Finance officer

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. With the launch of Mercy Corps Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy with a vision to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses in the four outcome areas: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently, we operate in six regional states Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Ethiopia. Working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good.

Position Title: Finance Officer

Duty Station: Gambella

Open Position: 1

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Ethiopia, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance. The Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures. In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Working in the Finance Department of Gambela under the direction of Senior Finance Officer, the Finance Officer will assist in the accounting and documentation of all financial transactions in timely and accurate manner. Finance Officer will be based in Gambela; have shared responsibilities for the Gambela Coordination office but with particular focus for the finance and accounting of Gambela iga field office.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure adherence of financial transactions of the Field Officeto Mercy Corps financial policies & procedures, donor terms & conditions and Government policies.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate recording of financial transactions on the day-to-day basis
• Record all Bank financial transactions of Gambela Office regularly to Bank batch and reconcile bank balances.
• Ensure timely settlement of advances disbursed from Gambela office.
• Ensure availability of budget in a approved grants for every expenditures
• Analyze and code financial transactions per Mercy corps financial, procurement, personnel, and administrative policies and procedures, donor terms and condition, government regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Maintain proper and adequate documentation of financial transactions
• Assists and support program personnel in relation to handling financial aspects of program activities
• Assist the Senior Finance officer on a monthly submission of Field Office Financial reports to Head office.

• Prepare the monthly bank reconciliations
• Maintain the bank file, ensuring that all bank information is properly filed and updated
• Maintain the lease, rental, and preferred supplier agreements file and ensure timely settlement of obligations associated with these contracts
• Make sure that all supporting documentation is prepared and filed according to Mercy Corps procedures.
• Prepare scanned documents of vouchers and other supporting documents as required for the weekly financial review and posting
• Make sure that all supporting documents are stamped (paid stamp).
• Make ensure that the monthly VAT claims from USAID are compiled and sent to the Addis
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to positively acknowledge Mercy
• Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Finance Coordinator in Gambela

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Head of Office, Project/program Managers, Senior Finance Officer, Finance Officers and Assistants in Gambela Field office

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Two or more years of accounting or bookkeeping experience, including experience with double-entry accounting
• A degree in accounting or a relevant business field
• Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
• Familiarity with computerized, double-entry accounting software
• Strong organizational skills as well as attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Qualified women candidates are encouraged to apply

SUCCESS FACTORS:

A clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required. A demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the worlds most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.