Position: Regional Livestock Program Program Manager 

Location:  Jigjiga

Position Status Full-time, Regular

Salary Level: TBD

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.

Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR), and in Dire Dawa Administration and the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.

Programme / Department

Mercy Corps has a significant depth of experience throughout the Horn of Africa, including an operational presence in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. Within the Horn of Africa, Mercy Corps’ strategic focus is on dryland communities and programming in these areas include governance, social cohesion, market systems development, climate change adaptation interventions, among others. Through our work across a diversity of program activities, Mercy Corps supports the establishment and cultivation of resilient livelihoods.

Mercy Corps is seeking a Regional Livestock Program Manager Ethiopia for our Regional Livestock Program (RLP), which seeks to ensure pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the target trade corridors have more climate resilient, inclusive, and sustainable livelihoods. The current trade corridors engaged through RLP include livestock and camel milk systems across Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. This position will oversee implementation of the program activities in Ethiopia.

General Position Summary

The RLP Program Manager Ethiopia, working under the supervision of the regionally focused RLP Program Director and in conjunction with other relevant stakeholders, is responsible for leading activities within Ethiopia that advance the goals and objectives of the overall program.  S/he will oversee program implementation, performance and quality, ensuring that team members are implementing on scope, time and budget.  The Program Manager will liaise with operations, finance and HR functions throughout program implementation, ensuring that the team is driving transformational change.

 Essential Job Responsibilities

STRATEGY AND VISION

• Play a key role in developing the programme strategy and direction for Ethiopia by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.

• Seek insights and partnerships with government officers, community leaders and private companies to ensure the program’s vision and strategy align with regional and local priorities.

• Contribute to the project’s learning and influencing agenda, working with relevant team members to integrate and advance learning, adaptation and advocacy

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Mercy Corps’ Regional Livestock Program activities in Ethiopia, in conjunction with the Program Director and in cooperation with key programme stakeholders, including local and international partner organizations, local civil society organizations, local and national government officials, research institutions and universities, other international agencies on the ground, and key donors.

• Ensure programme implementation in Ethiopia on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts, and develop mechanisms for targeted research to inform programme design and implementation.

• Lead coordination of RLP partners within Ethiopia to prevent divergent strategies and conflicting messaging to stakeholders, encourage harmonized approaches and seek active partnership on sector-wide issues. Lead in-country joint workplanning and reporting processes.

POLICY AND REPRESENTATION WORK

• Lead the programme’s influence and advocacy agenda in Ethiopia engaging with local and national institutions, as well as private sector actors, to drive livestock market systems discussions, development and implementation.

• In collaboration with relevant Mercy Corps team members, including the RLP Director, Trade Corridor Coordinators and the Ethiopia Country Director, represent the programme in key forums and donor meetings.

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with relevant international and local agencies active in livestock production and trade, market systems, including donors, other organizations, local authorities and local partners. Attend relevant coordination forums to identify synergies.

• Manage and update stakeholder management plan.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Lead in the structuring of team roles and responsibilities for the delivery of cohesive programme interventions, oversee their activities and provide continuous technical support, capacity building, and quality assurance.

• Oversee performance of program sub-grantees and contractors. Provide team members and implementing partners with information, tools and other resources to improve performance & reach objectives.

• Regularly coordinate with programme staff and support departments to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of programme activities.

• 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.

• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.

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

• Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.

Operations and Management

• Oversee the smooth flow of routine program support functions (e.g., finance, administration, logistics) in relation to RLP and ensure compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.

• Ensure that any procurement is completed, documented, and delivered to end-user in a timely manner, ensuring that items procured meet the specifications of the end-user while adhering to donor and Mercy Corps procurement guidelines.

• Oversee database and paper file management for program files in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.

• Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

MONITORING & EVALUATION (M&E) AND REPORTING

• Work closely with the programme MEL team members to ensure that effective M&E systems and processes are embedded within the programme implementation unit and that data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform ongoing adaptation of programme strategies and delivery approaches.

• Assess and analyze impact and adaptively manage the programme to meet results.

• Oversee the scheduling and production of formal and informal reports and work plans on all aspects of RLP programme delivery in a timely and efficient manner.

• Coordinate reporting timelines, processes and report quality with RLP partners. Timelines and product quality to be agreed upon with RLP regional leadership.

 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 Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Works Directly with: Country Director, Director of Programs, Operations Director, Finance Director, Program Managers, PAQ team and area office managers

Job Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as Project Management, Community Development, Leadership & Management, or relevant pastoral economics, agriculture, livestock or rural development degree with management experience; Master’s degree preferred.

• Experience leading large, complex programs required. Demonstrated experience managing remote teams from diverse backgrounds required.

• A minimum of 8 years of experience implementing development programs required, including 3 years in a senior management position.

• Demonstrated experience working within and between financial, procurement, administration, and logistics management systems.

• Experience coordinating multiple activities, developing synergies and creating opportunities for collaboration.

• Demonstrated experience in team building and team coordination for achieving program goals.

• Strong commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.

• Experience working with host governments at the national and sub-national level, INGOs and national NGOs and familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, and other NGOs.

• Demonstrated experience working and partnering with private businesses of diverse sizes including national and mulit-national firms.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills; detail-oriented; and possessing an ability to anticipate program and operational needs.

• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment and to a diverse group of national and international staff.

• Understanding of adaptive management and participatory methodologies for project design, implementation, and evaluation.

• Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.

• Persuasive written and oral communication in English, including report writing; competency in a relevant local language beneficial.

• Demonstrated technical expertise and operational experience in livestock production and marketing, private sector engagement, and/or market systems development methodology required.

• Experience in Ethiopia required, with prior experience in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) is an added advantage.

• Experience working in Somali region of Ethiopia and speaking Somali language is advantageous.

• Nationals of Ethiopians are preferred.

 Success Factors

The successful Program Manager will have exceptional management skills, including the ability to develop, implement and manage innovative programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region. In addition to technical livestock expertise, s/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams, capacity building of partner institutions and of individual staff, with strong mentoring skills. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.  S/he will be conversant in a diversity of cross-cutting technical themes, including market system development, WASH, governance, climate change, social cohesion and female empowerment, among others. 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 / verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position will be based in Jigjiga

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.

Ongoing Learning

This project will be adaptive based on learning and evidence emerging from programme interventions and research.

Additionally, in support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

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.  To ensure fairness to all applicant’s 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.”

Link:- CLICK HERE

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 13 May 2023/ 4:00 PM