Regional Finance Director, Africa at Mercy Corps

Regional Finance Director, Africa at Mercy Corps – Mercy Corps Kenya Job Details

About the Role

Mercy Corps is recruiting for a Regional Finance Director, Africa to lead financial management across its Africa regional portfolio. This is a full-time position based in Nairobi, reporting to the VP of International Finance and the Deputy Regional Director for Operations. The Regional Finance Director, Africa at Mercy Corps will oversee financial strategy, compliance, and resource optimization for country programs operating in transitional environments affected by conflict, economic collapse, or natural disaster.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on support across multiple country offices. You will work closely with the Regional Controller and country finance teams to strengthen financial systems, manage donor compliance, and provide leadership to the International Finance regional team. This position requires someone with substantial experience in international nonprofit finance, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work across complex organizational structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor financial performance across the Africa portfolio, identifying weaknesses, risks, and opportunities while developing strategies to strengthen systems and practices across country programs.
• Conduct periodic support visits to country programs within scope and deliver monthly financial health reviews and risk assessments to the Regional Senior Leadership Team and VP of International Finance.
• Oversee risk management processes, ensuring compliance oversight is in place and developing mitigation strategies to protect financial integrity across all regional operations.
• Support country teams during award startup, closeout, and major transitions by developing master budgets, subaward budgets, and financial monitoring tools for sub-recipients.
• Analyze country program financial forecasting and Budget vs. Actual management to enhance accuracy and efficiency in resource allocation.
• Provide final financial review of cost proposals before donor submission and support business development efforts across the region.
• Present financial data and analysis to non-financial stakeholders, including regional leadership and donors, to support informed business decisions and strategic planning.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day performance coaching for International Finance regional team members, including analysts and managers, while building capacity through structured mentoring and development plans.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in international finance, nonprofit accounting, or donor-regulated environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management systems, internal controls, and risk mitigation across multiple country offices or regional operations.
• In-depth knowledge of major international donor requirements and compliance regulations; ability to advise teams on evolving donor policies and procedures.
• Experience managing finance teams and conducting on-site financial reviews and audits in field environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to identify financial trends and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to senior management, donors, and non-financial stakeholders.

What to Expect

• You will work within Mercy Corps’ International Finance team and the Africa regional office, collaborating across multiple country programs in varying operational contexts.
• The role includes regular travel to country offices and field sites within the Africa region to provide direct support and oversight.
• You will participate in regional strategy meetings and contribute financial analysis to inform senior management decision-making on program direction and resource allocation.
• This Regional Finance Director, Africa at Mercy Corps position in Nairobi is open to qualified candidates. Click Apply below to submit your application.