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 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. With the launch of Mercy Corps Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy with a vision 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. In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses in the four outcome areas: 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 six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Ethiopia. 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, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good. 

Mercy Corps Ethiopia has secured funding from the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF) to provide multi-sector humanitarian assistance to people affected by drought and conflict in Aba'ala woreda in Zone 2, Afar. The project focuses on supporting nutritionally vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and lactating women and children under five, through interventions in education, multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA), protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and agriculture.

Position Title: Livelihood Officer

Duty Station: Abala (Zone 2, Afar) Field Office

Open Position:  1

Livelihood Officer will be responsible for planning, implementation, supervision and reporting of Livelihood Activities of Integrated multi-sector intervention for conflict-affected populations project

which is under operation in Zone two of Afar region under the direct supervision by Project coordinator. She/he will be responsible for identifying priority needs, target beneficiaries, establishing relationships with local government, facilitate and follow up of proper distribution and documentation of cash payments to beneficiaries.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of Livelihood and cash transfer Activities in the project.

• Lead beneficiary identification, selection and independent or joint verification processes as per jointly set criteria to ensure impartiality, in coordination with project team members, local authorities and communities.

• Ensuring that cash assistance is delivered to targeted beneficiaries as per predetermined targeting criteria.

• Establish and maintain transparent and functional relationships with target communities and local government at project sites.

• Actively participate in Rapid Assessments, market assessments, capacity assessment of Financial Service Providers (FSP), and other digital cash transfer.

• Ensure that the program resources are implemented in a transparent and accountable manner and handed over or completed in a way that promotes local capacities and sustainable operations.

• In collaboration with MC MEL team conduct post-distribution monitoring (PDM) for cash transfers to ensure the program quality and collect lesson learned.

• Works closely with the MEL officer to generate practical information that can be used for on-going project decision making while also capturing results at outcome levels. 

• Prepare quarterly, semiannual and annual performance reports for the activities under his/her responsibility.

• Keep record of all required documents related to cash program, beneficiary selection, distribution and post distribution monitoring.

• Collect, register and report client’s feedback and complaints.

• Ensure consistent reporting and documentation to improve program efficiency and quality.

• Ensure mainstreaming of MC Ethiopia’s cross-cutting issues of gender equity, Child Safeguarding.

• Work closely with all stakeholders and ensure the community participation in the project activities.

• Work closely in a team with other project officers and contribute to the maximum of his /her knowledge to the project team in his/her areas of profession as deemed necessary.

• Perform other functions as requested by the immediate supervisor.

 Job Requirements

• Has BA/Bsc/Msc/MA degree from a recognized university in Business Management, Economics, Rural development and agricultural extension, and related fields.

• At least four years proven work experience in humanitarian organization(s) in CVA and livelihood programming preferably with IDPs and returnees related programmes, or project management in relief and recovery programmes.

• At least 2 years’ experience in an international NGO preferably in an emergency or post-conflict setting.

• Experience with and knowledge of national Livelihood strategy and Humanitarian principles and standards.

• Analytic and computer skills, including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, design packages.

• Demonstrated commitment to principles of gender, equity, diversity, inclusion and PSHEA (safeguarding) through programming experience.

• TOT or any training in Cash and Vouchers Programming is a plus.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

GEDSI (GENDER, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION)

• Support the organization’s commitment to age and gender inclusive team building process

• Promote an inclusive and equitable workplace culture

• Increase staff knowledge of GEDSI

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.

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. 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

• Register using THIS LINK

• 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: 16 December 2023/ 4:00 PM