Mercy Corps
ABOUT MERCY CORPS
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.
PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Partnerships and New Initiatives Manager will be the main support role of the Country office s leading the the development of new initiatives, managing partnerships and providing oversight and support to ensure donor compliance and quality reporting and filing for all active and future programs in Mercy Corps Ethiopia. The role will work closely with the PaQ team to ensure quality standards are in place and quality donor reporting systems. The new Initiatives and Grants Manager will assist in securing new programs by coordinating or leading proposal development processes, including the expansion of the portfolio across core objectives including humanitarian response, durable solutions and resilience. The Partnerships and New InitiativesManager will be expected to advise program teams on donor rules and regulation to ensure all programs are compliant with our internal and donor regulations and timely submission of quality donor reports across the country portfolios.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
● Map existing implementing partners and other donor projects across a variety of technical sectors including market systems development, livelihoods, natural resource management, social cohesion
● In partnership with the Director of Programs (DOP), Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Program Leads help build strategic relationships with key stakeholders, peer agencies and donors that lead towards funding opportunities.
● In partnership with The DoP and SLT help build relationships with potential partners, including international and national NGOs for sustainable programming
● In partnership with DoP and Regional Program Team (RPT) update and maintain a tracking system for potential and current donors and new business opportunities.
● Interface with Mercy Corps headquarters and the regional office to keep abreast of donor strategic priorities, specific requirements and deadlines.
NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
● Lead proposal development processes, including drafting and producing high quality concept notes and proposals that support Mercy Corps Ethiopia’s strategic programming goals.
● Liaise with the Programs, Finance and Operations Teams in the development of budgets of funding proposals.
PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AND RECORD RETENTION
● Support the adherence of teams to PM@MC minimum standards in partnership with the DoP and PaQ Director and teams..
● Play a leading role in grant kick-off, regular portfolio review and close-out meetings to ensure that all grant information, including deadlines, donor priorities and requirements, are communicated and understood by the team, and grants are closed in compliance with donor regulations.
● Maintain effective communications with headquarters staff, providing timely updates on grants and flagging potential issues promptly.
● Coordinate with PAQ to develop an evidence base and learning pieces to improve program quality.
REPORTING AND PROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS
● Oversee reporting workflows and processes between Program Teams, senior leadership, and HQ to ensure the timely and quality development, review and submission of reports and other communication products.
● Maintain a reporting tracker and share regularly with Program and MEL Teams.
● Collaborate with the DOP and PAQ Director on the development of strategies, position papers, thought leadership pieces, and other related initiatives leveraging evidence from programs.
● Provide timely, thorough responses to information requests from internal and external sources.
● Develop strategic communication materials, such as sector profiles, impact reports, program briefings, leadership and positioning pieces, key messages, talking points, and other relevant pieces.
● Ensure high-quality information sharing among internal and external audiences.
● Represent Mercy Corps in external coordination forums, as requested.
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.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
ACCOUNTABILITY
Reports Directly To: Director of Programs Works Directly With: SLT, Program Leadership Team, HQ desk team, Finance, Operations and HQ/Region Technical Support Unit (TSU) team members
ACCOUNTABILITY TO PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION & TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
● BA degree in relevant field and MA preferred.
● 3 to 5 years of progressive work experience, with demonstrated strengths in program or portfolio management, grants management, proposal development, and donor reporting.
● Familiarity with US, EU and other donor regulations related to reporting requirements and ability to understand and adjust to the donor contractual requirements preferred.
● Excellent planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organize a workload comprised of varying and changing tasks and responsibilities.
● Experience in staff management, supervision and capacity building.
● Demonstrated experience in working in a multi-cultural and high-stress environment.
● Excellent writing and editing skills in English required.
● Arabic and/or Kurdish language skills are highly preferred.
● Excellent representation skills required.
● Previous work experience in conflict and/or post-conflict environments, particularly in the Middle East, preferred.
SUCCESS FACTORS
The successful candidate will be eager to learn through doing and will not shy away from tough challenges. This position has a critical function in ensuring grant management systems and processes are successfully implemented across the life of a grant and key controls are in place to support effective management of the funding portfolio and compliance with the donor requirements. As such this person will be very closely working with the different departments. The successful candidate is passionate about humanitarian and development work and is committed to the delivery of high quality products while respecting deadlines. They will be patient and flexible, and are able to improvise and remain responsive and communicate clearly and effectively under pressure. They will master the art of prioritizing and organizing processes and are detail-oriented. They will have a passion for writing.
LIVING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The Partnerships and New Initiatives Manager is based in the capital city – Addis Ababa. The location is accompanied and secure. Housing is family accommodation with good freedom of movement beyond the house/office. There are several international schools in Addis Ababa, British systems exist for children up to 11 years old. The US school takes students to pre-university levels. Staff have access to basic services (electricity, water, sporadic internet etc). Medical facilities are basic with international clinics able to provide emergency services. This position requires 20% travel by road and air to field offices in often insecure environments. Addis Ababa is host to many international organizations including the OAU, the Economic Commission for Africa and other multinational bodies, many of which have their headquarters based in the capital city.
ONGOING LEARNING
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
SAFEGUARDING & ETHICS
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to theInteragency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.