Regional Finance Director, Africa

About the Role

The Regional Finance Director serves as a member of the International Finance team and the Africa regional office, supporting the financial management function for the regional portfolio and overseeing the financial management of initiatives led by the Africa regional team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Financial Management Oversight: Collaborate with Finance Directors & Managers across the region and with the Regional Controller to support award implementation and financial management, ensuring consistent use of Mercy Corps' financial management best practices. Conduct periodic support visits to the country programs following an approved scope of work. Monitor the financial performance of the regional portfolio and develop strategies to strengthen financial management systems and practices. Oversee and strengthen risk management processes, ensuring robust performance oversights are in place and developing mitigation strategies to safeguard financial integrity and compliance across country programs.
• Awards Financial Management Support: Support regional and country teams during start-up, closeout, and other major events. Analyze and support the country program’s financial forecasting process. Deploy to country offices and field sites within the region to provide on-the-ground support and oversight. Support Business Development efforts with reviews and input to cost proposals. Ensure compliance with internal financial policies, procedures, and donor regulations across all projects managed by the region. Review audit reports and support country offices in solving audit issues.
• Strategic Planning and Support Functions: Provide financial information which supports the Regional Senior Management Team in making business decisions in line with Mercy Corps, Regional & Country Program strategies. Participate in regional SMT with strategic thinking, risk analysis and other engagement as needed. Present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders and provide financial advisory to the regional team. Collaborate with the Regional Controller, regional leadership, and other Global Support teams to solve financial management challenges. Support the rollout and adaptation of new finance procedures and strategic initiatives for the region.
• Recruitment, Capacity Building and Team Management: Support the recruitment and onboarding process for Finance leads across the region. Provide day-to-day management, coaching, and performance support to International Finance regional team members. Build the capacity of IF regional team members through structured onboarding, regular feedback, mentoring, and targeted development plans. Support effective workload planning and coordination across the IF regional team. Support the development of finance capacity within the regional and the various country office teams.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Actively learns 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has supervisory responsibility for the International Finance regional team members, including analysts and managers.