Finance and Administration Director - Land Border Programme

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Lead the complex, multi-year budgeting process at the start of the project and ensure detailed updating each fiscal year.
• Incorporate inputs from a diverse array of stakeholders including technical leads, country-level leads, international partners, and HQ/Regional support teams.
• Establish proactive and robust systems for maintaining oversight of multiple countries, partners, and separate awards throughout the duration of the project.

Finance & Compliance Management

• Develop and implement budgeting and forecasting systems for different project components and Awards.
• Review financial plans and budgets, monitoring progress and flagging issues for resolution with senior management.
• Oversee all financial and accounting systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls, adapting them to meet regulations in each country of implementation.
• Establish efficient financial systems including internal audits, compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee annual financial audits and ensure partners and subgrantees comply with all audit and financial review requirements.
• Periodically assess the efficiency and effectiveness of finance and administration procedures.
• Ensure effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely reporting in line with FCDO and Mercy Corps’ needs.

Administration & Team Management

• Ensure recruitment is conducted in line with FCDO policies with full approvals where required.
• Support the scale-up of activities by ensuring timely recruitment and onboarding.
• Build and develop the capacity of the Finance and Admin teams through mentoring and career development.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Create a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive for excellence.

Safeguarding

• Actively learn about and integrate safeguarding risks and mitigations into all areas of work.
• Practice the values of Mercy Corps, respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourage openness and communication regarding reporting mechanisms like the Integrity Hotline.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: A BA/S or equivalent in accounting or finance is required; an advanced degree (MBA/MSc/MA) is preferred.
• Experience: At least 15 years of progressive financial management experience, including significant supervisory experience.
• Grants Management: At least 4 years’ experience in grants management with a strong understanding of FCDO grant and contract regulations.
• International Experience: At least 3 years’ international experience required; international INGO/PVO field office experience is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Demonstrated experience with budget preparation, analysis, financial reporting, and the ability to translate technical financial data into informative reports.
• Accounting: Strong accounting skills including management of general ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables, and balance sheets.
• Software: Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written English skills; effective multi-tasking and prioritization skills.
• Environment: Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in sensitive or insecure environments.