Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
Program / Department Summary
The Grants and Contracts Unit (GCU) provides support to Mercy Corpsโ Country Office and Global Support Team operations through its subject matter expertise in the interpretation and application of donor regulations and related internal policies. Areas of support include: (1) donor regulations training for our teams and key partners, (2) technical guidance through help desk consultation and complex program collaboration, (3) creation and maintenance of award compliance materials and templates, (4) support for subaward administration, with an emphasis on drafting compliant subaward agreements and modifications, and (5) USG contract compliance (system and policy). Our mission is to increase the level of knowledge and availability of tools and resources to promote the highest possible standards of accountability, transparency, efficiency, and donor compliance.
The Position
The Senior Grant Compliance Manager (SGCM) provides expert technical guidance, training, and support to Mercy Corpsโ Country Office and Global Support Team operations, including financial, program, and administrative staff, on donor regulations compliance along with related internal policy compliance. Each SGCM provides this support to their assigned countries/regions and in addition has responsibility for assigned compliance focus areas and related projects. Responsibilities include direct compliance support to field and HQ teams, including direct support for complex programs, enhanced compliance support for proposals and awards that are higher value/have complicating factors and staying current on donor regulations. The SGCM will also participate in matrixed teams, share and build the capacity of others, and help integrate their technical areas with others.
Essential Job Responsibilities GRANT COMPLIANCE (for Assigned Countries/Regions):
In coordination with the GCU Director, create and/or deliver other grant compliance training and/or programs such as periodic webinars. In coordination with the Subaward Compliance Managers and the GCU Director, provide backstopping support for departmental subaward responsibilities including drafting and negotiating subaward agreements and modifications based on agreed procedures, reviewing preaward assessments and audit reports, and other support. Coordination with counterparts in MC Europe. Other duties as requested.Supervisory ResponsibilityNone Accountability
Reports Directly To: Director, Grant Compliance Works Directly With: Country office personnel, including Country Finance Managers, Country Directors, and Program Managers; International Finance; Regional Program Team; Internal Audit; Global Procurement & Logistics; and Accounting. 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 Qualifications & Transferable Skills
BA/S or equivalent experience in related field. 5+ years of progressive grant management experience in a medium to large international organization, including responsibility for grant management, compliance systems, and subaward administration is required.Advanced knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the management of US Government grants (particularly USAID, Dept. of State and USDA) and other donor-funded awards is required. Demonstrated experience and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, financial reporting, accounting systems, budget development and administration is required. Effective verbal and written communication, analytical, organizational and prioritization skills as well as presentation skills are necessary. Employment overseas and experience working for an NGO with high levels of USAID funding is strongly preferred. Fluency in English is required; fluency in a foreign language (such as Arabic, French, or Spanish) preferred. Success Factors
The SGCM will demonstrate significant experience with the regulations of MCGโs major donors. Proven ability to successfully communicate concepts, procedures and objectives and initiate and maintain positive and productive relationships with Country Office staff, program staff and donor agencies is necessary. The ability to read, understand and interpret detailed award terms and conditions as well as maintain a detailed knowledge of the regulations will be a critical success factor. A high level of attention to detail in all aspects of his/her work is a necessity. The SGCM must be able to conduct themselves with a high degree of integrity and objectivity while also working towards an overall objective of positively promoting compliance. Through significant experience with MCGโs major donors, the SGCM will be able to advise and coach other Mercy Corps staff on how to respond to and/or negotiate with donors on regulations issues. The SGCM must demonstrate the drive and initiative to contribute to internal team efforts. Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
Some travel (up to approximately 25-30%) may be required to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MCโs policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
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.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.
Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees
Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided.