About Mercy Corps

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 — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Program Summary 

Mercy Corps has been operational in Sudan since 2004 and currently leads humanitarian assistance and longer-term development efforts in conflict-affected South Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, Kassala, Gedaref, and Khartoum States, supporting host communities, IDPs, returnees and refugees. Mercy Corps’ current areas of programming include food security and livelihoods, WASH, health, nutrition, peace building and protection, resilience, and Market Systems Development.

General Position Summary 

The Ethics and Assurance Coordinator will examine, review and analyze records, reports, and financial information to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures. Under the global Ethics and Compliance Department’s (HQ Ethics) supervision, the Ethics and Assurance Coordinator will investigate potential violations of Mercy Corps’ Ethics policies, with an emphasis on fraud and corruption.

The Ethics and Assurance Coordinator will promote and encourage a culture of ethics throughout Mercy Corps. As applicable to the position, the Ethics and Assurance Coordinator maintains a clear understanding of Mercy Corps and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards. The Ethics and Assurance Coordinator will conduct work with the highest level of integrity and communicate these values to team members and to partners and require them to adhere to these values.

Investigations

• Conducts confidential, objective, fair, thorough, unbiased and timely investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption: 
  • Develops action plans which determine scope, timing, and direction of investigation; 
  • Obtains relevant evidence and information; 
  • Reviews evidence/documents to draw conclusions; 
  • Organizes and conducts interviews;
  • Documents all investigative steps; and
  • Produces professional investigation reports with recommendations

Case Management

• Ensure all reported incidents are reported to HQ Ethics team
• Maintains the case management system 
• Ensure that all relevant evidence gathering and storage protocols are observed and that all relevant documentation is properly filed and stored
• Analyze data received to determine trends in types and number of allegations, common issues, potential risks and other criteria, as required
• Prepares analysis and reports findings to HQ Ethics
• Perform other case management related tasks as directed by HQ Ethics

Other

• Provides fraud and corruption trainings to Mercy Corps team members and partners
• Training to CARM team about fraud and corruption
• Maintains complete confidentiality with respect to information acquired through the investigation process and all associated activities
• Contributes to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organization’s Code of Ethics, values and stand-point with regard to internal and external actors

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability 

Reports Directly To: Country Director with dotted line to HQ Ethics

Works Directly With: HQ Ethics team (with authority for Ethics reporting and investigation matters), country senior management team, Program Directors/ Managers, Finance, Compliance, and Operations teams, HR Manager, and all country staff.

Knowledge and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or a related business field and minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience OR an advanced degree and minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience. If no diploma or degree, expect at least 5 years of relevant investigative experience.
• Relevant experience in fraud investigation or auditing. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designations are preferred;
• Understanding of a wide-range of ethics violations, including fraud and corruption in humanitarian and/or development settings; 
• Understanding of best practices in ethics management and accountability within INGOs, including best practices for investigations of ethical violations;
• Demonstrated experience in successfully working with an administrative and program staff at all organizational levels;
• Demonstrated experience in financial and operational data analysis;
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel;
• Fluent written and oral communication in English. 

Success Factors 

The successful Ethics and Assurance Coordinator will possess an exemplary professional standard of ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures and external regulations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders on sensitive and confidential matters is necessary along with the ability to navigate difficult circumstances with a calm demeanor, in an analytical and methodical manner. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. 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 

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 world’s 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.