Job Description

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 operating in Ethiopia since 2004, working in rural, peri-urban and urban areas in five regional states - Somali, Oromia, Afar, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples, Amhara - and the capital city of Addis Ababa. We engage in both development and humanitarian work, and seek to integrate approaches, programs and geographies as much as possible.  Our partners include government, academic institutions, development and private sector actors, civil societies and communities.

Position Title:  Senior Grant and Compliance Specialist

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa

Open Position:  1

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

 The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions, 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 Corp’s internal policies and procedures.  As a support to the Program Technical 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.

The Senior Grant and Compliance Specialist is a member of the senior finance management team and supervised by the Grant and Compliance Manager. He/she will be responsible for the day-to-day routine tasks of the SGCS role as well as monthly, quarterly and annual reporting. She/he is expected to produce reliable, accurate and timely financial report/information for all stake holders involved in. The post holder should be forward looking, self-driven operating under minimum supervision, and critical thinker in senior management role.  Furthermore, considering the various expected systemic changes in future, the post holder should be forward looking, change oriented and able to develop/train the team capacity in the changing environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

I.                    Compliance Monitoring (30% of Time)

II.                 Financial Accounting and Budgeting (40% of Time)

III.                Sub Grantee Management (30% of Time)

I.                    Compliance Monitoring [30% of Time).

1.      Assist the Grant and Compliance Manager in ensuring that the newly recruited budget holders have received adequate level of training on donor compliance matters as well as on Mercy Corps’ internal policy and procedures. And also, organize periodic refresher training for the existing staff.

2.      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.

3.      For assigned grants, lead the project specific audit work, and assist the other team members in similar tasks.

4.      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.

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5.       Support and follow up the implementation of internal audit recommendations.

6.       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

7.       For assigned grants, prepare VAT claims report and submit to the Grant and Compliance manager.

. II. Financial Accounting and Budgeting (40% of Time)

1.       Be accounts focal person for grants assigned by FD

2.        Perform monthly BVA/BVE analysis for grants which the SGCS is “Account Manager” and provide this information to the project Manager.

3.       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.

4.       Upon the development of new proposal, ensure that all new proposals are covering the costs to the required level and assist the project technical team in the development of such budget information. Ensure that cost to the company/organization is handled properly and assist the Grant and Compliance Manager in analyzing funding gaps.

III. Sub Grantee Management (30% of Time)

1.       Conduct sub grantee pre-award assessments and recommend modifications to the sub grant agreement and/or monitoring plan to lessen financial and compliance risks.

2.       Assist in the preparation and review of sub grant agreements.

3.       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.

4.       Review sub grantee financial reports for correctness and completeness and ensure that reports are submitted on time.

5.       Assist in sub grantee site audits and prepare site visit reports.

6.       Follow up on all sub grant compliance issues and audits and document resolutions.

7.       Maintain sub grant tracking as well as financial files in accordance with the Field Finance Manual.

8.       Process sub grantee payments and reconcile sub grant financial tracking to general ledger reports.

     9.  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 settled.

Job Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

 ·       Four years and more progressive experience in the non-profit organization and mainly experience gained in the INGO is required.

·       Mandatory experience in managing USAID and EU grants at least for two consecutive years

·       First Degree or preferably master’s degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance or related discipline. Compensating Education + Experience can be considered.

·       Demonstrated competency with computerized general ledger software

·       Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly in Excel

·       strong organizational skills

·       Prior grant management experience   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 (20%+ of time.)

How to Apply

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised.  All applications submitted to the Mercy Corps office or electronically include a CV, three references, and all relevant official documents. Applications will not be returned and will not be retained for future recruitment efforts.  In order to ensure fairness to all applicant’s personal inquiries are not permitted.

 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:  22 July 2022/ 4:00 PM

         Please send non-returnable applications and credentials to one of the following addresses:

                                                     et-recruitment@mercycorps.org

 Note: Please make sure that you mention the position title in the subject line of your email application.