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 Assistant
Duty Station: Konso
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.
Working in the finance unit, under the direction of the Konso project coordinator, the Finance Assistant will be responsible for the day-to-day routine tasks of the finance Assistant (cashier) role where the details are specified under the Essentials of Job Functions below. 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 the team. Furthermore, considering the various expected systemic changes in future, the post holder should be forward looking, able to develop/train herself/himself easily, change oriented and able to quickly settle in the new system.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
I. Treasury Management (70%)
II. Compliance Monitoring (5% of Time)
III. Customer Focused (20% of Time )
IV. Financial Accounting and Others (5% of Time)
I. Treasury Management (70% of Time)
II. Compliance Monitoring (5% of Time)
III. Customer Focused (20% of Time)
IV. Financial Accounting and Others (5% of Time)
Perform any other similar tasks that may be reasonably assigned by the supervisor in any one of the four components above.
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.
· 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.
· 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.
· 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 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.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Three years and more progressive experience in the non-profit organization and mainly experience gained in the INGO is required.
• Experience working with WFP and USAID/DFID grants at least for two years
• Diploma/First Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, 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
• Prior management experience and strong organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills
SUCCESS FACTORS:
• Must be confident, self-starter, an independent thinker and have strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skill; team oriented
• Good computer skills (especially Microsoft Excel, Work, 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
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral are required.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and appropriate flexibility.
• Emotional maturity and physical stamina.
• Demonstrated experience in managing Matrix Reporting
• Willing to travel to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites , when required