Position is contingent on new funding approval

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. We help people overcome poverty and conflict. Working with communities, we leverage local logic to help people transform their lives. To grow more food, earn higher incomes and ultimately advocate for their needs. We see global challenges as an invitation to pioneer innovative, sustainable solutions. Mercy Corps Ethiopia invites motivated and qualified candidates to apply for the following vacant position.

 

Position Title:  PARA Program Coordinator -  Eastern Cluster

Duty Station:  Jijiga

Open Position:  1

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, and acts on behalf of people who have become disenfranchised and poor. We stand with Ethiopia to find and access opportunities, and to be part of lasting and meaningful transformation in the country. Mercy Corps seeks to be influential with government and development actors towards a more resilient country where poverty is tackled through the eyes of those who understand it best.

Mercy Corps anticipates to implement a five year, USAID funded Pastoral Areas Resilience Activity (PARA) program focused on: stimulating increased production, productivity and marketing through more competitive livestock and livestock products markets; increasing communities’ resilience; improving alternative livelihood options through essential skills transfer; improving food security and nutrition, and contributing to the wider knowledge on pastoral development.  The program will operate in Afar, Somali and Oromia regions.

General Position Summary

Under the direction and management support from the Chief of Party, the PARA Program Coordinator is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Eastern Cluster PARA project.  S/he ensures all project initiatives are implemented to achieve maximum impact as per program and project objectives, while remaining on schedule and budget.  The Program Coordinator directly manages the Field Level Advisors and Technical Coordinator(s) within the project.  Strong day-to-day coordination with the Area Office Manager is required to ensure that office operations are running effectively and are compliant with all internal and external regulations.  S/he will work with the Addis-based Component leaders to ensure that PARA project objectives are implemented effectively through each Component team.  Her/his close working relationships with all technical units ensures program activities are carried out according to the highest standards and remain responsive and appropriate to the local context.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

1.      PARA project coordination and integration of all project components in the Eastern Cluster

2.      Eastern Cluster PARA staff management 

3.      PARA representation and communication across the Eastern Cluster

4.      PARA project budget management for the Eastern Cluster

 DESCRIPTIVE JOB FUNCTIONS:

●       Provide overall managerial leadership for the PARA project in Eastern Cluster.

●       Create an environment of excellence, accountability and collaboration with the components teams.

●       Develop own deep understanding and mastery of technical areas under the PARA project – including market systems, natural resource management, nutrition; social behavior change and communication; WASH and landscape approaches to development.  This should include coaching, relationship building, entrepreneurialism/business understanding and innovating.

●       Ensure all project activities are the highest standard possible.

●       Lead effective coordination, collaboration and integration among all technical and project units .

●       Coordinate with the Jijiga Area Office Manager and the Dire Dawa Area Office Manager to ensure that all logistical and operational needs for the project are clearly relayed in a timely manner.  The PARA Coordinator will include the Area Office Managers in all relevant communications to ensure a clear understanding of the project implementation exists. This includes sharing information on concept notes activities and monitoring efforts.

●       Ensure effective and timely monitoring, documenting and reporting on all PARA project activities as per the policies and practices of Mercy Corps, the donor, and the government.

●       Jointly with the component leaders support team leaders and field level advisors to set key performance indicators and review them quarterly.

●       Provide constructive feedback to staff (subordinate, lateral and senior) both through informal and formal processes.

●       Provide timely updates to supervisor, key program, operations, technical as well as administrative point persons on progress and issues, identifying risks and proposing solutions for action and early resolution.

●       Conduct weekly Cluster Management Unit meetings, and report to the COP.

●       Participate in the Cluster Technical Working Groups.

●       In conjunction with the COP, conduct quarterly budget meetings and track all expenditures against allocated budget for the Eastern Cluster. 

●       Upon request, attend relevant project meetings in Addis Ababa.

●       In conjunction with the COP, plan and conduct quarterly and annual project review meeting with relevant stakeholders to assess progress, adjust plans, and draw/disseminate lessons learned in the Eastern Cluster.

●       Partner with the private sector, government and community in areas of PARA operation;

●       Regularly visit field activities to assess progress and provide formal and informal feedback.

●       Adhere to Mercy Corps, donor and government policies and procedures.

 

REPRESENTATION AND COORDINATION

●        Liaise with local government officials, local NGOs and civil society organizations, local religious leaders and other stakeholders to ensure support for and acceptance of Mercy Corps’ programs. 

●        Maintain close working relationships with donors, other humanitarian and development organizations, and local partners, including representing Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings as assigned.

●       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.

 

TEAM MANAGEMENT

●     Build effective relationships with relevant program teams based on mutual trust and collaboration.

●     Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.

●     Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally.

●      Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

 SECURITY

●       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 toward 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; and

●       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.

●       BA/BSc in relevant field, or equivalent experience

●       Excellent communicator in English with demonstrated excellent report writing and speaking skills, knowledge of local languages greatly advantageous

●       Demonstrated critical thinking, problem solving and relationship management skills

●       Five years’ experience managing teams, strategic planning and implementing programs

●       Proven experience developing effective and diverse teams in dynamic contexts

●       Strong organizational and managerial skills

●       Experience or working in the cluster area with strong contextual knowledge of cultures.  Working along border regions a plus

●       Experience effectively initiating and maintaining productive relationships with private, public, civil-society and research sector partners

 Success Factors

A successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to lead and 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. The most successful Mercy Corps team 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.