ethics policies and procedures. They will be supported by Ethics and Assurance Officers in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, who are country-based team members.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Ethics Incident Response
Following Mercy Corpsโ policies and procedures, serve as regional focal point for the internal reporting of any allegations of Ethics violations, including fraud and corruption.
Liaise with Mercy Corpsโ Ethics and Compliance Department and other teams as needed, in the resolution of all reported fraud and corruption incidents.
As directed by the Ethics and Compliance Department, conduct inquiries and investigations to determine the facts, circumstances, and scope of any fraud and corruption allegations raised.
Collect, analyze, and document the results of fraud and corruption investigations and communicate observations and recommendations. Support in the development and management of country-specific Greylists and corrective measure trackers.
Prepare final reports to fully document the investigation and resolution of incidents. Reports will be reviewed and approved by the Ethics and Compliance Department.
Ethics Training and Awareness
Assist country management teams with the implementation of new global or country Ethics policies and procedures, acting as a catalyst for change and acceptance and supporting smooth implementation.
In coordination with established onboarding processes, assist with the onboarding of new country team members to ensure awareness and understanding of Ethics policies.
Conduct and/or coordinate regular anti-fraud and anti-corruption prevention for country team members and partners.
Internal Controls
Assist country management teams in determining effective and efficient solutions to operational issues that ensure compliance with Mercy Corpsโ policies and donor regulations, mitigate the risk of fraud or corruption, and facilitate the achievement of program objectives.
In partnership with in-country Ethics and Assurance Team members, will assist program, operations and finance teams with implementing regional best practice with regards to standard procedures or, as necessary, developing and documenting enhanced procedures for high-risk program activities, in particular those providing a direct financial benefit to participants (e.g., vouchers, cash distributions), requiring high value procurement, or the distribution of in-kind goods.
Support in-country Ethics and Assurance Team members to maintain, in coordination with country management teams and program managers, the country-level Risk Register to identify key risks and document strategies to mitigate these risks.
When requested by country program and finance teams, advise on the development of monitoring plans for partners, including sub recipients, key vendors or other partners that must adhere to ethics policies. In coordination with relevant teams, perform periodic compliance reviews of partners.
Support in-country Ethics and Assurance Team members to assist, in coordination with the country management team and HQ Finance, with the follow-up and resolution of external audit or Mercy Corps Internal Audit findings.
Perform other related special projects and duties as determined and assigned by management.
Supervisory Responsibility
Ethics and Assurance Officers in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria
Accountability
Reports Directly To:
Regional Support Services and Risk Management Director - Middle East
Works Directly With:
Ethics and Compliance Department (with authority for Ethics reporting and investigation matters), country senior management teams.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Amman, Jordan or other Middle East Mercy Corps locations and it requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing for this role is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard.
Knowledge and Experience
BA/S in finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field;, and an advanced degree is a plus;
5+ years of experience as a trained and practiced investigator;
Strong background in compliance, systems and internal controls;
Experience working in humanitarian aid or development, either living overseas or spending a significant amount of time in foreign countries is preferred;
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designations are strongly preferred;
Demonstrated knowledge and interest in ethics, fraud, and corruption, and a sensitivity to cultural diversity and gender issues;
Understanding of best practices in ethics management and accountability within INGOs, including best practices for investigations of ethical violations;
Demonstrated supervisory experience;
Solid organizational and research skills with a broad understanding of various program sectors and activities;
Ability to navigate difficult circumstances with a calm demeanor and in a methodical, analytical manager;
Strong verbal and written communication skills;
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective organizational and interpersonal skills;
Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws;
English fluency (written & verbally) required; strong preference for additional fluency in Arabic.
Success Factors
The successful Ethics & Assurance Manager will possess an exemplary professional standard of ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corpsโ internal policies and procedures and external regulations. S/he will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders on sensitive and confidential matters. S/he will have the ability to navigate difficult circumstances with a calm demeanor, in an analytical and methodical manner. S/he will demonstrate the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. S/he will possess a broad understanding of humanitarian and development programs coupled with the ability to analyze financial operational data and clearly present conclusions and recommendations is essential.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in 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 at all times and in all locations.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Amman, Jordan. This position has regional travel expectations, primarily to Iraq, of up to 40%.
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
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 worldโs 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
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.