Project Finance and Administration Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization focuses on resilience building, which is a priority for its mission, and aims to create lasting impact through innovative programming that addresses food and water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, economic opportunities, and climate change adaptation.

Job Overview:
The Project Finance and Administration Manager plays a crucial role within the Mercy Corps Finance Department, overseeing all aspects of project financial management. This position requires collaboration to ensure compliance with both Mercy Corps internal policies and donor regulations. Reporting to the Country Finance Manager, the manager is responsible for various financial functions, including accounting, payments, banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management. The role also involves assessing and developing plans to enhance the financial and programmatic capacities of partners, ensuring effective delivery of programmatic interventions. The manager will provide timely financial reports and assist the Country Finance Manager and program teams in ensuring efficient and effective use of financial resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential job responsibilities include recognizing opportunities for innovative actions, ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources, maintaining banking relations, planning and monitoring cash flow requirements, and ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies. The manager will prepare monthly management reports, monitor grant budgets, lead proposal budget development, and maintain grant files. Additionally, the manager will conduct financial reviews of purchase requests, provide compliance training, and support the creation of systems for effective financial resource use. The role also involves preparing monthly grant spending reports, consolidating cash-flow projections, and maintaining effective relationships with program and operations teams. The manager is expected to demonstrate flexibility and resilience while maintaining ethical standards and compliance with security procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or social sciences. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in donor-funded grants accounting, sub-award management, and program administration is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of regulations from UN agencies, US Government, EU, FCDO, SIDA, and other bilateral donors. Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, financial reporting, and the ability to translate technical financial data into informative reports is essential. Strong accounting skills, advanced computer skills in MS Office (especially Excel), and effective communication and organizational skills are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or social sciences. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of financial management and compliance within the context of international development and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in areas such as donor-funded grants accounting, sub-award management, and partnerships. Candidates should have a solid understanding of grants management and experience working with various donor regulations, including those from UN agencies and bilateral donors. The ability to manage financial reporting and budget preparation is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and its operations. Additional languages relevant to the local context may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Harare, Zimbabwe, and involves full-time responsibilities. Mercy Corps is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively seeks to build a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The organization emphasizes ethical behavior and integrity, with a zero-tolerance policy for fraud, corruption, and harassment. Team members are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct and participate in mandatory training on safeguarding and ethical practices.