Finance and Compliance Specialist

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In times of disaster and hardship, and in more than 40 countries worldwide, we partner to implement bold solutions, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within, both now and for the future. Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, working closely with the government, private sector, and civil society actors to drive transformative ideas and build a more resilient country. Our programs are designed to be 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. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development, ensuring improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water.

In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses on 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.
4. People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use.

We currently operate in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara, and South Ethiopia. Working with a diverse base of donors, including USAID, European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations, JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crises, build better lives, and transform their communities for good.

Position Title: Finance and Compliance Specialist

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Open Position:  1

Duration: 8 Months with Possibility of Extension

Safeguarding Risk Level: High

General Position Summary

The Finance and Compliance Specialist is a member of Humanitarian team at MC Country office and will be responsible for managing the programmatic, financial and operational aspects of the existing humanitarian grants across Mercy Corps Ethiopia. S/he will manage the day-to-day routine tasks of the finance and Compliance roles as well as monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting. She/he is expected to produce reliable, accurate and timely financial reports for all stakeholders involved in. Compliance with the donor regulations and Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures is a critical part of this role. The Finance & Compliance Specialist works closely with staff from Humanitarian programs, Operations Team, Finance Team, and Compliance & Ethics Senior Manager. The post holder should be forward looking, self-driven operating under minimum supervision, and a critical thinker in their role. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Financial Accounting and Budgeting

• Based on the Authority Matrix, perform consistent and standard level financial review for documents submitted for review. During the review process, ensure that all documents are properly signed by the assigned budget holders, they are compliant with Donor policies and procedures, and compliant with Mercy Corps’ HQ and Local procedures.
• To ensure accuracy and completeness, utilize the transaction testing toolkit/checklist made available for this purpose.
• As required, perform periodic compliance review of PALM/HR/Admin/Finance/Program functions on non-financial transactions which will input for the routine/daily financial review work.
• Upon the development of Humanitarian Response projects new proposals, ensure that all new proposals cover the costs to the required level and assist the project technical team in the development of such budget information. Ensure that costs to the company/organization are handled properly and assist the Grant and Compliance Manager in analyzing funding gaps.
• Organize orientation forum on compliance matters for support service functions and program technical team at the field level.

1. Compliance Monitoring

• Provide monthly a very thorough check on the application of all internal policies and procedures in every aspect of PALM (Procurement, Administration, and Logistic Management) for both documents submitted from field office generated documents. Apply the standard template provided for this check purpose and submit monthly verification report.
• For Assigned grants, ensure that grant files are kept to the standard level (hard and soft copies) in a very systematic order and all the relevant information is accessible from the common (share) folders. To implement this, follow the minimum standards of filing checklist designed by HQ and add more information which may be necessary for local use. Ensure that all relevant grant-related information is kept in the finance unit as a central source for any form of reference.
• For assigned grants, lead the project specific audit work, and assist the other team members in similar tasks.
• Make periodic and planned field visit and ensure that the donor as well as MC internal policies and procedures are implemented to adequate standard. Ensure that the field visits are completed with a standard visit report on observations and includes recommendations. Perform quarterly review work whether such recommendations are implemented in a consistent manner.
• Support and follow up the implementation of internal audit recommendations.
• For assigned grants, monitor the monthly Commitment Tracking sheet and performing status update including tracking Navigator GL Register for the actual costs moved from the commitment tracking sheet
• For assigned grants, prepare VAT claims report and submit it to the Grant and Compliance manager.

III Sub Grantee Management  

• Conduct sub grantee pre-award assessments and recommend modifications to the sub grant agreement and/or monitoring plan to lessen financial and compliance risks.
• Assist in the preparation and review of sub grant agreements.
• Provide on-going training and support to sub grantees in Mercy Corps sub grant financial procedures and assist in conducting formal sub grantee training workshops.
• Review sub grantee financial reports for correctness and completeness and ensure that reports are submitted on time.
• Assist in sub grantee site audits and prepare site visit reports.
• Follow up on all sub grant compliance issues and audits and document resolutions.
• Maintain sub grant tracking as well as financial files in accordance with the Field Finance Manual.
• Process sub grantee payments and reconcile sub grant financial tracking to general ledger reports.
• Assist in sub grant close-outs ensuring that all requirements of the sub grant agreement have been met and that Sub grant funds have been properly settledDo This

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  None

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  Humanitarian Program Team lead

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:   Mainly with the Humanitarian team, and she/he will work with OPs P&C, and Finance Team in Addis Ababa country office and Area/field Office team but the role requires working with diverse group in the country team.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA/ MA degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance or related discipline or ACCA Qualification. Compensating Education + Experience can be considered.
• Five years and more progressive experience in the non-profit organization and mainly experience gained in the INGO is required.
• Mandatory experience in managing/compliance auditing USAID grants at least for two consecutive years.
• Demonstrated competency with computerized general ledger software.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly in Excel.
• Prior management experience and strong organizational skills.
• Prior internal/external audit experience or compliance audit will be a plus.
• Excellent oral and written English skills.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Must be confident, self-starter, an independent thinker and have strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; team oriented
• Good computer skills (especially Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• Ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required; demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse group of people
• High professional standard of administration ethics as well as willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and appropriate flexibility.
• Emotional maturity and physical stamina.
• Demonstrated experience in managing Matrix Reporting is needed
• Willing to travel to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites (35%+ of time.)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diverse candidates to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised.

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.

How To Apply

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised. All applications must be submitted electronically including a CV, three references, and all relevant official documents.

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and    diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: August 16 / 4:00 PM

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MER1024MERCY/JobBoard/7de55979-49d4-4f59-b61b-9c7d0e38d500/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=a9ea69ce-7f53-459b-84f7-df4d2b2a1f28