About Mercy Corps

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 collaborate to put bold solutions into action - helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within now and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps works in places of transition, where conflict, disaster, political upheaval, or economic collapse present opportunities to build more secure, productive, and just communities. Providing emergency relief in times of crisis, we move quickly to help communities recover and build resilience to future shocks, and promote sustainable change by supporting community-led and market-driven initiatives. Recognizing both the great potential and the complex challenges faced by the Middle East, since 1989 Mercy Corps has been implementing a range of humanitarian assistance and development programs tailored to the specific needs of the region and of those communities where we work. Mercy Corps has worked across Iraq’s 18 governorates since 2003, implementing relief and development programming, more than a third of which has focused on the specific needs of refugees and displaced persons. Mercy Corps Iraq current goal is to work with new and existing civil society, public and private sector partners to meet immediate and long-term needs by strengthening communities’ ability to rebuild amidst increasing crisis. Mercy Corps Iraq focuses on (1) a relief-to- resilience pathway to meet the needs of conflict-affected communities leveraging agency expertise in conflict management and civil society development (2) a humanitarian response that empowers conflict-affected populations to meet their own needs (3) partnering with conflict-affected adolescents to address their diverse needs, promoting leadership and linkages with civil society.

General Position Summary

Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Finance Director and working closely with other MC Iraq finance staff, the Finance Manager will ensure the accuracy and completeness of Mercy Corps accounting records and will assist for managing the monthly accounting cycle.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Daily management and supervision of the of Accountant Specialist -Erbil
• Supervise the month end accounting close process, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the ledger, Navigator transactions and all supporting documentation in country office and all field offices.
• Primary responsibility for maintaining the general ledger software files, including set up and maintenance of new project accounts, regular back up of files, etc.
• Lead the process of annual Statuary audit report for both Federal and Non-KRG reports.
• Support the finance Director to ensure timely Master Budget updates in coordination with relevant staff .
• Lead and manage the process of Year End Closure in coordination with Finance focal points in flied and Operation staff.
• Support the finance director in preparation of budget proposals process.
• Supervise and monitor month end balance sheet account reconciliations
• Coordinate the preparation and ensure the on-time submission of the monthly reporting package to HQ

• Oversee the maintenance of all accounting records, ensuring that records are complete, accurate and safeguarded
• Assist in the training and support of the finance staff in field offices, including answering daily questions, training new hires, making field visits, etc.
• Monitor cash and bank balances and coordinate monthly cash flow requests from sub-offices; Lead the process of consolidating country cash flow requests to HQ.
• Assist the Finance Director &Deputy Finance Manager in responding to audit inquiries.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to

Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission

• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  Accountant Specialist - Erbil

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Finance Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Finance team, Procurement, Administration and Logistics Team, Program team.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum four years of experience from an national/international NGO is required;
• A degree in accounting or a relevant business field.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel.
• Prior staff supervisory experience and strong organizational skills desired.
• Excellent oral and written English skills and Arabic language skills.
• Good communication and excellent inter-personal skills.
• Good analytical skills is essential.
• Flexibility and Ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision
• Demonstrates ability to identify problems.
• Makes recommendations related to work procedures and implementation of management systems.

Success Factors:

A clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required.  A demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. Recognition of and discretion in the sensitivities of the program is of crucial importance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions: 

The position is based in Erbil, Iraq. Personnel in this location are expected to follow all security protocols. Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values always and in all in-country venues. 

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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES:

Successful candidates should meet the education and experience requirements in the position descriptions for the vacant positions. S/he must be self- motivated, creative, tolerant, and able to work in difficult, stressful environments and follow Mercy Corps procedures. S/he must respect diversity and gender equality at the workplace.