About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations.

General Position Summary

As the Program Management Officer, they will be responsible for providing administrative support to the Chief of Party and the Project Management Unit. Their primary duties will include coordinating leadership meetings, facilitating team communications, and organizing program events that require collaboration with multiple teams. S/he will work closely with the CoP to ensure that the program runs smoothly and efficiently.

Their main responsibilities will also include maintaining accurate records of all program activities, such as meeting minutes, task lists, and project timelines. Additionally, s/he will support identifying areas where the program can be improved and making recommendations to the CoP for process improvements. They will work closely with team members to implement these changes and ensure that they are effectively communicated to all stakeholders. This will involve interacting with partner organizations, gathering and analyzing project data, developing training programs, and managing planning and finances.

Overall, this is a critical position that requires excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. The selected candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team, and have a strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Essential Job Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Attend all coordination and partner meetings.

• Assist CoP in identifying, planning, and addressing priority needs.

• Support in the coordination activities with all involved implementing agencies. Organize monthly meetings with all partner organizations to ensure close cooperation and sharing of lessons learned.

• Maintain, monitor and measure project implementation data entry. Keep CoP informed at all times. Track project impact, standards, and operational compliance.

• Stay abreast of project developments and needs.

• Follow through on program needs as required, such as procurement, meeting scheduling, consultant finding, etc.

• Ensure monthly reports are submitted on time and are of an acceptable standard. Coordinate closely with Mercy Corps team; Human Resources Manager and relevant administrative and finance staff to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the program are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the program.

• Assist in the recruitment and training of program staff to ensure they are of the quality and capacity to ensure the successful implementation of all Program activities. Monitor and advise on staffing needs throughout the program. Ensure evaluations and disciplinary measures are made, as necessary, according to MC policy.

• Work with the CoP to forecast expenditure surpluses and deficits to enable adjustments to be made to the program in a timely fashion.

• Manage the program filing system for all Program related activities and ensure that information is organized according to the reporting and auditing needs of the program. Ensure required levels of confidentiality.

• Stay informed on Country-wide cross-cutting issues relevant to the Program.

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its mission

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 Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to 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 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: HRA Chief of Party

Works Directly With: HRA Program Management Unit, MEL Unit, , Finance, and other HRA teams.

Job Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International relations, Economics or any other relevant field.

• At least 5 years of related professional experience. Work experience with NGOs with a focus on resilience is preferred

• A dynamic, “outside-the-box” attitude is required, with a proven ability to think and act creatively in challenging environments.

• Demonstrated skills in data collection, verification and documentation

• Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills

• Proven skills in networking, team-building, community consultations and organizational development.

• Must be able to work independently and show initiative.

• Strong computer (MS Office), filing, and organizational skills.

• Advanced knowledge of written and spoken English is essential, and Amharic language is desirable.

• Two years of demonstrated experience in providing administrative/coordination support.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with colleagues from various backgrounds and cultures.

Success Factors

The Program Management Officer must be a detail-oriented multi-tasker who is able to communicate clearly and work under pressure. They must demonstrate patience, flexibility, and taking initiative to solve problems. Vital skills include communication (both written and verbal), as well as building and maintaining effective internal and external relationships. They must demonstrate the ability to understand and follow agency and USAID procedures, meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a complex, distance-based, multi-cultural team. An exposure to and interest in international development issues is important, and an understanding of the complex challenges faced by program teams operating in Ethiopia is critical.

Living /Environmental Conditions:

The position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with regular travels to the field. This position requires up to 50% of travel by air and road to field offices in relatively secure environments. 

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Register using this LINK

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: 10 November 2023/ 4:00 PM