The program or department in question focuses on delivering high-quality services or products, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic objectives. It operates with a dedicated team of professionals who collaborate to achieve defined outcomes, maintaining efficiency and effectiveness in all operations. The role requires a candidate with a strong foundation in [specific industry or field], coupled with proven experience in [relevant skills or functions], as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include [specific duties], [additional tasks], and ensuring adherence to industry standards and compliance requirements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Mercy Corps is recruiting a Finance & Compliance Director for the upcoming FCDO-funded Land Border Program, designed to address the growing challenges of irregular migration and associated criminal activity in East Africa—a crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. This initiative will adopt a comprehensive strategy, combining prevention, protection, and enforcement measures to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks exploiting displaced individuals. Program implementation will commence in Kenya’s border regions, with subsequent expansion into Uganda, Ethiopia, and potentially Somalia, following a phased and strategic rollout.
General Position Summary
The Finance & Compliance Director will lead and guide the finance, grants, and finance officers, ensuring rigorous financial oversight, analysis, and accounting management throughout the program. Responsible for maintaining robust financial stewardship of the program and its related awards, this role requires close collaboration across multiple countries and partner organizations to guarantee timely, budget-conscious, and policy-compliant delivery in alignment with Mercy Corps’ and FCDO standards. The program is scheduled to launch in early May 2026 for a duration of three years, with this position based in Nairobi.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to fulfill key operational duties, including managing daily workflows, overseeing team performance, and ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget. The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams, implementing process improvements, and maintaining rigorous compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Additionally, this role demands strong analytical skills to evaluate performance data, identify inefficiencies, and propose strategic solutions. Proficiency in relevant software tools and platforms is required.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to drive our organization’s long-term success by defining and executing a cohesive strategy that aligns with our overarching vision. In this role, you will be responsible for analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and developing innovative solutions to propel the company forward. Your strategic insights will inform key decisions, ensuring sustainable competitive advantage and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in strategic planning, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to inspire cross-functional teams toward shared objectives. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with senior leadership to refine our vision, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and champion transformative initiatives that position us as an industry leader.
Lead the multi-year budgeting process at the inception of the program and maintain its meticulous refinement throughout each fiscal year. Incorporate insights and contributions from a broad spectrum 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 systems to ensure consistent oversight of diverse countries, partners, and individual awards throughout the entire program duration.
Overseeing the financial health and strategic fiscal activities of the organization is the primary responsibility of the Financial Management team. This includes budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in financial software, advanced Excel skills, and strong analytical abilities are essential. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, exceptional problem-solving capabilities, and the capacity to communicate complex financial information clearly to stakeholders.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and relevant partners to annually prepare and revise fiscal year budgets, ensuring alignment with any changes to the budget ceiling throughout the fiscal year.
Engage in ABB calls with the donor, oversee a real-time Activity-Based Budget for the program, perform monthly ABB assessments, and deliver biweekly reports and forecasts to FCDO—ensuring precise alignment between forecasted and actual budget expenditures.
Review all financial plans and budgets, tracking progress and identifying any deviations. Identify potential issues and collaborate with senior management to address and resolve them promptly.
Design and manage all financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls for the program, ensuring they are tailored to meet evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices across each implementation country.
Ensure the annual financial audits of the program are conducted effectively while verifying that partners and subgrantees adhere to all mandated audit and financial review requirements.
Periodically evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of finance procedures and develop and implement action plans to enhance operational performance while mitigating risks related to compliance and ensuring timely delivery of technical activities at optimal cost.
Develop and oversee systems that facilitate the efficient and transparent allocation and utilization of financial resources, ensuring accurate and timely reporting that aligns with program, FCDO, and Mercy Corps’ requirements.
Ensure adherence to all financial, compliance, and sub-grant management regulations as stipulated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Mercy Corps.
Finance conducts thorough reviews of payment requests and financial vouchers, ensuring compliance with the established limits outlined in the approved authority matrix.
Overseeing the administration and compliance of grants involves meticulous tracking of financial disbursements, progress reports, and adherence to funding guidelines. This role requires strong analytical skills to evaluate program outcomes, ensure fiscal responsibility, and maintain transparent communication with stakeholders. 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 a comparable role. Proficiency in grant tracking software, budgeting tools, and regulatory frameworks is essential, as is the ability to prepare detailed reports and presentations for donors and organizational leadership.
Offer guidance and leadership to grants and finance officers, overseeing the issuance and administration of grants and subcontracts in strict adherence to Mercy Corps and FDC policies.
Review all Requests for Approval (RFA’s) and collaborate closely with Senior Program Management, the Implementation and Partnership Manager, and the MCE to obtain necessary approvals.
Responsible for directing the grant management process, guaranteeing the punctual submission and approval of reports and advances to collaborating organizations.
Responsible for managing the creation of sub-partner grants and contracts, providing guidance on selecting the most appropriate grant or contract structure for each partner.
Develop and execute activity or milestone budgets with precision while maintaining a centralized compilation of partner budgets.
Demonstrate leadership throughout the grants close out phase and the disposition of partner assets.
Administers and ensures adherence to compliance protocols, maintains accurate records, and supports operational efficiency by coordinating administrative tasks. Facilitates communication between departments, manages documentation, and assists with regulatory reporting. Requires proficiency in office software, strong organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Prior experience in a compliance or administrative role is preferred.
Handle pressing client inquiries promptly, which may involve preparing budget scenarios, defining the scope of work, and accomplishing other related duties as assigned.
Collaborate closely with the Senior Program Manager and the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to develop and refine FCDO deliverables, such as the Quarterly Financial Report, Inventory and Asset Report, and Annual Value Added Tax Report.
Support the Senior Program Manager by undertaking any additional duties as assigned, ensuring alignment with program objectives and operational priorities.
Prepare and review routine and ad hoc reports for submission to the FCDO, covering inventory disposition, local tax obligations, and activity budgets.
Exhibit leadership by overseeing donor audits and managing any issues that surface during these evaluations.
Oversee and lead a cohesive team of professionals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Implement strategies to enhance team productivity, engagement, and skill development through mentorship and constructive feedback. Delegate responsibilities effectively, monitor progress, and address performance gaps to maintain operational excellence. Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, while resolving conflicts and facilitating open communication among team members.
Oversee the daily operations of your team, ensuring each member clearly comprehends their responsibilities while offering guidance, constructive feedback, and the necessary technical and administrative assistance to achieve performance goals.
Foster a culture of accountability by clearly communicating expectations and delivering constructive feedback—both informally through ongoing one-on-one interactions and formally during performance reviews.
Foster a collaborative work environment built on mutual respect, encouraging team members to consistently pursue excellence.
Recruit, onboard, and provide leadership to team members as required.
We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and protection for all individuals within our organization. This role entails upholding safeguarding policies and procedures, conducting thorough risk assessments, and promptly addressing any concerns or incidents. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing preventative measures, providing staff training, and maintaining accurate records to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Additionally, they will work closely with external agencies and stakeholders to promote a culture of safety and accountability.
Actively acquires knowledge of safeguarding principles and applies them within their role, addressing safeguarding risks and implementing appropriate mitigations relevant to their specific responsibilities.
Demonstrates unwavering commitment to Mercy Corps’ core values by prioritizing the dignity and welfare of all participants and colleagues alike.
Fosters a culture of transparency and open dialogue within their team, actively encouraging members to voice any concerns through available reporting channels, such as the Integrity Hotline and other established options.
Responsible for overseeing and managing a team of employees, ensuring their productivity and adherence to company policies. This includes delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and providing guidance and support to foster professional growth. Additionally, the role involves evaluating employee performance, addressing any issues, and implementing strategies to enhance team efficiency and effectiveness. Must possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to motivate and inspire team members to achieve organizational goals.
Responsible for managing financial transactions and overseeing grant administration, Grants and Finance Officers ensure compliance with funding requirements and fiscal regulations. They prepare detailed budgets, track expenditures, and submit financial reports to stakeholders and regulatory bodies. These professionals collaborate with project teams to align funding allocations with program objectives while monitoring grant performance. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in financial software are essential, along with the ability to interpret complex funding guidelines. Typically, candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, supplemented by relevant certifications such as CPA or CAP.
The position requires a strong sense of ownership and responsibility for outcomes, ensuring all tasks are completed with precision and adherence to established standards. Candidates must demonstrate reliability in meeting deadlines and be prepared to address any challenges with proactive problem-solving. Effective communication and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to maintaining high performance and accountability in all responsibilities.
Reports directly to the Senior Program Manager while maintaining a dotted-line reporting relationship with the country’s finance lead.
Collaborates closely with the Implementation and Partnership Manager, Program Outcome leads, program partners, and sub-awardees, as well as the HQ and Regional Finance and Compliance teams.
Ensures responsibility and transparency in all engagements with participants and stakeholders, maintaining rigorous adherence to commitments and fostering trust through consistent delivery of results.
Mercy Corps’ team members must uphold accountability across all initiatives, prioritizing program participants, community partners, stakeholders, and international relief and development standards. Our dedication extends to collaborating with communities as equal partners throughout the design, monitoring, and evaluation phases of field projects.
Minimum qualifications and relevant transferable skills are required, including a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Candidates must possess at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and meet tight deadlines. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in industry-specific software and tools. Prior leadership or team coordination experience is highly desirable, as is the capacity to adapt to evolving priorities and work independently with minimal supervision. Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities are also necessary to ensure efficient task completion and adherence to project milestones.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance—or an equivalent credential—is required, with a preference for candidates holding an advanced degree.
Candidates must possess a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in Kenya (CPA(K)) or an equivalent credential recognized in the relevant jurisdiction.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, along with a proven track record in supervisory 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 work experience is mandatory, with a preference for candidates who have worked in international non-governmental or private voluntary organizations’ field offices. Experience in delivering programs within remote, high-risk environments is highly advantageous.
Proficiency in preparing and analyzing budgets, compiling financial reports, and presenting financial data effectively, with a demonstrated ability to convert complex technical information into clear, informative reports. Familiarity with the ABB (Activity-Based Budgeting) methodology is advantageous.
Experienced in leadership roles with a proven ability to manage teams and projects effectively. Demonstrated proficiency in coordinating tasks, optimizing workflows, and maintaining structured operations.
Proficient in leveraging advanced features of Microsoft Office, with a strong emphasis on Excel, to streamline data management and analysis tasks.
Effective communication, both verbally and in writing, along with strong multitasking, organizational, and prioritization abilities, are required.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential for this role.
Capable of collaborating productively with a culturally diverse team within a nuanced and considerate setting.
Candidates must possess prior experience working in high-risk or unstable environments.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
15 years
