Jobs Kenya

Company Details: Company Information Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian aid agency engaged in transitional environments that have experienced some sort of shock: natural disaster, economic collapse, or conflict.

  • Research Management Consultant

    Research Management Consultant

    Program: AgriFin Accelerate
    Scope of Project: AFA Research Management
    Country: Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Nigeria
    From: June 2020
    To: November 2020
    Task Manager: Collins Marita, Director (Research and Impact Assessment)
    AgriFin Accelerate Program Overview: Mercy Corps’ mission is to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.
    The AgriFin Accelerate (AFA) program is a six year, USD 24.7 million program of Mercy Corps, supported by The MasterCard Foundation.
    The core problem AgriFin Accelerate seeks to address is the inclusion gap for smallholder farmers (SHF) who lack access to affordable, accessible, demand-driven financial products and services that drive higher productivity and income for farm families.
    Drawing on Mercy Corps’ experience implementing the AgriFin Mobile program and years of work in the agriculture, finance and ICT sectors, AgriFin Accelerate will support the expansion of digital financial services (DFS) to one million farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over six years, delivered by growing ecosystems of diverse service providers.
    AgriFin Accelerate’s primary target group is unbanked smallholder farmers living on less than $2.50 per day in Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.
    Three outcomes will contribute to the achievement of this goal:
    Outcome 1: Market actors expand, improve and continue to offer high-impact DFS products and services that are tailored to address the expressed needs of SHFs;
    Outcome 2: Farmers increase capability to access and utilize demand-driven, high impact technology-enabled financial products and services relevant to SHFs;
    Outcome 3: Ecosystems around both supplier and farmers emerge supporting provision of digital financial and informational services to SHFs that are used at scale.
    To address SHF’s challenges in using the mobile phone, the MasterCard Foundation funded a $25 million six-year program called the AgriFin Accelerate Program.
    This program draws upon Mercy Corp’s experience in implementing the AgriFin Mobile Program coupled with their extensive work in the agricultural, financial, and ICT sectors.
    The program will support the expansion of digital financial services (DFS) to one million farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over six years, delivered by growing ecosystems of diverse service providers.
    AgriFin Accelerate’s primary target group is unbanked smallholder farmers living on less than $2.50 per day in Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.
    Purpose of Engagement: AgriFin program seeks to influence change at the client (farmer) level, institutional level and the ecosystem level, as represented in the below summary of its TOC (theory of change).
    Through this consultancy, AFA seeks to engage a research manager (RM), who will work to manage selected and agreed research projects, ensuring research engagements are implemented to meet the agreed scopes of work and contracting arrangements, as well as donor requirements for proof of impact results across AgriFin activities.
    AgriFin research engagements seek to answer the below learning questions:

    What impact have AFA partners had on SHF income, productivity and resilience to shocks?
    What financial and value-added products and services do SHFs, including women and youth, value most and why?
    How does bundling of products and services impact uptake and usage of digital financial services?
    What capacity building tools have the highest impact on SHFs willingness and ability to use digital financial services?
    What distribution channels are most effective for delivery of services to SHFs?
    How and to what extent have AFA partners have been successful to achieve scale and commercial sustainability?
    What are the main drivers of success and failure of different partnership and bundled approaches?

    Scope of work
    As part of this consultancy, the consultant will be part of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team and will conduct the below activities that will enable the finalization of AgriFin impact assessment work:

    Support in overall management of projects related to research and counsel in impact measurement, specifically areas around digital financial and information services;
    Lead management of selected research projects as agreed with Director of Research and Impact Evaluations;
    Developing and implementing contextually adapted and rigorous research methodologies.
    Participate in the designing and delivering qualitative and quantitative research tools, analysis and reporting.
    Managing teams of researchers conducting qualitative and/or quantitative field research across AgriFin countries.
    Ensure research vendors operate efficiently in compliance to AgriFin timelines.
    Review research outputs and related documentation and study plans/protocols, auditing critical phases recommending and implementing amendments.
    As required, manage project-specific communications with and partners and vendors.
    Contribute to program learning through production and technical inputs to agreed learning outputs and facilitate sharing through AgriFin’s dissemination channels;
    Any other tasks, as agreed with Director of Research and Impact Evaluation.

    Deliverables
    The consultant will work to produce the following deliverables, in close collaboration with the Research partner and AgriFin teams:

    Weekly status update on work in progress: in the form of a short email with relevant bulleted information and any related attachments for work products, key findings, red flags on existing and potential implementation issues and recommendations on next steps with projects and partnerships;
    Any work product: a document (to be agreed with research director) setting out project planning, outputs, reports and other materials.

    The consultant will be asked to join in relevant AgriFin team coordination meetings to update on progress, coordinate program implementation, and flag any issues to be addressed.
    The consultants will also submit periodic invoices to AgriFin detailing progress against the scope of work and towards completion of the deliverables.
    Required Qualifications

    Advanced degree in demography, statistics, social sciences or related field or equivalent experience
    Minimum 5 years of work experience in monitoring and evaluating large, multi-year international Agricultural and financial sector development projects.
    Significant experience in impact evaluation and research related to digital financial services and agriculture in East Africa.
    Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, operations research, reporting, quality assessments, data analysis and presentation. This includes expertise in research to practice—identifying and adapting best practices to specific project context.
    Demonstrated strong management, coordination, teamwork and planning skills.
    Strong analytical and technical skills.
    Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and professional relationships.
    Excellent verbal, written interpersonal and presentation skills in English.

    Ownership / Control of Work Product / Publication: Matters relating to ownership and control of work product and publication of materials produced during course of this engagement are addressed in the main contract agreement entered into between Mercy Corps.
    Authorship and Acknowledgement: Matters relating to authorship and acknowledgment of any materials produced by the Consultant during the course of this engagement are addressed in the main contract agreement entered into between Mercy Corps and the Consultant for performance of services for AgriFin Accelerate
    Task Manager / Reporting: Task Manager is Collins Marita, Mercy Corps AFA Director (Research and Impact Assessment), Together with the Program Director have final sign-off on deliverables and invoices.
    Payment and Schedule: Payment will be made based on days worked with a maximum number of 10 days a month to span initial 6 months. Payment will be upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of services rendered as a result of this consultancy.
    All activities and deliverables related to this consultancy will be completed before November 2020.
    Mercy Corps AFA expects the selected Individual to have the capacity to execute various MEL tasks in different contexts with the Program Director have final sign-off on deliverables and invoices.

  • Finance Intern

    Finance Intern

    General Program Summary: Mercy Corps’ AgriFin Program seeks to address the inclusion gap for smallholder farmers who lack access to affordable, accessible, demand-driven products and services that drive higher productivity and income for farm families.
    The AgriFin program utilizes a market ecosystem approach, working with carefully selected partners to build sustainable models, where farm and crop management tools and financial services are “bundled” in affordable, unified platforms leveraging digital channels to promote mass uptake commercially.
    The program involves three interrelated components that seek to address low farmer productivity and capability, and improve institutional ability to deliver appropriate products and build ecosystems to drive scale. We work with farmers, banks, mobile network operators, MFIs, research institutes and other ecosystem players in well-defined partnerships to sustainably bundle services, leveraging the offer and outreach of all partners, while increasing the range of services, access points and value for farmers.
    The program works with partners to identify, prototype, test and scale successful digitally-enabled services for smallholders, with a key focus on expanding access to financial services, using a rapid iteration approach to product development and client-centric design techniques.
    Our project goal is for smallholder farmers to gain full access to impactful, demand-driven, technology-enabled financial products, tools, channels and knowledge that significantly increase farm productivity and family income, delivered by vibrant ecosystems of diverse service providers.
    Program operations are taking place five countries anchored around a central “Hub” office in Kenya, expanding to serve Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, with potential to expand to other Mercy Corps countries, globally.
    The AgriFin program operates in five African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia and Nigeria) utilizing a market ecosystem approach, working with carefully selected partners to build sustainable models, where farm and crop management tools and financial services are “bundled” in affordable, unified platforms on mobile phone channels to promote mass uptake commercially, with the goal of bringing services to one million smallholder farmers.
    We are presently looking for a committed and dynamic graduate trainee to take up the position of a Finance Intern.
    General Position Summary: The Finance intern will support the work of Finance functions of the AgriFin Program Office in Nairobi. Working closely with Program, Operations and Finance, the Finance intern is instrumental in supporting program activities through his/her services.
    The intern will work under the supervision of the Finance Manager
    Internship Assignment Responsibilities:

    Assist in developing and maintaining an effective filing, archiving and record keeping systems both (hard copy & electronically) according to MC procedures.
    Prepare photocopies and scans of vouchers and other supporting documents required for HQ and donor reporting.
    Assist in ensuring proper documentation of payment vouchers and all other supporting documents.
    Assist in ensuring efficient, timely and accurate recording, payment and tracking of accounts payable.
    Assist in management of the office cash and office cash levels as per the office Cash Management Policy.
    Maintain the cash advance tracking sheet, follow up on un-cleared advances and ensure advances are reconciling with general ledger records.
    Assist in preparing and processing bank payments via checks.
    Assist in preparing payment vouchers ensuring proper documentation and recording to accounting system on daily basis.
    Assist in monthly amortization entries of prepaid accounts, account maintenance and reconciliations as part of month end closeout process.
    Assist with audit related requirements.
    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.

    Learning Objectives:
    The intern will:

    Gain experience in Finance and accounting Processes
    Gain experience in time management
    Learn communication skills

    Reports Directly To: Finance Manager
    Supervisory Responsibility: None
    Works Directly With: Operations and Program Team
    Knowledge and Experience:

    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or any related field
    CPA (II) qualification will be an added advantage
    A good team player
    A good sense of humor

    Success Factors: The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding. S/he will be an excellent communicator, multi-tasker, and able to work in ambiguous situations. S/he will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.
    S/he will be a team-player with a positive attitude toward problem solving and conflict resolution. The successful candidate will be focused on team-building; be a strategic thinker, have strong skills in project management and maintain a sense of humor.
    Mercy Corps interns and volunteers represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and 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

  • T4D Advisor – Kenya or Uganda

    T4D Advisor – Kenya or Uganda

    Program/Department Summary
    Mercy Corps’ Technology for Development (T4D) team collaborates with Mercy Corps teams to unlock new possibilities and reach more people through the power of technology. We think beyond today’s context, exploring how we can use current and emerging technology to shrink the global digital divide and help people in vulnerable communities adapt to and overcome evolving challenges. Our mission and purpose is to drive sustainable program impact through responsible application of existing and emerging digital technologies. Ultimately, we drive Mercy Corps to scale the use of digital technologies to broaden our reach,and delivery positive impact more efficiently.
    General Position Summary
    The T4D Advisor position provides expert advice, guidance and support to country programs in the Mercy Corps Africa Region in the application of digital technologies and partnership development. The ultimate goal of this position is to support the country programs in implementing solutions developed through the Technology for Impact 5-year Cisco grant.
    This is a ‘hands-on’ role that provides practical advice that supports solution / partner identification, business development, designs implementation plans, and leads general capacity building on commonly used digital tools. This role will also directly contribute to regional planning activities. The position is specifically focused on supporting the country programs in the Africa region and formally reports to the T4D team, with a strong dotted line to Africa regional leadership for prioritizing geographical locations and programs as well as day-to-day activities.
    This position is funded through the Technology for Impact grant ending July 2022.
    Essential Job Responsibilities
    Strategy & Vision

    Contribute to the digital technology components of the regional and country level strategies.
    Contribute to the development of Mercy Corps’ digital technology strategy via the T4D team.
    Represent the Africa regional needs to the global T4D team.
    Provide input into the development of the Cisco initiatives based on known country program needs, constraints and contexts.

    Program Management

    Provide hands-on in-the-field implementation support for digital technology related projects.
    Advise country program teams in the design, development and implementation of digital technology-based solutions.
    Maintain a strong connection to the T4D team in all aspects of leveraging the Cisco Technology for Impact grant and its outputs.
    Gathering requirements, designing, incorporating and implementing digital technology solutions in existing programs in the field.
    Track key advances in technology and consider relevance for advancing Mercy Corps use of technology in country programs.
    Work closely with New Initiatives to support the development of proposals with digital components.
    Work closely with TSU to incorporate digital technology into sectoral approaches.
    Work closely with PaQ and MEL to incorporate digital technology into data collection, monitoring and reporting.
    Promote and support regional digital capacity building in support of above work.
    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.

    Finance & Compliance Management

    Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations as related to procurement and potential audits related to emergency programming.
    Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.

    Influence & Representation

    Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
    Develop regional/local technology partnerships, bring external ICT4D resources and innovations into the organization.
    Help manage technical partner relationships for ICT4D products and services.
    Represent T4D and Mercy Corps at donor meetings for general partnership development, proposal development and presentation and status presentation of existing grants.

    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.
    Leverage Mercy Corps’ position as a leader in humanitarian technology solutions to enable coordination across agencies in complex, fluid environments where effective data analysis can enable accelerated, coordinated, joint responses.
    Provide in-country and remote training and support for Mercy Corps team members, partners, and others.

    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.

    Accountability
    Reports Directly To: Senior Director/CTO, Technology for Development with second reporting line to Africa Regional Technical Director
    Works Directly With: Africa Country Directors and field teams, IT teams, partner organizations, Technical Support Units
    Knowledge and Experience

    Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or relevant field
    4+ years experience in technology and related business
    4+ years working in international development or related field OR waived if advanced degree.
    Strong technology acumen and experienced implementing technology platforms and tools.
    Knowledge of user experience design methodologies would be advantageous but not essential.
    Experience in working effectively with multicultural and remote teams.
    Experience and comfort with international travel.
    Direct experience gathering requirements, designing, and implementing digital technology solutions in the field.
    English fluency required – French a plus.
    Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
    Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.
    Ability to facilitate meetings, effective presenter and open collaborator.
    A keen sense of humor.

    Success Factors
    To be successful in this role this person will have highly effective interpersonal skills, strong consultative skills, a high degree of comfort in discussing the application of digital technologies, often in complex scenarios. This person will develop trust easily with field teams, other Mercy Corps leadership and external partners. This person should be an excellent written and verbal communicator able to represent Mercy Corps at public events with confidence. This person should be extremely well organized and capable of tracking multiple competing priorities. The successful person will be skilled at reducing complexities to clear and understandable non-technical terms with a focus on practical next steps. They will have an open personality and team building awareness and skills. This person will be capable of maintaining clear status and organization of multiple complex items simultaneously. A sharp sense of humor is a must!
    Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
    The position is based in Kenya or Uganda and requires up to 30% travel primarily to countries in the Mercy Corps Africa region.
    Candidates must hold work authorization and/or citizenship for Uganda or Kenya at the time of application.
    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.

  • Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Turkana Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Samburu

    Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Turkana Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Samburu

    Program / Department Summary 
    USAID’s Office of Food for Peace recently awarded funding to a Mercy Corps-led consortium of Kenyan and international partners for a 5-year Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) in Turkana and Samburu Counties of Kenya. Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership, learning, and co-creation with government, civil society, communities, and the private sector, the NAWIRI program aims to drive sustained reductions in acute malnutrition in both counties. Mercy Corps’ consortium brings together the global leadership, research capacity, technical expertise, and implementation experience necessary to partner with local institutions to test, adapt, and scale evidence-based solutions. The program requires a robust county-centered design with government leadership, active engagement from communities, the private sector, and civil society. Together we will sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition for vulnerable populations in Turkana and Samburu counties.
    General Position Summary
    The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Coordinator is a key position for program quality assurance, accountability, documentation and learning. The position holder will lead the NAWIRI team in planning and execution of monitoring and evaluation activities at the county level while ensuring quality in accordance with accepted standards, providing essential feedback for learning, accountability and decision making. S/he will be responsible for program adaptive management agenda, collaborate, learn and adapt with program and county team in rolling-out a responsive M&E system that can provide updated and relevant information for reducing persistent acute malnutrition at county level. Support internal capacity building of program and County staff on monitoring and evaluation activities as well as strengthen the existing systems to be able to produce reliable data and support platform for data use for decision-making. S/He will manage day-to-day implementation of M&E activities at county level as highlighted in the M&E Plan, ensuring effective field-level collaboration, and promoting a culture of M&E for learning and adaptation.
    Essential Job Responsibilities 
    STRATEGY AND VISION

    Seek the active collaboration of consortium partners, County government and relevant stakeholder in M&E including harmonization of available system to sustainably and effectively track persistent acute malnutrition.
    Assist in creation of favorable learning environment involving all stakeholders for data use and evidence based programing at County level.

     PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

    Coordinate with consortium partners and Country governments to strength county specific monitoring and evaluation needs and systems.
    Conduct M&E capacity needs assessment for project and Country staff and roll-out M&E capacity building activities with support from M&E Manager.
    Ensuring implementation of M&E plan at county level including data collection, entry, analysis and use for decision-making.
    Responsible for managing quality standards across the consortium and county level in terms of   data collection systems and process of evidence generation to inform adaptive management.
    Create and instill an M&E culture that promotes the learning and self-critical skills of program staff in the pursuit of project excellence.
    Support County Program Directors and other technical leads in the preparation of quarterly/annual activity reports and verification of reported data.
    Support County planning process including County CIDP, technical review meetings and sector specific data management processes like NDMA, MoH and others.
    Plan and conduct Routine Data Quality Assurance (RDQA) in collaboration with County staff for the reported data to ensure adherence to USAID/ Mercy Corps data quality standards.
    Develop data products/visualization for distribution and use during project/ county monthly meetings.
    Support rolling out and management of project community accountability and reporting system (CARM) at county level.
    Ensuring constant and consistent management of project and County MIS systems and use of mobile technology for data collection

    TEAM MANAGEMENT

    Create and maintain a work environment where mutual respect among team members prevails and where the pursuit of individual and collective excellence is valued.
    Promote individual accountability and commitment by clearly and regularly communicating expectations and providing constructive feedback.
    Train project and county team members on their M&E responsibilities and how to use the tools developed.
    Conduct team performance assessment and monitor team development plan.

    REPRESENTATION

    Develop the necessary relationships and partnerships with consortium partners
    Identify, build and manage trusted partnerships with consortium agencies, local government and other stakeholders
    Effectively communicate the program’s best practices to build Mercy Corps’ positive image with development stakeholders

    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.

     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 PARTICIPANTS

    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.
    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

    County M&E Officers from all Consortium Partners.

    Accountability
    Reports Directly to:  Field Director with technical oversight from the M&E Manager
    Works Directly with: M&E Manager, MIS Manager, Technical Staff and County Government Turkana 
    Knowledge and Experience

    Minimum of 5 years of experience in international relief and development programs, with 3+ years in field postings, and 3+ years working for an international agency on monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
    Strong leadership skills, ability to coordinate huge M&E teams including working with consortium partners and county government M&E structures.
    MA in social science, international development, agriculture or relevant field (with coursework in M&E, research and evaluation methodologies, statistical analysis or organizational development) or similar field of study.
    Experience working with country M&E system, building country M&E capacity and knowledgeable of required diplomacy required working at county level.    
    Strong technical expertise including passion for handling large amounts of data and transforming it into compelling visualizations that facilitate analysis and decision-making. Demonstrated understanding of intermediate statistics and the ability to summarize, generalize, and make predictions from large data sets. 
    Substantial background in project management, including experience leading program design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.
    Field experience in developing practical, useful, timely monitoring systems, both at the program- and country-levels that promote use of data for adaptive management and learning.
    Experience working with complex/large USAID funded project and familiarity with USAID/FFP M&E guidance and requirement is an added advantage.
    Comfort working with qualitative and quantitative methodologies for data collection and analysis.
    Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills and experience with statistical/graphical software or spatial software.
    Proven experience with current technologies, such as web-based data management and analysis tools, digital data collection, mapping, Google applications, data visualization, interactive dashboards, etc.
    Experience in building iterative learning systems or feedback loops and approaches in human-centered design are strongly valued.
    Significant experience in facilitating learning and capacity building across teams.
    Ability to design and conduct data quality assurance and use of the result from the assessment result for decision-making and project adaptability.
    Excellent skills in using the following data analysis software; SPSS, EXCELL, STATA and Tableau

    Success Factors
    The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding and working effectively within the complex cultural, political, security and social environment of Kenya.  S/He will be an excellent communicator and multi-tasker, and able to work in ambiguous situations. S/He must be able to demonstrate a commitment to promoting a culture of critical inquiry and learning be tolerant and flexible, and able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.  The successful candidate will be focused on team-building and capacity-building of county staff; be a strategic thinker and have strong skills in design,monitoring and evaluation of development programs.
    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
    Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
     Mercy Corps does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

    go to method of application »

  • Technical Director Africa Region

    Technical Director Africa Region

    Program / Department Summary

    Mercy Corps’ programs in Africa are undergoing both momentous humanitarian crises and significant development challenges that offer the opportunity to empower people to survive through crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good. Moreover, Africa is also characterized by a high rate of urbanization and a massive youth population. Against this backdrop Mercy Corps’ focus in Africa has been on responding to ongoing humanitarian needs, while promoting good governance and conflict resolution, enhancing resilience, strengthening market systems, enhancing access to finance and economic opportunities, and promoting youth employment and empowerment. Mercy Corps continues to position itself as a key and credible partner with the many donors, government authorities and civil society actors, enhancing our ability to contribute to the process of positive change across the continent. Mercy Corps looks to actively engage and partner with an ever growing and innovative African private sector to achieve greater and sustained impact. We are also keenly aware that executing our current and future programs on scope, on budget, on time and to a high level of technical quality across our portfolio is critical, while we continue to develop new approaches and leverage innovations to accelerate our impact and influence in the region. Mercy Corps requires an astute navigator able to steer our team and efforts toward ever-improving results for what represents one of the agency’s largest and most complex portfolios. Powered by the belief that a better world is possible, Mercy Corps seeks an inspiring, creative and focused leader to further the impact, influence, and innovation of Mercy Corps’ humanitarian and development efforts in the region.

    General Position Summary

    The Senior Africa Technical Director for Africa is a senior leader providing significant technical direction and programmatic quality support to Mercy Corps 15+ country programs and initiatives across the continent. S/he works closely with the Regional Director (RD) and Deputy Regional Directors (DRDs) to ensure transformational change occurs through the combination of: programmatic impact in our communities; the ability to influence change makers at local and global levels; and a restlessness to innovate in search of better solutions. S/he will collaborate with the RD to build and sustain a cohesive regional management team ensuring the Africa portfolio is positioned for excellence in all programmatic functions across country teams. The Technical Director coordinates with program departments at the country, regional and headquarters levels to ensure that our program portfolio is of the highest quality and standards and that programs receive the support that they need. The Technical Director will champion the Mercy Corps’ Program Management @ Mercy Corps and the agency’s quality standards to ensure that the teams are driving transformational impact in the region through executing programs that are of the highest quality, with the latest technical interventions, program designs and generating documented evidence.

    Essential Job Responsibilities

    STRATEGY & PLANNING

    Work with the regional team to articulate an ambitious and compelling regional strategy for Mercy Corps in Africa.
    Contribute to the development of country level strategies that align with the regional strategy and Mercy Corps’ global Strategic Compass.
    Act as a key partner for the RD/DRDs to achieve an effective regional management team that delivers programmatic excellence and significant impact and influence in the region.
    Work with regional and HQ teams to develop regional research and learning priorities that are connected to regional and global strategic priorities.
     

    TEAM MANAGEMENT

    Supervise the Senior Program officers who manage the Regional Program Team who manage all grant administration in global offices (RPT), the regional technical support team (TSU) and the regional Program and Quality (PaQ) (CARM, MEL) team to work together as a cohesive regional program support unit to deliver technical support to Country teams.
    Ensure that regional program support team members have a deep understanding of their roles and are connected to relevant stakeholders across the agency to inform and promote agency strategies and best practices.
    Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
    Create a work environment of respect where team members strive to achieve excellence and team culture is positive, transparent and focused on staff wellbeing.
    Assist with the on-boarding of senior team members, ensuring they are set up for success and familiar with agency systems, procedures, and protocols.
    Ensure sound performance management and staff access to high quality learning opportunities, with a special emphasis on national team member development.
    Support country leadership in adhering to Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures, including rollout of new initiatives and standards.
    Fill in as needed for Regional Director and for field leadership during vacations/home leave and or leadership gaps as necessary.
     

    SUPERVISION OF REGIONAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT TEAMS

    Develop systems to identify support needs of country teams and ensure that programs access quality, relevant and timely support from TSU and other regional support team members.
    Assist in the administration of TSU team members work plans and budgets throughout the fiscal year.
    Ensure effective human, material, financial and technical support for all country programs, in cooperation with senior staff, prioritizing resource allocation with DRD/RD as necessary.
     

    SUPERVISION of PROGRAM GRANT MANAGEMENT (RPT TEAM – SPOs)

    Work closely with the Senior Program Officers to coordinate the flow of information between country programs, the regional management team, relevant HQ departments and donors;
    Supervise the SPOs and ensure they are managing overall desk support to the region;
    Ensure that the RPT team are effectively managing the regional grant portfolio and administration of all grants
    Ensure that the RPT team are monitoring programs, including ensuring regular check-ins with country teams on contractual, legal and financial requirements (such as co-financing/match, BvA, etc.);
    Supervise the new business development team members in the region and ensure that promising funding opportunities for country programs and regional initiatives, in line with country strategies receive the required human (TSU, NI etc) and financial (Pro-dev) resources necessary;
     

    OVERSIGHT of PROGRAM MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING

    Support countries to ensure high quality M&E and program performance related practices are in place
    Coordinate with PaQ and T4D to ensure that countries access relevant technical support
    Support countries with the adoption of agency MEL and program management procedures and policies, oversee efforts to conduct gap analyses and help countries develop action plans to correcting gaps, including:
    MEL policy
    TOLA
    PM@MC
    Lead efforts to build the culture of adaptive management, evidence and learning in each country in the region.

    PROMOTING QUALITY AND INTEGRITY (PaQ AND CARM)

    Develop systems to ensure that all programs in the region receive support to achieve the highest possible impact and are in line with overall regional and global strategies.
    Develop systems to ensure that Mercy Corps’ programs adhere to Mercy Corps and global best practices, policies and standards (cash minimum standards etc.).
    Support all countries in the region to adopt and adhere to Mercy Corps’ program accountability and CARM policies
    Encourage a culture of learning and innovation among all Mercy Corps staff in the region.
    Work closely with headquarters support units to ensure continuous quality improvement of field programs, and that teams are working towards achieving excellence, especially during rapid growth.
     

    EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL REPRESENTATION

    Ensure program coordination and information sharing within and between the regional team.
    Support regional knowledge networks to enhance technical excellence, advance learning agendas, and support collaborative action and common programmatic approaches to fostering greater regional coherence.
    Act as a key liaison between headquarters, the regional team and country teams to effectively publicize program innovations and success stories.
    Help to ensure timely and targeted communication and information flow that highlight Mercy Corps’ regional and global impact.
    Connect teams to ideas, partners and resources to drive creative solutions for greater impact.
    Develop and maintain strong relationships with global and regional technical and research partners/organizations/universities that contribute to technical expertise and excellence.
    Represent Mercy Corps at external events to build voice, brand and influence.
     

    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: Regional technical advisors (TSU), regional MEL advisors, Senior Program Officers (RPT team),

    Accountability

    Reports Directly To: Regional Director, Africa

    Works Directly With: Deputy Regional Directors, Country Directors, Country-level Senior Management Teams, Headquarters based TSU, MEL, and Program Quality teams, and other HQ departments such as communications, fundraising, learning, etc.

    Knowledge and Experience

    BA or equivalent in international development, political or social science, public administration, business management, required and MA preferred;
    At least 8-10 years’ field experience in senior management related to support functions and/or, direct program development and implementation;
    Demonstrated ability to think strategically, and to solve complex problems at an organizational level;
    Detailed understanding of the finance, operations and administration mechanisms that support a grant/project implementation life cycle;
    Direct experience managing and supervising large teams, as well as mentoring and development;
    Confident communication skills applicable to donor relations, media outreach, and inter-agency coordination;
    Ability to handle multiple issues at one time, especially in emergency situations, and to organize and prioritize accordingly;
    Demonstrated proficiency and experience with US, UK, EU, UN and other public and private donors, government grant and financial management requirements;
    Demonstrated understanding of the critical humanitarian and development issues in the Africa, and significant experience with the challenges of operating in the region;
    Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
    Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.
    Fluent in English and French
     

    Success Factors

    The successful candidate will apply a strong combination of strategy development, leadership, management, coordination, and relationship-building skills with an outstanding ability to support innovative, impactful programs. With a high capacity to deliver results under tight deadlines with multiple priorities, the Technical Director will have strong team management skills, be a strong systems thinker, and have the ability to think ahead and align teams and resources to achieve high-quality outcomes. Commitment, flexibility and openness to new practices, concepts, ideas and change for continuous improvement will serve the position and team well. Public relations skills are integral success factors in this position. Excellent negotiation and communication skills will foster the development of donor and partner relationships. The role also requires a deep understanding of the region, its recent history, current trends and political environment. Being a team player, a positive attitude and a sense of humor are definite pluses, along with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and a commitment to the values and mission of Mercy Corps.

    Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

    The position is based in a Mercy Corps location in Africa. Housing is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard. Water and electricity are present with occasional cuts. Up to 40% travel to the field to support Mercy Corps programs as requested.

    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.

  • Transport Officer Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

    Transport Officer Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

    Program / Department Summary: The Operations Department is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in the operations functions.
    The overriding objective for all administration and logistics operations is the prompt and effective provision of support services to Mercy Corps’ beneficiary populations in compliance with donor specifications.
    General Position Summary: The Transport Officer will oversee fleet management. S/he is responsible for dispatching drivers, monitoring vehicle movements, ensuring timely and proper maintenance and repairs, tracking fuel usage and consumption rates, fueling of vehicles and motorbikes and arranging for rental vehicles as necessary.
    Through enforcing the established Mercy Corps Fleet Management Policy Guidelines, the Transport Officer will ensure the drivers and vehicles adhere to Traffic Act and MC safety rules and follow the transport guidelines required by the MC. S/he manages the safety of all vehicles and motorcycles and keeps proper records of vehicles related documentation.
    Knowledge and Experience:

    High school diploma or higher education.
    Computer literate; strong MS-Excel and MS Word skills.
    Good spoken and written English.
    Valid drivers’ license and extensive driving experience.
    Clean record.
    Two years’ experience in vehicle fleet management preferred.
    Thorough technical knowledge of Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Hilux vehicles.
    Conscientious with an excellent sense of judgment.
    Strong organizational skills.
    Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks.
    Willingness and ability to work effectively with a diverse team.
    Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel.
    Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response is an added advantage

    go to method of application »

  • Investigator, Global Human Resources Investigator, Safeguarding

    Investigator, Global Human Resources Investigator, Safeguarding

    Program / Department Summary

    The Intake and Investigations department is a newly forming team which is tasked with the intake and investigation of all reports of ethics violations including fraud, corruption, and Code of Conduct and Global Human Resources complaints. The team is responsible for managing all phases of this process from intake to investigative conclusion and then works with senior leadership for case closure. The Intake and Investigation department reports to the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer and the board.

    General Position Summary

    The Investigator, Global Human Resources is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of violations of Mercy Corps’ Code of Conduct violations, excluding safeguarding and fraud and corruption. The Investigator will plan, conduct and prepare reports for assigned investigations. Investigator(s) may use the support of country HR team members as appropriate and available. Investigations will be conducted in the field and remotely; working in a variety of diverse cultural contexts and time zones.

    Essential Job Responsibilities

    Effectively plan and execute impartial, thorough, timely and survivor-sensitive investigations
    Develop and draft timely investigation plans that identify risks and prioritize a survivor-centered approach
    Conduct witness, survivor, and subject interviews, both in person and remotely, in a survivor-sensitive manner
    Provide survivor-centered support to survivors and witnesses
    Identify, collect, and review documentary evidence needed for investigations
    Prepare detailed written investigation reports which may be subject to third party (donor) review
    Maintain organized, confidential, and thorough investigation files
    Coordinate with Co-Investigator(s) to support investigation efforts when possible; help build Co-investigator capacity
    Help identify lessons learned from global human resources investigations for the agency to consider when revising policies, procedures, and training
    Help build trust and confidence in Mercy Corps’ reporting, investigation, and follow up systems and foster a climate where team members feel confident and comfortable coming forward with issues
    Maintain appropriate confidentiality and a survivor centered approach.

    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 Program Participants

    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
    None
    Accountability
    Reports Directly To: Investigations Case Manager, Global Human Resources

    Works Directly With: Investigator(s),Co-Investigator(s), HR Officers, Field Teams

    Knowledge and Experience

    At least 3 years of experience as a trained and practiced investigator is required.
    Demonstrated knowledge and interest in human resources, a sensitivity to cultural diversity and gender issues.
    Experience working in humanitarian aid or development, either living overseas or spending significant amount of time in foreign countries is preferred.
    Ability to navigate difficult circumstances with a calm demeanor and in a methodical, analytical manner.
    Strong verbal and written communication skills.
    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective organizational and interpersonal skills.
    Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws.
    English fluency (written & verbally) required; strong preference for additional fluency in French, Spanish and/or Arabic.
    Authorization to work in Kenya is required.

    Success Factors
    The successful Investigator, Global Human Resources will have knowledge of the INGO environment; deep knowledge of best practice in conducting investigations, including knowledge on how to conduct internal investigations in the context of insecure and opaque environments, with varying cultures, languages and education levels; and an enduring ability to move complex problems forward in a timely yet methodical manner. This person will have an utmost understanding of and appreciation for the confidential nature of this work. This person will have an abiding sense of empathy for the difficulties that INGOs face and an unwavering commitment to improvement in the face of these difficulties. They will have very strong project management skills and will be adept at communicating with and motivating a diverse array of stakeholders.
    Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
    The position requires up to 50% travel to countries which may be listed as failed or failing states. Travel for investigations is occasionally urgent, resulting in travel departure within days of notice.

    Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of 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.

    At least 3 years of experience as a trained and practiced investigator is required.
    Demonstrated knowledge and interest in human resources, a sensitivity to cultural diversity and gender issues.
    Experience working in humanitarian aid or development, either living overseas or spending significant amount of time in foreign countries is preferred.
    Ability to navigate difficult circumstances with a calm demeanor and in a methodical, analytical manner.
    Strong verbal and written communication skills.
    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective organizational and interpersonal skills.
    Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws.
    English fluency (written & verbally) required; strong preference for additional fluency in French, Spanish and/or Arabic.
    Authorization to work in Kenya is required.

    go to method of application »

  • Gender, Youth and Social Dynamics Lead Finance Assistant – Samburu

    Gender, Youth and Social Dynamics Lead Finance Assistant – Samburu

    Program / Department Summary
    USAID’s Office of Food For Peace (FFP) awarded a Mercy Corps-led consortium of Kenyan and international partners with a five-year Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) in Turkana and Samburu Counties. Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership, learning, and co-creation with government, civil society, communities, and the private sector, this program aims to drive sustained reductions in acute malnutrition in both counties.
    The Mercy Corps’ NAWIRI consortium brings together the global leadership, research capacity, technical expertise, and implementation experience necessary to partner with local institutions to test, adapt, and scale evidence-based solutions. The program requires a robust county-centered design with government leadership, active engagement from communities, the private sector, and civil society. Gender inequalities and social dynamics are some of the key drivers of food insecurity and persistent acute malnutrition in the two counties and this program will implement evidence-based interventions to address these. Together we will sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition for vulnerable populations in Turkana and Samburu counties.
    General Position Summary
    The Gender Youth & Social Dynamics (GYSD) Lead will be responsible for providing leadership and technical oversight to ensure the gender and social dimensions (inclusive of such issues as age, ethnicity, and relationships) of malnutrition, food security, and resilience are effectively integrated across all programming. S/he will help define implementation strategies in coordination with the Deputy Chief of Party, technical, research and learning leads. The position will train and influence staff, providing them with the necessary technical support and ensuring that common strategies and approaches are adapted and implemented with consistent quality. S/he will work across sectors of NAWIRI, with consortium team members as well as counties to build capacity in gender mainstreaming and youth sensitive programming in ways that contribute to the quality design and implementation of gender transformative and youth responsive initiatives. S/he will be responsible for coordinating assessments, providing capacity building to county government, ensuring contextually appropriate social dynamics are incorporated into county policies, and making the appropriate connections between Research, Learning and M&E to ensure gender responsive results can be tracked, analyzed and reported.
    Through research and learning activities, that are designed and executed in close collaboration with county government, civil society, private sector, and communities themselves, there is an inherent need to understand the opportunities and challenges that are unique to women, youth and adolescents in Turkana/Samburu so that programming can be adapted. The GYSD Lead provides the means to fill critical gaps in our understanding of the complex causality of persistent acute malnutrition as it relates to the varied needs of women, men, girls, and boys. To ensure the gender and social dimensions of food security and resilience are effectively addressed across all activities and components, the GYSD Lead will work with the team and coordinate closely with partners to fulfill gender and youth goals of the program.
    Essential Job Responsibilities
    VISION AND STRATEGY

    Support the Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP) to create a strong vision for NAWIRI’s approach when it comes to the integration of gender, youth and social dynamics.
    Develop and help operationalize NAWIRI’s Gender, Youth and Social Dynamics Strategy to guide effective integration of GYSD in key sectors such as nutrition, health, water systems, and governance – throughout the program’s cycle.
    Forge strong, institutional linkages and maintain a productive working relationship with USAID, Government of Kenya, the NAWIRI consortium, PREG Partners, and other relevant partners in the youth & gender field; develop relationships and linkages with organizations implementing other donor-funded programs focused on GYSD in Kenya
    Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed; promote and model a culture of learning and adaptive management.
    Ensure that cross-cutting aspects of gender equality, social inclusion, and youth responsiveness are included and well integrated into NAWIRI approach and activities.
    Contribute technical expertise that feeds into a dynamic community of practice of NAWIRI staff and partners; sharing best practices across all NAWIRI areas and work streams, while seeking opportunities to build NAWIRI staff’s motivation and capabilities in GYSD.
    Collaborate with different program components including Research, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Learning to drive overall effectiveness and coherence of program strategy.
    Represent NAWIRI at all relevant GYSD related meetings/workshops and other stakeholder meetings as requested.

    TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP

    Lead the execution of the NAWIRI Gender Analysis. Support with data collection, analysis and development of recommendations. Work closely with the NAWIRI team on the Gender Analysis, while mainstreaming youth vulnerability analysis, to ensure early level engagement and subsequent integration of findings into the project’s work-plan.
    Conduct a GBV risk analysis and ensure that recommendations for mitigation are integrated in the GYSD strategy and the project’s work-plan. Ensure that all staff and partners are trained on safeguarding and understand their roles in protecting program participants from sexual exploitation and abuse.
    Support NAWIRI team, including partners, on GYSD integration including conducting capacity building activities such as training, learning-by-doing, reflection process and field monitoring support.
    Contribute to research conducted in the program to ensure that relevant issues on GYSD are well represented and applied across all sectors.
    Monitor the implementation of the NAWIRI’s GYSD strategy and other gender related commitments in the project’s design and ensure that the project activities align with USAID’s gender equity and female empowerment policy.
    Ensure the integration of Positive Youth Development principles within NAWIRI.
    Work with field teams to conduct regular community consultations to ensure programming remains gender and age responsive and on-track. Support field teams with ensuring that gender diversity principles inform processes of community consultations.
    Provide leadership and technical support to local partners in developing effective gender and youth-focused project action plans that are in line with NAWIRI’s GYSD strategy.
    Assist partner staff to communicate information from the field to the appropriate decision-making forum on the gender integration in activities undertaken in all components, processes and impacts.
    Provide support, coaching, mentoring and technical guidance on gender mainstreaming and youth responsive interventions to county and partner GYSD officers.
    Develop and lead the integration of social dynamics into all capacity-building efforts in support of Samburu and Turkana county governments.
    Routinely collect and share learnings and best practices on gender, youth social inclusion with diverse project stakeholders.
    Share learning and best practices on gender, youth and social inclusion among Mercy Corps’ global DFSA teams.
    Identify relevant training and learning opportunities for Mercy Corps and partner staff to advance knowledge and skills in gender mainstreaming and youth responsive programming; manage a gender and youth capacity building in alignment with NAWIRI Learning Agenda.

    MANAGEMENT  & COORDINATION

    Supervise and mentor Gender and Youth Officers involved in NAWIRI through technical visits, mentorship and coaching sessions.
    Ensure that program and country staff understand and adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Minimum Standards.
    Liaise with key external stakeholders to provide guidance on gender and youth perspectives in all aspects of NAWIRI program activities.
    Ensure that NAWIRI and partners are in compliance with gender and youth related USAID/FFP requirements.
    Support programming team to integrate gender and youth into programming and assist in gender responsive participatory planning, resource allocation and support implementation.

    INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING

    Work closely with the M&E team on GYSD integration and provide technical backstopping in the collection and use of sex and age disaggregated data, gender indicators and gender sensitive data collection processes across sectors. Make recommendations based on regular monitoring to inform program strategies to better meet the needs of the program participants.
    Ensure NAWIRI is capturing required level of gender and youth disaggregated data and specific success stories on gender transformation and youth empowerment.
    Lead preparation of reports, issues-papers and case studies on gender and youth perspectives to promote gender and youth integration. Support the review of program reports and documents for gender and youth sensitive communication.
    Support in the setting of indicators for assessing progress with gender and youth integration, adapted to specific contexts of Samburu and Turkana.
    Work with Strategic Learning Lead to disseminate information regarding gender and youth achievements and impact.
    Represent the program’s gender strategy with external stakeholders at workshops, conferences and annual learning events. Speak thoughtfully to the analysis, research and learning that NAWIRI is conducting.
    Work closely with Human Resources team to ensure accountability for gender mainstreaming is incorporated into the position descriptions of all program team members. Monitor the gender, diversity and inclusion focus of the program to ensure internal accountability.
    In coordination with the Learning team, manage the institutional knowledge within the NAWIRI program and contribute to wider knowledge management.
    Lead reporting, planning and budgeting of gender, youth and social dynamics activities under the guidance of the DCoP.

    SECURITY

    Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to promote and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members. Ensure that gender specific needs and interests of program staff in relation to safety and security are identified and responded to appropriately.

    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 GYSD Advisor directly supports NAWIRI-based gender staff and participates in the hiring and supervision either directly or indirectly of future gender staff. Additionally, s/he will provide support in mentoring all gender-focused staff across the consortium.

    Accountability
    Reports Directly To: Deputy Chief of Party
    Works Directly With: Strategic Learning Lead, Research Design Lead, Institutional Strengthening Lead, M&E team, partner agencies, local government, USAID and support departments (Finance, HR and Operations).  Coordinates with HQ Program Performance team and the Technical Support Unit (TSU)
    Knowledge and Experience

    Master’s degree in a relevant academic area – e.g., a social science discipline.
    Minimum of five years of experience at the community level is required.
    Minimum of five years of progressive management and technical responsibility, including supervising and mentoring multi-sectorial teams, for humanitarian and development assistance, preferably with an international NGO; preferred experience in gender mainstreaming, youth workforce development, youth entrepreneurship, or youth peacebuilding; USAID experience preferred.
    Must have experience in leading the Gender Strategy of a large program and have demonstrated technical experience leading gender responsive interventions and youth integration into food security programming.
    Experience in Kenya and an in-depth understanding of gender, age, and other locally significant socio-cultural factors in the context of food security programming preferred.
    Demonstrated capacity to lead the collection, analysis, and utilization of information from a broad range of sources.
    Experience working with major donors, USAID/FFP preferred.
    In-depth understanding of gender, age and other locally significant socio-cultural factors in food security context, and demonstrated capacity to lead the collection, analysis and utilization of information from a broad range of sources in order to ensure effective integration of innovative and context specific gender and youth concepts.
    Demonstrated ability to foster commitment and build capacity among activity staff and in-country stakeholders (including government) to gender and youth integration and empowerment.
    Demonstrated capacity to understand and advise on critical technical and operational issues related to gender transformative and youth responsive programming: education, job skills, employment creation, social cohesion, health, psycho-social wellbeing.
    Ability to self-manage and succeed in an integrated management model, with demonstrated proactive and flexible nature in resolving problems and finding innovative solutions.
    Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with groups to produce high quality results.
    Cultural sensitivity, patience, flexibility and ability to work well in a multi-sectoral and multi-cultural team and to work closely, understand and support private sector, government and civil society.
    Ability to work in a fluid and sometimes-stressful environment with unexpected challenges.
    Skills in participatory learning and action and facilitating collaborative problem solving.
    Demonstrated ability to foster commitment and build capacity among program staff and in-country actors to ensure gender and youth integration and empowerment.
    Excellent written and persuasive oral communication skills in English required.
    Ability to travel for field missions for 30-50% level of effort as needed.

    Success Factors
    The successful Gender Youth & Social Dynamic (GYSD) Lead will have strong technical skills combined with strategic visioning and leadership. S/he will have an outstanding ability to inspire teams to deeply understand social dynamics and integrate this understanding into activities that enhance program impact and take the program to new levels. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams and capacity building, individual staff development, and strong mentoring skills. S/he will have demonstrated ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving. The GYSD Lead will have proven ability to learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative and be accountable for results. 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.
    Applications should be submitted on or before 30th April, 2020 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

    go to method of application »

  • Senior Environmental Safeguards Officer

    Senior Environmental Safeguards Officer

    Program / Department Summary
    USAID’s Office of Food For Peace recently awarded funding to a Mercy Corps-led consortium of Kenyan and international partners for a 5-year Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) in Turkana and Samburu Counties. Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership, learning, and co-creation with government, civil society, communities, and the private sector, this program aims to drive sustained reductions in acute malnutrition in both counties.
    General Position Summary
    The Senior Environmental Safeguards Officer will be responsible for tracking environmental compliance of program implementation which includes, working with the program team to identify the potential environmental impacts from proposed activities and identification of strategies to prevent and reduce those impacts considering Kenya´s national regulations, USAID 22 CFR 216 and ADS201. S/he will provide technical support to the development and review of mandatory USAID environmental compliance processes, climate change requirements as well as provide advice on environmental safeguards, climate adaptation and sustainability of the program interventions (protection, rehabilitation of natural resource conservation, yield and sustainability) and follow up on implementation through the development of environmental monitoring systems.
    Essential Job Functions

    PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

    Responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of the supplemental Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP), Environmental Status Report (ESR). Climate Risk Management (CRM), and Water Quality Assurance Plan (WQAP).
    Provide technical backstopping during the implementation of NAWIRI, supporting in addressing a variety of environmental issues at all the stages of the implementation of the program. Work with Technical Leads to review project and activity plans, design, cost, and bid documents to ensure environmental factors and mitigation measures are integrated, and project documents and environmental documents are in harmony
    Work with project and partner staffs on integrating environmental donor strategies, program priorities, and technical requirements into development activities
    Assist and train the program staff on environmental management, specifically focusing on strengthening institutional capacity, improving environmental quality and the sustainable management of natural resources, and promoting equitable solutions in managing commons such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity conservation and others
    Support the process of any required environmental assessments from full Environmental Impact Assessments and Audits (EIA/EA) to more limited environmental reviews for activities that require environmental review.
    Support in the development process of environmental safeguard guidelines and environmental mitigation measures to be used by NAWIRI staff and partners in the plan and implementation process of the project activities.
    Prepare guidelines, tools and notes for use in the project based on relevant environmental policies, acts and regulations/directives of the Government of Kenya, USAID 22 CFR 216 and ADS 201.
    INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING
    Undertake quarterly environmental monitoring and evaluation of program activities against environmental regulations and standards. Lead on developing and delivering a series of spot checks to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are properly implemented in line with the guidelines and unforeseen environmental and human health impacts are minimized. Prepare report (quarterly, field monitoring) on the safeguard risks with appropriate actions to be taken and ensure that timely actions are taken;
    Develop environmental documents including IEE amendment, pesticide evaluation report and safer use action plans (PERSUAP) for NAWIRI (when required) and ensure that they are implemented accordingly.
    Provide technical assistance and deliver capacity building training to NAWIRI, Government and partners’ staffs on environmental sound design and management (ESDM) and climate risk management to close knowledge/skill gaps and minimize the likelihood of risks and ensure the sustainability of the project.

    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.
    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.

    Knowledge and Experience

    Degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Planning and Management, Natural Resources management, Environmental Health and Environmental Engineering or related field. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
    Technical Training in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), climate risk and vulnerability, biodiversity conservations, natural resource management and environmental audit and sustainable livelihoods a plus.
    Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience, ideally with an international NGO, with relevant field-based experience in environment safeguarding sector.
    Registered with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to undertake EIAs
    Experience in undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
    Knowledge of technical principles and concepts in environment safeguarding. Thorough knowledge and understanding of Kenya environmental laws, procedures and guidelines.
    Knowledge of capacity strengthening best practices.
    Strong relationship and networking skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings
    Strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment
    Good technical writing skills
    Proficient analytical skills that demonstrate an understanding of the current concepts, priorities, and issues in program monitoring, data collection, and evaluation.

  • REAP Village Mentors

    REAP Village Mentors

    Current Team: Member New position.
     
    Program / Department Summary: Mercy Corps has been operating in Kenya since 2008, focusing its interventions around four objectives:

    peace and conflict management;
    livelihood / market systems;
    governance (particularly at the county level); and
    youth employment / employability (including the social and economic development of adolescents).

    The four objectives serve to increase community resilience to drought and other shocks and stresses, and to decrease fragility with a particular focus on Kenya’s Arid Lands.
    Mercy Corps’ vision for change requires the private sector, government and civil society to work together to create meaningful and sustainable change.
    General Position Summary: The REAP Village Mentors will be responsible for execution of Rural Entrepreneur Access Project (REAP) a two year women poverty graduation model aimed at supporting human capital development for resilient individuals who are then engaged in a group-based business enterprise.
    Essential Job Responsibilities
    Program Management

    Contribute to team work plans and successful implementation of Rural Entrepreneur Access Project activities, following work plans so activities are on time, target and within the approved budget, and program deliverables achieve desired impact.
    Implement a 2-year women poverty graduation model and ensure that interventions are responsive to stakeholders and consistent with Mercy Corps’ and the BOMA Project’s relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan. Ensure that interventions are evidence-based and adhere to adaptive management principles.
    Manage REAP business and associated VSLA groups
    Provide mentoring to up to 45 small businesses every year for a two-year cycle through regular site visits to assess the health of the business..
    In a collaborative process with the community (Participatory Wealth Ranking and Participatory Rural Appraisal) and Location Advisory Committees, target and identify eligible girls and women for the program, based on agreed written criteria
    Train and mentor the girls/women to write a business plan of chosen viable businesses and provide two years mentoring during monthly visits
    Facilitate disbursement of cash grants in two instalments for girls/women to buy stock and equipment for their business
    Facilitate girls and women to form savings associations of 5 to 7 businesses that meet monthly to deposit savings. Members and village residents access credit for long term expenses and business growth
    Link women to other traders, markets, financial institutions, public and private institutions
    Implement monitoring and evaluation tools.
    Represent MC at the assigned location including as a representative for the organization in local development communities.
    In collaboration with REAP Officer, report on the businesses and savings groups’ performances to the Program Manager and BOMA Project focal person.

    Knowledge and Experience

    At least a Diploma or certificate in community development, social work or another related discipline.
    Previous experience in the dry lands of northern Kenya is a requisite.
    previous experience with a local non-governmental organization is strongly preferred. Possess excellent interpersonal skills; candidates should be able to relate well to both the girls and women with whom they work, and the MC REAP Officer.
    Have experience in data collection
    Be self-driven, and able to work with minimal staff supervision
    Be reliable and punctual
    Have an understanding of English, Swahili and local languages
    Possession of valid motorcycle driving license and or willingness to acquire one immediately is an added advantage. Willingness and ability to drive motorcycle is strongly preferred for this post.