The Program/Department Summary outlines the key objectives, scope, and strategic direction of the initiative, highlighting its role in advancing organizational goals. It provides essential context regarding the team’s responsibilities, key stakeholders, and the broader impact of its work on the company’s mission. Additionally, it emphasizes the program’s alignment with industry standards and best practices to ensure high performance and sustainable growth.
Mercy Corps is currently seeking a Finance & Compliance Director to lead the forthcoming Land Border Program, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The persistent and growing issue of irregular migration and related criminal activity in East Africa continues to fuel the severe exploitation of vulnerable individuals in transit. This comprehensive program will adopt a holistic strategy—encompassing prevention, preparation and protection, as well as the pursuit of human traffickers and smugglers who prey upon at-risk populations. The initial phase of interventions will focus on Kenya’s border regions, with subsequent, gradual expansion into Uganda, Ethiopia, and potentially Somalia.
General Position Summary
The Finance & Compliance Director will lead the finance, grants, and finance officers, ensuring rigorous oversight of the program’s financial operations, including financial analysis and accounting management. Responsible for maintaining the financial integrity of the program and its associated awards, this role requires close collaboration across countries and organizations to deliver results on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with Mercy Corps’ and FCDO policies and procedures. The program is scheduled to commence in early May 2026 for a three-year duration, with this position based in Nairobi.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team, responsible for executing a range of critical duties that drive operational excellence. The ideal candidate will manage key projects, ensuring timely completion while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements, fostering innovation and sustainable growth. Duties include analyzing performance metrics, preparing detailed reports, and presenting actionable insights to leadership. The role demands strong analytical skills, exceptional communication abilities, and the capacity to adapt to evolving business needs. Prior experience in a similar role and proficiency in relevant software tools are required to succeed in this position.
We are seeking a forward-thinking professional to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive long-term growth and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in strategic planning, with proven experience in aligning business objectives with actionable roadmaps. Responsibilities include analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and crafting comprehensive strategies to enhance competitive advantage. Additionally, the role requires collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementation and monitoring progress toward established goals. Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills are essential for success in this position.
Lead the multi-year budgeting process at the beginning of the program and maintain its thorough updating throughout every fiscal year. Integrate contributions from a broad range of program stakeholders, such as outcome leads, country leads, international and local partners, as well as headquarters and regional support teams.
Develop and implement comprehensive, proactive oversight frameworks to effectively monitor diverse countries, partners, and individual awards throughout the entire program lifecycle.
Ensures the organization’s financial resources are allocated, tracked, and utilized efficiently to support strategic objectives while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Develops and implements robust financial policies, procedures, and controls to safeguard assets and optimize cash flow. Prepares accurate and timely financial statements, budgets, and forecasts to provide leadership with actionable insights for decision-making. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to analyze performance metrics, identify trends, and recommend cost-saving initiatives. Manages audit processes, tax filings, and regulatory reporting ensuring transparency and mitigate financial risks. Leads financial planning and analysis (FP&A) activities to align resources with long-term business goals.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and partners to annually create and revise fiscal year budgets, incorporating any necessary adjustments to the budget ceiling throughout the year.
Engage in ABB calls with the donor, oversee a dynamic Activity-Based budget for the program, conduct monthly ABB reviews, and deliver biweekly reports and forecasts to FCDO—ensuring alignment between forecasts and actual budget expenditures.
Review all financial plans and budgets to track progress and identify any modifications. Identify potential issues and collaborate with senior management to address and resolve them promptly.
Design and manage all financial frameworks, protocols, policies, and internal governance mechanisms for the initiative, continuously refining them to align with evolving regulatory demands and industry-leading standards across every operational jurisdiction.
Ensure the annual financial audits of the program are conducted effectively and confirm that partners and subgrantees adhere to all specified audit and financial review requirements.
Periodically evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of finance procedures, and develop and implement action plans aimed at enhancing performance while reducing operational and compliance risks. This ensures the timely delivery and optimal cost efficiency of technical activities.
Develop and manage frameworks that facilitate efficient and transparent allocation and utilization of financial resources, enabling the generation of timely and insightful reports aligned with program objectives, FCDO standards, and Mercy Corps’ requirements.
Ensure adherence to all financial, compliance, and sub-grant management regulations set forth by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as well as Mercy Corps’ established policies and procedures.
Finance evaluates payment requests and financial vouchers to ensure they comply with the established authority matrix limits.
The role focuses on overseeing and administering grant funding to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, fiscal accountability, and alignment with organizational objectives. Key responsibilities include reviewing grant applications, monitoring expenditures, preparing financial reports, and collaborating with stakeholders to maximize funding impact. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in grant management software, along with a minimum of three years of relevant experience in grant administration or a closely related field. A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, public administration, or a related discipline is required, while a master’s degree or professional certification, such as the Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) designation, is highly desirable.
Offer leadership and guidance to grants and finance officers to ensure that grants and subcontracts are issued and administered in full compliance with Mercy Corps and FDC policies.
Review all RFA’s, coordinate with Senior Program Management, the Implementation and Partnership Manager, and MCE to obtain necessary approvals.
Responsible for directing the grant management process, with a focus on ensuring prompt submission and approval of reports and advances to partners.
Spearhead the creation and administration of sub-partner grants and contracts, providing strategic guidance to determine the optimal grant or contract framework for each collaborating organization.
Develop and implement activity or milestone budgets with precision, ensuring accurate execution, while maintaining a comprehensive master repository of partner budgets.
Demonstrate leadership throughout the grants close out process and the disposition of partner assets.
Administers comprehensive administrative support and ensures strict adherence to compliance standards across all operational functions. Manages documentation, coordinates meetings, and maintains accurate records while overseeing regulatory requirements. Collaborates with departments to implement policies, conduct audits, and mitigate risks. Requires proficiency in office software, exceptional organizational skills, and a keen attention to detail.
Address urgent client inquiries promptly, handling budget scenarios, developing scopes of work, and completing any additional tasks as required.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and MCE to prepare and finalize FCDO deliverables, such as the Quarterly Financial Report, Inventory and Asset Report, and Annual Value Added Tax Report.
Execute any additional duties as directed by the Senior Program Manager.
Review and/or develop routine and special requests for reports to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, encompassing inventory disposition, local tax obligations, and activity budgets, among other financial and operational data.
Demonstrate leadership by conducting donor spot checks and promptly resolving any issues that arise.
Oversee and lead a cohesive team of professionals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and fostering a collaborative work environment. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, promoting their professional growth and development. Delegate tasks effectively, monitor progress, and hold individuals accountable for their responsibilities to maintain high performance standards. Foster open communication and address any conflicts or challenges promptly to sustain team cohesion and productivity.
Supervise direct reports’ daily performance by clarifying their roles, guiding their development, and offering constructive feedback to enhance their success. Provide the necessary technical and administrative support to ensure they meet performance objectives effectively.
Promote accountability by clearly communicating expectations and providing constructive feedback through both informal and formal channels, including regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.
Foster a collaborative and respectful workplace culture where all team members are motivated to pursue excellence consistently.
Hire, onboard, and provide leadership to team members as needed.
Safeguarding responsibilities encompass ensuring the protection and well-being of individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk. This role involves implementing policies and procedures to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect while promoting a safe and supportive environment. Key duties include conducting risk assessments, monitoring compliance with safeguarding protocols, and providing training to staff on recognizing and responding to potential concerns. Additionally, the position requires reporting incidents to relevant authorities and collaborating with external agencies to address safeguarding issues effectively.
Consistently enhances their understanding of safeguarding principles and applies them rigorously to all aspects of their role, with particular attention to identifying and addressing potential risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies within their specific area of responsibility.
Demonstrates unwavering commitment to Mercy Corps’ core values by upholding the dignity and welfare of both program participants and colleagues with the utmost respect.
Fosters an environment of transparency and open dialogue within the team, actively encouraging members to voice any concerns through established reporting channels, such as the Integrity Hotline or alternative methods.
Accountability to participants and stakeholders involves ensuring transparent communication, adhering to commitments, and delivering measurable outcomes in alignment with their expectations and needs. This role demands responsiveness to feedback, a thorough understanding of stakeholder priorities, and the ability to address concerns promptly and effectively. Responsibilities include maintaining clear documentation, reporting progress accurately, and fostering trust through consistent follow-through on agreed-upon actions.
Mercy Corps expects its team members to uphold accountability across all initiatives, particularly toward program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and standards set by international relief and development sectors. We prioritize meaningful collaboration with communities, treating them as equal partners throughout the design, monitoring, and evaluation phases of field projects.
Candidates must meet the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrate relevant transferable skills to be considered for this position.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or finance is required, with preference given to candidates holding an advanced degree.
Candidates must possess a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation from Kenya (CPA(K)) or an equivalent professional accounting qualification.
Requires a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, with a proven track record in leadership roles.
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 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, high-risk environments.
Experienced in developing and analyzing budgets, preparing and presenting financial reports, and effectively communicating complex financial data in clear, insightful formats. Familiarity with ABB (Activity-Based Budgeting) methodology is advantageous.
Experienced in leadership roles with proven organizational capabilities.
Proficiency in utilizing advanced features within Microsoft Office applications, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Excel, is required.
Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, coupled with strong multitasking, organizational, and prioritization competencies, are essential for success in this role.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential for this position.
Proven capability to collaborate productively with a multicultural team within a highly sensitive setting.
Individuals should possess prior experience in high-risk or volatile environments.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
15 years
