Job Openings at Mercy Corps

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps began working in Kenya in 2009 to address the societal wounds following the 2007 post-election violence. Since that time, Mercy Corps has built a robust and diverse portfolio in Kenya that is working to address structural causes of poverty and injustice and to strengthen systems that enable men, women and children to access opportunities, participate in and contribute to peaceful democratic processes, and thrive in the face of ecological and social change. To do this, we deliver integrated programming to strengthen market and governance systems, address the root causes of conflict, and equip vulnerable populations- in particular youth, women, adolescents and marginalized social groups- with the skills, opportunities and resources they need to be healthy, productive and to drive the development of their communities. Working with a diverse base of donors that includes the UK Department for International Development (DFID), European Commission (EC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United States Department of State (USDS), Google.org, MasterCard Foundation, Coca Cola Africa Foundation, and Nike Foundation, Mercy Corps empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good. We work closely with the private sector, civil society and governance structures at local and national levels to facilitate change and ensure that opportunities are inclusive of all Kenyans.

General Position Summary

The Mercy Corps Kenya Country Director is an innovative and visionary leader responsible for resourcefully managing all programming in Kenya to deliver impact, harness innovative solutions and influence lasting and systemic change. Building on a strong foundation of programming that has improved the lives of more than 650,000 Kenyans, s/he will continue to oversee the delivery of high-impact, multi-sector programming that is accountable to both beneficiaries and donors. Placing a high value on innovative solutions to development issues and creative partnerships, s/he will position Mercy Corps to access funding opportunities that strategically connect programs into a cohesive country portfolio, guided by a long-term strategy. With a total budget of approximately $20 million, the Country Director has full supervisory responsibility for the country team, and is responsible for building a cohesive team that works together to deliver high-impact programming across the country.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Communicate a clear and compelling vision of Mercy Corps' strategy for Kenya to inspire team members, donors, government stakeholders and partners to support the country objectives and development.
• Build strategic partnerships and relationships to achieve the vision outlined in the country strategy.
• Set direction for the country team by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve the objectives outlined in the country strategy.
• Lead country strategy development and annual country planning using a collaborative process.
• Leverage headquarters and regional technical support teams to support program design and delivery in line with Mercy Corps' best practices.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcome. Remain current with development thinking, including adaptive management, systems thinking, complexity, social impact, value for money, etc.
• Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.

Team Management

• Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and support career  development.
• Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• 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.
• 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.
• Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary. Ensure that staff onboarding is timely, comprehensive and consistent

Program Operations Management

• Apply Mercy Corps' M&E principles and framework to programs and ensure the country's overall strategy includes effective, timely reporting systems for all donors.
• Ensure effective, transparent use of resources in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies/procedures.
• Oversee budget management of sub-grantees/sub-contractors, if applicable.
• Build and maintain operational systems that ensure proper administrative support for programs, as well as segregation of duties between finance and operations.
• 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.
• Support country teams to improve data collection, management, and use to build a culture of adaptive management, high-quality program performance, and learning.

Finance & Compliance Management

• Coordinate overall country budget; manage budget within approved spending levels and establish an annual cash flow plan to ensure a steady and adequate supply of funds for program activities.
• Build and maintain operational structures that ensure proper segregation of duties between finance, administration and logistics and fully support field programs.
• Build and maintain an environment of collaboration among program, finance, operations and human resource team members resulting in optimal support for program activities.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, on target and on budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
• 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 programming.
• Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.
• Work with auditors to facilitate their work and then work with the country team to make changes based on their findings and recommendations.

Influence & Representation

• Represent Mercy Corps programs with national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with internal and external constituents such as private partners, consortium partners, local governments, foundations, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
• Anticipate needs, understand donor pool and contribute to shaping donor's views on development.
• Explore, evaluate and present innovative funding opportunities that support the objectives for the country as a whole.
• Demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure.
• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.
• Exhibit awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

Security

• Liaise with the VP of Operations, Regional Program Director, and Africa Security Advisor on crucial events, high-risk periods, and incident reporting and security policy changes.
• Manage security and safety of the entire country team and Mercy Corps assets according to best practices, MC operating standards and field realities.
• Ensure the safety and security of staff members through regular review and adaptation of security protocols and procedures including the country security plan. Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

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 towards 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.

Supervisory Responsibility: 9 direct (BRACED Program Director, Chief of Party LMS, PEACE III Program Director, EUTF Program Manager, Google Impact Labs Program Manager, Operations Manager, Finance Director, Human Resources Manager, Program Quality and Learning Manager) and 100 indirect staff.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Deputy Regional Program Director

Works Directly With:, HQ-based Program, Operations, Finance, Compliance, Fundraising and Technical Support Unit; Staff involved in multi-country and complex programming (based in Uganda, Ethiopia, Jordan, etc.)

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/S or equivalent in relevant field required; MA/S preferred.
• 7-10 years of field experience in international relief and development programs, including demonstrable success in managing (large, complex, transitional) development programs.
• 5 years of senior-level leadership, capacity building and field management experience.
• Demonstrated success managing and bringing together a multi-cultural team with team members in multiple offices.
• Demonstrated success representing complex programmatic objectives to diverse stakeholders in order to position Mercy Corps as a strong implementer and thought-leader with donors, development partners, government and other stakeholders.
• Successful and proven negotiation, communication and organization skills.
• Demonstrated experience multi-tasking and success in securing funding for country programs.
• Demonstrated success working effectively and respectfully with host country government,private sector, INGO, NGO partners and other stakeholders in complex environments.
• Proven skills in financial and grants management; prior experience with USAID, DFID, and other key donors preferred.
• Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
• Excellent oral and written English skills required; proficiency in Kiswahili is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
• Previous work experience in countries where travel to insecure areas is required, and management of programs in insecure locations.
• Capacity to respond to emergency and disaster situations as appropriate.

Success Factors

The successful Kenya CD will skillfully represent programmatic priorities of the agency to donors and regional partners while providing effective leadership to the Mercy Corps program team. S/he will have high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring skills and proven experience with capacity building and will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level. The role is a hands-on position and success will be determined by the level of direct engagement in program development, oversight of projects, fundraising for new projects and representing the agency to stakeholders. The successful CD should welcome multi-tasking and taking an active role in program design and overarching strategy. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The CD is based in the capital city - Nairobi. The location is accompanied and secure. Housing is family accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. There are many international schools in Kenya. Staff have a high degree of access to services (medical, electricity, water, etc). This position requires 35% travel by road and air to field offices in often insecure 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.

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Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps anticipates applying for funding for a five-year USAID Food for Peace Activity to support agriculturalists, agro-pastoralists, and pastoral households living in Northern Kenya. The program will be an integrated food security activity with a goal of achieving food security in the target counties in Kenya, through community level governance, preventing chronic malnutrition, sanitation and hygiene and sustainable livelihoods.

General Position Summary

The CoP will provide overall leadership, management and strategic vision to the implementation of a five-year, multi-million dollar USAID/Food for Peace funded Development Food Security Activity (DFSA). S/he will manage staff, resources and partnerships to ensure that the program meets its targets and deliverables on-time and within budget. The CoP will supervise program staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor rules and regulations. S/he will be the primary program representative to donors, relevant government entities, partners, other implementers and stakeholders.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Oversee the development of annual, integrated strategic work-plans for the program.
• Lead the development of a program-wide resilience-building framework to guide coordination and integrated implementation.

Program Management

• Oversee program start-up, management and administration. Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
• Lead the development of detailed implementation plans, flowing from annual strategic workplans, and ensure the delivery of the same.
• 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 beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to transparent criteria.
• Develop partnership frameworks, partner agreements/Memorandum of Understandings, and oversee partner capacity building.
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate. Certify all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps' Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
• Document processes and achievements to ensure best practices are captured and disseminated. This will include the continual re-evaluation of program activities and information, with resulting activity adjustments in keeping with new insights.
• Oversee efforts to design effective M&E systems for the program, and linkages with internal M&E systems.
• Create and follow effective stakeholder management plans, ensuring sound and proactive communications with Mercy Corps Kenya, partner organizations, Mercy Corps headquarters, USAID, Government of Kenya authorities, and colleague agencies.
• Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites – spend up to 50% of time in the field.
• Fulfill Mercy Corps' Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.

Team Management

• Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
• Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• 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.

Finance & Compliance Management

• In collaboration with the country program's operations and finance departments, ensure proper financial management, procurement, administration, human resources and logistics (including transport, warehousing and asset management) needs of the program are conducted within Mercy Corps' policy and with the maximum benefit to the program.
• Create and maintain systems to ensure effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with program, donor and Mercy Corps' needs.

Influence & Representation

• Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Country Director.
• Coordinate activities with consortium partners, subgrantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with communities and local government.

Security

• 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.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

DFSA Program Team

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Country Director

Works Directly With: Other CoPs or program managers in-country, finance and operations teams, HQ Regional Program Team, HQ Technical Support Unit

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/S or equivalent in development studies, international relations, agriculture, nutrition, public health, business administration, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years in international development programming with progressively increasing management responsibility with 5 years in a senior management positions.
• Proven leadership skills managing projects of a similar size and scope for USAID-funded activities required including ability to be accountable for all components of multi-sector programs. Preference for experience with Title II funded activities.
• Strong skills and a record of accomplishment in strategic visioning, leadership, and inspiring teams. Experience in adaptive management and learning techniques is highly encouraged.
• Demonstrated experience recruiting, developing, and managing staff, as well as experience managing programmatic and financial reporting. Preference for understanding of USAID/FFP compliance issues.
• Demonstrated ability to and prior experience of building and maintaining relationships with host governments, donors, stakeholders, colleague agencies, local organizations, and partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to influence with effective listening, persuasion, negotiation and other techniques required.
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to the importance of gender and youth issues in food security programming.
• Persuasive written and oral communication in English, including report writing.
• Experience in the Kenya or Horn of Africa preferable.

Success Factors

The successful CoP will combine exceptional management skills and experience in maintaining donor and partner relationships. S/he will have an outstanding ability to develop, implement and manage innovative programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams and capacity building, individual staff development, and strong mentoring skills. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The CoP is based in Nairobi with 50%+ travel to implementation areas. The location is accompanied and secure. Housing is individual accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. There are numerous International schools in Kenya. Staff have a relatively high degree of access to health and utility services (hospitals, clinics, electricity, water, etc). This position requires frequent travel by road and air to field offices in less secure environments, where basic amenities are lacking (no running water, and limited electricity without generators). This position is not eligible for hardship and/or R&R benefits.

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 Mercy Corps' 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.