The program/department is responsible for overseeing strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals, ensuring efficient resource allocation and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Its primary focus includes developing and implementing policies, monitoring performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement across key operational areas. Additionally, the team plays a pivotal role in stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with external partners and internal teams to achieve overarching objectives. This dynamic environment requires individuals who can analyze complex data, adapt to evolving priorities, and contribute to innovative solutions that enhance overall productivity and sustainability.
Mercy Corps is currently seeking a Finance & Compliance Director for an anticipated FCDO-funded initiative, the Land Border Program. The escalating issue of irregular migration and its associated criminal activities in East Africa continues to pose a complex challenge, significantly increasing the vulnerability of those on the move. The program will adopt a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy, encompassing prevention, preparation and protection, and pursuit. A key objective is to support efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks exploiting displaced populations. Initial activities will be launched in the border regions of Kenya, with planned phased expansions to include Uganda, Ethiopia, and potentially Somalia.
Position Overview
This role encompasses a broad scope of responsibilities centered on [specific function or field, if known]. The primary objective is to [main objective, e.g., “develop and implement strategic initiatives”] while ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Key duties include [list key responsibilities, e.g., “managing cross-functional teams, analyzing performance metrics, and optimizing operational processes”]. The ideal candidate will possess [required qualifications, e.g., “a minimum of five years of relevant experience, proficiency in [specific skills/tools], and a track record of [specific achievements]”]. Strong [soft skills, e.g., “communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities”] are essential to thrive in this dynamic environment. Additionally, the position requires [any certifications or specialized knowledge, if applicable].
The Finance & Compliance Director will lead and guide the finance, grants, and finance officers, ensuring rigorous financial oversight and control throughout the program’s operations, including financial analysis and accounting management. Responsible for overseeing the program’s financial integrity and associated awards, this role will require close collaboration across countries and stakeholders to ensure timely, budget-conscious, and policy-compliant delivery in alignment with Mercy Corps’ and FCDO standards. Scheduled to commence in early May 2026 for a three-year duration, the position will be based in Nairobi.
Oversee and execute core responsibilities critical to the role, ensuring adherence to established standards and organizational objectives. Develop, implement, and refine processes to enhance efficiency and productivity within the department. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align efforts with broader company goals and initiatives. Maintain meticulous attention to detail in all deliverables while adhering to deadlines and compliance requirements. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering professional growth and skill development. Monitor performance metrics and key indicators to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. Ensure all activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical guidelines. Support strategic planning by contributing insights and data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.
As a key member of our leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and long-term vision. Your responsibilities will include developing comprehensive strategies that align with our mission and drive sustainable growth, as well as fostering a forward-thinking culture that anticipates industry trends and market opportunities. You will collaborate with senior executives to refine and execute high-impact initiatives, ensuring alignment across all business functions while maintaining a competitive edge in a dynamic environment. Additionally, you will assess risks, identify innovative solutions, and champion data-driven decision-making to propel the company toward its strategic objectives. This role demands exceptional analytical acumen, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to translate complex insights into clear, actionable plans.
Lead the multi-year budgeting process at the program’s outset and maintain its meticulous refinement throughout each fiscal year. Collaborate with a broad spectrum of program stakeholders—such as outcome leads, country leads, international and local partners, as well as HQ and regional support teams—to incorporate their valuable inputs.
Develop comprehensive and forward-thinking frameworks to ensure rigorous oversight of diverse countries, partners, and individual awards throughout the program’s lifecycle.
Responsible for overseeing financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, this role involves managing budgets, analyzing financial data, and providing strategic insights to support organizational decision-making. Key responsibilities include preparing financial statements, conducting audits, and implementing internal controls to safeguard assets. The ideal candidate should hold a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, possess strong analytical and communication skills, and demonstrate proficiency in financial software and tools. Experience in financial planning, risk assessment, and stakeholder management is highly valued.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and partners to annually create and revise fiscal year budgets, ensuring flexibility to incorporate adjustments to the budget ceiling as needed throughout the year.
Engage actively in ABB calls with the donor, manage a dynamic Activity-Based Budget (ABB) for the program, perform monthly ABB reviews, and deliver biweekly reports and forecasts to FCDO—ensuring precise alignment between forecasts and actual budget expenditures.
Responsible for conducting thorough reviews of all financial plans and budgets, meticulously tracking progress and any modifications. Identify and escalate any discrepancies or concerns to senior management, collaborating to implement effective resolutions.
Develop and implement comprehensive financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls for the program, ensuring they remain compliant with evolving regulations and industry best practices across all implementation countries. Regularly review and adjust these frameworks to align with changing legal requirements and operational needs.
Conduct and manage the annual financial audits of the program to verify compliance of partners and subgrantees with all audit and financial review mandates.
Periodically, evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of financial procedures and develop comprehensive action plans aimed at enhancing performance, mitigating operational and compliance risks, and ensuring timely delivery of technical activities at optimal cost.
Develop and sustain frameworks to facilitate the efficient and transparent allocation of financial resources, ensuring the generation of timely and insightful reports that meet program, FCDO, and Mercy Corps’ requirements.
Ensure adherence to the established financial, compliance, and sub-grant management policies and procedures mandated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Mercy Corps.
The finance department scrutinizes payment requests and financial vouchers to ensure they align with the established authority matrix limits.
The role entails overseeing and administering grant funding, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and managing the entire grant lifecycle from application to reporting. Responsibilities include evaluating grant proposals, coordinating with stakeholders, and maintaining accurate financial records. The position requires a strong background in grant administration, proficiency in financial management software, and excellent analytical and communication skills. Additionally, the individual must demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, the ability to meet deadlines, and a commitment to transparency and accountability in all grant-related activities.
Manage grants and finance officers by overseeing the issuance and administration of grants and subcontracts, ensuring full compliance with Mercy Corps and FDC policies.
Review all Requests for Approval (RFA’s) and coordinate with Senior Program Management, the Implementation and Partnership Manager, and the MCE to secure necessary approvals.
Oversee the grant management function, ensuring timely submission and approval of reports and advances to partners.
Oversee the development of sub-partner grants and contracts, advising on the most suitable grant/contract mechanism for each partner.
Ensure activity or milestone budgets are developed and implemented accurately and maintain a master collation of partner budgets.
Demonstrate leadership by overseeing the final stages of grant close out and managing the strategic disposition of partner assets.
Administered and ensured compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain operational integrity and mitigate risk.
Handle urgent client inquiries promptly, which may involve creating budget scenarios, developing scopes of work, and performing additional duties as required.
Collaborate closely 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.
Execute additional duties as assigned by the Senior Program Manager.
Prepare and review periodic and ad-hoc reports for the FCDO, covering inventory disposition, local taxes, and activity budgets, among other financial and operational data.
Offer strategic direction throughout donor audits and promptly resolve any discrepancies or concerns that arise during the evaluation process.
Senior leadership, direct report supervision, and cross-functional team collaboration are essential responsibilities, requiring strong interpersonal skills to motivate and guide team members toward achieving organizational goals. Additionally, the role involves overseeing performance metrics, fostering professional development, and ensuring alignment with company objectives. Proficiency in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and resource allocation is critical, along with the ability to adapt to evolving business needs and maintain high team morale.
Oversee the daily operations of direct reports, facilitating a clear understanding of their responsibilities while offering guidance to foster success. Deliver constructive feedback and provide both technical and administrative assistance to enable them to achieve their performance goals effectively.
Promote accountability, set clear expectations, and deliver developmental feedback through both informal discussions and structured performance evaluations.
Foster a collaborative and respectful workplace where all team members are motivated to consistently deliver outstanding performance.
Recruit, onboard, and provide leadership to team members as required.
Safeguarding responsibilities encompass the critical duty of ensuring the protection and well-being of individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk. This role involves implementing policies, conducting risk assessments, and responding promptly to any concerns or incidents to maintain a safe environment. It requires a thorough understanding of legal and ethical obligations, as well as the ability to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address safeguarding issues effectively. Regular training and vigilance are essential to upholding these responsibilities and fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
Actively acquires and applies safeguarding knowledge within their role, systematically identifying and addressing safeguarding risks, as well as implementing appropriate mitigation strategies tailored to their specific area of work.
Demonstrates a steadfast commitment to Mercy Corps’ core values by fostering an environment that upholds the dignity and welfare of both program participants and colleagues with unwavering respect.
Fosters an environment 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 established methods.
Ensures diligent stewardship of responsibilities toward participants and stakeholders, fostering trust through consistent adherence to commitments and transparent communication.
Mercy Corps team members are tasked with upholding accountability in all aspects of their work, ensuring it extends to program participants, community partners, stakeholders, and international standards that govern relief and development initiatives. The organization prioritizes the meaningful involvement of communities as equal collaborators throughout the planning, oversight, and assessment phases of field projects.
Minimum qualifications and applicable transferable skills include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in data analysis, project management, and effective communication. Additionally, prior experience in [specific industry or role] is highly preferred. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or collaboratively in a team environment are essential. Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools is required, along with the capacity to adapt to evolving technologies and methodologies.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or an equivalent field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
A recognized qualification equivalent to a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Kenya (CPA(K)) is required.
Requires a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, with a proven track record in leadership and team supervision.
A minimum of four years of professional experience in grants management is essential, along with a comprehensive knowledge of FCDO grant and contract regulations.
A minimum of three years of international work experience is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked with international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or private voluntary organizations (Pros) in field offices, particularly in programs situated in remote or high-risk environments.
Experienced in developing and analyzing budgets, preparing and presenting financial reports, and effectively converting complex financial data into clear, informative reports. Preferred experience with ABB format budgeting.
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 Microsoft Excel.
Proficient verbal and written communication abilities, alongside adept multitasking, strong organizational skills, and effective prioritization.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential.
Proven capability to collaborate constructively within a culturally diverse team while maintaining professionalism in challenging settings.
Individuals who have worked in high-risk or unstable environments previously are preferred.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
15 years
