The Program/Department in question plays a pivotal role in advancing organizational objectives through strategic initiatives and cross-functional collaboration. It oversees key processes, ensures alignment with broader corporate goals, and drives continuous improvement across its scope of responsibility. Professionals within this department are tasked with executing specialized functions that contribute to operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth. Collaboration with other teams is essential to achieve cohesive outcomes, while adherence to established policies and performance metrics remains critical to success.
Mercy Corps is searching for a Finance & Compliance Director to lead the upcoming FCDO-funded Land Border Program. Addressing irregular migration and its related criminal networks in East Africa presents a pressing and increasingly severe challenge, amplifying the vulnerability of those migrating in search of safety. The initiative will adopt a comprehensive strategy, combining ‘prevention’, ‘prepare/protect’, and ‘pursue’ methodologies. Central to the program’s objectives is the pursuit of human traffickers and smugglers who exploit displaced and marginalized populations. Implementation will begin in Kenya’s border regions, with a strategic and incremental expansion planned for Uganda, Ethiopia, and potentially Somalia.
General Position Summary
The Finance & Compliance Director will lead and guide the finance, grants, and finance officers while maintaining rigorous quality control and overseeing the program’s financial operations, including financial analysis and accounting management. This role will ensure the program and its associated awards are managed with fiscal responsibility, fostering collaboration across countries and organizations to deliver results on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Mercy Corps’ and FCDO policies and procedures. The program is scheduled to commence in early May 2026 and will run for three years, with this position based in Nairobi.
Oversee a range of critical duties integral to the role, including [specific tasks or areas of responsibility]. Key responsibilities involve [additional task or responsibility], ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. The position demands meticulous attention to detail in [specific area], as well as the ability to [specific skill or competency]. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is required to [specific outcome or process], fostering a cohesive and efficient workflow. Additionally, the role necessitates adherence to [specific policy, standard, or protocol] to maintain compliance and operational excellence. Proficiency in [specific tool, software, or system] is essential for executing tasks effectively. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving capabilities in [specific scenario or challenge], contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to shape and drive our strategic direction and long-term vision. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in developing and executing high-impact strategies that align with organizational goals. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive market and competitive analyses, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and guiding teams through transformative initiatives. A strong analytical mindset, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to inspire innovation are essential. The role demands experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and a deep understanding of industry trends to steer the company toward sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Lead the multi-year budgeting initiative at the program’s inception, maintaining meticulous updates throughout each fiscal year. Integrate contributions from a broad spectrum of program stakeholders, including outcome leads, country leads, international and local partners, as well as HQ and regional support teams.
Develop comprehensive and forward-thinking oversight mechanisms to ensure continuous monitoring of various countries, collaborators, and individual awards throughout the entire program lifecycle.
Oversee the planning, analysis, and reporting of financial activities to ensure fiscal health and compliance with regulations. Develop and implement budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost optimization. Analyze financial data to support strategic decision-making and provide actionable insights to leadership. Prepare and present financial statements, forecasts, and performance metrics to stakeholders. Ensure adherence to accounting standards, tax obligations, and internal controls. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align financial goals with organizational objectives. Maintain accurate records, reconcile accounts, and conduct regular audits to mitigate risks.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and partners to create and revise annual fiscal year budgets, ensuring adjustments are made to accommodate changes in the budget ceiling throughout the year.
Engage in regular ABB calls with the donor to ensure alignment and transparency. Maintain an up-to-date Activity-Based Budget (ABB) for the program, conducting thorough monthly ABB reviews to assess progress and financial performance. Additionally, prepare and submit biweekly reports and forecasts to FCDO, guaranteeing the precision of financial projections in relation to actual budget expenditure.
Responsibilities include conducting thorough reviews of financial plans and budgets, tracking progress and identifying any modifications. You will be tasked with promptly escalating concerns and collaborating with senior management to address and resolve issues effectively.
Design and maintain all financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls for the program, ensuring they adapt to evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices across the diverse implementation regions.
Ensure the annual financial audits of the program are conducted effectively and verify that partners and subgrantees adhere to all audit and financial review mandates.
Periodically evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of finance procedures, then develop and implement action plans aimed at enhancing performance while mitigating operational and compliance risks. This ensures timely delivery of technical activities at optimal cost.
Develop and oversee systems that facilitate the prudent and transparent allocation of financial resources, ensuring the generation of timely and informative reports that align with program, FCDO, and Mercy Corps’ requirements.
Ensure adherence to the financial, compliance, and sub-grant management policies and procedures established by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Mercy Corps.
The finance team conducts thorough reviews of payment requests and financial vouchers, ensuring compliance with the established authority matrix limits.
The position involves overseeing and administering grant funding, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies. Key responsibilities include monitoring grant expenditures, preparing financial reports, and verifying that funded activities align with the approved proposal. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in finance, public administration, or a related field, along with at least three years of experience in grant management or financial oversight. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and proficiency in grant tracking software are essential. Additionally, the role demands effective communication to liaise with funding agencies, internal teams, and stakeholders throughout the grant lifecycle.
Deliver strategic oversight to grants and finance officers to ensure the issuance and administration of grants and subcontracts align with established Mercy Corps and FDC policies.
Review RFA’s comprehensively and 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 guaranteeing punctual submission and approval of reports and advances to partners.
Provide strategic guidance for the creation of sub-partner grants and contracts, recommending the most appropriate funding or contractual framework tailored to each partner’s specific needs.
Develop and implement activity or milestone budgets with precision, while maintaining a comprehensive master compilation of partner budgets.
Leadership is essential throughout the grants close out phase and the management of partners’ asset disposition processes.
Administers and ensures compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory standards, maintaining meticulous records and documentation. Facilitates efficient operations by coordinating administrative tasks, scheduling meetings, and managing correspondence for leadership. Monitors adherence to compliance requirements, conducts audits as needed, and reports discrepancies or risks to management. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement policies, resolve compliance issues, and enhance operational integrity.
Handle urgent client inquiries promptly, developing detailed budget scenarios, expanding the scope of work, and performing other necessary duties in a timely manner.
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 the Annual Value Added Tax Report.
Execute any additional assignments as directed by the Senior Program Manager as required.
Prepare and/or evaluate routine and special-purpose reports for submission to the FCDO, covering subjects such as inventory disposition, local tax obligations, and activity budgets.
Offer strategic direction throughout donor audits and resolve any discrepancies uncovered during these evaluations.
Overseeing the supervision and development of team members, you will ensure optimal performance and foster a collaborative work environment. Responsibilities include assigning tasks, evaluating progress, and providing constructive feedback to enhance productivity. Additionally, you will identify training needs, address conflicts, and promote professional growth within the team. Strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate others are essential for this role. Prior experience in team management, along with a proven track record of achieving team goals, is required.
Oversee the daily operations of direct reports, ensuring clarity in their responsibilities while offering guidance to foster success. Provide constructive feedback and the necessary technical and administrative assistance to enable them to meet their performance goals effectively.
Foster a culture of accountability by clearly articulating expectations and offering constructive feedback, both informally in regular one-on-one discussions and formally through performance evaluations.
Foster a collaborative work environment built on mutual respect, where team members are empowered to pursue excellence consistently.
Recruit, onboard, and guide team members as needed to ensure optimal performance and integration within the team.
Safeguarding duties encompass the proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks to ensure the protection and well-being of individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable. This role involves the implementation of policies and procedures designed to prevent harm, abuse, or neglect, while also promoting a culture of safety and accountability within the organization. Key responsibilities include conducting thorough risk assessments, maintaining accurate records of incidents and interventions, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address safeguarding concerns effectively. Additionally, the position requires staying informed about evolving regulations and best practices in safeguarding to ensure compliance and continuous improvement in protective measures.
Actively acquires and applies safeguarding knowledge within their role, identifying and addressing safeguarding risks and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies relevant to their specific area of work.
Demonstrates unwavering commitment to Mercy Corps’ core values by fostering an environment that upholds the dignity and well-being of all participants and colleagues.
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.
Ensures responsibility to both participants and stakeholders by diligently fulfilling commitments, maintaining transparency, and upholding ethical standards throughout all engagements.
Mercy Corps team members are tasked with upholding accountability across all initiatives, ensuring responsiveness to program participants, community partners, stakeholders, and international guidelines governing relief and development work. Our organization prioritizes meaningful collaboration with communities, treating them as equal partners throughout the design, monitoring, and evaluation phases of field projects.
We seek candidates with essential qualifications and adaptable expertise, ensuring alignment with the role’s demands. Transferable skills, including problem-solving, communication, and technical proficiency, are required to perform duties effectively. Prior experience in related fields strengthens your application, though not mandatory if comparable skills are demonstrated. A commitment to continuous learning and collaboration further supports success in this position.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or finance, or equivalent professional experience, is required; an advanced degree is highly preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in Kenya (CPA(K)) or an equivalent credential is required.
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible financial management experience, with demonstrated supervisory capabilities, is essential.
A minimum of four years of demonstrated expertise in grants management, coupled with a comprehensive knowledge of FCDO grant and contract regulations, is essential.
A minimum of three years of overseas work experience is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked in international non-governmental organizations or private voluntary organizations, particularly in field offices, and possess experience in programs situated in remote, high-risk environments.
Proficiency in budget preparation and analysis, along with financial reporting development and presentation, is essential, accompanied by a strong capacity to interpret complex financial data into clear, insightful reports. Candidates with prior exposure to ABB (Activity-Based Budgeting) methodologies will be given special consideration.
Experienced in leadership roles with a proven track record of effective organization and coordination.
Proficient in utilizing advanced features of Microsoft Office applications, with a strong emphasis on Excel.
Proven ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, coupled with strong multitasking, organizational, and prioritization capabilities.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential for this role.
Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills to collaborate seamlessly within a culturally diverse team operating in a high-sensitivity setting.
Individuals who have worked in high-risk or volatile environments are strongly encouraged to apply. Any prior involvement in unstable areas, particularly those with heightened safety concerns, will be highly regarded. Candidates with a background in conflict zones, disaster-stricken regions, or areas with significant security challenges are particularly sought after.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
15 years
