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 partner to put bold solutions into action โ helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.
The breadth and impact of our programmes makes Mercy Corps a unique and truly rewarding place to work. Our teams are proud of what we achieve in the field, and we are always looking for talented individuals who share our passion and commitment.
The Position
In this role, you will be part of the Legal Departmentโs team that supports and provides oversight of corporate governance matters for the Mercy Corps Boards (and affiliates) and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. You will play a core role in coordinating the Mercy Corpsโ policy framework and project managing enterprise risk management workstreams. Your duties include providing structured planning and advisory support to ensure the efficient running of processes and systems related to the governance and risk of Mercy Corps.
To be successful in this role you will use your strategic thinking and writing skills and high level of discretion to help manage projects, work closely with the General Counsel and other key stakeholders. You will proactively identify opportunities to continually improve processes and ways of working in order to facilitate the efficient operation of the organisation. You will need excellent organisation and interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure, quickly adapting to changing needs and circumstances. You will be adept at managing competing priorities and will ensure efficient coordination and communication across multiple teams and geographies.
Essential Responsibilities
Governance and Policy Coordination
- Maintain and advise on compliance with corporate charity regulatory frameworks for US, UK and Netherlands including IRS, OSCR, KvK, Companies House. Support annual reporting and manage regulatory filings.
- At the direction of the General Counsel and collaborating with other relevant stakeholders, develop, draft, and maintain governance-related documents, processes and reports.
- Advise internal and external stakeholders on governance requirements and processes, using expert knowledge of internal and external frameworks, including responding to donor requests and due diligence requirements.
- Coordinate Mercy Corpsโ policy management framework and policy review process
- Support for the Legal Departmentโs oversight of governance for other Mercy Corps entities and affiliates globally
- Coordinate, support, and where appropriate lead special initiatives related to Mercy Corpsโ Board of Directors and other governance workstreams
- Coordinate the approval of all Board and Committee minutes, maintain the Mercy Corps corporate book, and draft minutes where necessary.
- Support the Legal Department in carrying out corporate secretarial responsibilities
Enterprise Risk Management
- At the direction of the ERMC, implement the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework and coordinate workstreams of the ERM Committee, including meeting coordination, reporting, developing meeting materials and communications
- Partner with enterprise risk stakeholders to develop, advise, coordinate and as appropriate, implement enterprise risk tools, systems and processes
- Manage, coordinate, support and where appropriate leading special initiatives related to Enterprise Risk Management
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Accountability
Reports Directly To: General Counsel
Works Directly With: Director of Board Strategy and Engagement, Legal Department, Executive Leadership Team, Enterprise Risk Management Committee
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
- BA/S in Law, Governance, Business Management, or related field highly preferred.
- 3+ yearsโ experience supporting in house legal teams, legal profession and/or risk management desirable
- Knowledge of applicable UK, Dutch and US laws and regulations related to governance and risk management, including compliance and audit requirements.
- Excellent writing and organisational skills
- Good understanding of key risk areas for international NGOs.
- Proven ability to work with a variety of stakeholders, communicate effectively with colleagues from various backgrounds and cultures and a demonstrated ability to influence and coordinate with different teams in different times
- Proven ability to proactively identify and solve complex problems
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and work streams.
- Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development
Team Engagement and Effectiveness
Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
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.
As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline ([email protected]).
- BA/S in Law, Governance, Business Management, or related field highly preferred.