PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been present in Uganda since 2006, focusing its interventions on economic and agricultural development, maternal child health and nutrition, governance, conflict management and humanitarian response. With funding from USAID, DFID, ECHO, Sweden Government, Swiss Development Cooperation private foundations including Mastercard and Nike. Mercy Corps has been able to work together with communities in Uganda to respond to the needs of our target population, which is focused on youth and more specifically adolescent girls. In 2017, Mercy Corps had an impact on almost 1 million beneficiaries in Uganda through our work focusing on building resilience and enabling economic growth, improving opportunities to attain better health and nutrition, and improving governance and conflict management. All Mercy Corps interventions in Uganda are implemented in a conflict and gender sensitive manner.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Internal Risks Manager will assist the country program in reviewing, documenting and establishing effective financial and operational controls over country program’s administrative and programmatic activities in its field offices and programs sites. The Internal Risks Manager will examine, review and analyze records, reports, financial statements and management practices to ensure adequate internal controls are in place to mitigate risks in compliance with laws, regulations, donor requirements and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Compliance:
• Help identify efficient and effective solutions to operational issues which ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ policies and donor regulations, mitigate the risk of fraud and corruption, yet also facilitate the achievement of program objectives.
• Assist Programs and Finance with adapting established procedures or, as necessary, designing and documenting new procedures for program activities which involve providing a direct financial benefit to beneficiaries (i.e. Vouchers or Cash For Work).
• On a sample basis, regularly perform reviews of procurement and program transactions and supporting documents to ensure transactions are in compliance with Mercy Corps policies and procedures and grant agreements and regulations;
• For both the country and field offices, perform internal control reviews of in-country processes including cash management, procurement, logistics, and stock management including food commodities, assets management and coordinate with the relevant departments to correct weaknesses and improve controls as needed; prepare action plans to address findings and monitor the status of action plan implementation;
• Prepare a Country Office Risk Register in conjunction with program managers and ensure quarterly updates;
• In coordination with country management and HQ finance, assist with the follow-up and resolution of external audit or Mercy Corps Internal Audit findings;
• Conduct regular anti-corruption and fraud prevention trainings to all staff.
• Stay current on the active programs and grants of Mercy Corps Uganda as well as their specific regulations and requirements. In coordination with Finance and Programs, develop and/or monitor grant-specific compliance trackers.
• As needed, draft prior approval, waiver and other compliance requests to the donor on behalf of Mercy Corps in coordination with HQ Compliance, the country Finance Manager and individual program managers/directors.
• Perform other related special projects and duties as determined and assigned by management.
Corruption and Incident Response
• Following Mercy Corps procedures, serve as country focal point for the internal reporting of any incidents of fraud, corruption or bribery.
• Prepare and maintain the Country Office Fraud Register and Dashboard and liaise with Headquarters legal, compliance and ethics teams in the resolution of all reported incidents.
• As agreed with the Headquarters Legal department, perform corruption enquiries and investigations to determine the facts, circumstances and scope of any allegations raised.
• Collect, analyze and document results of investigations and communicate observations and recommendations with the collaboration of the Country Director and senior management team, as appropriate;
• Lead and support program teams in implementing and managing the country Complaints Response Mechanism;

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• B.Sc. university degree in finance, accounting or a related business field is required; Certified Public Accountant is a plus;
• 5 years+ related work experience with a business or not-for-profit organization;
• Strong background in compliance accounting and internal controls; experience in auditing strongly preferred.
• Ability to work with various administrative and program levels in the organization;
• Strong organizational and research skills with a broad understanding of various program sectors and activities;
• Extensive knowledge of donor rules and regulations including USAID, ECHO, DFID, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in financial and operational data analysis;
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Internal Risks Manager will show ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. A high professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The ability to take financial data and present it in meaningful financial reports is essential.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications: Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Friday, 13th October, 2017. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for.Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.