Maternal/Child Health and Nutrition Advisor, GHC Program, Kodito Uganda

Tracking Code: 218961-927

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: 

Mercy Corps drives high quality, analytical work in tough places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently manage a breadth of programs in Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions with funding from a basket of donors. We partner with a range of private, public and civil society actors to systemically broaden opportunity for people across northern Uganda. In 2012 we were awarded a 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded program working in the northern half of Karamoja. The project, called the Northern Karamoja Growth, Health and Governance (GHG) program, aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja. GHG has three strategic objectives (SOs):

1. Pro-poor market development;
2. Improved health for children under five years of age;
3. Improved security and governance

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Overall GHG is accountable for improvements in child underweight and stunting prevalence, underweight prevalence of women of reproductive age and dietary diversity practices amongst women and children < 5years (with emphasis on pregnant and lactating women and children < 2 years). Under SO2, GHG is accountable for improvements in key Maternal/Child Health Nutrition (MCHN) practices, such as antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, use of ORT (and zinc) for diarrheal diseases, water sanitation and hygiene practices (hand-washing and latrine use), Working closely with all members of the SO2 team, the MCHN Advisor is responsible for ensuring that all MCHN programming on GHG is of consistently high quality. The MCHN Advisor will also work with staff to capture learning from the field and to support strategy and tactic adjustment as needed. He/she will frequently write and edit reports, assessments, analyses, stories and other learning to articulate our work in the health and nutrition sector. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program and Technical Management

• Support continued quality improvement in all ongoing programming;
• Review key SO2 deliverables and provides feedback to the Technical Lead of SO2;
• Ensure SO2 activities are designed and implemented according to best practices;
• Design and implements periodic monitoring and research activities to inform program quality reviews and design;
• Work with SO1 and SO3 teams to ensure that GHG achieves complementarity across all three SOs to the greatest degree possible;
• Support ongoing M&E activities to ensure that program staff have adequate information for accurate, timely decision-making;
• Carry out periodic assessments of key behavioral MCHN indicators in target communities, using this information to inform programming;
• Support integration of MCHN programming into GHG’s economic development activities (especially in areas concerning the utilization of aspect of food security) and conflict/governance programming;
• Analyze the impact of supplementary feeding on child nutrition outcomes (including oversight of post-distribution monitoring), evaluating the influence of other aspects of child health, such as enteropathy and low birth weight, on SFP effectiveness;
• Potentially support the design and implementation of a cash vs food trial examining the effect of the two modalities on child nutrition.

Team Enhancement

• Work with GHG health staff and headquarters support staff from all consortium members to develop new MCHN programming;
• Draw on international best practices and professional experience to provide technical advice that continually improves the quality of all of GHG’s MCHN programming, specifically:
• Work closely with the MCHN team on community-based nutrition programming, including village health teams and peer groups, to develop effective, innovative activities that are appropriate in the Karamojong village context;
• Support the Health Facility Support Team to target activities addressing key gaps and challenges in health clinic (and district system) performance;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its mission;
• Other duties as assigned.

Security (field only)

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

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:  None.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Chief of Party

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: MCHN/WASH Program Manager, Deputy Chief of Party – Programs, Deputy Chief of Party – Operations, Gender Advisor, Learning and Information Officer, all health and supplementary feeding staff, and other teams as needed.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 

• A Master’s Degree or equivalent in public health, with advanced training and/or experience in nutrition, maternal and child health and Behavior Change Communication;
• At least three years of experience, preferably with experience in developing countries and living in a difficult environment;
• Demonstrated understanding of health systems strengthening, preferably with an understanding of the facilitative approach to development;
• Strong research qualifications, with the demonstrated capability to design and carry out rigorous research related to child health and nutrition, for internal use and for dissemination to government, donor and other implementer audiences;
• Superb English verbal and written communication and presentation skills required;
• Strong understanding of data analysis and statistics preferred;
• Strong familiarity with program evaluation techniques ranging from randomized control trials to quasi-experimental participatory assessment methods;
• Ability to communicate with donors, private sector and civil society partners and host government representatives;
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment is mandatory;
• Self-starter, with strong capacity for critical thinking and problem solving;
• Ability to focus on day-to-day tasks at hand while also working towards longer-term objectives with an understanding that these will change continuously;
• Demonstrated capacity to generate and to translate innovative ideas into practical development approaches as well as marketable investment proposals and concepts;
• Willingness to travel frequently and extensively in remote areas with basic services;
• A sense of humor on par with one’s level of curiosity.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is for at least two years and is based in Kotido town in Karamoja, Uganda.  Kotido has basic health services. The town is small but there is an INGO presence with some expatriate staff. Running water is periodically available. Kotido is still off the national electric grid so power is supplied by solar and generators. The position requires frequent travel to field sites around Karamoja. Mercy Corps has a large, well equipped field office in Kotido, and the expatriate communal residence is located in a well-built house on the office compound. The MCHN Advisor will share the residence with the DCOP – Programs and the Gender Advisor. The field location is ineligible for family members.

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 MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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 MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Job Location: Kotido, Kotido, Uganda

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Apply now 

Emergency WASH Program Manager, South Sudan

Tracking Code: 218962-927

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Mercy Corps has been operational in South Sudan since 2005 and is currently engaged in series of development and resiliency programming in the north of the country. Yet since the outbreak of fighting on December 15, 2013, Mercy Corps is launching emergency programming throughout its current areas of operation including: Warrup State (Twic County), Unity State (Bentiu, Koch and Leer) and the Abei Administrative Area. Unity State in particular is caught in the crossfire of the violence and, as such, there is a significant and growing level of humanitarian need. The emergency response program in Unity State provides life-saving support to IDPs and host communities affected by the current fighting.  Mercy Corps is well represented in the northern states of South Sudan with field offices in each of these states/areas with its country office in the capital of Juba. At the present time, there are at least 8,000 IDP beneficiaries. However in the event of an upsurge in violence and further displacement, this may likely revise upwards. Serving as WASH Focal Point and working with local partners, Mercy Corps (through an IOM grant) implements a WASH program targeting 8,000 beneficiaries which is intended to include:

• Beneficiary registration;
• Water trucking and provision of water purification tablets;
• Emergency latrine construction;
• Hygiene Promotion Training and WASH NFI distribution;
• Solid waste disposal.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The WASH Program Manager (PM) will manage the implementation and start-up for newly funded emergency WASH programs in Unity State on an anticipated 4 – 6 months assignment. Currently, WASH activities are being developed in support of a growing number of IDPs and host communities affected by the fighting, with support of such donors as IOM, OFDA, CHF and ECHO. In this regard the PM will responsible for the: 1) implementation and scale-up of the WASH program activities 2) management of WASH activities, 3) team management and 5) communications and reporting. The PM will need to be highly sensitive to the political dynamics of the country and have relevant security experience.  This position requires strong technical WASH skills related to displacement of populations, coordination on security planning, field visits and ensuring safety of staff. The Program Manager leads field monitoring and program performance by tracking progress toward specified objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Representation

• Communicate program goals and objectives with all team members, local beneficiaries, local and central government and the international community and other stakeholders;
• Convey information and ideas to the team members and effectively coordinate the projects and activities to ensure overall program targets and donor obligations are met;
• Provide leadership and direction to all aspects of the WASH program activities and participate in the design and management of program extension and/ or future programs;
• Examine and pursue funding opportunities from donors and partners, in coordination with senior management (including developing and submitting concept papers, proposals, etc.);
• Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the water and sanitation sector of an emergency response, including donors, other humanitarian and human rights organizations, local authorities and local partners;
• Represent Mercy Corps at the WASH cluster meetings. As WASH focal point in Unity State, the PM maintains a tight collaboration with the WASH Cluster and represents it whenever necessary.

Program Management

• Manage implementation of the WASH program, including hygiene education, water and sanitation infrastructure rehabilitation and construction (water extraction, treatment, storage and distribution, construction of latrines, showers and washing areas, drainage systems, as well as training of water point committees, etc.;
• Develop a targeting strategy to identify potential beneficiary households.  Engage community members and local partners in the verification of beneficiary households that promote accountability;
• Manage the distribution of hygiene kits that are an integral part of the program;
• Oversee the successful implementation of program activities, ensuring that teams are following work plans, that activities are on schedule, and that program deliverables are completed as promised;
• Identify priorities in term of assessments, designing and overseeing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) and other surveys;
• When security permits, conduct field assessments, makes recommendations about the needs and vulnerabilities of the target populations in regard to water, sanitation and hygiene issues, and develop and implements feasible yet sound technical solutions;
• Conduct regular monitoring of project activities and project impact, as per Mercy Corps Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning requirements, and in accordance with existing related guidelines; (HAP, SPHERE and donor regulations)
• Actively participate in preparation of tender and contracts, including technical specifications of works to be performed by contractors;
• Write monthly reports and other donor based reports or organizational based notes for PD to review and submit;
• Work closely with field teams and local partners and participate in partner assessment and selection;
• Develop Concept notes and Budgets’ as needed. Assist in proposal and donors report writing as necessary;
• Budget management;
• Ensure that communities are involved as from the earliest phase of the projects, that they are informed about our programs and what we do, are aware of their entitlements, are comfortable to give feedback and that feedback is used to improve the quality of our programs;

• Coordinate with program, finance and administrative staff to ensure program activities are in compliance with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures;
• Ensure full adherence to security plans and protocols;
• Develop collaborative relationships among Mercy Corps, communities, local partners and government, armed groups, etc.

Team Management

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence;
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews;
• Provide technical direction and advice in emergency response in insecure environment, and develop work plans in collaboration with the team;
• Hire, Supervise, train and mentor the national staff and local partners;
• 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;
• Develop and implement a comprehensive staff and local partner training series to build team capacity in the area of WASH and M&E;
• Work with partners, WASH committees and/or Utilities to strengthen linkages with other actors to enhance organizational learning which directly impacts staff performance and productivity;

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:  Program field teams in Unity State and any other states where Mercy Corps implements WASH activities.

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  Country Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:   Other programs’ managers, Operations and Finance managers, Program support team in Kenya, as well as with Technical Support Units in at Regional level and Headquarters                 

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• BS/BEng in WASH-related studies or Civil Engineering.  MS/MEng preferred.
• 3- 5 years of overseas experience managing WASH in Emergency programs is required; with particular focus on managing WASH projects with time sensitive deliverables in complex settings. 
• Experience with IDP/returnee programming is desired.
• Experience managing OFDA/ECHO/DFID/ERF funded projects is a strong asset.
• Experience in highly volatile security situations and a commitment to team safety.
• Demonstrated ability to implement a complex program, manage a range of staff and with strong emphasis on developing their capacities.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and constructively with local partners, including community committees and host governments.
• Commitment to the principles of participatory team management and participatory, community-oriented development.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational skills.
• Prior experience living overseas and ability to work comfortably in the Muslim cultural environment is required.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required. Arabic language skills highly desired.

SUCCESS FACTORS

The successful Program Manager will recognize that Mercy Corps’ ability to function safely and successfully in Southern Sudan depends on the ability of staff to understand the context in which programs operate. The successful Program Manager will apply a strong combination of team leadership, program development and implementation skills, and will be able to maintain a sense of humor in stressful conditions. S/he will have an excellent understanding of emergency and transitional issues and programmatic approaches and will be able to work across a wide range of stakeholders, working with local community members, governmental authorities, NGO partners, and donors.  S/he will bring a positive approach to the job, embracing challenges as opportunities to innovate.  S/he will write well and communicate in a manner that is confident and clear, yet diplomatic, enabling him/her to forge positive working relationships with donors and other stakeholders.  Finally, the successful Program Manager will work well under pressure in a fluid operating and security environment.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The Program Manager is based in Unity State with the field office base to be determined.  This location is unaccompanied as accommodation is provided in group housing, but does not offer hardship allowance and R&R.  Staff will have access to basic medical services and will need to access Nairobi for anything requiring more advanced treatment.  In Unity State, electricity and water are working only sometimes. Housing is group accommodation with limited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. This position requires regular travel by vehicle across the state and to other field offices, travel by air to Juba.  

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 MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Job Location: Bentiu, Unity State, South Sudan, , Sudan

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Apply now 

Logistics Manager-Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tracking Code: 218955-927

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since August 2007, with a staff of over 150 people working in North Kivu and Province Orientale. Mercy Corps’ national office is in Goma with sub-field offices in Nyanzale, Mweso, Butembo (North Kivu) and Dungu (Province Orientale). Current Mercy Corps activities focus on the provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in camps of internally displaced people, but also large-scale WASH infrastructure and service delivery development in urban centers. Mercy Corps also has Food Security, Economic Recovery/Development and Governance programs, with an increasing shift towards transitional and integrated development programming. The DRC team has a strong commitment to providing entrepreneurial and innovative solutions to development challenges, and is actively seeking and facilitating market-based solutions.

 GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Working under the Operations Director based in Goma, the Logistics Manager is managing the procurement functions of the Mercy Corps Country Program. S/he will train and oversee a team, while ensuring that a compliant, effective and efficient procurement system is in place.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Strategy and Vision

• Provide program support, coordination, supervision and monitoring designed to meet program objectives.
• Contribute to the country strategic planning process and provide regular updates.

Personal Leadership

• Consistently demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrate an awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs.

Representation

• Provide direct support to ensuring that all MC DRC offices meet minimum standards in Procurement.
• Travel to field sites.
• Develop a comprehensive dash board for Procurement, to ensure follow-up and analysis is updated on a monthly basis

On Procurement

• Develop tender documents and manage supplier selection process (inclusive of preferred suppliers).
• Manage all program procurements on a timely basis, according to the procurement timeline.
• Ensure procurement ceilings and approval procedures are utilized appropriately.
• Recruit, manage and motivate an informed, skilled and efficient team. Incorporate performance management systems (including key performance indicators) and staff development strategies into the team building process.
• Ensure all Mercy Corps employees are well versed in procurement procedures.
• Liaise with Finance Director to ensure compliance and payment systems/schedules.
• Conduct visit to supplier to check the goods quality.
• Meet truck supplies at the border and facilitate clearance.
• Work closely with program management to facilitate program planning and upcoming procurement resources needs.
• Work closely with program and finance teams to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations.
• Responsible for the management of all project procurement functions compliance and control as described in Mercy Corps Field Procurement Manuals contained in the office in a Box.
• Work closely with finance compliance to mitigate fraud, conflict of interest, and legal ramifications of Mercy Corps procurement activities.
• Ensure that all Mercy Corps procurement contracts and business transactions/relationships are transparent and incompliance with Congolese law and Mercy Corps/donor policies.
• Oversee all procurement functions related to the mission.
• In conjunction with Project Directors, ensure procurement plans are developed and updated for all programs.
• Uphold Mercy Corps’ Zero tolerance policy to corruption.
• Cover up Operations Director/Head of Office in his functions when absent from the Goma office.
• Any other duties assigned.

 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:  All Procurement team members.

  

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Operations Director for DRC         

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:Head of Offices, Program Managers, Finance Manager & Finance Director, and Security team members

COLLABORATES WITH: All MC logistics and operations team as required

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 4 years field experience in procurement with INGOs with supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex environment, related security concerns and appropriate responses with experience in insecure context. Working experience in DRC a strong added advantage.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, following procedures, meeting deadlines and problem-solving independently and cooperatively.
• Knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures desirable; knowledge of donor regulations (USAID, DFID, EC, UN) a strong added advantage.
• Excellent negotiation and representation skills.
• Effective organizational, prioritization and result management.
• Excellent verbal and written French and English skills required.
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
• Experience in the private sector an added advantage.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Procurement Manager will be good at problem solving and have the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations. S/he will maintain strong cooperative relationships with other departments and interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity, while demonstrating the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. S/he will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment and be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

While conditions in the country are improving, and security is quite stable in Goma, there are still pockets of violence and insecurity and petty crime is on the increase. Mercy Corps' sub-offices experience variable levels of insecurity, with the situation closely monitored by UN peacekeepers. Years of conflict and corruption have badly damaged the country's infrastructure.  Air travel is necessary to get from one end of the country to the other.  There are virtually no telephone land lines in the DRC, though mobile phones and cellular service are widely available.  Internet is limited, but available in all Mercy Corps offices. Travel to field sites will be required where living conditions are clean and secure, but basic. There are a number of health services available with several evacuation options for serious illnesses. There’s reasonable access to most consumer goods, although they can be expensive. This is an unaccompanied post based in Goma. The position is entitled to share staff housing in Goma and is not eligible for hardship but is eligible for one R&R per year.

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.

Job Location: Goma, Nord-Kivu, Congo - Kinshasa

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Apply now 

Administrative Officer – RISE Project, DRC

Tracking Code: 218952-927

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps has been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since September 2007, helping populations in North Kivu and Orientale Provinces to work toward building a more peaceful and hopeful future. Mercy Corps has more than 100 staff members in Goma, Mweso, Nyanzale and Dungu, and is implementing emergency and longer-term development programs with funding from USAID/FFP, USAID/OFDA, the European Commission, DFID and private donors. Mercy Corps’ work in the DRC provides support to internally displaced people through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and economic recovery, and works with other vulnerable populations on environmental livelihoods, food security, civil society strengthening and durable WASH activities.

Mercy Corps is currently implementing a Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP) funded by  USAID/Office of Food for Peace for the Resources to Increase Food Security in Eastern DRC (RISE) program. This five-year program aims to ensure that vulnerable households and communities in North Kivu build and sustain food security. This will be accomplished through three strategic objectives that focus on agricultural livelihoods, maternal/child nutrition, and effective governance to engender reliable food security in the target areas. The program is implemented by two consortium partners: Mercy Corps and Catholic Relief Services.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

 The Administrative Officer – RISE project will provide support the Chief of Party (CoP) particularly on compliance and on a series of administrative aspects in managing the RISE, support on a series of grant management aspects particularly with tracking subawardee obligations and payments. Track WFP, secondary transport, loaders and primary transport accounts.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Implementation support

• Assist the CoP in managing key administrative and operational components of the RISE project.
• Coordinate and assemble periodic reports (quarterly and semi-monthly) including annual ARR (Annual results report) and PREP (Pipeline and Resource Estimate Proposal) preparations.
• Assist the CoP in overseeing field office operations - Keep records of the regularly scheduled meetings with field offices and track and remind all of follow-up actions required.
• Act as liaison between Mercy Corps, NGOs and other entities. This may include representing Mercy Corps at certain meetings and/or forums. Keeping written record of all such meetings as authorized by Chief of Party.

Grant management support

• Tracking of a wide range partner grants in terms of meeting key program and compliance requiremetns.
• Follow up of long term accounts (WFP services, secondary transport, loaders, etc.).
• Track and  flag issues on budgets vs actuals (BVA)s produced by finance.
• Track EPAR charges to the project.
• Ensure that managers develop, maintain and report on DIP (Detailed Implementation Plans), projections, IPTT (Indicators Performance Tracking Table), etc.
• Conduct monthly review of a sample of transaction to review compliancy and identify any non-complaint issues if any.
• Ensure data entry and follow up of the compliance tracker  required for the Complex Programs Board, flag issues with the compliance tracker when arising.
• Set up and maintain filing systems of all protocols and important documents for the project.
• Conduct administrative tasks as required.

Coordination and Representation support

• Represent Mercy Corps when CoP is unavailable, to government, donors and NGOs and other relevant actors in the field when requested by the CoP.
• Liaise with local government officials, UN and other international agencies, local NGOs and civil society organizations, local religious leaders and other community members to foster coordination and ensure support for and acceptance of Mercy Corps activities when required by the CoP. 

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:

 ACCOUNTABILITY

 REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: RISE Chief of Party

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Finance, Operations, Agriculture Technical Consultant, Commodities Manager, Good Governance Program Manager, Program Team Leaders, Program Officers, Operations, community reps and communities.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA/S degree in administration, international relations, finance or other related degree.
• 1 to 2 years of experience in the field in administrative role  or project role
• Previous experience in project management and  in complex budget oversight
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations
• Willingness to travel and work in difficult conditions
• Previous experience on compliance and grant management
• Demonstrated experience in operating in international teams
• Computer skills (excel, word, etc.)
• Good analytical capacity and strong sense of organization
• Rigorous, attentive to details, meticulous
• Demonstrated capacity to constantly meet targets and deadlines
• Capacity to engage and interact with local authorities and other governmental representatives
• French and English language skills in verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills are necessary

SUCCESS FACTORS:

A successful candidate will be able to communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles and cultures, follow procedures, and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving. S/he will have a proven ability to learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, and be accountable for results, understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details, problem solving, work within a complex and sensitive setting and to follow laws and security protocols. Ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential. S/he will be able to thrive in evolving and changing environments.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position will be based in Goma, with potential visits to project sites. This is an unaccompanied position.  Years of conflict and corruption have badly damaged the country's infrastructure.  Air travel is necessary to get from one end of the country to the other.  Access to field is done by road or by air. There are virtually no telephone land lines in the DRC, though mobile phones and cellular service are widely available.  Internet is available in the residence and office. 

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. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Job Location: Goma, Nord-Kivu, Congo - Kinshasa

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Apply now 

Food Security/Market Development Program Director - Myanmar

Tracking Code: 218949-927

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps, in partnership with Swisscontact (SC), has been awarded funding from the Livelihood and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) to implement a three-year program:  Making Vegetable Markets Work for Smallholder Farmers in Southern Shan and Chin States (MVMW).

The MC-SC consortium offers a holistic approach to improving and opening the vegetable market in mountainous areas that offer opportunities for learning, and developing policy recommendations. MVMW sees market-based solutions to six key obstacles to growth for smallholder farmers in the vegetable market: (1) access to quality inputs and know-how; (2) availability of appropriatefinancial services; (3) access to reliable market information; and (4) the reach of government extension services and policy effectiveness. Other areas that offer significant potential for growth include (5) access to off-season production, and (6) post-harvest technologies and services.  In these six areas and in order to develop market linkages between farmers and buyers, the consortium will work with farmers, the private sector and the government separately and together to improve information flows and incentives for cooperation, create or strengthen market linkages, and build trust at different levels. While linking farmers to new markets for their products and bringing them into the mainstream economy, MWMW will demonstrate the economic development potential of the rural poor.   

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director has overall responsibility for the implementation of the MVMW program and is responsible ensuring adherence to market development principles and approaches, management, vision and leadership of the program.  The position provides an exciting opportunity to implement a market development project in Myanmar, which is in the midst of a dramatic political and economic transition.  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to assist thousands of small-holder vegetable farmers to increase profits and productivity and to provide government, donors, and other development actors with data, lessons, and facilitation skills to support inclusive, pro-poor agricultural policies.      

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Strategy and Vision

• Demonstrate and communicate the viability of pro-poor, market development approaches and programs in the current Myanmar context.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to country-wide strategy development.

Program Management

• Facilitate team members to conduct detailed market research, intelligence, assessments and feasibility studies; liaise with and engage market actors in the vegetable sub-sector to find strategic leverage points for co-investment; design systemic interventions in response to root causes of market ineffectiveness and exclusion of the poor.  Follow intervention and investment plans, and implement interventions effectively though the Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) approach.
• Ensure market based approaches/principles are followed in all aspects of the program.
• Oversee management of the project portfolio and range of interventions; ensure market based approaches/principles are followed in all aspects of the program; and make regular visits to project sites to ensure that activities remain on track through program documentation mechanisms.
• Lead the development and maintenance of all project planning documents and processes, including intervention results chains, workplans, and M&E plans.
• Ensure monitoring of project activities is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts in order to assess effectiveness and impact and propose recommendations for improvements.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.

Team Management

• Create and sustain a 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.
• Train and mentor staff in market systems approaches to ensure successful program implementation.
• Work closely and oversee partners, including private sector actors, local NGOs, universities, and research entities.
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

Representation & Partnership Management

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

Policy Advocacy

• Develop policy briefs from evidence gathered from the project to influence decisionmaking that will favor inclusive, growth-oriented agricultural development polices. 
• Manage the design and implementation of integrated market and political-economy assessments to understand where and why market inefficiencies along exist along the value chain and how they can be removed.    

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: All Mercy Corps MVMW staff and consultants

ACCOUNTABILITY: 

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  Country Director, Myanmar

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:  MWMW project staff including Swisscontact Senior Technical Advisor, Field Team Advisor, Private Sector Engagement Manager, Market Development Advisor, Agricultural Technical Advisor, Business Development Manager (Shan), Business Development Manager (Chin), Private Sector Engagement Officers, Business Management Officers, and other project staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• MA/S or equivalent in management, economics, social sciences, or other related field.
• At least five years of management experience in market, value chain, and private sector engagement related programming. 
• Experience in developing agricultural markets and value chains.
• Experience in M4P (market systems) methodologies, results chains, and DCED standards.
• Strong management, team building, capacity development skills. 
• Experience managing consultants.
• Knowledge of adaptive program management and innovative monitoring and evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge and experience in gender and governance as transversal themes in market development projects.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability and an ability to think creatively around market development problems.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Preference given to candidates with experience in the region.
• Fluency in written and oral English required.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Program Director will combine exceptional management skills and technical skills with a focus on innovative interventions to institutionalize an M4P/market systems approach. S/he will also have proven experience with providing technical inputs in market development programming, individual staff development, and strong mentoring skills. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communications a priority in all situations.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This is an accompanied position based in Yangon, with frequent travel to Shan and Chin States.   Yangon has comfortable living facilities and is an accompanied location.  The position is not eligible for hardship or R&R benefits.

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. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Job Location: Yangon, Yangon, Myanmar [Burma]

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Apply now 

Emergency Response Program Manager, South Sudan

Tracking Code: 218944-927

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Mercy Corps has been operational in South Sudan since 2005 and is currently engaged in series of development and resiliency programming in the north of the country. Yet since the outbreak of fighting on December 15, 2013, Mercy Corps is launching emergency programming throughout its current areas of operation including: Warrup State (Twic County), Unity State (Bentiu, Koch and Leer) and the Abei Administrative Area. Unity State in particular is caught in the crossfire of the violence and, as such, there is a significant and growing level of humanitarian need. The emergency response program in Unity State provides life-saving support to IDPs and host communities affected by the current fighting.  Mercy Corps is well represented in the northern states of South Sudan with field offices in each of these states/areas with its country office in the capital of Juba.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Emergency Program Manager (PM) will manage activities related to the implementation and start-up for newly funded emergency programs in Unity State in South Sudan. Currently WASH, shelter/NFI and education in emergency projects are being developed with anticipated funding by OFDA, IOM, CHF and ECHO. In this regard the PM will be responsible for: 1) scale up program activities 2) management of operations and logistics, 3) security management 4) team management and 5) communications and reporting. The PM will need to be highly sensitive to the political dynamics of the country and have relevant security experience.  This position requires strong coordination on security planning, field visits and ensuring safety of staff. The Program Manager leads field monitoring and program performance by tracking progress toward specified objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Representation

• Provide leadership and direction to all aspects of the program and participate in the design and management of future programs.
• Communicate program goals and objectives with all team members, local beneficiaries, local and central government and the international community.
• Convey information and ideas and effectively coordinate to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
• Coordinate with other Mercy Corps field offices to ensure a high level of quality throughout our areas of reach.

Program Management

• Coordinate with program, finance and administrative staff to ensure systems are in compliance with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, on target and on budget using effective M&E systems.
• Ensure community involvement in all phases of the project cycle.
• Ensure that agreed upon beneficiary selection criteria are strictly followed to avoid duplication.
• In close coordination with logistics and procurement, lead new humanitarian implementation working closely with project donors and other Mercy Corps programs.
• Ensure a competitive and transparent bidding process in adherence with donor and organizational policies.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• Ensure full adherence to security plans and protocols.
• Develop collaborative relationships among Mercy Corps, communities, local partners and local government.

Team Management

• Create and sustain a 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.

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:  Emergency project team in Unity State

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  Deputy Country Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:   project managers and field office administrators, operations and finance managers, program support team in Juba, as well as with Technical Support Units in Headquarters                 

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• BS/BA in International Development or related field.  MS/MA preferred.
• At least 3 years of overseas experience managing Emergency programs is required; with particular focus on managing projects with time sensitive deliverables in complex settings. 
• Experience with IDP/returnee programming is desired.
• Experience managing OFDA/IOM and UN funded projects is essential.
• Experience in highly volatile security situations and a commitment to team safety.
• Demonstrated ability to implement a complex program, manage a range of staff and with strong emphasis on developing their capacities.
• Well organized and strong in operations and logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and constructively with local partners, including community committees and host governments.
• Commitment to the principles of participatory team management and participatory, community-oriented development.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational skills.
• Prior experience working internationally and ability to work comfortably in the complex cultural environment is required.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required. Local language skills highly desired.

SUCCESS FACTORS

The successful Emergency Response Program Manager will recognize that Mercy Corps’ ability to function safely and successfully in South Sudan depends on the ability of staff to understand the context in which programs operate.  The successful Program Manager will apply a strong combination of team leadership, program development and implementation skills and will be able to maintain a sense of humor in stressful conditions. S/he will have an excellent understanding of emergency and transitional issues and programmatic approaches and will be able to work across a wide range of stakeholders, working with local community members, governmental authorities, NGO partners, and donors.  S/he will bring a positive approach to the job, embracing challenges as opportunities to innovate.  S/he will write well and communicate in a manner that is confident and clear, yet diplomatic, enabling him/her to forge positive working relationships with donors and other stakeholders.  Finally, the successful Program Manager will work well under pressure in a fluid operating and security environment.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The Program Manager is based in Unity State with the field office base to be determined.  This location is unaccompanied as accommodation is provided in group housing, but does not offer hardship allowance and R&R.  Staff will have access to basic medical services and will need to access Nairobi for anything requiring more advanced treatment.  In Unity State, electricity and water are working only sometimes. Housing is group accommodation with limited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. This position requires regular travel by vehicle across the state and to other field offices, travel by air to Juba.  

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 MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Job Location: Unity State, Unity, South Sudan

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Apply now 

Commodity Manager, RISE Program, DRC

Tracking Code: 218942-927

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps has been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since September 2007, helping populations in North Kivu and Orientale Provinces to work toward building a more peaceful and hopeful future. Mercy Corps has more than 100 staff members in Goma, Mweso, Nyanzale and Dungu, and is implementing emergency and longer-term development programs with funding from USAID/FFP, USAID/OFDA, the European Commission, DFID and private donors. Mercy Corps’ work in the DRC provides support to internally displaced people through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and economic recovery, and works with other vulnerable populations on environmental livelihoods, food security, civil society strengthening and durable WASH activities.

Mercy Corps is currently implementing a Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP) funded by USAID/Office of Food for Peace for the Resources to Increase Food Security in Eastern DRC (RISE) program. This five-year program aims to ensure that vulnerable households and communities in North Kivu build and sustain food security. This will be accomplished through three strategic objectives that focus on agricultural livelihoods, maternal/child nutrition, and effective governance to engender reliable food security in the target areas. The program is implemented by two consortium partners: Mercy Corps and Catholic Relief Services. Mercy Corps handles approximately 3,000MT of commodities per year for its RISE program.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Commodity Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of Commodity Operation, from planning the AER, Call forward, making pipeline analysis, arranging the receiving of commodities in Port and send it to the warehouse in coordination with C&F Agent, Independent Surveyor, and Port Authority. He/she must ensure a proper warehouse management is implemented to minimize loss/damaged of commodities and to keep good commodities condition before distribution. He/she will ensure that good transportation is available for distribution from and to warehouse, and will monitor distribution and ensure a proper ration distributed to the right beneficiaries. He/she must establish a standard tracking system of commodities and provide an accurate commodity report to Donor.  The Commodities Manager will have the responsibility of building capacity of the Deputy Commodities Manager for this person to be able to fully handle the Commodity Management role in the near future. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Vision, Leadership and Strategy

• Assist RISE Chief of Party in preparing Annual Planning Strategy in food logistics program operations, included but not limited to Annual Estimated of Requirement, Call Forward, Pipe Line Analysis, drafting partner agreement related to food aid program and activities, and commodity operational plans.
• Ensure accountability in all level of commodity operation, from Port Operation, Transportation from and to warehouses, Warehouse Management, Distribution of food aid, monitoring, evaluation, and Reporting are meet donor requirement and Mercy Corps standard commodity accounting system.
• Assist RISE Chief of Party in preparing contract agreement within Mercy Corps and other counterparts such as C&F agents, Trucking Company, Surveyors, Warehouse owner, Labor Union, and ensure a mutual agreement are fulfilled and satisfactorily meeting donor and International Office standards.
• Assist RISE Chief of Party to prepare program proposal budget as required and monitor program expenditure.

Team Management

• Build capacity of the Deputy Commodity Manager that this person can fully and successfully manage all aspects of Commodity management within a year.  
• Provide training in commodity management to commodity staff, commodity organizer, local NGO and Institutions regarding techniques of receipt, dispatch, storage and handling, distribution procedures and policy, documentation, handling loss and claims, disposal of unfit commodities, accounting and reporting associated with their program
• Assist in recruitment and training of qualified staff, supervise day-to-day commodity staff activities and provide opportunities for personal development in commodity department.

Commodity Management

• Provide regular monitoring and evaluation in commodity management aspects to all food program implementers and give recommendations for improving quality of commodity operations.
• Assist in the food program pre-audit reviews to check for compliance to Mercy Corps Commodity Management and Accounting System by conducting periodic visit to all commodity warehouses and ensure best warehouse practices are observed, audit warehouse ledgers, carryout physical count, etc.
• Provide monthly commodity report such as Commodity Status Report, Recipients Status Report, Loss Status Report, Monthly Distribution Report, Monthly Receipt Report, Monthly Narrative Report, Distribution Plan, and other report requested by Donor, and ensure accuracy of the reports with appropriate tracking files system. Ensure all reports are submittd to donor and MC HQ on timely basis.
• Coordinate/ensure that Mercy Corps standard  Food And Commodity Tracking System (FACTS) and /or its manual system is implemented by Mercy Corps Food program
• Review all report and food request received from implementing partner and MC throughly for correctness before approval

Representation

• Liaison with USAID, Social Department, State Secretary, Port Authority, C&F Agents, Transport company, Warehouse owner, to ensure the operational aspects such as administration time frame, documents availability, truck availability, Labor availability are correctly planned to avoid paralization/stoppage of commodity operation.
• Meet regularly with partners, other INGOs and LNGOs, Donor, Government, etc. regarding food aid program and to coordinate efforts and obtain current information on food needs.
• Establish cordial, professional relations with COs, LNGOs, INGOs, communities and others involved with food commodity title II program
• Represent Mercy Corps in a professional manner to suppliers, government officials, local and international community groups, suppliers, the UN and others as needed.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

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:Supervise the Deputy Commodity Manager and all warehouse and distribution teams.

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Chief of Party

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: all Mercy Corps Program Managers and work in close collaboration with the CRS Commodities Manager

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in in social science, management, international development or other relevant field
• 3 to 5 of management experience in the field and working in commodity mangement
• 3 years + previous experience in Commodities Management in large food assistance programs, including commodities management, use of Commodities Tracking Systems (CTS), call forwards, warehousing, distribution, etc.;
• Knowledge of USAID Reg 11 and all other Title II commodities management requirements.
• Broad knowledge of the generally accepted procedures in commodities management.
• Demonstrated experience in building technical and managerial capacity of senior national staffs. 
• Previous experience on QWICR is an advantage.
• Fluency in French and English required.
• Good working knowledge of database, Excel and Word.
• Experience in capacity building and training

SUCCESS FACTORS:

Demonstrating the capacity of a high level of discipline and ensuring that rules and procedures in commodity management are followed. A second success factor is organizing skills and great sense of planning. Capacity-building of staff to bring them to senior levels is also crucial.  

Critical is the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations while maintaining strong cooperating relationships with partner agencies. A successful candidate will have the ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity and demonstrate ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. S/he will be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Years of conflict and corruption have badly damaged the country's infrastructure.  Air travel is necessary to get from one end of the country to the other.  Access to field is done by road or by air. There are virtually no telephone land lines in the DRC, though mobile phones and cellular service are widely available.  Internet is available in the residence and office.

The position based in Goma and it is an uncompanied position. Accommodation is individual 2 bedroom apartment in a shared compound. Goma has a series of facilities including restaurants, local shops, etc. Movements in the evening are restricted to the Quartiers de Volcans. Movements in town are done with a Mercy corps vehicle with driver. No driving is allowed nor use of moto-taxi. Goma has its load of small banditry and vigilance is required.  

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. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Job Location: Goma, Nord-Kivu, Congo - Kinshasa

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Apply now 

Deputy Country Director - CAR

Tracking Code: 218783-927

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps has been operational in the Central African Republic (CAR) since September 2007. With offices in the Bangui and in Bouar, Bambari, and Bangassou, Mercy Corps works to integrate short-term humanitarian assistance with programs to strengthen community resilience and support market-led economic development, with a cross-cutting accent on governance and gender. Mercy Corps takes a sustainable approach to its programming, seeking to change behaviors and create institutions to foster long-term development in the sectors of protection, governance, civil society capacity building, water/sanitation, and food security. Funding comes from a range of donors including the European Commission, OFDA, US Department of State, DFID, the United Nations, FIDA, and private donations. By addressing a number of overlapping and associated needs within a wide range of activities, Mercy Corps in CAR takes an integrated approach to ensure the greatest possible impact.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

 The Deputy Country Director (DCD) will work closely with the Country Director (CD) and program team to lead new program development and ensure effective program coordination and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance and accountability in close collaboration with the operations team. The position will be based in Bangui, with regular travel to the field sites (up to 25%). S/he will help represent the Mercy Corps programs to donors, other NGOs and stakeholders, thematic clusters, relevant government authorities, and other program partners.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Development

• Lead the identification of new initiatives and opportunities that respond to identified needs and the country strategy, in coordination with the Country Director and Program Managers, as well as the Regional Program Director, headquarters-based Senior Program Officer, Technical Advisors and other relevant staff.
• Plan and lead the country team to assess the needs for program design, evaluate, analyze and further develop a multi-year country specific strategic plan for CAR, in line with the regional value propositions and MC global strategy.
• Lead the development of solicited and unsolicited proposals and concept notes.

Coordination and Representation

• Establish close and productive relationships with donors, national government authorities, and cluster members (UN and NGO) in CAR, in close coordination with the Country Director. 
• Represent Mercy Corps at all relevant coordination meetings in Bangui (SE/HDPT Coordination Meetings, Clusters, etc.) and increasingly play a lead role in other advocacy and coordination bodies.
• Coordinate with other NGOs in Bangui to consolidate Mercy Corps’ comparative advantage, while identifying new strategic partnerships.

Program Coordination

• Provide leadership in all aspects of program coordination to ensure consistent quality, including the incorporation of cross-cutting themes, quality data analysis, lessons learned and best practices.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and aligned with Mercy Corps’ principles, values, global strategic roadmap, and CAR country strategy. 
• Work with Program Directors and Managers to monitor adherence to grant agreements, Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations;
• Support Program Managers to oversee performance of partners, sub-grantees, and technical contractors and adhere to MC’s Minimum Standards for Program Management.
• Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites for monitoring, quality control and program staff mentoring and coaching.
• Build up programs’ staff capacity and ensure effective and qualitative program implementation

Program Monitoring and Evaluation

• Ensure that robust monitoring and evaluation, quality data collection and analysis systems are in place, adhered to and used as a decision-making tool, encouraging consistency across programs.
• Provide ongoing training and guidance to staff on M&E best practices.

Program Reporting

• Ensure that donor reports produced by the Programs team that effectively demonstrate the impact of Mercy Corps’ program interventions.
• Review all reports to ensure a high-quality product (in either English or French, depending on the donor).

Program Support Operations

• Work closely with the Operations Manager and Finance Manager to ensure that operational and financial management systems are responsive to program needs and that program staff are adhering to both donor and Mercy Corps’ procedures and regulations.

Security

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to ensure that programs are contributing to and responding to safety and security plans and procedures.
• Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security management priorities.

Other

• Conduct him/herself professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

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: All program manager across CAR and well as M&E Staff.

ACCOUNTABILITY: 

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: All program staff, both national and expatriate in CAR; HQ-based program, operations, recruiting, human resources, finance, and technical support teams. 

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 

• BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development or other relevant field. MA/S preferred.
• At least five years’ overseas experience, including at least 3 years in a senior management position.
• Experience managing humanitarian relief and/or transitional programs in areas affected by insecurity and conflict.
• Previous experience working in Francophone Africa is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in program design, proposal writing and development, and donor reporting.
• Trained and knowledgeable in design, monitoring, and evaluation concepts and methodologies. M&E experience should include conducting assessments and surveys, program design using a logical framework approach, selecting indicators, implementing monitoring plans, coordinating evaluations and data analysis.
• Experience supervising international and national staff, starting up programs and working in difficult environments.
• Experience managing programs in relevant technical area(s) including, Participatory Community Development, Livelihoods, Agriculture, Health, Water and Sanitation, Economic Recovery, Women’s Empowerment and GBV programming, Peace-building, Civil Society Capacity Building and Youth.
• Knowledge of major donor requirements and compliance issues.
• Strong management skills with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and    cooperatively with team members.
• History of working effectively with host country government, national and international NGO partners, and collaborating with other actors, including the private sector.
• Solid knowledge of and experience with security protocols is essential.
• Fluency in written and oral French and English is required.
• Knowledge and experience of the CAR context, along with Sango, is an advantage.

SUCCESS FACTORS: 

A successful candidate will be conscientious, with excellent judgment and will display an entrepreneurial spirit that is both creative and flexible. She will combine strong communication skills, creativity, initiative, participatory leadership and tactful decisiveness to assist in the development and implementation of Mercy Corps’ country strategy. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. The individual will be a strategic thinker able to bring ideas to implementation in growing program operations. She will have exceptional proposal development skills and an outstanding ability to design, implement and manage innovative programs that respond to current needs and reinforce the future program structure of Mercy Corps in the country. An interest and ability to travel and work in very remote environments, and awareness of and sensitivity to multi-cultural international development work and ability to train and facilitate dialogue among a diverse group of individuals with various skill sets and working styles is required. She must have the confidence and humility to work effectively with a large variety of people who will be diverse culturally, economically and in social status – as well as be sensitive to political and cultural nuance - be able to consistently apply excellent judgment to a variety of demanding and fast-changing situations while working as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel. A even temperament and a good sense of humor are appreciated.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The Central African Republic is a nation of 4.6 million people, ranked as one of the poorest nations in the world, with an average life expectancy of only 39 years. Bangui is a capital city of about 700,000 inhabitants. It has grown more insecure following the overthrow of the previous government by the Séléka coalition last March. In previous years, Bangui was generally free of any serious threats towards international or national staff, outside of petty theft. However, carjacking and targeted looting do occur on occasion. Hospitals and access to quality health care is very limited. Malaria is prevalent. It is estimated that 7-8% of the population may be HIV positive. Suitable group housing is available, but electricity and clean water are sometimes sporadic.

This position is unaccompanied for spouses and/or children and includes hardship allowance and R&R benefits.

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 in-country venues

Job Location: Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Apply now