Finance Manager - Wajir, Kenya (217858-927)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Traditionally, Mercy Corps programs in Kenya focus on increasing young people’s ability to peacefully resolve conflict, engage in the democratic reform process, and increase access to employment and economic independence. Mercy Corps Kenya began emergency operations in Wajir West and South in the first week of August 2011 focusing on provision of clean water to approximately 90,000 individuals in 13 locations. In the coming weeks, Mercy Corps will scale up water and hygiene promotion activities to include: 1) Voucher system to enable vulnerable households to purchase water from private vendors; 2) Provision of generators and spare parts to functional boreholes that are under extreme stress from over use; 3) Construction and rehabilitation of water storage facilities and separate receptacles for humans and animals; and 4) Training of community groups in Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST). To protect household assets, Mercy Corps will work with market actors to initiate an unconditional cash transfer program enabling up to 2,000 households to flexibly purchase basic foodstuffs and other essential items. Cash for Work activities will provide immediate short-term employment opportunities primarily to safely dispose of animal carcasses which pose a significant public health risk, and to rehabilitate water infrastructure.

The Mercy Corps Wajir Finance Manager is responsible for all financial functions in Wajir, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance. The Mercy Corps Wajir Finance Manager 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 Manager provides timely reports and assistance to the Program Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Working in the Wajir program under the direction of the Finance Director, the Finance Manager is responsible for all aspects of financial management of the Wajir program, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures as well as donor regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Oversee and manage daily Wajir accounting and finance functions including the timely recording of transactions, cash management, banking, payroll, inventory, receivables, and payables.Plan and implement systems for financial operations in both the main Wajir office and in field offices in accordance with the Mercy Corps Field Finance Manual and donor regulations, including systems for cash flow management, budgeting, consolidation of accounting information, internal controls, financial reporting, financial record-keeping, grant management and compliance.Hire, train and supervise Mercy Corps finance staff in Wajir.Maintain banking relations and plan and monitor Wajir cash flow requirements to ensure the smooth implementation of Mercy Corps programs.Provide monthly standard accounting submissions to Mercy Corps Nairobi, including subjournal files, account reconciliations, expenditures by cost center/project, required subgrantee reporting, as well as other financial information in a timely and accurate manner.Provide monthly management reports to the Program Director, including expenditures by cost center/project, subgrantee reporting and other financial information, in a timely and accurate manner.Develop annual fiscal year budgets with the Program Director and develop and implement grant budgeting and forecasting systems with the Program Director.Perform internal audits and reviews as required to ensure compliance with Mercy Corps and donor requirements.Effectively stay abreast of donor policies, procedures, rules and regulations; compile and update applicable local policies; and train Mercy Corps program and partner staff in these policies.Review and monitor partners’ financial reporting and compliance. Provide additional technical assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high standards of compliance.Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ procurement policies and procedures for all goods and services.Develop and maintain local office policies and procedures and provide training for all issues related to local financial matters.Analyze compensation packages, taxation requirements and human resource policies for local staff to ensure that Mercy Corps’ has adequately accounted for the financial impact of local staff compensation and benefits.Maintain appropriate local insurance coverage to protect Mercy Corps.Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.Other duties as assigned.

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 towards 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.

All Wajir Finance Department staff

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Kenya Finance Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Program and operations teams, Program Director, Africa Finance Advisor, Regional finance team, Regional Program Director and Deputy Regional Director

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Four or more years of progressive financial management experience is required.A BA/S or equivalent in accounting or finance is required. An advanced degree is preferred.Four years experience in grants management as well as an understanding of donor regulations is required.Three years international experience is required; international NGO/PVO field office experience is preferred. Demonstrated experience and skill with budget preparation and analysis, financial reporting preparation and presentation and the proven ability to translate technical financial data into informative reports. Strong accounting skills and experience, including management of the general ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables and balance sheet.Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly ExcelPrior management experience and strong organizational skillsFluency in Somali languages is an advantageExcellent oral and written English skills required

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity is required. An ability to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful financial information is essential. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. An impeccable professional standard 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 Finance Manager must be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The position will be based in Wajir with frequent travel to field sites as well as regular domestic travel. An arid area prone to drought, Wajir is located in the Northeastern Province of Kenya and is the capital of Wajir District. Staff in Wajir live in group housing which is served by basic amenities. The area is served by an airport that has regular flights to Nairobi and Mogadishu. The Finance Manager is expected to follow all security protocols including limited movement when necessary.

Due to the insecurity of the location, this position is unaccompanied and eligible for the Mercy Corps hardship allowance.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. 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.

Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.

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