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 operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.

 Position Title:  Finance officer

 Duty Station: Jijiga

 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 Jijiga 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 Jijiga; have shared responsibilities for the Jijiga Coordination office but with particular focus for the finance and accounting of Jigjiga field office.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure adherence of financial transactions of the Field Office to 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 Jigjiga Office regularly to Bank batch and reconcile bank balances.

• Ensure timely settlement of advances disbursed from Jigjiga 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.

Security

·       Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

·       Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Strategy & Vision

·       Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.

·       Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.

·       Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support. 

GEDSI (GENDER, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION)

·       Understand and aware GDI related priorities of the country office and contribute for the realization of priorities (continually work to understand and be aware of the gender diversity and inclusion priorities of the country office and contribute in the execution)

·       Promote gender equal and inclusive workplace culture in a day-to-day interaction with a team member, partners and program participants.

Organizational Learning 

·       As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

·       Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically

to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

·       Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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.

Job Requirements

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.

How to Apply

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised.  All applications submitted to the Mercy Corps office or electronically usint THIS LINK 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:05 February 2023/ 4:00 PM