Innovation Project Manager at Mercy Corps

The Position

If you’re interested in designing and launching innovative and impactful tech solutions in Africa (and beyond), then this is the role that will let you work closely with the most exciting start-ups on the continent. This is the role for you if: 

• You are passionate about deploying innovative technology as a force for good in emerging markets
• You are passionate about solutions that support underserved users to build financial resilience and climate resilience
• You have spent 4+ years working in emerging markets in a strategy, consulting, business development / partnerships, or product design capacity
• You appreciate the pace and disruption of working at, and with, startups, while leading with rigor and structure to ensure smooth delivery
• You are an independent project manager, with a strong record of managing complex projects and delivering insights
• You are just getting started on your crypto journey, or eager to dive deeper into the growing Web3 ecosystem

The purpose of this role is to lead pilot implementation with our partner organizations across emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. You will work alongside the Mercy Corps Ventures team to develop a pilot strategy and with our pilot partners to develop a pilot plan, project management materials, impact measurement framework and more, for each engagement. You will provide management, administrative and operational support for pilots and be responsible for pilot management, partnership development, impact management, and reporting. You will be a champion of entrepreneurial solutions to the toughest global challenges and be motivated to develop expertise in emerging technologies and business models. Additionally, you will support new pilot design by conducting research on new use cases and speaking with potential partners, while also generating thought leadership on new solutions.  

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day pilot operations, including, but not limited to, developing pilot work plans and impact frameworks, and supporting procurement and budgeting processes. Delivering on pilot objectives within scope and budget.
• Prepare articles and presentations outlining the pilot launch and insights for external audiences and events
• Supports the development of new pilots (including managing partnerships, conducting research and preparing briefs) and leads implementation efforts
• Supports the development and continuous improvement of pilot processes and systems
• Explore new pilot opportunities by conducting thought leadership and sourcing new partners
• Provides thought leadership and training within a defined subject or program area
• Develops and presents alternative approaches/options to various needs and situations
• Ensures pilot objectives are met and managed to established timelines and budgets
• Provide support for other key projects as needed.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• 4+ years of relevant career experience in a startup, technology company, management consulting, investment banking, investing, international development or similar sectors
• Strong project management experience leading complex engagements with multiple stakeholders
• Strategic thinker capable of extracting and structuring valuable insights to share with the wider ecosystem
• Extensive work experience in emerging markets and startups; particular interest in social entrepreneurship and digital financial solutions, climate tech, inclusion and innovation
• Familiarity with impact measurement and management concepts
• As the pilots are focused on crypto and Web3, we expect interest in and willingness to learn more about crypto and Web3 topics (expertise not required)
• Ability to remotely manage and coordinate with stakeholders and implementers
• Written and oral fluency in English required; additional competency in French preferred