Position is contingent on funding

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. During our 34-year history, our work has improved more than 170 million lives in more than 115 countries around the world. Mercy Corps Ethiopia invites motivated and qualified candidates to apply for the following vacant position.

Position Title:   Collaboration, Learning & Adapting (CLA) Specialist

Duty Station:  Jijiga

Open Position:  1

General Position Summary

Mercy Corps is seeking candidates for a Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) Specialist who will manage and lead the CLA Activities of The Pastoral Areas Resilience Activity (PARA) program in Eastern Cluster This will require close cooperation with other technical field level managers, the CLA team at field level and in Addis Ababa, as well as partners and stakeholders.

He/she will work closely with the MEL field officer to coordinate the collection, compilation, consolidation and analysis of data at field level, while monitoring PARA’s progress in Southern Cluster for output and outcome indicators.  He/she will lead CLA efforts in the field, including reflective practice, lessons learned generation, documentation and dissemination; and the implementation of communication and feedback mechanisms with PARA partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries Southern

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

·         CLA strategy implementation and review at field level – working closely with the CLA Team Lead in Addis Ababa, the candidate will lead the implementation of the PARA CLA strategy in the Eastern cluster, ensuring all partners and their staff understand the strategy and its work plan. He/she will also ensure that the strategy and CLA activities are monitored and reviewed bi-annually to make changes based on regular staff, partners and stakeholders’ reflections and lessons learned. He/she works with the cluster manager to make sure that cross learning and coordination takes place among technical teams in the field.

·         Oversight of M&E plan implementation at field level – working closely with the CLA Field Officer and MEL Specialist (Addis Ababa), the CLA Specialist will lead the implementation of the M&E plan at field level, supervising the work of the CLA Field officer in the collection, compilation and consolidation and analysis of data in the cluster. Works closely with the CLA Field officer to ensure data is timely and accurate from partners, following up and doing data audits when necessary. With the CLA Field officer, monitors other programmatic compliance at field level through document audits using a variety of methods, and assists CLA partners in performing random spot checks and assessments as planned.

·         Information management, dissemination and feedback at field level

·         In coordination with technical teams and cluster managers, put together monthly updates from the cluster and other reports as required, especially summarizing monthly lessons learned and disseminating these with partners.

·         Provides weekly updates for CLA Team Lead in Addis Ababa to share with partners and stakeholders.

·         Assists technical teams in developing, implementing and analyzing sub-activity evaluations and to alert technical teams of results provided by the online information system.

·         Organizes feedback sessions and other platforms at cluster level with partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders (private and public sectors), and, with the assistance of the cluster manager, ensures responses are provided timely.

·         Technical Leadership and Support to Sub-Grantees

·         Works closely with the Communication Specialist and cluster manager to ensure branding and marking policies are followed correctly in the field.

·         Working with the CLA Field Officer and the Communication Specialist, provides assistance to partners in developing success stories.

·         Organizes, with the MEL specialist, quarterly CLA/M&E workshops based on the needs of the cluster and gaps observed in the field.

·         Staff Training and Capacity Building- Builds the capacity of all relevant team members to develop, review, and maintain an excellent M&E system, including regular reflection and analysis of program monitoring data and production of evidence-based recommendations and reports at the cluster level. He/she provides ongoing capacity building for incoming staff on CLA and M&E, and assists human resources on exit interviews’ section on program and technical learning. He/she organizes other capacity building activities with cluster manager and CLA Team Lead in Addis Ababa. 

·         Evaluation Assessments – Play a central role in supporting the mid-term and final evaluations and work with partners in the design, field-testing, data collection and analysis of any additional evaluation initiatives that may be required at the cluster level.

·         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.

·         Other duties as assigned by the CLA Team Lead in Addis Ababa.

Knowledge and Experience

·         Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international development, communications, or related field is required or demonstrated equivalent work experience in the field.

·         Three to five years relevant field management experience, especially in the areas of monitoring and evaluation and learning and knowledge management;

·         Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.

·         Previous experience working on USAID funded programs strongly preferred

·         Demonstrated experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate with a diverse range of government officials, local organizations, donors and other groups for outcomes in the best interest of program implementation

·         Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills are necessary

·         Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required

·         Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing.

Success Factors:

·         Conscientious, with excellent judgment

·         Display an entrepreneurial spirit that is both creative and flexible. We are looking for a motivated individual, who is eager to learn and share knowledge and who can balance working independently and in a team environment.

·         Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.

·         S/he 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

·         S/he must be sensitive to political and cultural nuance and able to consistently apply excellent judgment to a variety of demanding and fast-changing situations

·         Ability to foster solid working relationships with USAID, host Government, beneficiary communities, and partner organizations

·         Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel.

·         Strong organizational skills.