Finance & Compliance Director

Mercy Corps is seeking an experienced and strategic Finance & Compliance Director to lead financial management and compliance functions for a high-impact, multi-country development programme funded by FCDO. This senior leadership role is based in Nairobi and is anticipated to commence in early May 2026, running for an initial period of three years. The successful candidate will provide authoritative direction to finance, grants, and compliance officers, ensuring robust financial oversight across multiple countries, partners, and award streams.

The Finance & Compliance Director will be the custodian of the programme's financial integrity — driving proactive systems design, donor compliance, audit readiness, and timely, accurate reporting. You will work collaboratively with the Senior Programme Manager, outcome leads, country teams, and international and local partners to ensure the programme is delivered on time, within budget, and in full adherence to Mercy Corps and FCDO policies and procedures.

• Lead the multi-year budgeting process at programme inception and oversee detailed updates throughout each fiscal year, incorporating inputs from programme stakeholders across countries and HQ.
• Develop and update annual fiscal year budgets in collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager and partners, accommodating budget ceiling amendments as required.
• Participate in Activity-Based Budget (ABB) calls with FCDO, maintain a live ABB for the programme, conduct monthly reviews, and provide biweekly forecasts and financial reports to the donor.
• Review all financial plans, monitor progress against budgets, flag variances, and work with senior management to resolve issues promptly.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls across all countries of implementation.
• Oversee annual financial audits of the programme and ensure all partners and subgrantees meet audit and financial review requirements.
• Periodically assess the efficiency and effectiveness of finance procedures; prepare and execute action plans to reduce operational and compliance risks and optimise cost efficiency.
• Create and maintain systems for transparent and effective use of financial resources, supporting timely and informative reporting aligned to programme, FCDO, and Mercy Corps requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with FCDO and Mercy Corps rules and regulations relating to finance, compliance, and sub-grant management.
• Review payment requests and financial vouchers within the approved authority matrix limits.
• Provide management oversight to grants and finance officers, ensuring grants and sub-contracts are issued and managed in line with Mercy Corps and FCDO policies.
• Review all Requests for Applications (RFAs) and liaise with the Senior Programme Manager and relevant teams throughout the grant cycle.
• Establish proactive oversight systems for monitoring multiple countries, partners, and separate awards throughout the programme lifecycle.

• Demonstrate at least 10 years of progressive financial management experience within international NGOs or INGO-funded programmes, with a minimum of 5 years at senior or director level.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-country programme finances including multi-donor award portfolios — specifically FCDO-funded programmes.
• Show demonstrable experience designing and implementing financial systems, internal controls, and compliance frameworks across diverse operating environments.
• Ability to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of finance and grants professionals, driving performance and accountability.
• Skilled in Activity-Based Budgeting (ABB), budget forecasting, and producing accurate donor financial reports under tight timelines.
• Demonstrated competence in sub-grant management, including partner due diligence, capacity building, and audit oversight.
• Strong analytical skills to review complex financial data, identify risks, and propose evidence-based solutions to senior leadership.
• Hold a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; a postgraduate qualification or professional certification (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with financial management software and advanced Excel skills for modelling and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams, donors, and external partners across multiple countries.

Mercy Corps offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the seniority and scope of this role. Based on Kenyan INGO market benchmarks for a director-level position, the estimated monthly gross salary range is KES 400,000 – KES 800,000. Mercy Corps provides a comprehensive benefits package consistent with its global policies, which typically includes medical insurance coverage, generous leave entitlements, and support for professional development. Specific package details will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

Ideal candidate: You are a seasoned financial leader with deep INGO experience, a strong track record managing FCDO or similar bilateral donor-funded programmes, and the strategic vision to build systems from the ground up. You thrive in complex, multi-country environments, are comfortable interfacing directly with donors, and can simultaneously manage technical detail and high-level stakeholder relationships. You are a collaborative leader who invests in growing your team's capacity.

Do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 7 years of relevant financial management experience, have never managed INGO or bilateral donor-funded programmes, are uncomfortable with multi-country grant compliance environments, or are not available to be based full-time in Nairobi from May 2026.

To apply for this position, please follow the steps below:

• Visit the official Mercy Corps careers portal at www.mercycorps.org/careers.
• Search for the Finance & Compliance Director position and click 'Apply Now'.
• Submit a current CV/resume and a cover letter clearly articulating your relevant experience with FCDO-funded programmes and multi-country financial management.
• Ensure your application highlights specific examples of financial systems you have designed, donor compliance challenges you have navigated, and teams you have led.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, or background.