The Role
The Senior Director of Technology for Development (T4D) oversees the T4D team and serves as a senior-level technology leader interfacing with program initiatives. In close collaboration with both Programs and Information Technology (IT), this role partners with global, regional, and country-level teams to ensure proposed applications are sustainable, well-supported, and seamlessly integrated with Mercy Corps’ enterprise technology framework. Additionally, the Sr. Director spearheads the establishment of processes to evaluate, validate, pilot, and assess the performance and cost-effectiveness of technology solutions, driving innovation that aligns with programmatic impact and efficiency objectives.
Crucial duties for this role encompass a range of critical tasks integral to the position’s success. Key responsibilities involve managing and overseeing specific operational processes, ensuring adherence to established protocols, and delivering high-quality results consistently. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive project objectives forward, maintaining clear and effective communication throughout. A strong emphasis is placed on meeting deadlines, resolving challenges proactively, and upholding the organization’s standards with diligence and precision.
As a transformative leader, you will be responsible for shaping the organization’s future direction, ensuring long-term success through innovative strategic planning and decisive action. Your ability to inspire and guide teams will be paramount, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance. You will leverage your strong influence to drive alignment across departments, champion change initiatives, and cultivate stakeholder engagement to achieve shared goals. This role demands a forward-thinking mindset, the capacity to navigate complex challenges, and the skill to motivate others toward sustainable growth and impact.
Leverage Mercy Corps’ influence and thought leadership to champion the integration of innovative digital technologies and data-driven solutions, thereby enhancing both sector-wide performance and organizational impact, both externally and internally.
You will spearhead efforts to investigate and define how artificial intelligence can strengthen Mercy Corps’ initiatives and the wider field, collaborating closely with program teams, IT, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), and other key stakeholders.
Formulate comprehensive, long-term strategies to drive the adoption and expansion of innovative program technologies throughout the organization. These strategies may encompass enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives tailored to program needs, incorporating adoption frameworks, governance structures, scalable implementation pathways, and integrated change management approaches.
Develop and enhance T4D’s strategic framework and operational methodologies on an ongoing basis.
Facilitate exceptional cross-departmental collaboration to maintain strategic alignment in Mercy Corps’ management of data, digital technology, and AI, driving enhanced efficiency and impact.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to drive proposal and partnership development initiatives, fostering strategic alliances and securing new business opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in crafting compelling proposals, negotiating partnerships, and cultivating long-term relationships with key stakeholders. Responsibilities include identifying potential partners, developing mutually beneficial agreements, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Strong communication, analytical, and project management skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively across departments. A background in business development, sales, or a related field is preferred, with experience in proposal writing and stakeholder engagement highly advantageous.
Develop and implement a cohesive strategy for leveraging technology to enhance impact and efficiency, thereby unlocking untapped potential across our operations.
Embedding communication, knowledge management, and insights into program-facing technology at Mercy Corps within our program models and the organization-wide Evidence and Learning Agendas is essential.
Foster strategic external collaborations, with a primary focus on private sector technology partners, to drive advancements in Mercy Corps’ technological capabilities and enhance program effectiveness.
Develop and maintain external partnerships to achieve mutual goals, foster collaborative value creation, and secure vital resources—including funding, services, expertise, and products.
Drive equitable and locally driven digital transformation by spearheading or facilitating initiatives that fortify local technology ecosystems, empower local innovators, and guarantee that technology solutions are contextually relevant, accessible, and sustainable.
To grasp Mercy Corps’ program approaches, strategies, and goals, and proactively seek out technology partnerships that enhance or drive these initiatives forward.
Prepare and submit proposals to secure necessary resources, either independently or by leading the effort.
When proposals include major technological advancements, either supervise or personally craft programmatic elements that are seamlessly integrated, feasible, and forward-thinking.
We provide comprehensive assistance in the execution and deployment of products and programs, ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to facilitate smooth implementation processes, address implementation challenges, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Responsibilities include coordinating implementation activities, monitoring progress, and providing timely support to internal and external stakeholders to drive successful adoption and maximize program effectiveness.
Handle all T4D-related support requests submitted by program and global/regional program support teams, delivering prompt and customer-focused solutions.
Oversee the product ownership of technology applications designed for internal program teams, collaborating closely with program and program support business owner teams. This responsibility may involve overseeing program- or portfolio-specific technologies as well as enterprise solutions essential for global program support teams.
Oversee and guarantee the successful execution of assigned tasks within awards administered by the T4D team.
Deliver or coordinate the delivery of assistance to facilitate the deployment of cutting-edge digital technology solutions within program operations or supporting teams.
Ensure Mercy Corps upholds a principled stance that safeguards all program participants by integrating ethical considerations into technology and data usage decisions, with adherence to the Do No Digital Harm framework. This includes promoting responsible AI implementation, ensuring algorithmic fairness, and upholding data ethics, particularly in low-resource and high-risk environments.
Collaborate effectively with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Evidence Use teams to enhance the utilization of best-in-class program data and evidence products.
Collaborate effectively with the Information Technology team to ensure technology solutions and partnership development align with the organization’s enterprise technology architecture vision, strategic plans, support capacity, and financial constraints, while also identifying opportunities to integrate program-facing and operational systems wherever feasible.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement technological solutions that enhance the efficiency, quality, and impact of program designs and methodologies.
We will lead the design, implementation, and execution of capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening internal talent and enhancing proficiency in data utilization and technology adoption, including cutting-edge or emerging solutions. In select cases, we will extend these efforts to external collaborators, prioritizing local partnerships to maximize impact.
Facilitate the development and ongoing management of a high-impact T4D community of practice to ensure continuous engagement and knowledge sharing among participants.
When necessary, provide direction in creating resources and guidance notes to assist Mercy Corps team members in utilizing digital technology responsibly and effectively.
Spearhead the integration of AI and emerging technologies within program teams by conducting thorough evaluations, performing comprehensive risk assessments, and fostering capacity development initiatives.
Demonstrates strong leadership in guiding, supporting, and developing a cohesive team to achieve organizational objectives. Oversees daily operations, ensures clear communication, and fosters a collaborative work environment. Implements performance management strategies, including regular feedback and goal-setting, to drive individual and team success. Encourages professional growth through mentorship and training initiatives while addressing challenges with a solution-oriented approach.
Oversee the T4D team and financial resources, ensuring tasks are aligned with strategic priorities to optimize productivity.
Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for new employees, consultants, and interns as required.
To cultivate a cohesive and interconnected management framework, establish and nurture a dynamic matrixed structure that enables T4D team members to collaborate seamlessly on targeted initiatives across diverse teams and stakeholders throughout the organization.
Employ HR best practices by maintaining current job descriptions, Individualized Opportunity Plans (IOPS), and thorough review processes at scheduled intervals.
Deliver essential information, resources, and tools to team members to enhance their performance and facilitate the achievement of their goals.
Ensure adherence to established work plans, portfolio growth targets, and quality benchmarks while upholding organizational policies and standards.
To ensure the protection and well-being of individuals, the role involves implementing policies and procedures designed to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect. The position requires a commitment to maintaining a secure environment, conducting regular risk assessments, and reporting any concerns in accordance with safeguarding protocols. Responsibilities include training staff on safeguarding practices, monitoring compliance, and collaborating with relevant authorities to address and mitigate potential risks. The individual must demonstrate a thorough understanding of legal and ethical obligations related to safeguarding, ensuring that all actions align with established guidelines and best practices.
Diligently stay informed about safeguarding principles and apply them within T4D’s initiatives, with particular attention to identifying and addressing safeguarding risks and mitigation strategies pertinent to their scope of work.
Uphold Mercy Corps’ core values by demonstrating unwavering respect for the dignity and well-being of all participants and colleagues.
Promote a culture of transparency and open dialogue among team members by actively encouraging them to voice any concerns through established reporting channels, such as the Integrity Hotline and other available options.
Demonstrating strong personal leadership involves guiding teams with integrity, decisiveness, and accountability while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. This role requires the ability to inspire and motivate others, make strategic decisions under pressure, and maintain ethical standards in all actions. Individuals must exhibit resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence to navigate challenges and drive organizational success. Effective communication, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to professional development are essential to fulfilling responsibilities and achieving long-term goals.
Consistently uphold high expectations through outstanding leadership, ensuring steadfast composure and professionalism under pressure.
Adopt a growth-oriented mindset, proactively pursue varied viewpoints, and value constructive feedback to foster ongoing development.
Uphold the utmost ethical standards by consistently demonstrating respect and dignity toward every individual.
Always uphold the highest standards of professionalism in every facet of your role, maintaining conduct that not only aligns with Mercy Corps’ core values but also reinforces its mission and objectives without undermining its work.
We seek a skilled professional adept in the Success Factors platform to drive organizational excellence. Candidates must possess comprehensive knowledge of Success Factors modules, including but not limited to Employee Central, Performance & Goals, and Compensation. Proficiency in configuring, implementing, and optimizing these modules is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience with integrations, data migration, and system enhancements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are required. Responsibilities include managing system upgrades, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. Prior experience in a similar role and familiarity with HRIS best practices are highly preferred.
The Senior Director of T4D is tasked with developing and executing a forward-thinking strategic vision, converting this vision into actionable plans, and driving the organizational changes necessary to foster energy and momentum. This vision involves assessing the deployment of both existing and emerging technology models and solutions, while identifying and capitalizing on evolving trends. The ideal candidate will possess a proven history of spearheading technological and organizational innovation. They must operate with autonomy, demonstrating outstanding leadership in collaborative initiatives and a keen grasp of Mercy Corps’ overarching strategic plans and goals. Additionally, they should excel in engaging with senior leadership, peer organizations, and key stakeholders from private and public sectors. The position requires extensive experience in managing and empowering team members and nurturing talent. The candidate must thrive in diverse cultural and political settings, be prepared for extensive travel, and perform effectively in challenging environments while maintaining composure under pressure.
A background encompassing relevant expertise and hands-on experience is essential. Candidates should possess a firm grasp of key concepts and practical applications within the specified field. Prior involvement in similar roles or projects is highly advantageous, ensuring familiarity with industry standards and operational demands.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a closely related field is highly desirable.
A distinguished background in senior technology leadership within an international organization is preferred. This role demands expertise in guiding diverse technology teams, particularly those operating through global delivery models and comprising geographically dispersed personnel.
With a minimum of twelve years of expertise in technology and its associated business domains, candidates should demonstrate a progressive trajectory of enhanced responsibilities throughout their career.
Achieved consistent success in cultivating robust external collaborations and driving fundraising and sales initiatives.
Proven expertise in overseeing and executing performance-driven agreements valued in the multi-million-dollar range.
Proficiency and adaptability in managing extensive international travel requirements are essential.
International experience with non-governmental organizations or non-profits is highly desirable.
Proven track record in spearheading organizational change efforts, with a focus on digital technology and data system transformations, and a demonstrated ability to implement enterprise-wide solutions.
Skilled in creating, overseeing, and maintaining service, capital, and operational budgets with precision and strategic insight.
Proficiency in English is essential; working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is advantageous.
Experienced in low- and middle-income country settings, with a proven track record of effective engagement in such environments.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of key institutional donors, including FCDO, USAID, BMZ, and the Gates Foundation, along with their strategic funding priorities in technology.
Candidates with a background in implementing AI or GenAI solutions—particularly in resource-constrained or humanitarian settings—are strongly encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
12 years
