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.
The Program / Department / Team
Mercy Corps Senegal began operations in early 2023, following its global merger with the Energy for Impact organization, operational in Senegal since 2012, providing greater access to sustainable and renewable energy across communities. With funding from the Millenium Challenge Account and private foundations, its current portfolio focuses on supporting the development and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises to provide energy products and services to vulnerable populations, through business advisory services and access to financial resources to develop and expand their activities.
General Position Summary
Under the Country Director's supervision and working closely with the Regional Finance Director, the Finance Manager will be based in Dakar and will be the finance focal point for all programs implemented in Senegal. He/she will ensure timely submission of Expenditure vs. Budget (BVA) reports, monitoring compliance with Mercy corps' financial procedures as well as donor rules. He/she will be responsible for the financial functions and finance staff, financial reporting and assisting the country office in ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps policies and procedures and donor requirements for grants and contracts. The incumbent will be the lead for the overall management of the country accounts for Senegal reinforcing capacity building of team members and will play a coordinating role with the various departments and functions within the country offices.
Essential Responsibilities
STRATEGY AND CORE FUNCTIONS
Provide clear and relevant financial guidance to the Country Office for strategic decision-making in the management of ongoing projects and in the search to increase the portfolio of countries of coverage.
Ensure that all projects implemented in country offices comply with donor rules and regulations as well as Mercy Corps financial procedures.
Assist in the preparation of annual and proposal budgets and implement budgeting and grant forecasting systems with program managers.
Develop an operational cost allocation system covering ongoing projects to ensure that countries can cover their respective support costs and advise line management on mitigation measures in the event of default.
Carry out the monthly closing of accounts in accordance with the relevant procedure by the 10th of the month following the period concerned for Senegal.
Maintain an effective and efficient internal control system, including monthly amortization files for prepaid costs, monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts and regular review of the General Ledger.
Produce local financial policies based on identified needs for Country Director approval.
Conduct financial reviews of documents to ensure compliance with MC policies and procedures and donor requirements for grants and contracts.
Train and advise on adherence to MC policies and procedures and donor compliance requirements.
Prepare and update monthly reports on grant expenditures compared to Budget (BvA), including staffing and operational cost projections, work with program managers to ensure program projections are updated, and organize monthly meetings to review BvA and projections, to ensure program implementation is aligned with expected budget consumption.
In collaboration with Country Director and or Program Director ensure follow up on action points form BVA meeting through documented minutes and follow up action tracker.
Organize regular orientations and ongoing support to country team members on Mercy Corps rules and regulations of respective donors.
Review cash and bank journals to identify errors and/or inconsistencies and make corrections.
Act as lead coordinator for audits and point of contact for auditors.
Any other responsibilities as assigned.
SUBAWARD AND PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT
Guide and oversee the overall subaward financial monitoring strategy in the country, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies.
Assist Program Managers in managing subawards during the award cycle: setting up coded budgets, monitoring spending, reviewing budget forecast, requesting budget modification (if needed) and advising on subaward closeout.
Ensure review and monitoring of partners’ financial reporting and compliance.
Provide technical assistance to local partners as needed to maintain high compliance standards.
Work collaboratively with Program, HR and Operations teams to maintain efficient financial monitoring of all subawards and proactively address challenges.
Provide guidance and support to other team members to maintain high organizational subaward compliance standards.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Create and maintain a work environment based on mutual respect, in which team members strive for excellence.
Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback through regular performance reviews.
Develop team capabilities, deepen understanding of their roles and support them in their career development.
Visit to supervise, evaluate, and train team members.
Recruit and orient new team members as required.
SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES
Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.
Supervisory Responsibility
Finance Assistant(s)
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Country Director / Country Manager
Works Directly With: Regional Finance Director & Analyst, Regional Finance Manager, Program Managers, Operations team members, Country and Regional People Teams, MCE and PDX Finance team.
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
Advanced knowledge of Excel and experience in financial analysis are required (This aspect will be assessed).
At least five (05) years' experience in finance, including budgeting and financial analysis.
At least a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting is required.
Strong accounting skills and experience, including general ledger management, journal entries, payroll, analysis of balance sheet accounts (assets and liabilities).
Knowledge of donor compliance and regulations (USAID, UN and European donors: GIZ, EU...),
Experience managing contracts from Institutional donors is a plus.
Knowledge of accounting software, Navigator an asset.
Written and oral communication skills in French and English (This aspect will be assessed).
Success Factors
The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff, in French and English, is required. Proven ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information to support changing program activities is required. The ability to work independently is essential. A high professional standard of financial and procurement ethics and the willingness and ability to uphold Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures are essential. The ability to take financial data and present it in meaningful financial reports is essential. The Finance manager must be willing to travel to local Mercy Corps offices and project sites.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Dakar, Senegal and it requires up to 25% travel to support country programs and under Senegalese contract.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Team Engagement and Effectiveness
Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
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.
As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline ([email protected]).
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