Program / Department Summary
Mercy Corps is currently recruiting a Finance & Compliance Director to oversee the anticipated FCDO-funded Land Border Program. Addressing irregular migration and its related criminal networks in East Africa presents a multifaceted and intensifying challenge, contributing to the severe exploitation of vulnerable individuals in transit. The East Africa Land Border Program will adopt a comprehensive strategy, combining prevention, protection, and enforcement measures. A key objective of the program is to strengthen efforts against human traffickers and smugglers exploiting displaced populations. Initial activities will focus on Kenya’s border regions, with strategic expansion planned for Uganda, Ethiopia, and potentially Somalia.
General Position Summary
The Finance & Compliance Director will provide leadership and direction to the finance, grants and finance officers, with close quality control and oversight of the programme’s finances, including financial analysis and accounting management. They will be responsible for the sound financial management of the programme and its associated awards, working collaboratively across countries and between organisations to ensure that the programme is delivered on-time, on-budget, and in adherence to Mercy Corps’ and FCDO policies and procedures. The programme is anticipated to start early May 2026 for 3 years and this position will be based in Nairobi.
Oversee key operational duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and maintaining high performance benchmarks. Drive process improvements by analyzing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing strategic solutions to enhance productivity and effectiveness. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to foster innovation, resolve challenges, and achieve departmental goals through cohesive teamwork and clear communication. Monitor progress, track key performance indicators, and provide data-driven insights to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Additionally, ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while upholding professional standards at all times.
Develops and executes strategic plans and long-term visions to drive organizational growth and success. Formulates actionable strategies aligned with business objectives, ensuring sustainable competitive advantage. Identifies emerging trends, market opportunities, and potential risks to inform decision-making. Collaborates with leadership teams to align cross-functional initiatives and enhance operational efficiency. Monitors key performance indicators to assess progress and adjust strategies as needed. Champions innovation and fosters a culture of strategic thinking across the organization.
Lead the multi-year budgeting process at the program’s inception, meticulously refining and adjusting it throughout each fiscal year. Collaborate with a broad spectrum of program stakeholders—including outcome leads, country leads, international and local partners, as well as headquarters and regional support teams—to incorporate their valuable insights and ensure alignment.
Develop and implement proactive, resilient oversight mechanisms to effectively monitor multiple countries, partners, and individual awards throughout the entire program duration.
Overseeing financial operations and ensuring fiscal responsibility are central to this role, which involves strategic planning, budgeting, and financial reporting. The position requires proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and risk management, along with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and accounting principles. Responsibilities include monitoring expenditures, optimizing financial performance, and providing data-driven recommendations to senior leadership to support informed decision-making. Candidates must possess a relevant degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, along with professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, or equivalent experience. Prior experience in financial management, preferably in a leadership capacity, and expertise with financial software and ERP systems are essential. Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills are also required to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and partners to annually prepare and revise fiscal year budgets, while incorporating budget ceiling adjustments as needed throughout the year.
Engage in ABB discussions with the donor, oversee an up-to-date Activity-Based Budget for the program, perform monthly ABB evaluations, and deliver biweekly reports and forecasts to FCDO—maintaining strict alignment between forecasts and actual budget expenditures.
Review all financial plans and budgets, tracking progress and identifying any deviations. Highlight concerns and collaborate with senior management to implement effective resolutions.
Develop and maintain all financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls for the program, ensuring they remain effective and compliant with evolving regulations and 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 mandates.
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 role also ensures the timely delivery of technical activities at optimal cost.
Develop and oversee systems that guarantee the efficient and transparent allocation of financial resources, facilitating timely and informative reporting in alignment with program, FCDO, and Mercy Corps’ requirements.
Ensure adherence to all financial, compliance, and sub-grant management policies and procedures stipulated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Mercy Corps, maintaining full regulatory compliance at all times.
Finance conducts thorough reviews of payment requests and financial vouchers, ensuring compliance with the established authority matrix limits.
Grant Management involves overseeing the full lifecycle of grant funding, from application to close out, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and organizational policies. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously. Key responsibilities include developing and submitting competitive grant proposals, tracking expenditures, reporting on project progress, and maintaining accurate financial records. Additionally, the position demands proficiency in grant-related software, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including finance, program staff, and external stakeholders. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically required, along with 3–5 years of experience in grant management or a comparable role.
Deliver leadership and oversight to grants and finance officers, guaranteeing that grants and subcontracts are executed and administered in full compliance with Mercy Corps and FDC policies.
Review all RFA’s, coordinate with Senior Program Management, Implementation and Partnership Manager, and MCE to obtain necessary approvals.
Responsibilities include administering the grant management process, with a focus on guaranteeing punctual submission and approval of reports and advances to partners.
Responsible for guiding the formulation of sub-partner grants and contracts, determining the most effective grant or contract mechanism tailored to each partner’s requirements.
Develop and implement activity or milestone budgets with precision, maintaining a centralized compilation of partner budgets.
Offer strategic guidance throughout the conclusion of grant initiatives and the systematic disposition of partner-held assets.
The position will encompass administrative support and regulatory compliance duties, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, filing documentation, and coordinating with various departments to meet compliance standards. Additionally, the role will require proficiency in data management systems, strong organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail. A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary, along with prior experience in administrative or compliance-related roles.
Handle urgent client inquiries promptly, developing detailed budget scenarios, defining the scope of work, and completing other essential tasks as required.
Collaborate closely with the Senior Program Manager and MCE to prepare and assess FCDO deliverables, such as the Quarterly Financial Report, Inventory and Asset Report, and Annual Value Added Tax Report.
Deliver additional assignments and responsibilities as directed by the Senior Program Manager as needed.
Review and/or prepare regular and ad hoc requests for reports to FCDO, including inventory disposition, local taxes, activity budgets, etc.
Provide leadership during donor spot checks and in addressing any identified issues.
Team Management
Supervise the day-to-day performance of direct reports, ensuring that they understand their roles, coaching them to succeed and providing them with feedback and technical and administrative support that they require in meeting their performance objectives.
Foster a culture of responsibility by clearly outlining expectations and delivering constructive feedback through ongoing one-on-one interactions and structured performance evaluations, both informally and formally.
Foster a collaborative work environment grounded in mutual respect, where all team members are committed to achieving excellence.
Recruit, onboard, and provide leadership to team members as needed.
Safeguarding duties involve implementing and overseeing measures to protect individuals from harm, abuse, or neglect. This role requires a thorough understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures, along with the ability to assess risks and respond appropriately to concerns. Responsibilities include monitoring compliance with safeguarding standards, conducting investigations into allegations, and ensuring that vulnerable persons receive the necessary support and protection. Strong attention to detail, clear communication skills, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines are essential for fulfilling these obligations effectively.
Actively acquires and applies safeguarding knowledge, incorporating an understanding of safeguarding risks and mitigation strategies relevant to their specific role and responsibilities.
Demonstrates unwavering commitment to Mercy Corps’ core values by fostering respect for the dignity and well-being of all participants and colleagues alike.
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.
Overseeing a team of employees and managing their performance to ensure organizational objectives are met represents a key aspect of this role. This includes delegating tasks, providing guidance, and evaluating team members’ contributions to foster productivity and professional development. Additionally, the position involves resolving conflicts, addressing performance concerns, and implementing corrective actions when necessary. Ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and labor laws also falls within the scope of responsibilities. The supervisor must maintain open communication channels with both the team and higher management to align efforts with strategic goals.
Grants and Finance Officers are responsible for managing financial processes, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. They prepare and review financial reports, track expenditures, and allocate funds efficiently to support organizational objectives. Additionally, they assist in the development and submission of grant proposals, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines and regulatory standards. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in financial software are essential for this role. Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, along with relevant experience in grants management or financial administration. Exceptional communication and organizational abilities are also required to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
Accountability is a critical aspect of this role, requiring a steadfast commitment to meeting deadlines, delivering results, and owning the outcomes of one’s actions. The ideal candidate must demonstrate reliability, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to follow through on commitments without supervision. This position demands adherence to established protocols, ethical standards, and organizational policies while maintaining transparency in reporting progress and challenges. Additionally, the role involves taking responsibility for errors, proactively addressing issues, and continuously seeking improvement to enhance productivity and team performance. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset are essential to uphold accountability in a dynamic work environment.
Reports directly to the Senior Program Manager and maintains a dotted-line relationship with the country’s finance lead.
Collaborates closely with Implementation and Partnership Managers, Program Outcome Leads, program partners and sub-awardees, as well as with both Headquarters and Regional Finance and Compliance teams.
We are committed to ensuring responsibility and transparency in our interactions with participants and stakeholders, fulfilling our obligations with integrity and diligence. This includes actively engaging with them to gather feedback, address concerns, and deliver on our commitments in a timely and effective manner. By maintaining open lines of communication and adhering to ethical standards, we aim to build trust and foster long-term partnerships that contribute to mutual success.
Mercy Corps expects its team members to uphold accountability in all aspects of their work, prioritizing our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and international standards governing humanitarian relief and development efforts. We emphasize meaningful collaboration with communities, treating them as equal partners throughout the planning, monitoring, and evaluation phases of our field initiatives.
Minimum qualifications and transferable skills include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration, finance, or accounting, supplemented by at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, is required, along with strong analytical, organizational, and communication abilities. Candidates should demonstrate adaptability in fast-paced environments, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. Prior experience with project management software and data analysis tools is highly beneficial. The ability to work collaboratively in team settings while managing multiple priorities is essential.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or an equivalent field is required; an advanced degree is highly desirable.
A Chartered Public Accountant (CPA) designation in Kenya (CPA(K)) or an equivalent professional accounting qualification is required for this role.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of 15 years of steadily advancing financial management expertise, with a proven track record in leadership roles.
A minimum of four years of professional experience in grants management is essential, along with an in-depth 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 or private voluntary organizations 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 converting technical financial data into clear, insightful reports. Familiarity with ABB format budgeting is considered a valuable asset.
Experienced professionals with a proven track record in leadership roles and exceptional ability to manage complex tasks with precision.
Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office applications, with a strong emphasis on Excel, to perform advanced computing tasks.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication, alongside strong multitasking abilities, organizational competence, and the capacity to prioritize tasks effectively.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is a prerequisite for this role.
Capable of collaborating productively with a culturally diverse team within a nuanced and delicate setting.
Individuals with prior work experience in high-risk or unstable environments are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
15 years
