Organization: Mercy Corps
Country: Iraq
Closing date: 18 Nov 2013

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps has operated in Iraq since 2003, implementing both emergency response and longer term development programs that are assisting Iraqis - internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities and other vulnerable groups throughout the country. While remaining responsive to the urgent needs of those affected by conflict and displacement in Iraq, Mercy Corps also aims to incorporate development activities into its programming, with a focus on identified strategic priority areas. Mercy Corps focuses on transformative community development methods that actively engaged citizens and local government in the rebuilding of the country. Among these programs Mercy Corps is particularly proud of its initiatives to help members at every part of society gain access to information technology; to encourage the integration of persons with disabilities into education, health and decision-making structures; to empower women to be full partners with men in community development; provide youth with development opportunities and invest in innovative means of conflict resolution. Mercy Corps extensive work with various civil society groups and activists throughout the country, has provided Mercy Corps Iraq with a strong foundation from which to build new civil society programming that is responsive to the changing face of Iraqi civil society

[Describe overview of job missioGENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sub Awards and Compliance Director for Mercy Corps’ Iraq Civil Society Program is a key position in the 3-year USAID-funded “Broadening Participation through Civil Society Project”, responsible for ensuring and facilitating the compliance of programs with donor regulations and requirements for all sub-grantees. S/he will report to the Chief of Party and work closely with staff dedicated to the program - Deputy Chief of Party, Technical Directors, Finance Director and Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, and Iraq procurement and logistics offices, and consult regularly with Mercy Corps’ Portland HQ compliance and legal departments. S/he will also lead efforts to build the capacity of local NGOs to meet finance and compliance requirements of USAID and other donors, so that these local organizations develop professional personnel and systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Sub Awards Management:

• Work closely with the partner organizations (ICNL, ACDI/VOCA, MH, PAO) to ensure they are issuing, managing and monitoring subawards in accordance with the BPCS subaward manual.
• Ensure that the BPCS program is complying with the procedures in approved BPCS subawards manual, and that the annexes are being used as applicable.
• Update the BPCS subawards manual as needed with input from MC HQ, assist COP with requesting USAID approval of any updates.
• Participate in the development of the overall programmatic strategy and the strategy for the subawards program.
• Participate in the design of RFAs, publication of RFAs, issuing of RFA packages to prospective applicants, manage the administrative process of receiving RFA applicant and providing the applicants to the RFA Review Committee.
• Administer competitive RFA processes in accordance with the BPCS subawards manual, with, for each RFA, clearly defined and communicated steps for selecting, negotiating and awarding subawards.
• Responsible for the review of RFA applicants’ budgets and budget narratives for completeness, cost realism and compliance with RFA budget requirements.
• Responsible for pre-award financial review and other due diligence of apparently successful applicants.
• Select subaward agreement type, draft subaward and negotiate agreements with selected subrecipients.
• Draft modifications to subawards, as needed.
• Develop and conduct subrecipient financial and compliance training workshops.
• Review subrecpient financial reports for correctness and completeness and ensure that reports are submitted on time.
• Develop subrecipeint monitoring plans, conduct financial monitoring of subrecipients and prepare financial monitoring visit reports.
• Follow up on all subaward compliance issues and audits and document resolutions.
• Maintain subaward tracking as well as financial files in accordance with the Field Finance Manual.
• Process subrecipient payments and reconcile subaward financial tracking to general ledger reports.
• Responsible for subaward financial close-outs, including ensuring that all requirements of the subaward agreement have been met and that subaward funds have been properly settled.
• Provide compliance guidance and consultations to subrecipients on a demand-driven basis.
• Assist the program team with assessing subrecipient organizational needs, so that the subaward process strengthens the ability of local NGOs/CSOs to meet world class standards.

Compliance:

• Ensure that the BPCS program is executed in alignment with the Cooperative Agreement and the applicable USAID regulations, staying abreast of changes in regulatory environment related to donor/grant compliance; update BPCS policies and procedures as necessary.
• Help find creative solutions to issues that are compliant, yet facilitate the achievement of organizational development objectives.
• Review upon request for major BPCS procurement and program transactions, contracts and other documents for compliance requirements and ensure these requirements are met.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of vetting requests to the donor and MC HQ.
• Prepare prior approval, waiver and other compliance requests to the donor on behalf of both Mercy Corps. Assist subrecipients, as needed with subrecipient compliance requests to Mercy Corps. Identify and communicate compliance risks associated with program implementation.
• Prepare and maintain internal and donor compliance-related reports.
• Work very closely the Finance department to facilitate grant projections, disbursement and reporting, ensuring compliant documentation, and, as requested by the CD, investigate financial anomalies as per MC policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership and direction with regard to any grant or contract functions needed for the program’s success and to provide input on program functions.
• Ensure the compliance tracker for BPCS is up to date and reviewed with the relevant departments on a monthly basis.

Team Management:

• Create and sustain a dynamic and participatory work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Supervise, hire and orient new team members as necessary. Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• Ensure that all staff receive appropriate communications regarding their compliance assignments and responsibilities.
• Develop, update as necessary and deliver training programs and materials and ensure all staff are aware of the compliance requirements related to their position.

Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Grants and Compliance Managers, Officers and Assistants

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Chief of Party

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Deputy Chief of Party, Finance Director, Technical Directors, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Operations Director, Senior Program Director, BPCS Partner Organizations, Sub-grantees.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA/S or equivalent in International Development and MA preferred.
• 6+ years of relevant field or management experience of complex, multi-dimensional programming including administering small grants in an international environment.
• Experience in grants design, negotiation, and administration is required.
• Proven success managing the administration and compliance of US government funding, particularly with the management of large USAID-funded sub-grant mechanisms of a comparable size.
• Proven experience managing complex teams in difficult environments.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate and defend Mercy Corps’ interests with a diverse range of international and local organizations and other groups.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills are necessary.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
• Experience working in complex political environments, and accordingly under dramatically more complex USG regulations.
• Experience with emergency response programs and staff training and mentoring is preferred.
• Experience living and working in Iraq or the Middle East region is preferred.
• Fluency in written and spoken English essential; proficiency in Arabic is preferred.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

A successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving and a proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results. S/he will be able to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details, live within a complex security and political situation and follow strict security protocols with knowledge of security standards, equipment, precautionary measures, communication protocols, various unstable conditions and familiarity of the Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response. An ability to work independently and as part of a team, a knowledge of procurement and tendering and a curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures are all essential.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The high preference is for the position to be based in Baghdad. Baghdad is an unaccompanied location eligible for hardship and R&R. Group housing and limited freedom of movement beyond the house/office can be expected. The Sub-grants and Compliance Director should also expect regular travel to Basrah and Erbil..

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of 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 Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

How to apply:

APPLY VIA URL:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo...