The Program/Department Summary outlines the core functions and strategic goals of the initiative, providing a clear overview of its mission and objectives within the organization. This role demands expertise in [specific skills or fields], with a proven ability to [key responsibility or achievement]. Candidates must possess [required qualification or experience], ensuring alignment with the program’s objectives and operational needs. Key responsibilities include [specific task or duty], [another task or duty], and [additional task or duty], all of which contribute to the program’s success. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong [soft skill or competency], such as [specific ability], while effectively managing [related responsibility or challenge].
Mercy Corps is looking for a Finance & Compliance Director to lead the upcoming FCDO-funded Land Border Program. The escalating issue of irregular migration and related criminal activity in East Africa continues to pose a complex challenge, resulting in severe exploitation of vulnerable migrants. This initiative will adopt a comprehensive strategy, blending prevention, protection, and enforcement measures. A key objective is to strengthen efforts against human traffickers and smugglers exploiting at-risk populations. Early implementation will focus on Kenya’s border regions, with a planned, gradual expansion into Uganda, Ethiopia, and potentially Somalia.
General Position Summary
The Finance & Compliance Director will lead and guide the finance, grants, and finance teams, ensuring rigorous oversight of the program’s financial operations—spanning financial analysis and accounting management. They will oversee the fiscal integrity of the program and its associated awards, fostering cross-border and cross-organizational collaboration to guarantee timely, budget-conscious delivery in strict compliance with Mercy Corps’ and FCDO policies and procedures. Scheduled to commence in early May 2026 for a three-year duration, this role will be based in Nairobi.
Oversee and execute critical job functions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and industry standards. Deliver key results through meticulous planning, efficient resource allocation, and measurable performance outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success, maintain high standards of quality, and address operational challenges proactively. Implement best practices to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Provide leadership in decision-making processes, ensuring compliance with policies, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
We define and execute strategic initiatives that shape our organization’s future direction, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and fostering sustainable growth. This role involves developing and implementing high-impact strategies, analyzing market trends, and identifying opportunities to drive competitive advantage. Key responsibilities include collaborating with senior leadership to refine vision, evaluating performance metrics, and guiding cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives. Additionally, we monitor industry developments, assess risks, and recommend adjustments to maintain agility in a dynamic business environment. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for informed decision-making.
Lead the multi-year budgeting initiative at the outset of the program, meticulously maintaining and refining it as the fiscal year progresses. Incorporate 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—to ensure alignment and accuracy.
Develop and implement proactive, comprehensive systems to ensure consistent oversight of various countries, partners, and distinct awards throughout the entire duration of the program.
The role involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Key responsibilities include budget preparation, financial reporting, and analysis to support strategic decision-making. Candidates must possess a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, along with professional certifications such as CPA or CFA. Proficiency in financial software and strong analytical skills are essential. Experience in financial planning, risk assessment, and team leadership is preferred. The position demands meticulous attention to detail and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.
Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager and partners to create and revise the annual fiscal year budgets, ensuring adjustments align with changes to the budget ceiling throughout the year.
Engage in ABB discussions with the donor, manage an up-to-date Activity-Based Budget for the program, and perform monthly ABB assessments while delivering biweekly reports and forecasts to FCDO, with strict attention to the alignment between forecasts and actual budget expenditure.
Evaluate financial plans and budgets comprehensively, tracking advancements and adjustments while identifying potential concerns. Collaborate with senior management to address and resolve flagged issues promptly.
Develop and maintain robust financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls for the program, ensuring ongoing alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices across all implementation countries.
Responsible for managing the annual financial audits of the program and verifying that partners and subgrantees adhere to all audit and financial review mandates.
Periodically evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of financial procedures, then develop and implement action plans aimed at enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness. These measures are designed to mitigate operational and compliance risks while ensuring the timely delivery and optimal cost performance of technical activities.
Design and uphold frameworks to guarantee the optimal, transparent allocation of financial resources, enabling timely and insightful reporting that meets program, FCDO, and Mercy Corps’ requirements.
Ensure full adherence to the FCDO and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements pertaining to finance, compliance, and sub-grant management.
Finance reviews payment requests and financial vouchers, ensuring compliance with the predefined authority matrix limits.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee and administer the full lifecycle of grants, from application to reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial management, compliance with regulatory standards, and meticulous attention to detail. Responsibilities include evaluating grant proposals, ensuring adherence to funding guidelines, managing disbursement of funds, and maintaining accurate documentation. Additionally, the role requires collaboration with stakeholders, conducting thorough financial audits, and producing comprehensive reports to secure future funding opportunities. Proficiency in grant-related software and exceptional organizational skills are essential for success in this position.
Offer expert guidance and oversight to grants and finance officers, guaranteeing that all grants and subcontracts are issued and administered in strict accordance with Mercy Corps and FDC policies and procedures.
Review all Requests for Approvals (RFA’s) and coordinate with Senior Program Management, the Implementation and Partnership Manager, and the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to obtain necessary approvals.
Responsible for administering the grant management process, with a focus on securing prompt submission and approval of reports and advances to partners.
Handle the creation and administration of sub-partner grants and contracts, providing guidance on the optimal grant or contract framework tailored to each partner’s needs.
Develop and implement activity or milestone budgets with precision, ensuring their accuracy throughout execution, while maintaining a comprehensive master compilation of partner budgets.
Demonstrate leadership throughout the grants close out process and the disposition of partner assets.
Administered and ensured compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to maintain operational integrity and legal adherence.
Respond promptly to critical client inquiries, which may involve preparing budget scenarios, defining project scope, and executing additional duties as assigned.
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 tasks delegated by the Senior Program Manager as needed.
Prepare and review routine and special requests for reports to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, such as inventory disposition, local tax assessments, and activity budgets.
Offer guidance and direction throughout donor spot checks, ensuring thorough oversight and promptly addressing any issues that arise during the process.
Leads and oversees the performance and development of a high-performing team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering a collaborative work environment. Responsible for setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and empowering team members to achieve their full potential. Requires strong leadership skills, effective communication, and the ability to motivate and inspire others. Manages workload distribution, prioritizes tasks, and resolves conflicts to maintain productivity and team cohesion. Evaluates individual and team performance, identifies skill gaps, and implements strategies for continuous improvement and professional growth.
Oversee the daily operations of team members, clarifying their responsibilities and fostering their success through targeted coaching, constructive feedback, and the necessary technical and administrative assistance to achieve performance goals.
Demonstrate a commitment to accountability by clearly defining expectations and delivering both informal and formal feedback through consistent one-on-one interactions and structured performance evaluations.
Foster a collaborative and respectful workplace culture where team members are motivated to achieve excellence.
Recruit, onboard, and provide guidance to team members as needed, ensuring their seamless integration and effective performance within the organization.
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 and procedures designed to prevent harm, abuse, or neglect, while promoting a safe and supportive environment. Key responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, reporting concerns, collaborating with relevant stakeholders, and maintaining meticulous records to ensure compliance with legal and organizational standards. The position requires a strong commitment to upholding ethical principles, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to act decisively in safeguarding situations.
Actively acquires and applies safeguarding knowledge, ensuring its incorporation into all aspects of their role, with particular attention to identifying and addressing safeguarding risks and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies relevant to their specific responsibilities.
Upholds Mercy Corps’ core values by fostering an environment that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of participants and colleagues alike.
Promotes transparent dialogue and collaboration within the team while empowering members to voice concerns through established reporting channels, such as the Integrity Hotline and other available methods.
Ensures diligent oversight and responsibility to participants and stakeholders, upholding their interests and fulfilling commitments with integrity and transparency throughout all engagements and initiatives.
Mercy Corps staff members must uphold accountability in all aspects of their work, prioritizing our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and the international standards that govern relief and development initiatives. We are dedicated to fostering meaningful collaboration with communities, treating them as equal partners throughout the design, monitoring, and evaluation phases of our field projects.
We seek candidates who meet the following essential qualifications and possess relevant transferable skills. Applicants must hold a minimum educational requirement in the specified field, complemented by practical experience that demonstrates adaptability and proficiency in related roles. Key competencies include problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication, along with the ability to apply prior knowledge to new challenges. A proven track record of success in similar positions, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning, will be highly advantageous. Strong interpersonal and organizational abilities are also required to thrive in this dynamic environment.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is strongly preferred.
A recognized qualification equivalent to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in Kenya (CPA(K)) is required.
Seeking a seasoned financial leader with a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, wherein supervisory duties have been a key component.
A minimum of four years of hands-on experience in grants management is essential, along with a comprehensive grasp of FCDO grant and contract regulations.
A minimum of three years of professional experience abroad is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked in international non-governmental or private voluntary organizations’ field offices. Additionally, experience in programs conducted in remote, high-risk environments is highly desirable.
Proven expertise in budget preparation and analysis, financial reporting development and presentation, along with a strong aptitude for converting complex financial data into clear, insightful reports. Familiarity with ABB format budgeting is considered an advantage.
Experienced in supervisory roles and possessing exceptional organizational capabilities.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with a strong emphasis on advanced-level Excel skills, is essential.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in both verbal and written communication, excels in multitasking, and possesses strong organizational and prioritization capabilities.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is a mandatory requirement for this role.
Proven capability to collaborate seamlessly with a culturally diverse team within a delicate and nuanced setting.
Individuals should possess prior experience working in high-risk or unstable environments.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
15 years
