Emergency Response Officer - Lokichar AND Lokitaung at Mercy Corps

The Position

Working closely with the Emergency Response Advisor, and other USAID Nawiri staff, the Emergency Response Officer will support in the coordination and implementation of the drought response programme in Samburu and Turkana Counties  County. S/he will work with the USAID Nawiri consortium partners and other stakeholders including relevant government departments, private sector actors, local leaders, and communities to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the drought response programme. The Emergency Response Officer will support to strengthen smooth implementation of emergency drought response components that include unconditional cash transfers, market systems, and improved access and utilization of Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM). The position will be responsible for implementation of daily program activities and support to program staff, ensuring appropriate systems and mechanisms are in place to track, analyze and report on results as well as engagement with other programme components to support the implementation of an integrated response.

Essential Responsibilities

STRATEGY & VISION

• Support the Emergency Response Advisor to implement Nawiri’s shock responsive and nutrition resilient emergency response in the context of drought (primarily) and other emergencies if they arise and are aligned to Nawiri’s vision
• To support in the implementation of a collaborative and co-created emergency response program informed by assessments and evidence of gaps and opportunities that leverage Nawiri’s goal
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed

 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Support the program team in implementation of the emergency response.
• In collaboration with the Emergency Response Advisor and the monitoring and evaluation team, support the development of strong data collection and monitoring & evaluation plans within each component.
• Attend response coordination meetings providing feedback and analysis to Emergency Response Advisor, highlighting emerging issues and make recommendations for implications better programme delivery.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
• Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to established vulnerability criteria.
• Develop program implementation plans in consultation with the Emergency Response Advisor, including response to Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CARM) issues, beneficiary targeting and cash disbursement process.
• Ensure program implementation is on time and target using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
• Work with other program staff to ensure that field experiences are documented and used for learning and to advocate on behalf of the communities with which we work.
• Provide accurate routine reports, document results and maintain detailed records of program activities
• Support the Mercy Corps Kenya Office with Emergency Preparedness Planning
• Fulfill Mercy Corps Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
• Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.

TEAM MANAGEMENT 

• Contribute to county team-building efforts, create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback.
• Support to induct and guide team members as necessary.
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

 FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

• In consultation with the Emergency Response Advisor, create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.
• Build and/or maintain operational systems that ensure proper administrative support for programs.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.

SECURITY 

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, disaster management, Nutrition or equivalent qualifications.
• At least 5 years’ progressive experience in project/programme management preferably in a humanitarian context.
• A good understanding of integrated programming, multi-sectoral programming, linking humanitarian and long-term development work.
• Good inter-personal skills and being able to effectively to work with a diverse team of internal and external partners.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven record of working with relevant government departments, private sector and communities.
• Excellent organizational skills, including forward planning and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to be flexible and achieve results in a fast-moving environment.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili. Knowledge of local language is an added advantage.
• Demonstratable experience of integrating gender and diversity into programme work.
• Previous working experience in Arid and Semi-arid Land (ASAL) counties is desirable,
• Knowledge of SPHERE and other humanitarian programming standards.
• Knowledge on cash programming, gender & nutrition in in emergencies and application across sectoral interventions is