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, 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, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) – 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.
Position Title: Project Coordinator
Duty Station: Bahirdar, Ethiopia, with frequent travel to the target Woredas
Open Position: 1
Program / Department Summary
The Research for Innovative and Sustainable Water in Ethiopia (RISE) is a fifteen-month program that aims to explore the feasibility and suitability of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the water sector in Amhara region, Ethiopia. The program will conduct scoping assessments to identify the opportunities and challenges of privatizing water services, such as the capacity, information, and financial status of potential local actors, the governance and legal frameworks, and the performance and impacts of existing PPPs in the water sector. The program will also provide actionable recommendations to attract private-sector engagement and disseminate the research findings to various stakeholders at the local and national levels. The program hopes to create a model that can be replicated in other regions of the country. The program will be implemented in North Mecha, Dera, and Farta Woredas of the Amhara region.
General Position Summary
Under the guidance of the Water Security Team Lead, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall implementation of the RISE program in the Amhara region. S/he will provide strategic leadership to project officers, research and learning specialist, and market system development specialist in the day-to-day implementation of the evaluation pilot in Amhara. He/she will be expected to coordinate with other Mercy Corps project teams to improve coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes. Establishing and strengthening well-organized reporting systems among partners working with Mercy Corps. S/he will also be responsible for managing Mercy Corps relationships with key regional government partners and also responsible for monitoring the progress of all emergency activities in the woredas and Zone according to the project implementation plan. S/he will also provide technical assistance to officers in planning, capacity building for government staff, and coordinating with other Mercy Corps support staff like finance, logistics, and the HR team at the Bahidar Field office.
Essential Responsibilities
Project Management
Lead program staff based at regional, Zonal, and Woreda levels in collaboration with the program managers & Zonal coordinators.
Establish and maintain systems for work planning, implementation of activities, reporting, and capacity strengthening for the government system.
Provide logistical support for the scoping assessments, such as arranging transportation, accommodation, equipment, materials, etc.
Support communication and reporting to local stakeholders, such as local service providers, local governments, financial institutions, water users’ associations, community members, etc.
Promote positive working relationships with partners, communities, and local government partners, using participatory and inclusive approaches, such as community mobilization, sensitization, feedback mechanisms, etc.
Facilitate close coordination with local partner organizations and institutions in the water sector, such as NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, research institutes, universities, etc.
Work closely with the Project Officers, MSD specialist, and Team Lead on field planning, monitoring, and reporting, using appropriate tools and formats, such as work plans, activity reports, progress reports, etc.Coordinate and liaise with Mercy Corps finance, logistic, and administrative teams to support the smooth and timely execution of contractual, procurement, administrative, and financial aspects of the emergency programs.
Participate in meetings and consultations with Governments and other agencies at the regional level on topics related to WASH in the Amhara region
Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps policies and procedures, as well as donor rules and regulations.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Team Management
Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles, and assist with career development.
Assist team members with information, tools, and resources to improve performance & and reach objectives.
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.
Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion
Understand and be aware GDI related priorities of the country office and contribute to the realization of priorities (continually work to understand and be aware of the gender diversity and inclusion priorities of the country office and contribute to the execution)
Promote gender equal and inclusive workplace culture in day-to-day interaction with team members, partners, and program participants.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically 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.
Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs, and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Influence and Representation
Identify, build, and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments, and other stakeholders.
Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
Security
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
Educational background - bachelor’s degree in social or natural sciences.
Technical knowledge - Familiarity with the issues of water and sanitation systems in municipal water and sanitation facilities.
Understanding and experience in a cultural context – Demonstrated working experience in the Amhara region, preferably in leading WASH program implementation or research activities.
Language skills - Fluent English and Amharic are required. Another local language proficiency is highly desirable.
Facilitation skills - Demonstrate expertise in government and community engagement activities, preferably with WASH programs. Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.
Success Factors
The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding and working effectively within the complex cultural, political, security, and social environment of Ethiopia. He/she will be an excellent communicator, multi-tasker, and able to work in ambiguous situations. He/she will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures. He/she will have a good understanding of the roles that different data technologies play in high-quality MEL and how different datasets should be leveraged to provide information specifically needed for decision-making in different Ethiopian contexts. The successful candidate will be focused on team building and capacity-building of national staff, be a strategic thinker, have strong skills in design monitoring and evaluation of development programs, and maintain a sense of humor.
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.
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.
Living conditions / environmental conditions
The position is based in the Dollo Ado Field office, and it requires up to 60% travel to the target woredas. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs, and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues. Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer, regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.
How to Apply
All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically.
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 October 2023/ 4:00 PM
Applicants Must fill out their Information through this LINK
