Vacancies at Mercy Corps

Program / Department Summary:

With funding from USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), Mercy Corps is leading a consortium of Kenyan and International partners in implementation of Nutrition in ASALs Within Integrated Resilience Institutions (Nawiri) program, a $145 million (USD) Resilience Food Security Activity (2019 – 2027), which aims to sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition in Turkana and Samburu Counties of Kenya.

Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership, learning, and co-creation, the program takes a robust county-centered design with government leadership, active engagement from communities, the private sector, and civil society. During phase I of the program, USAID Nawiri commissioned various studies to improve understanding of the complexities and interplay of the causalities contributing to persistent acute malnutrition in the two Counties. The evidence generated from the studies informed the design of the program interventions with the aim of strengthening nutrition resilience of individuals, households, and local communities by bridging critical knowledge gaps and transforming practices.

The Mercy Corps - led consortium consists of Save the Children, Research Triangle Institute (RTI), the BOMA Project, African Population & Health Research Center (APHRC), Caritas Lodwar and other local implementing partners bringing together global leadership, research capacity, technical expertise, and implementation experience necessary to partner with local institutions to test, adapt, and scale evidence-based solutions. Together we will sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition for vulnerable populations in Turkana and Samburu Counties.

General Position Summary

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. This is achieved through coordinated implementation of the organizations’ Safeguarding Policies and Safeguarding Core Standards. Mercy Corps further recognizes the importance of community engagement, openness and accountability which is reflected in the organization's Community Accountability Reporting Mechanism (CARM) Policy, which is an essential part of Mercy Corps’ commitment to excellence and integrity. It gives individuals, organizations and local groups a means of raising concerns or sharing feedback (positive and negative) with Mercy Corps, independently from program operations.

Under the supervision of the Field Director, the Safeguarding and CARM Officer will work on establishing and strengthening the accountability system for the Nawiri program in Mercy Corps Kenya. S/he will be managing day-to-day accountability feedback mechanisms that includes handling of beneficiary feedback and building a feedback loop into adaptive program management. S/he will be responsible for implementing Safeguarding prevention initiatives and facilitating the integration of safeguarding across different functions in the program. She/he will lead the implementation of safeguarding and CARM activities in the two Counties and will be responsible for internal and/or external referrals, compiling reports on processed feedback and providing recommendations to the program for improving timely response.

Essential Responsibilities 

SAFEGUARDING PREVENTION

• Facilitate safeguarding training and capacity building sessions for program staff, partners, short-term workers, contractors, vendors, and consultants; in collaboration with the Mercy Corps Country PaQ Manager/ Country Safeguarding Focal point, Country CARM Officer, Safeguarding champions, and the Ethics Assurance Manager.

• Facilitate and coordinate awareness and sensitization sessions for program participants and community members on Mercy Corps Safeguarding commitment in collaboration with safeguarding champions.
• Support in conducting Safeguarding and CARM induction for newly recruited program staff, volunteers, local implementing partners organizations, stakeholders and partners including Safeguarding Champions and CARM focal points from the sub – field offices in collaboration with the PaQ Team.
• support in the Country Focal Points in updating the County Programs Safeguarding risk analysis and mitigation plans in collaboration with the Mercy Corps Country PaQ Manager/Safeguarding Focal point, CARM Officer, Nawiri Gender, Youth and Social Dynamics Lead and Gender officers.
• Provide technical support and oversight of Safeguarding Champions and CARM focal points in sub – field offices.
• Work with the Country PaQ Manager/ Safeguarding Focal Point, Country CARM Officer and Communications Advisor to develop safeguarding / CARM IEC materials; including translation to local languages.
• Ensure availability and dissemination of safeguarding / CARM IEC materials in all strategic implementation areas in collaboration with the Safeguarding Champions and CARM focal points.
• Consolidate and report the program face to face feedback, including feedback logged in issue logs and in suggestion boxes and share it with the Country CARM Officer for log-in into the Country CARM Database.
• Share monthly and bi-monthly safeguarding and CARM dashboard reports, learnings and discuss areas of adaptions the program teams and partners.

SAFEGUARDING MAINSTREAMING

• Facilitate the implementation of the Safeguarding Core Standards in collaboration with the Mercy Corps Country PaQ Manager/ Safeguarding Focal point, Country CARM Officer, Safeguarding champions, and the Ethics Assurance Manager
• Act as an ambassador for Safeguarding/CARM at all times.
• Ensure safeguarding/protection issues are integrated in program design and implementation by sharing protection and safeguarding concerns with relevant program team members and technical leads.
• Conduct supervision and monitoring visits to program implementation sites to ensure safeguarding/CARM implementation and adoption is in place.
• Maintain accurate records of the number of staff, partners, volunteers, contractors, vendors, consultants, and other parties trained in safeguarding and child protection and submit the same to the PaQ Manager/Safeguarding Focal Point and Country CARM Officer.
• Support staff to take proactive steps to ensure that all program activities identify and mitigate the potential risks.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT CARM SYSTEM AND TOOLS

• Support implementation of community accountability reporting mechanisms to capture feedback from program participants, community, and stakeholders, including complaint handling mechanisms and data management systems in line with the approved Country CARM SoP.
• Communicate and disseminate feedback/complaints standard operating procedures, policies, and tools as appropriate to program participants, program staff and other stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records of feedback received and actions taken in response to feedback.
• Support MEL and program teams in utilizing the community accountability and reporting mechanisms to advance learning and adaptation.
• Conduct regular analysis of feedback received from in program participants, community, and stakeholders to identify trends, issues and areas of improvement.
• Develop and implement capacity building initiatives for staff and partners on community accountability and reporting mechanisms in collaboration with the Country CARM Officer and PaQ Manager.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders such as community representatives, local authorities, and other partners to promote the use of the community accountability mechanism.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of all the feedback channels (both for MCK and partners) by evaluating the community level of awareness on CARM at relevant frequency and incorporate findings into revised approaches in collaboration with the Country CARM Officer and PaQ Manager.
• Follow-up with relevant stakeholders on agreed upon system corrections, adjustments, and actions, informing, and strategizing with the PaQ Manager and Country CARM Officer.
• In collaboration with program teams develop program specific strategies to provide beneficiaries, communities, partners and stakeholders with available information on CARM and feedback channels throughout the program cycle with clear repartition of tasks.
• Organize CARM technical meetings to discuss emerging issues and adjust the system based on evidence from the field.
• Ensure visibility of the CARM system within the organization, community, partners and stakeholders.
• Develop training materials and conduct accountability related training in collaboration with the Country CARM Officer and PaQ Manager.

REPORTING

• Provide timely feedback to safeguarding co-investigator, Country CARM Officer, the program participants and stakeholders, whenever required.
• Work with Country PaQ Manager/Safeguarding Focal Point, CARM Officer, Safeguarding Co-Investigator and Regional Safeguarding Advisor to ensure timely feedback on concerns raised by communities regarding program activities to program teams and Mercy.
• Ensure CARM Monthly Dashboard and Bi-Monthly Narrative reports are shared with relevant stakeholders including, safeguarding champions and CARM focal points, program team members, partners and other stakeholders at the County level.
• Communicate with the safeguarding focal point after a disclosure to ensure an appropriate referral is made, when needed.

STAFF TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

• Develop CARM training modules that help staff and partners understand the importance of a feedback mechanism, how to use it and how to respond to feedback.
• Conduct training and awareness sessions for staff and partners to ensure they understand safeguarding and CARM and how to report effectively.
• Work with staff and partners to ensure that safeguarding and CARM activities are implemented correctly, and feedback is routinely collected during implementation of activities.
• Promote compliance with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) commitments and quality criteria in programs.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COORDINATION

• Discuss and review lessons learned with the program teams, CLA Coordinator, Mercy Corps Country PaQ Manager/Safeguarding Focal Point and Country CARM Officer and on a monthly and/or quarterly basis.
• Coordinating with program Field director, Deputy Field Director, Field Coordinators, M&E Coordinator, and other relevant staff to ensure that CARM feedback is integrated into program design, monitoring and evaluation.
• Liaise with the grants and PaQ team to assess partner feedback mechanism identify strengths, gaps, and capacity of implementing partner feedback mechanism at due diligence stage.
• Closely work with partners, government agencies, private business/enterprise, and other stakeholders to ensure they are aligned with requirements and expectations cited in the CARM policy.
• Establish strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders that ensure CARM is meeting the needs of program participants aligned with expectations of stakeholders.
• Ensure coordination and working relationships with CARM counterparts in other relevant international NGOs, and local NGOs and associations whenever necessary.

CODE OF CONDUCT

• Ensure all field and office-based activities are organized and conducted in compliance to the humanitarian principles and in a dignified way.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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: No direct supervisory responsibility. The safeguarding and CARM officers provide technical support to Nawiri safeguarding champions, CARM focal point and other program staff. Operational and technical oversight of field-based activities is undertaken by Field Director, Deputy Field Director, and Sub – Field Office Program Managers.

Accountability:

 Reports Directly To: Field Director with strong dotted line to the Country CARM Officer and Country Safeguarding Focal Point.

Works Directly With: Deputy Field Director, Sub – Field Office Program Managers, Partnership and Capacity Building Manager, Safeguarding Co-Investigator, Safeguarding Champions, CARM Focal Points, County – level Purpose Area Leads, CLA Coordinators, MEL Coordinator, Program teams, People & Culture Team and Mercy Corps Country PaQ Manager, Country CARM Officer, Ethics Assurance Manager and Regional Safeguarding Advisor.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, law, education, communications, gender, international development or relevant field.
• At least four years of related work experience in safeguarding and/or child protection preferably with an international or local Non- Governmental Organization (NGO).
• Proven interest and commitment to humanitarian and development principles and a demonstrable understanding of conflict contexts and remote work.
• Knowledge in project management, monitoring and evaluation including experience with remote data collection, analysis, reporting and visualization concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to engage with program participants, stakeholders, and colleagues at all levels.
• Experience in working in multi-cultural and diverse environments with sensitivity to different cultures and customs.
• Proven track record of implementing feedback and complaints mechanisms in complex programs and projects while ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
• Excellent Computer skills: proficiency in MS Office package, some knowledge on data analysis and management would be an asset. Experience in creating and designing Power BI reports and dashboards.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex and sensitive information as well as coordinate and facilitate training to a wide and diverse audience.
• Experience in leading and managing teams.
• Ability to conduct assessment, excellent documentation and report writing skills are required.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili languages is required.

Success Factors

The successful Safeguarding and CARM Officer will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated attention to details, will be committed to working with Mercy Corps stakeholders regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, abilities, or gender. S/he will be highly motivated, and capable to work without direct supervision. Other factors include:

• The ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness and ability to quickly learn new information/concepts and implement them.
• Strong team player with initiative and positive attitude towards problem solving.
• A learning approach to work with excellent capacity building skills.
• Attention to detail and patience to double check data results.
• Self-starter, multi-tasker, solution-seeker, and innovator.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, always upholds confidentiality and self – accountability to Mercy Corps values.
• Respects and practices the values of non-discrimination, non-judgement, and inclusivity at all times.
• Willingness to travel to and work in hard-to-reach areas within the County.

go to method of application »

Programme / Department

Mercy Corps began working in Kenya in 2008 and has built a robust and diverse portfolio working to enable Kenyans affected by poverty, climate change, resource scarcity and conflict to be healthy, productive and to drive peace and development of their communities. To do this, we deliver integrated programming to strengthen market and governance systems, innovate urban youth employment opportunities, respond to climate-related shocks, address the root causes of conflict, and build the resilience of vulnerable populations - in particular youth, women, adolescents and marginalized communities.

Mercy Corps is seeking a Project Manager for Incentivizing Collective Action for Rangeland Regeneration (ICARR) program.  ICARR seeks to address climate change challenges in pastoralist communities by identifying and testing incentives for collective action to promote and improve natural resource management, livestock productivity, and livelihoods. ICARR has significant research and learning component, for which the Project Manager is ultimately responsible for, in conjunction with technical leads and M&E team members. The Project Manager will oversee the implementation of ICARR program activities in the target counties of Wajir and Garissa.

General Position Summary

The ICARR Project Manager, working under the supervisor of the Director of Programs and in conjunction with other relevant stakeholders, is responsible overall implementation of the ICARR program, including ensuring quality and impact of the interventions. S/he will ensure that the program is implemented on scope, time and budget. The Project Manager will liaise with a diversity of internal and external stakeholders throughout program implementation in order to ensure that the team is driving transformational change in the target counties. The position will require a strong technical understanding of resilience-building, natural resource management and livestock markets, especially within the ASAL counties of Kenya.

Essential Job Responsibilities

STRATEGY AND VISION

• Guide overall strategic and technical vision and drive the ICARR project’s innovative, evidence-based, adaptation approach.
• Ensure ICARR program vision, implementation modalities, and operational mechanisms are consistently communicated and internalized by all program team members, partners and stakeholders; facilitate program buy-in across partners and stakeholders.
• Contribute to and oversee ICARR’s robust research, learning and adaptation agenda, working with relevant team members to integrate and advance learning, adaptation and advocacy within both the program and Mercy Corps more broadly.
• Ensure ICARR utilizes participatory approaches to intervention design and places communities as the lead in the management of their own resources.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Actively engage in regional learning agenda discussions both sharing ICARR’s experiences and reflecting on learning across the agency to apply to ICARR.
• In collaboration with relevant Mercy Corps team members, represent the program in key forums and donor meetings.
• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with relevant international and local agencies active in relevant technical fields, including donors, other organizations, local authorities and local partners. Attend relevant coordination forums to identify synergies.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for ICARR program activities, in partnership with key program stakeholders, including local and international partner organizations, local civil society organizations, local and national government officials, research institutions and universities, other international agencies on the ground, and key donors.
• Lead team to adaptively manage interventions and approaches and not just implement a workplan as-is.
• Ensure programme implementation is on time, target, and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts, and develop mechanisms for targeted research to inform programme design and implementation.
• Manage and oversee program activities in the selected counties working in close collaboration with key project stakeholders, including local government officials, community-based organizations, researchers and other implementing agencies on the ground.
• Manage, Inform and actively participate in pause and reflect sessions, sense-making workshops and ongoing program adaptations; ensure program data is used for learning and decision making.
• Ensure procurement needs are identified and processes started early to prevent implementation delays.
• Ensure the synthesis and professional presentation of program progress and learnings to government and donor stakeholders.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Lead in the structuring of team roles and responsibilities for the delivery of cohesive program interventions, oversee their activities and provide continuous technical support, capacity building, and quality assurance.
• Oversee performance of any partners, sub-grantees, and contractors. Provide team members and implementing partners with information, tools and other resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Regularly coordinate with program staff and support departments to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• 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.

OPERATIONS MANGAGEMENT

• Oversee the smooth flow of routine program support functions (e.g., finance, administration, logistics) in relation to ICARR and ensure compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Ensure that any procurement is completed, documented, and delivered to end-user in a timely manner, ensuring that items procured meet the specifications of the end-user while adhering to donor and Mercy Corps procurement guidelines.
• Oversee database and paper file management for program files in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
• Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

 MONITORING & EVALUATION (M&E) AND REPORTING

• Work closely with the program MEL team members to ensure that effective M&E systems and processes are embedded within the program implementation unit and that data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform ongoing adaptation of program strategies and delivery approaches.
• Assess and analyze impact and adaptively manage the program to meet results.
• Oversee the scheduling and production of formal and informal reports and work plans on all aspects of programme delivery in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ensure learning is blended back into program implementation, creating a cycle of adaptation and program improvement.

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 AND PARTNERS

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and partners 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

• Direct supervision of all team members and consultants within the ICARR program.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director of Programs

Works Directly with: Country Director, Operations Director, Finance Director, Director of Evidence and Learning, Regional Livestock Programme Director and relevant Program Managers, PAQ team, local implementing partners

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as sociology, community development, agricultural economics, natural resources/rangelands management etc. Master’s degree in similar field is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading interventions in these fields above, including governance approaches. Knowledge of market system development approaches beneficial.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant management experience required, including 4 years in a senior management position.
• Experience within the Arid and Semi-Arid lands required. Experience in NE Kenya beneficial.
• Sound understanding of financial, procurement, administration, and logistics management systems, including remote management.
• Experience coordinating multiple activities, developing synergies and creating opportunities for collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in team building and team coordination for achieving program goals.
• Demonstrated experience in participatory approaches and adaptive management. Strong commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.
• Experience working with host governments at the national and sub-national level, INGOs and national NGOs and familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, and other NGOs.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; detail-oriented; and possessing an ability to anticipate program and operational needs.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment and to a diverse group of national and international staff.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Persuasive written and oral communication in English and Swahili required, competency in another relevant local language beneficial.

go to method of application »

Programme / Department

Mercy Corps began working in Kenya in 2008 and has built a robust and diverse portfolio working to enable Kenyans affected by poverty, climate change, resource scarcity and conflict to be healthy, productive and to drive peace and development of their communities. To do this, we deliver integrated programming to strengthen market and governance systems, innovate urban youth employment opportunities, respond to climate-related shocks, address the root causes of conflict, and build the resilience of vulnerable populations - in particular youth, women, adolescents and marginalized communities.

Mercy Corps is seeking a Project Manager for Incentivizing Collective Action for Rangeland Regeneration (ICARR) program.  ICARR seeks to address climate change challenges in pastoralist communities by identifying and testing incentives for collective action to promote and improve natural resource management, livestock productivity, and livelihoods. ICARR has significant research and learning component, for which the Project Manager is ultimately responsible for, in conjunction with technical leads and M&E team members. The Project Manager will oversee the implementation of ICARR program activities in the target counties of Wajir and Garissa.

General Position Summary

The ICARR Project Manager, working under the supervisor of the Director of Programs and in conjunction with other relevant stakeholders, is responsible overall implementation of the ICARR program, including ensuring quality and impact of the interventions. S/he will ensure that the program is implemented on scope, time and budget. The Project Manager will liaise with a diversity of internal and external stakeholders throughout program implementation in order to ensure that the team is driving transformational change in the target counties. The position will require a strong technical understanding of resilience-building, natural resource management and livestock markets, especially within the ASAL counties of Kenya.

Essential Job Responsibilities

STRATEGY AND VISION

• Guide overall strategic and technical vision and drive the ICARR project’s innovative, evidence-based, adaptation approach.
• Ensure ICARR program vision, implementation modalities, and operational mechanisms are consistently communicated and internalized by all program team members, partners and stakeholders; facilitate program buy-in across partners and stakeholders.
• Contribute to and oversee ICARR’s robust research, learning and adaptation agenda, working with relevant team members to integrate and advance learning, adaptation and advocacy within both the program and Mercy Corps more broadly.
• Ensure ICARR utilizes participatory approaches to intervention design and places communities as the lead in the management of their own resources.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Actively engage in regional learning agenda discussions both sharing ICARR’s experiences and reflecting on learning across the agency to apply to ICARR.
• In collaboration with relevant Mercy Corps team members, represent the program in key forums and donor meetings.
• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with relevant international and local agencies active in relevant technical fields, including donors, other organizations, local authorities and local partners. Attend relevant coordination forums to identify synergies.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for ICARR program activities, in partnership with key program stakeholders, including local and international partner organizations, local civil society organizations, local and national government officials, research institutions and universities, other international agencies on the ground, and key donors.
• Lead team to adaptively manage interventions and approaches and not just implement a workplan as-is.
• Ensure programme implementation is on time, target, and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts, and develop mechanisms for targeted research to inform programme design and implementation.
• Manage and oversee program activities in the selected counties working in close collaboration with key project stakeholders, including local government officials, community-based organizations, researchers and other implementing agencies on the ground.
• Manage, Inform and actively participate in pause and reflect sessions, sense-making workshops and ongoing program adaptations; ensure program data is used for learning and decision making.
• Ensure procurement needs are identified and processes started early to prevent implementation delays.
• Ensure the synthesis and professional presentation of program progress and learnings to government and donor stakeholders.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Lead in the structuring of team roles and responsibilities for the delivery of cohesive program interventions, oversee their activities and provide continuous technical support, capacity building, and quality assurance.
• Oversee performance of any partners, sub-grantees, and contractors. Provide team members and implementing partners with information, tools and other resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Regularly coordinate with program staff and support departments to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• 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.

OPERATIONS MANGAGEMENT

• Oversee the smooth flow of routine program support functions (e.g., finance, administration, logistics) in relation to ICARR and ensure compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Ensure that any procurement is completed, documented, and delivered to end-user in a timely manner, ensuring that items procured meet the specifications of the end-user while adhering to donor and Mercy Corps procurement guidelines.
• Oversee database and paper file management for program files in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
• Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

 MONITORING & EVALUATION (M&E) AND REPORTING

• Work closely with the program MEL team members to ensure that effective M&E systems and processes are embedded within the program implementation unit and that data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform ongoing adaptation of program strategies and delivery approaches.
• Assess and analyze impact and adaptively manage the program to meet results.
• Oversee the scheduling and production of formal and informal reports and work plans on all aspects of programme delivery in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ensure learning is blended back into program implementation, creating a cycle of adaptation and program improvement.

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 AND PARTNERS

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and partners 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

• Direct supervision of all team members and consultants within the ICARR program.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director of Programs

Works Directly with: Country Director, Operations Director, Finance Director, Director of Evidence and Learning, Regional Livestock Programme Director and relevant Program Managers, PAQ team, local implementing partners

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as sociology, community development, agricultural economics, natural resources/rangelands management etc. Master’s degree in similar field is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading interventions in these fields above, including governance approaches. Knowledge of market system development approaches beneficial.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant management experience required, including 4 years in a senior management position.
• Experience within the Arid and Semi-Arid lands required. Experience in NE Kenya beneficial.
• Sound understanding of financial, procurement, administration, and logistics management systems, including remote management.
• Experience coordinating multiple activities, developing synergies and creating opportunities for collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in team building and team coordination for achieving program goals.
• Demonstrated experience in participatory approaches and adaptive management. Strong commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.
• Experience working with host governments at the national and sub-national level, INGOs and national NGOs and familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, and other NGOs.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; detail-oriented; and possessing an ability to anticipate program and operational needs.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment and to a diverse group of national and international staff.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Persuasive written and oral communication in English and Swahili required, competency in another relevant local language beneficial.

go to method of application »

General Position Summary

The Program Officer is a key member of the program team and will report to the County Coordinator in their respective counties of operation. She/he will support the program team in the day-to-day implementation of activities in pursuit of program goals.

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Work with the County Coordinator and consortium partners to support all relevant aspects of RANGE implementation in pursuit of the program goals and outcomes.
• Provide updates and analysis of key developments in targeted thematic areas or geographies.
• Identify needs and opportunities and provide relevant information to facilitate the program team’s ability to develop and implement activities.
• Under the direction of the County Coordinator, develop and maintain relationships with organizations/ actors in key target sectors (e.g. faith organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, CBOs/local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), local government officials, etc.).

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• Work with the monitoring and evaluation team and partners in program monitoring, evaluation and learning with:
• Support with tracking partners’ activities – attending all events in the targeted counties, as relevant.
• Support partners on activity-level M&E efforts, ensuring quality, reliability, and consistency in data collection efforts using program M&E templates.
• Help identify lessons learned from project implementation and facilitate the incorporation of those lessons into the activity development cycle.
• Meet regularly with the program team to evaluate project progress, identify successes, challenges and lessons-learned; and adjust practices as necessary to improve performance.
• Prepare and submit to the program team reports of specific events, field trips and meetings attended.
• Support the team in effectively utilizing established monitoring and evaluation formats and provide feedback for their improvement.
• Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Program Assistants

Accountability

Reports Directly to: County Coordinator

Works Directly with: RANGE Program Manager, Director of Programs, PAQ Department, Partner Staff, Technical Advisors

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, livestock market systems, community development or appropriate social science discipline or related field, preferred
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in implementing natural resource management, livestock market systems and/or related projects.
• Highly developed analytical skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with the diverse project stakeholders, including goverment officials, priviate sector actors, and community members
• Experience in project monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills
• Previous experience living/working in Kenya’s ASAL counties required
• Good knowledge and skills with the of MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access
• Fluency in Swahili and other relevant languages necessary

go to method of application »

General Position Summary

The Program Officer is a key member of the program team and will report to the County Coordinator in their respective counties of operation. She/he will support the program team in the day-to-day implementation of activities in pursuit of program goals.

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Work with the County Coordinator and consortium partners to support all relevant aspects of RANGE implementation in pursuit of the program goals and outcomes.
• Provide updates and analysis of key developments in targeted thematic areas or geographies.
• Identify needs and opportunities and provide relevant information to facilitate the program team’s ability to develop and implement activities.
• Under the direction of the County Coordinator, develop and maintain relationships with organizations/ actors in key target sectors (e.g. faith organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, CBOs/local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), local government officials, etc.).

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• Work with the monitoring and evaluation team and partners in program monitoring, evaluation and learning with:
• Support with tracking partners’ activities – attending all events in the targeted counties, as relevant.
• Support partners on activity-level M&E efforts, ensuring quality, reliability, and consistency in data collection efforts using program M&E templates.
• Help identify lessons learned from project implementation and facilitate the incorporation of those lessons into the activity development cycle.
• Meet regularly with the program team to evaluate project progress, identify successes, challenges and lessons-learned; and adjust practices as necessary to improve performance.
• Prepare and submit to the program team reports of specific events, field trips and meetings attended.
• Support the team in effectively utilizing established monitoring and evaluation formats and provide feedback for their improvement.
• Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Program Assistants

Accountability

Reports Directly to: County Coordinator

Works Directly with: RANGE Program Manager, Director of Programs, PAQ Department, Partner Staff, Technical Advisors

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, livestock market systems, community development or appropriate social science discipline or related field, preferred
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in implementing natural resource management, livestock market systems and/or related projects.
• Highly developed analytical skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with the diverse project stakeholders, including goverment officials, priviate sector actors, and community members
• Experience in project monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills
• Previous experience living/working in Kenya’s ASAL counties required
• Good knowledge and skills with the of MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access
• Fluency in Swahili and other relevant languages necessary

go to method of application »

General Position Summary

The Program Officer is a key member of the program team and will report to the County Coordinator in their respective counties of operation. She/he will support the program team in the day-to-day implementation of activities in pursuit of program goals.

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Work with the County Coordinator and consortium partners to support all relevant aspects of RANGE implementation in pursuit of the program goals and outcomes.
• Provide updates and analysis of key developments in targeted thematic areas or geographies.
• Identify needs and opportunities and provide relevant information to facilitate the program team’s ability to develop and implement activities.
• Under the direction of the County Coordinator, develop and maintain relationships with organizations/ actors in key target sectors (e.g. faith organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, CBOs/local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), local government officials, etc.).

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• Work with the monitoring and evaluation team and partners in program monitoring, evaluation and learning with:
• Support with tracking partners’ activities – attending all events in the targeted counties, as relevant.
• Support partners on activity-level M&E efforts, ensuring quality, reliability, and consistency in data collection efforts using program M&E templates.
• Help identify lessons learned from project implementation and facilitate the incorporation of those lessons into the activity development cycle.
• Meet regularly with the program team to evaluate project progress, identify successes, challenges and lessons-learned; and adjust practices as necessary to improve performance.
• Prepare and submit to the program team reports of specific events, field trips and meetings attended.
• Support the team in effectively utilizing established monitoring and evaluation formats and provide feedback for their improvement.
• Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Program Assistants

Accountability

Reports Directly to: County Coordinator

Works Directly with: RANGE Program Manager, Director of Programs, PAQ Department, Partner Staff, Technical Advisors

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, livestock market systems, community development or appropriate social science discipline or related field, preferred
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in implementing natural resource management, livestock market systems and/or related projects.
• Highly developed analytical skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with the diverse project stakeholders, including goverment officials, priviate sector actors, and community members
• Experience in project monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills
• Previous experience living/working in Kenya’s ASAL counties required
• Good knowledge and skills with the of MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access
• Fluency in Swahili and other relevant languages necessary

go to method of application »

General Position Summary

The RANGE County Coordinators, working under the supervision of the RANGE Program Manager, are responsible for the overall county-level planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of program activities. S/he will ensure all project initiatives are implemented to achieve maximum impact as per project objectives while remaining on schedule and budget. The County Coordinator directly manages the county-level staff and closely coordinates with staff from other RANGE partners and stakeholders on planning, implementation and layering of activities.

Essential Job Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide overall managerial leadership for RANGE activities at the county level, in partnership with key stakeholders.
• In conjunction with the Program Manager, develop county specific work plans and budgets while ensuring teams implement activities on time, within the approved budget, and project deliverables achieve desired impact.
• Lead effective coordination, collaboration and integration among all technical, support and project units, including consortium partners and other stakeholders within the county.
• Attend all quarterly project meetings as well as facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGOs, private sector and community partners to revise plans and promote partner acceptance/buy-in.
• Provide timely updates to the RANGE Program Manager and other stakeholders on progress and issues, identifying risks and proposing solutions for action and early resolution.
• Develop program risk matrix and update the same on an ad hoc and quarterly basis.
• Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.
• Ensure integration of all identified cross-cutting issues into project activities.

COUNTY GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT

• Act as the primary liaison with county and national government officials at the county level including representation and engagement.
• Identify county and national government departments relevant to RANGE and outline areas of synergies and collaboration.
• Conduct periodic presentations of project progress, challenges and lessons learned to county government department, assembly and partners.
• Organize periodic joint field visits with relevant government departments.
• Facilitate and ensure the participation of relevant county and national government departments in the implementation of the project. 

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Support in the structuring of team roles and responsibilities in the county of operation for the delivery of cohesive program interventions, oversee team members and provide continuous technical support, capacity building, and quality assurance.
• Provide team members and implementing partners with information, tools and other resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Regularly coordinate with program staff and support departments to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
• 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.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION  

• Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events at the county-level, in close coordination with the RANGE and Mercy Corps leadership.
• Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub grantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.

OPERATIONS MANGAGEMENT

• Oversee the smooth flow of routine program support functions (e.g., finance, administration, logistics) in relation to RANGE and ensure compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Ensure that any procurement is completed, documented, and delivered to end-user in a timely manner, ensuring that items procured meet the specifications of the end-user while adhering to donor and Mercy Corps procurement guidelines.
• Oversee database and paper file management for program files in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
• Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

MONITORING & EVALUATION (M&E) AND REPORTING

• Work closely with the program MEL team members to ensure that effective M&E systems and processes are embedded within the county-level program implementation unit and that data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform ongoing adaptation of program strategies and delivery approaches.
• Ensure learning is blended back into program implementation, creating a cycle of adaptation and program improvement.

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 AND PARTNERS

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and partners 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

• Program Officers / Program Assistants in target counties

Accountability

Reports Directly To: RANGE Program Manager

Works Directly with: Country Director, Director of Program, Operations Director, Finance Director, Program Managers, PAQ team, consortium partners, local implementing partners, donor stakeholders.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as natural resources/rangelands management, livestock production, agricultural economics, veterinary medicine, etc. Master’s degree qualification is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading interventions in these fields above, including utilizing market system development approaches.
• Specific experience in a) Livestock b) Natural Resource Management and/or c) Governance particularly beneficial
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in multi-sectoral programs, managing teams, strategic planning and implementing programs.
• Strong managerial skills, including effective personnel management, adaptive management, coordination and decision-making.
• Experience working within (and leading teams in) large, complex programs required.
• Sound understanding of financial, procurement, administration, and logistics management systems, including remote management.
• Experience coordinating multiple activities, developing synergies and creating opportunities for collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in team building and team coordination for achieving program goals.
• Strong commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.
• Experience working with host governments at the sub-national level, INGOs and national NGOs.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; detail-oriented; and possessing an ability to anticipate program and operational needs.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment and to a diverse group of national and international staff.
• Understanding of adaptive management and participatory methodologies for project design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Persuasive written and oral communication in English and Swahili required, competency in a relevant local language beneficial.
• Experience within the Arid and Semi-Arid lands required.

go to method of application »

General Position Summary

The Program Officer is a key member of the program team and will report to the ICARR Program Manager in their respective counties of operation (Wajir/Garissa). She/he will support the program team in the day-to-day implementation of activities in pursuit of program goals.

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Work with the ICARR Program Manager and other team members to support all relevant aspects of ICARR implementation in pursuit of the program goals and outcomes.
• Provide updates and analysis of key developments in targeted thematic areas or geographies.
• Identify needs and opportunities and provide relevant information to facilitate the program team’s ability to develop and implement activities.
• Under the direction of the ICARR Program Manager, develop and maintain relationships with organizations/ actors in key target sectors (e.g. faith organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, CBOs/local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), local government officials, etc.).

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• Work with the monitoring and evaluation team and partners in program monitoring, evaluation and learning with:
• Support with tracking partners’ activities – attending all events in the targeted counties, as relevant.
• Support partners on activity-level M&E efforts, ensuring quality, reliability, and consistency in data collection efforts using program M&E templates.
• Help identify lessons learned from project implementation and facilitate the incorporation of those lessons into the activity development cycle.
• Meet regularly with the program team to evaluate project progress, identify successes, challenges and lessons-learned; and adjust practices as necessary to improve performance.
• Prepare and submit to the program team reports of specific events, field trips and meetings attended.
• Support the team in effectively utilizing established monitoring and evaluation formats and provide feedback for their improvement.
• Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibility

• N/A

Accountability

Reports Directly to: ICARR Program Manager

Works Directly with: Other ICARR team members, PAQ Department, Partner Staff, Technical Advisors

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, livestock market systems, community development or appropriate social science discipline or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in implementing natural resource management, livestock market systems and/or related projects.
• Highly developed analytical skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with the diverse project stakeholders, including government officials, private sector actors, and community members.
• Experience in project monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Previous experience living/working in Kenya’s ASAL counties required.
• Good knowledge and skills with the of MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access.
• Fluency in Swahili and other relevant languages necessary.

go to method of application »

General Position Summary

The Program Officer is a key member of the program team and will report to the ICARR Program Manager in their respective counties of operation (Wajir/Garissa). She/he will support the program team in the day-to-day implementation of activities in pursuit of program goals.

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Work with the ICARR Program Manager and other team members to support all relevant aspects of ICARR implementation in pursuit of the program goals and outcomes.
• Provide updates and analysis of key developments in targeted thematic areas or geographies.
• Identify needs and opportunities and provide relevant information to facilitate the program team’s ability to develop and implement activities.
• Under the direction of the ICARR Program Manager, develop and maintain relationships with organizations/ actors in key target sectors (e.g. faith organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, CBOs/local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), local government officials, etc.).

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• Work with the monitoring and evaluation team and partners in program monitoring, evaluation and learning with:
• Support with tracking partners’ activities – attending all events in the targeted counties, as relevant.
• Support partners on activity-level M&E efforts, ensuring quality, reliability, and consistency in data collection efforts using program M&E templates.
• Help identify lessons learned from project implementation and facilitate the incorporation of those lessons into the activity development cycle.
• Meet regularly with the program team to evaluate project progress, identify successes, challenges and lessons-learned; and adjust practices as necessary to improve performance.
• Prepare and submit to the program team reports of specific events, field trips and meetings attended.
• Support the team in effectively utilizing established monitoring and evaluation formats and provide feedback for their improvement.
• Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibility

• N/A

Accountability

Reports Directly to: ICARR Program Manager

Works Directly with: Other ICARR team members, PAQ Department, Partner Staff, Technical Advisors

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, livestock market systems, community development or appropriate social science discipline or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in implementing natural resource management, livestock market systems and/or related projects.
• Highly developed analytical skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with the diverse project stakeholders, including government officials, private sector actors, and community members.
• Experience in project monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Previous experience living/working in Kenya’s ASAL counties required.
• Good knowledge and skills with the of MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access.
• Fluency in Swahili and other relevant languages necessary.