Position :- Senior Market System Development Advisor-Temporary

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Position Status Temporary

Current Team member: N/A

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.

Program/Department Summary

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 and in Dire Dawa Administration and the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa-Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute to the emergence of a peaceful, resilient and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of women and youth. 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.

Mercy Corps is currently looking for a qualified senior Market Systems Development Advisor (temporary) to provide technical guidance across Market systems development programs/project which have focus on Economic Growth including agriculture and employment/entrepreneurship.

Essential Responsibilities

Project implementation

• Develops own deep understanding and mastery of ‘economic and market systems strengthening facilitation’ including coaching, relationship building, communicating, entrepreneurial/business understanding and innovating.

• Provide technical advice, facilitation supports for livestock production, animal health services, crop, feed/fodder production, markets and marketing activities for program team, partners, in Gambella and Somali (Liben zone)

• Facilitate support and guidance on inclusive employment, entrepreneurship and financial service through identifying opportunities and constraints of refugees and host communities with a primary focus on women and youth across project operational areas in Gambella and Somali (Liben and Afder Zone) regions.

• Coordinate assessments and analysis across project operational areas in Gambella and Somali (Liben and Afder Zone) to understand constraints and identify opportunities for increase crop, livestock production, productivity, marketing and diversifying employment/job creation across various private and public actors.

• Becomes intimately familiar with all aspects of the relevant market systems the project is targeting including key actors engaged on crop, livestock production, marketing, public and private training providers/TVETs, Banking and Microfinance Institutions, Micro, Small, Medium, Large enterprises, Higher level Educational institutions, research centers, Busienss Development Service providers, Information and Technology Service providers, producers, aggregators, processors, warehouses, transporters, employment service providers, intermediary and terminal markets); governance frameworks (formal and informal); and all support markets and functions;

• Strengthens private sector development in the regions and in Ethiopia by bringing new ideas and initiatives to Market System Development team, overall project and country program;

• Facilitate Market Information Systems for business linkages to link enterprises (MSMEs) to opportunities.

• Designs, conducts, measures and documents assessments of training providers, employers across a wide range, technology providers in particular financial services, employment/labor market services and information,

• Develops key monitoring and measuring indicators, milestones, and plans in close collaboration with supervisor and M&E team, and solely responsible for monitoring and reporting all output, outcome, and impact indicators for respective market system(s).

• Conducts her/himself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

• Document processes and achievements to ensure best practices are captured and disseminated. This will include the continual re-evaluation of program activities and information, with resulting activity adjustments in keeping with new insights.

• Produce written reports on program activities, capturing the impacts of activities.

• Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites - spend up to 60% of time in the field.

Team capacity building

• Organize and facilitate MSD training for field team based on needs assessment.

• Guide and support field team to prepare systemic level intervention CN focusing on improving production and productivity of crop and livestock based on market research and assessment in Gambella (Nuer, Anwak and Mejeg zone) and Somali (Liben and Afder Zone)

Reports Directly To: Inclusive Economic Growth Director  

Works Directly With:  Program Managers, Area Managers, Field level implementers including advisors and MSD Project officers/specialists, , MEL manager/officers

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.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualification and Transferable Skills

• MA/S or BA in Business, Economics, Finance, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural economics, or related field

•  6 years for MA/S and 7-8 years for BA work experience with for profit organization, non-governmental organization (NGO) or profit agribusiness working with vulnerable, marginalized and pastoralists/agro-pastoralist groups.

• 5+ years’ proven experience in innovative value chain development or business models using best practices.

• Knowledge and experience working on alternative livelihood issues in the pastoral areas, especially associated with individuals transitioning out of pastoralism.

• Experience with the development, implementation & compliance of donor funded programs including WFP, other private donors and USAID agreements and strong understanding of Donors rules, regulations, and compliance issue.

• Established ability to manage and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles.

• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.

• Experience working with host governments, national and international NGOs.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

•  Preference given to candidates with prior experience in Ethiopia.

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.

Ongoing Learning

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 and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. 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.

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

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 20 June 2023/ 4:00 PM