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. Mercy Corps has humanitarian and development operations in Addis Ababa, Somali, Afar, Oromiya, SNNPR and Gambella regions. 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: RiPA Afar Program Coordinator / Area Manager

 Duty Station: Semera

 Geographical Area Position Coverage: Zone 1 and 3 of Afar Region

 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 is implementing a five year, USAID funded Resilience in Pastoral Areas (RiPA-North) program focused on: supporting to improve the disaster and risk management system; 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 operates in Afar, Somali and Oromia regions.

General Position Summary

Under the direction and management support from the Chief of Party (COP) and with coordination supervision from the CARE Afar Program Manager, the RiPA Afar Program Coordinator is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of RIPA activities in Afar region. 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 position will particularly focus on technical leadership and coordination of livestock market systems development (MSD) interventions under Component 3 of RIPA, in close communication with the Component 3 Team Lead in Addis. In addition, the RIPA Afar Program Coordinator will be the Area Manager for Mercy Corps in Afar Region, representing the agency with external government and non-government partners and ensuring that office operations are running effectively and are compliant with all internal and external regulations. 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.  RiPA project coordination and integration of all Mercy Corps components in Afar Region
2. Technical leadership and coordination of livestock and crop MSD interventions under Component 3
3. Area Manager for Mercy Corps in Afar Region, including external representation
4. Management of Mercy Corps RIPA program staff working in Afar region and Mercy Corps field finance and operations staff supporting the Semera office;
5. RiPA project budget management for Afar Region

 DESCRIPTIVE JOB FUNCTIONS:

•  Provide overall managerial leadership for Mercy Corps-led activities of the RiPA project in Afar Region covering the 3 thematic areas for the RIPA project led by Mercy Corps: (ii) Component 2: Diversified and Sustainable Economic Opportunities for People Transitioning out of Pastoralism (ToPs) particularly youth and women. (iii) Component 3: Intensified and Sustained Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Production and Marketing (iv) Component 4: Improved and Sustained Nutrition and Hygiene Practices
• Create an environment of excellence, accountability and collaboration with the components teams of each team
• Provide technical leadership and coordination of MSD interventions under Component 3 (with dotted line technical supervision from the C3 Team Lead in Addis) and leading Mercy Corps coordinators, specialists and officers working in Afar Region
• Ensure all project activities are delivered at the highest standards possible.
• Lead effective coordination, collaboration and integration among all technical and project operational support teams.
• Ensure that all logistical and operational needs for the project are clearly relayed in a timely manner.
• Ensure effective and timely monitoring, documenting and reporting on all RiPA project activities as per the policies and practices of Mercy Corps, the donor, and the government.
• Jointly with the component leaders support Mercy Corps field level team members in Afar to develop quarterly workplans including key program performance indicators and review them quarterly.
• Manage and monitor RIPA budgets for Afar region, together with technical team members
• 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.
• Participate in bi-weekly coordination meetings in Semera (led by the CARE Afar Program Manager), and report to the COP.
• Coordinate and Participate in the Cluster Technical Working Groups meetings;
• In conjunction with the COP, conduct quarterly budget meetings and track all expenditures against allocated budget for Afar. 
• Upon request, attend relevant project meetings at national level 
• 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 Afar Region.
• 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 Afar Regional Level 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.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Oversee ongoing program management and administration of teams across.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts
• 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.
• Fulfill Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
• Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.

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. 

Job Requirements

• Knowledge and Experience
• BA/BSc in relevant field, or equivalent experience
• Masters degree in any one of technical or management course in the program focus areas highly preferred
• At least 6 years in a middle or senior level management position
• Excellent communicator in English with demonstrated excellent report writing and speaking skills, fluency in Afari also essential
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem solving and relationship management skills
• Six 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.

How to Apply

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised. All applications submitted to the Mercy Corps office or electronically include a CV, three references, and all relevant official documents. Applications will not be returned and will not be retained for future recruitment efforts. In order to ensure fairness to all applicants personal inquiries are not permitted.

 Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

 “Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and   diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”          

   DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 04 December 2021/ 4:00 PM

How to apply

Interested & qualified candidates should submit their Updated CV, Application Letter & other supporting Credentials via: et-recruitment@mercycorps.org or through mail to Mercy Corps Ethiopia Addis Ababa: P.O. Box 14319, Arbaminch: P.O. Box 33 , Jijiga: P.O. Box 225, Negelle Borena: P.O. Box 116, Dire Dewa P.O. Box 974 or in person at Gambella Mercy Cops Office

NB: mention "Program Coordinator / Area Manager" in the subject line of your email application. Only candidates that are short listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.