Slated to commence in early May 2026 for a three-year duration, the position will be headquartered in Nairobi.
The role involves fulfilling key duties that are crucial to the position, including managing daily operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, coordinating team efforts, and maintaining high standards of quality in deliverables. The position requires strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work under pressure, and excellent communication to interact with stakeholders at all levels. Additionally, the role demands meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines while adhering to company policies and procedures.
Strategy & Vision
Direct the multi-year budgeting initiative at the program’s outset and maintain its comprehensive refinement across every fiscal year. Incorporate perspectives from a broad spectrum of program stakeholders, such as outcome leads, country leads, international and local partners, as well as HQ and regional support teams.
Develop comprehensive and proactive oversight frameworks to ensure continuous monitoring of multiple countries, partners, and individual awards throughout the program’s lifecycle.
Overseeing the organization’s financial resources is a critical component of this role, requiring meticulous planning, analysis, and reporting ensuring fiscal stability and compliance. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing financial strategies, managing budgets, and forecasting to optimize resource allocation. Proficiency in financial software, advanced Excel skills, and a strong grasp of regulatory requirements are essential. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as CFA or CPA. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate at least five years of progressive experience in financial management, with a proven track record of driving cost efficiencies and improving financial performance.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and relevant partners to create and annually revise fiscal year budgets, incorporating adjustments to the budget ceiling as needed throughout the fiscal period.
Engage in ABB meetings with the donor, manage a dynamic Activity-Based Budget for the program, perform monthly ABB evaluations, and deliver biweekly reports and forecasts to FCDO, ensuring precise alignment between forecasts and actual budget expenditure.
Conduct a thorough review of all financial plans and budgets, meticulously tracking progress and identifying any variances. Proactively escalate concerns or discrepancies to senior management and collaborate on implementing effective resolutions.
Design and maintain comprehensive financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls for the program, ensuring they remain aligned with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices across all implementation countries.
Conduct annual financial audits of the program and verify that partners and subgrantees adhere to all audit and financial review requirements.
Periodically evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of finance procedures and develop as well as implement action plans to enhance performance, mitigate operational and compliance risks, and ensure timely delivery of technical activities at optimal cost.
Develop and oversee frameworks to guarantee the efficient and transparent allocation of financial resources, ensuring timely and insightful reporting that aligns with the requirements of the program, FCDO, and Mercy Corps.
Ensure adherence to all financial, compliance, and sub-grant management regulations stipulated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and guidelines.
Finance reviews payment requests and financial vouchers exclusively within the bounds of the established authority matrix limits.
Responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of grants, from initial application through to final reporting, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and funding agency guidelines. Develops and maintains strong relationships with grantors, stakeholders, and internal teams to align on objectives and secure funding opportunities. Assesses grant eligibility, prepares competitive proposals, and collaborates with program staff to design impactful projects that meet donor priorities. Monitors grant expenditures, tracks progress against benchmarks, and provides transparent financial and performance reporting to both internal leadership and external funders. Analyzes grant performance data to identify trends, optimize future applications, and demonstrate measurable outcomes to stakeholders.
Deliver leadership and guidance to grants and finance officers, overseeing the issuance and management of grants and subcontracts to ensure full compliance with Mercy Corps and FDC policies.
Examine every Request for Application (RFA) and coordinate with Senior Program Management, the Implementation and Partnership Manager, and the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to obtain necessary approvals.
Manage the grant administration process to guarantee prompt submission and approval of reports and advances to partners.
Spearhead the creation of sub-partner grants and contracts, providing strategic guidance on selecting the most appropriate grant or contract mechanism tailored to each partner’s needs.
Develop and execute activity or milestone budgets with precision, while compiling and maintaining a comprehensive master file of partner budgets.
Demonstrate leadership throughout the grants close-out process and the disposition of partner assets.
Administers and ensures compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory standards across all departments. Manages documentation, record-keeping, and reporting upholding legal and operational requirements. Provides guidance to employees on compliance matters and conducts periodic audits to mitigate risks and maintain adherence to established protocols. Collaborates with leadership to implement and refine compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and statutory obligations.
Handle immediate client inquiries with urgency, addressing budget-related scenarios, formulating detailed scopes of work, and executing any additional relevant assignments as required.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and MCE to prepare and refine FCDO deliverables such as the Quarterly Financial Report, Inventory and Asset Report, and Annual Value Added Tax Report.
Carry out any additional duties as directed by the Senior Program Manager as needed.
We are responsible for evaluating and, where necessary, generating routine and special requests for reports to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), covering topics such as inventory disposition, local taxes, and activity budgets.
Demonstrate leadership by overseeing donor spot checks and promptly resolving any issues that arise during these evaluations.
Leads and oversees a cohesive team to achieve organizational objectives, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Directs team activities, delegates tasks, and ensures alignment with company goals while promoting professional development and accountability. Monitors performance metrics, provides constructive feedback, and addresses any operational challenges to maintain productivity and team morale. Requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with prior experience in team supervision and a proven track record of driving results.
Oversee the daily operations of direct reports, clarifying their responsibilities, offering guidance to foster success, and delivering constructive feedback along with the necessary technical and administrative support to help them achieve their performance goals.
Enhance accountability by clearly communicating expectations and offering constructive feedback through both informal discussions and formal performance evaluations.
Foster a collaborative and respectful workplace culture in which all team members are motivated to pursue and uphold excellence.
Recruit, onboard, and provide ongoing leadership and guidance to team members as needed.
Ensuring the protection and security of individuals within our organization remains a critical priority. This role demands vigilant oversight to uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance with relevant policies and regulations. Responsibilities include implementing safeguarding measures, conducting risk assessments, and providing training to staff to recognize and respond to potential threats. The position requires a thorough understanding of safeguarding principles, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to maintain confidentiality while addressing sensitive concerns.
Actively integrates safeguarding principles into daily responsibilities, applying knowledge of safeguarding risks and mitigation strategies specific to their role.
Demonstrates unwavering commitment to Mercy Corps’ core values by fostering an environment that upholds the dignity, respect, and holistic well-being of both program participants and colleagues.
Fosters a culture of transparency and open dialogue within the team, actively encouraging members to voice any concerns through available reporting channels, such as the Integrity Hotline and other designated methods.
We are committed to maintaining accountability to both participants and stakeholders, ensuring that all interactions and processes are conducted with transparency, integrity, and responsiveness. This role demands a steadfast dedication to meeting their needs, addressing concerns promptly, and delivering on commitments in a timely and effective manner. By fostering open communication and upholding high ethical standards, we aim to build and sustain trust while advancing shared objectives.
Mercy Corps team members must uphold accountability in all operations, ensuring it extends to program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and global standards set for international relief and development initiatives. Our organization prioritizes inclusive collaboration, actively involving communities as equal partners throughout the planning, monitoring, and assessment phases of field projects.
Candidates must meet the essential qualifications and demonstrate relevant transferable skills.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or finance is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
CPA(K) or equivalent.
At least 15 years of progressive financial management experience, including supervisory experience required.
A minimum of four years of direct experience in grants management is essential, along with a comprehensive grasp of FCDO grant and contract regulations.
A minimum of three years of international experience is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked in field offices of international non-governmental organizations or private voluntary organizations. Experience in programs conducted in remote or high-risk environments is also highly desirable.
Experienced in developing and analyzing budgets, preparing and presenting financial reports, and effectively converting complex financial data into clear, insightful reports. Familiarity with ABB format budgeting is a plus.
Experienced in leadership roles with a proven ability to manage teams and projects effectively, supported by exceptional organizational capabilities.
Proficient in utilizing advanced features of Microsoft Office applications, with a strong emphasis on Excel.
Fluent verbal and written communication abilities, coupled with adeptness in multitasking, organization, and task prioritization, are essential.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential.
Proven capability to collaborate productively with a multicultural team within a tactful and inclusive setting.
Individuals with a background in high-risk settings are encouraged to apply, where exposure to potential threats necessitates vigilance and adaptability.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
15 years
