Short Term Assignment (STA) - Deputy Finance Manager, GAINS Program

Project Title: Graduating to Sustainable Agriculture, Income, Nutrition, and Food Security (GAINS)

Project Location: Tshikapa, Kasaï Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background

Mercy Corps has operated in the DRC since 2007 with a current workforce of more than 300 national and expatriate employees and operational presence in Goma and Beni (North Kivu Province), in Bunia (Ituri Province), and in Tshikapa, Kalonda Ouest and Ndjoko Mpunda (Kasaï Province), and representation in the capital city, Kinshasa.

Program Summary

Since October 2023, Mercy Corps has been implementing the USG-funded Graduating to sustainable Agriculture, Income, Nutrition, and food Security (GAINS) Program, a Resilient Food Security Activity (RFSA) to sustainably improve Food, Nutrition, and Economic Security (FNES) in Kasaï through two Purposes: 1) Strengthened Livelihoods and Increased Incomes; and 2) Improved utilization of quality food among vulnerable people.

Objectives of the Role

As GAINS enters its final quarter of implementation and then turns its 90-day closeout period, the Program requires the support of a Deputy Finance and Subawards Manager to assist the Finance and Subawards Manager to manage the financial functions of the project, ensure that all expenditures are in compliance with internal and donor procedures and regulations, provide support to the accounting function, and ensure banking and treasury management.

This assignment is estimated for a period of three (3) to six (6) months.

STA Activities

The Deputy Finance and Subawards Manager will:

Team Management

• Maintain a work environment based on mutual respect, where team members strive for excellence.
• Provide team members with the information, tools, and other resources needed to improve performance and achieve objectives.

Grants Management and Compliance

• Assist the Finance and Subgrant Manager in preparing BvAs, analyzing them, and following up on action points.
• Support regular updates and analysis of BVAs and pipelines. Ensure monthly review of transactions for compliance and eligibility under grants.
• Assist the Finance and Subgrant Manager in reviewing financial reports and follow up with other departments for any corrective actions required.
• Assist in budget development and planning, including internal guidelines, templates, and budget tools, preparation of grant proposals, and budget modifications.
• Support subaward performance monitoring and work with budget holders to ensure key processes and systems are in place for grant risk assessments, donor financial compliance, and reporting processes.
• Support the subaward close-out process, including coordination with various stakeholders on deliverables in compliance with donor rules and regulations.
• Assist the Finance and Subgrant Manager to improve the effectiveness of the existing control system and ensure identified compliance gaps are addressed.

Financial and Accounting Operations

• Work closely with Suboffice finance officers and assistants to support finance in the GAINS Suboffices and ensure records in Navigator are entered regularly.
• Review payments and other documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with Mercy Corps policies, donor regulations, and local laws.
• Participate in the monthly accounting close process by ensuring accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and supporting documentation.
• Consolidate monthly cash needs for Suboffices and work with component managers to ensure monthly projections are realistic, accurate, and aligned with BvA projections.
• Review purchase requests, purchase orders, contracts, and invoice reconciliations in Prosource.
• Assist the Country Finance Manager in responding to audit requests.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of experience in NGO finance.
• Previous experience with Mercy Corps is required.
• Good understanding of budget management, cash management, and accounting management.
• Knowledge of USAID donor regulations is a major asset.
• Accuracy in handling cash transactions, excellent mathematical skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills, particularly Excel.
• Ability to adapt to change, demonstrate flexibility, and work under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Team management and capacity-building skills.
• Excellent French skills (written and spoken); proficiency in English is a strong asset for this position.