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.

  • Chief of Party – Building Resilience in Civil Society

    Chief of Party – Building Resilience in Civil Society

    Program / Department Summary
    Mercy Corps began working in Kenya in 2008 to address the societal wounds following the 2007 post-election violence. Since that time, Mercy Corps has built a robust and diverse portfolio in Kenya that is working to address structural causes of poverty and injustice and to strengthen systems that enable men, women and children to access opportunities, participate in and contribute to peaceful democratic processes, and thrive in the face of ecological and social change. To do this, we deliver integrated programming to strengthen market and governance systems, address the root causes of conflict, and equip vulnerable populations- in particular youth, women, adolescents and marginalized social groups- with the skills, opportunities and resources they need to be healthy, productive and to drive the development of their communities. We work closely with the private sector, civil society and governance structures at local and national levels to facilitate change and ensure that opportunities are inclusive of all Kenyans.
    General Position Summary
    Mercy Corps seeks an exceptional leader in the area of conflict resolution, peacebuilding and public policy to lead Mercy Corps’ implementation of a multi-year, 9 million GBP program funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF). Building Resilience in Civil Society (BRICS II) will engage local and national government, local civil society organizations and communities to mitigate the drivers, enablers and narratives of violent extremism in East Africa through support to policy initiatives, community engagement, and support to national civil society organizations in order to prevent the recruitment of vulnerable individuals by violent extremist organizations. The program will work primarily in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, through strategies adapted to the context and opportunities in each country to advance research, legislation and field implementation of activities. The Chief of Party will have overall responsibility for implementation of the BRICS II program and will be the primary point of contact for the FCO within Mercy Corps. ;. The Chief of Party will be an integral member of the senior country leadership team, working closely with the Country Director, other program technical advisors, directors and managers to promote synergies and knowledge sharing between BRICS II and ongoing programs, and to shape Mercy Corps’ country strategy for peacebuilding and CVE programming.
    Essential Job Responsibilities
    Program Leadership

    Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Mercy Corps’ BRICS II activities in cooperation with key project stakeholders, including local and international partner organizations, local civil society organizations, local and national government officials, research institutions and universities, other international agencies on the ground, and key donors.
    Oversee relevant program, finance and administrative staff to ensure systems are in compliance with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
    Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts, and develop mechanisms for targeted research to inform program design and implementation.
    Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
    Increase staff capacity by ensuring high quality technical training on CVE programming for Mercy Corps staff and local partners, and providing ongoing coaching and mentoring.
    Promote learning and knowledge management through documentation and knowledge sharing around best practices and lessons learned.

    Strategy and Vision

    Set the overall vision and strategy for the program by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve program objectives and impact.
    Drive a cutting-edge research agenda to inform program strategy and promote internal and external learning about best practices in CVE programming
    Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.

    Representation

    Lead the BRICS II Policy Influencing agenda and engage with local and national governance institutions to drive CVE policy development and implementation.
    Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
    Identify, engage, capacity-build and coordinate partner organizations into a cohesive program implementation unit.
    Maintain good working relationships with the donor, the host country government and local leaders, partner agencies, and other key stakeholders.
    Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices from BRICS II to internal and external stakeholders.
    Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the CVE and peacebuilding sectors, including donors, other peace-building and research organizations, local authorities and local partners.

    Team Management

    Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
    Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via performance reviews.
    Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
    Supervise and regularly coordinate with project staff and support departments to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of program activities. Develop a framework for adaptive management and program iteration driven by research and learning.
    Provide overall leadership to a broad team of program staff ensuring synergy, sharing of best practices and resources.

    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, specificallyto 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
    Policy and Advocacy Manager, Partner Support Manager, Finance Manager, Research Director, M&E Manager and other relevant staff
    Accountability
    Reports Directly To: Kenya Country Director
    Works Directly With: Technical Service Unit, Operations and Finance Teams, Mercy Corps Desk team
    Knowledge and Experience

    Master’s degree in conflict mitigation, social sciences, international relations or other relevant field preferred.
    Minimum 8 years’ relevant professional experience implementing conflict management and peacebuilding programs, preferably with experience on working on CVE programming.
    Previous experience managing a portfolio of programs in insecure environments.
    Experience in at least one of the following program areas: conflict management, governance and/or youth.
    Demonstrated experience with consortium management, including innovative ways to ensure participatory and dynamic engagement of partner organizations.
    Demonstrated experience with adaptive management, integration of research into program design and strategy, and innovative approaches to program monitoring and evaluation.
    Knowledge of systems approaches and resilience principles a plus.
    Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills.
    Experience managing national and international staff.
    Familiarity and experience with FCO regulations preferred.
    Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing.
    Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player.

    Success Factors
    The successful Chief of Party candidate will demonstrate the capacity to lead a multi-dimensional effort in a complex and fluid security environment. She will employ excellent judgment, strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, and be committed to the values and mission of Mercy Corps. She will take initiative, calculate risks and benefits of various courses of action, lead others to achieve to the highest level possible, and demonstrate solid decision-making while working in concert with diverse partners.
    Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
    This position will be located in Nairobi or Mombasa and is an accompanied position for spouses and children. Nairobi and Mombasa are developed cities, with good access to goods and services, health care, and high-quality education. While Kenya is a stable and middle-income country, criminality persists and team members are encouraged to take reasonable precautions to minimize the risk of falling victim to criminal activity.
    Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/temporary assignment to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws and customs, and adhere to MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
    PI103111485

  • County Project Officer Coordinator Project Coordinator Conflict Officer Program Manager

    County Project Officer Coordinator Project Coordinator Conflict Officer Program Manager

    LOCATION: MARSABIT COUNTY
    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.
    Mercy Corps is seeking to recruit a County Project Coordinator to oversee county-level activities for a five-year USAID-funded Feed the Future (FtF) Livestock Market Systems Development Activity for Northern Kenya.
    The project supports USAID’s Feed the Future Initiative specifically to improve households’ income, productive assets and resilience to drought and other shocks. Specific areas of focus include: strengthened and sustained rangeland and water management; strengthened drought risk management; strengthened conflict management; improved and sustained health, nutrition, and hygiene practices; improved literacy, numeracy, and life skills; and collaborative action and learning for community empowerment.
    GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction and management support from the Deputy Chief of Party, the County Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall county-level planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of the Strengthening Community Capacities for Resilience and Growth project.  S/he will ensures all project initiatives are implemented to achieve maximum impact as per project objectives while remaining on schedule and budget.
    The Project Coordinator directly manages the county-level staff on the project and has an informal reporting line to our partner’s Regional Program Manager. Strong day-to-day coordination with the Regional Program Manager is required to ensure that office operations are running effectively and are compliant with all internal and external regulations. S/he will be the primary liaison with county government officials.
    ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
    Program Management

    Provide overall managerial leadership for the project at the county level, ensuring teams follow work plans so activities are on time, target and within the approved budget, and project deliverables achieve desired impact;
    Lead effective coordination, collaboration and integration among all technical, support and project units including with our lead partner – ACDI/VOCA and implementing partner – the  BOMA Project;
    Partner with county-level government and communities in areas of operation;
    Ensure effective and timely monitoring, documenting and reporting on all project activities as per the policies and practices of the consortium lead, Mercy Corps, USAID and the government;
    Provide timely updates to supervisor on progress and issues, identifying risks and proposing solutions for action and early resolution;
    Attend all quarterly project meetings in Nairobi as well as facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGOs, private sector and community partners to revise plans and promote partner acceptance/buy-in;
    Regularly visit field sites to assess progress of activities and provide formal and informal feedback;
    Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.

    Team Management

    Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and achieve objectives;
    Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews;
    Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence;
    Work closely with the HR department to recruit, orient and lead team members as necessary.

    Influence & Representation

    Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and country leadership;
    Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub grantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.

    Security

    Work closely with the county team’s security focal points to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.  Coordinate closely with our partner, ACDI/VOCA on security issues at the county level;
    Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

    Other

    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.

    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: 3 project team members
    ACCOUNTABILITY
    REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Deputy Chief of Party
    WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Regional Program Manager (partner), Chief of Party, finance and operations teams, HQ Regional Program Team, HQ Technical Support Unit, and Partner Organizations.
    Knowledge and Experience:

    Masters Degree or equivalent in development studies, business, planning, social sciences or other relevant field is preferred;
    A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in multi-sectoral programs, managing teams, strategic planning and implementing programs;
    Strong managerial skills, including effective personnel management, adaptive management, coordination and decision-making;
    Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills;
    Competent in building networks, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to influence with effective listening, persuasion, negotiation and other techniques;
    Strong understanding of USAID compliance issues;
    Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work;
    Excellent and persuasive oral and written communication skills, including report writing, in English and other language(s), as required;
    Spoken fluency is Swahili is required and primary local dialects in the respective County is strongly preferred;
    Previous working experience in northern Kenya is desirable;
    Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members;
    Ability to work comfortably in a sometimes tense and changing security environment is required.

    Success Factors

    The successful County Project Coordinator will have a strong understanding of project approaches and represent the project professionally at all times. S/he will combine exceptional management skills and capacity to manage relationships with different stakeholders. A heavy emphasis will be placed on coordination with other actors implementing in the areas of intervention. S/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level.
    Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.  S/he will be committed to working closely and collaboratively with the County Government structures and our lead partner, ACDI/VOCA.

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  • Finance Officer Finance & Subgrants Officer

    Finance Officer Finance & Subgrants Officer

    Job Details
    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.
    The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Kenya, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance.
    The Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures. In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.
    General Position Summary: Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Senior Finance and Compliance Officer, the Finance and Administration Officer will assist in the accounting and documentation of all financial transactions in timely and accurate manner.
    Job Responsibilities

    Support in preparation of monthly bank reconciliations
    Maintain custody of the office cash fund and make daily payments of approved transactions
    Prepare cash payment vouchers and ensure that all cash transactions are fully and properly documented
    Review expense reports (travel expense reports and operational expense reports) for accuracy and completeness and ensure that expense reports have been fully approved before payment
    Perform weekly cash count as per FFM
    Record payment vouchers daily in the Field Connection Accounting System
    Maintain field advance tracker file and prepare past due advance tracker for the Senior Finance Officer
    Preparing cheques based on fully approved & reviewed documents and present for signing
    File all cash and bank batch vouchers and maintain voucher filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded
    Maintain the bank file, ensuring that all bank information is properly filed and updated
    Assist with month end balance sheet account reconciliations
    Make sure that all supporting documentation is prepared and filed according to MC procedures.
    Assists in sub grants management & compliance at field office
    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.

    Supervisory Responsibility: None
    Accountability
    Reports Directly To: Senior Finance and Compliance Officer
    Directly With: Nairobi Finance Team, Program Team & Operations Team
    Knowledge and Experience:

    Three or more years of accounting or bookkeeping experience, including experience with double-entry accounting
    A degree in accounting or a relevant business field
    Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
    Familiarity with computerized, double-entry accounting software
    Strong organizational skills as well as attention to detail
    Excellent oral and written English skills

    Success Factors: A clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
    The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required. A demonstrated ability to work quickly, accurately, meet deadlines, and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.

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  • Negotiation and mediation training for election violence interveners in the Kenya election violence prevention and response program (KEVP)

    Negotiation and mediation training for election violence interveners in the Kenya election violence prevention and response program (KEVP)

    Terms of Reference- Negotiation and mediation training for election violence interveners in the Kenya election violence prevention and response program (KEVP)
    Consultancy Title: Negotiation/mediation training Consultant
    Project Location(s): Nairobi (2 trainings), Nakuru (1 training), Kisumu (1 training)
    Duration: 15 days
    PURPOSE / PROJECT DESCRIPTION
    As part of its exit strategy to empower Integrated Electoral Security Committees, Mercy Corps plans to conduct a tailored training on negotiation and mediation. The content of the training will be guided by the attached samples of needs assessment reports of the respective IESCs
    It is envisioned that the training will empower the participants with skills to enable them execute their mandate post KEVP in their respective counties.
    OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
    Using Mercy Corps approved curriculum, conduct a tailored negotiation and mediation training to select members of the county Integrated Electoral Security Committees (IESC). The curriculum of the training will be informed by guided by attached survey findings.
    SCOPE OF WORK
    The consultant shall ensure the completion of the following activities in accordance with the terms and conditions of the consultancy contract:

    Develop a tailored mediation and negotiation training manual, that will address the existing capacity gaps in IESC as per attached survey findings
    Conduct four- three day trainings in the 3 counties namely Nakuru, Nairobi and Kisumu counties as stated in the project location
    Train at least 130 IESC members in negotiation and mediation in Nakuru, Nairobi and Kisumu counties.

    DELIVERABLES
    All the assignment reports must be of high quality. The key deliverables are as follows:

    Four- three day trainings in each of the following counties- Nakuru, Nairobi and Kisumu
    A comprehensive report of the training and list of beneficiaries

    TIMELINE
    This consultancy will take 15 days including travel days
    SKILLS REQUIRED
    We are looking for organizations/individuals who bring to this role of coach a proven dispute resolution process, data analysis from various dispute resolution efforts, and broad experience from supporting different types of dispute resolution efforts, in addition to:

    High knowledge of election conflicts and violence in Kenya and specifically in the counties of Nakuru , Nairobi and Kisumu counties
    Experienced trainer with extensive skills in participatory training approaches and curriculum development
    Experienced negotiator/mediator with proven record
    Extensive knowledge in conflict, peacebuilding and electoral processes
    Minimum 5 years work experience in related field
    Highly developed analytical and writing skills

    EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
    Any person interested in undertaking this assignment should send an Expression of Interest consisting of:

    A short proposal on how the assignment will be undertaken (The proposal must be concise and straight to the point adhering to the timeframe)
    A clear work plan (including a 3 day program for the proposed training)
    Detailed budget
    Curriculum vitae of the key expert(s)/trainer(s)
    Applications by organizations to include a brief history of the organization and relevant experience

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
    All proposals will based on the following criteria:
    Criteria Detail Points:-

    Experience of Applicant -Combination of organizational or individual experience, profiles of key individuals on the project, and provided demonstrations of work (35 marks)
    Technical proposal -Quality proposals will provide detail of the approach, training methodology, duration of training activities, examples of negotiation/mediation curriculums (40marks)
    Value for Money -Cost of work, compared to quality of anticipated products being provided (25marks)

    MERCY CORPS RESPONSIBILITY

    Pay consultancy fees at a mutually agreed rate.
    Mobilize the trainees and support logistics
    Organize for interpretation where need be.
    To cater for accommodation and transport to and from the field.

    MANAGING DELIVERY
    The consulting team will report to the Chief of Party, Kenya Election Violence Prevention and Response program and shall work in close consultation with the Deputy Chief of Party and Area Manager.

  • IT Consultancy Event Consultant

    IT Consultancy Event Consultant

    Purpose / Project Description: The purpose is provision of IT consultancy service to Mercy Corps Kenya
    Consultant Objectives:
    The consultant will have the following objectives:
    Consultant Activities:
    Internet support services as described below:

    Servicing all the Nairobi and field based computers
    Maintaining operating systems and all networks (both wireless and local area network)
    Help desk: End user support on all software and hardware issues via online, on phone and on-site support
    Desktop and laptop maintenance support
    Carry out preventive maintenance for all printers in the organization on quarterly basis. (Schedule 1-List of Printers)
    Data recovery and back-ups
    Software and Kaspersky Antivirus update
    Linux and Windows Server management
    Deal with ISP in case internet or bandwidth issues
    For Nairobi Office at ABC place, twice a week visit and on call as proposed

    Consultant Deliverables:
    (Based on the services provided in the detailed scope of works)

    Servicing all the Nairobi and field based computers
    Maintaining operating systems and all networks (both wireless and local area network)
    Help desk: End user support on all software and hardware issues via online, on phone and on-site support
    Desktop and laptop maintenance support
    Data recovery and back-ups
    Quarterly report on preventive maintenance of all printers.
    Software and Kaspersky Antivirus update
    Linux and Windows Server management
    Deal with ISP in case internet or bandwidth issues
    For Nairobi Office at ABC place, twice a week visit is and on call proposed

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  • Agriculture/NRM Capacity Strengtheninig Specialist – East Africa

    Agriculture/NRM Capacity Strengtheninig Specialist – East Africa

    Job Description
    Program / Department Summary
    The Strengthening Capacity in Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Environment (SCALE) program is a five year Associated Award funded by the USAID Office of Food for Peace (FFP) through the Technical and Operational Performance Support (TOPS) program led by Save the Children US. SCALE is designed to further improve the impact, sustainability, and scalability of FFP’s programming in agriculture, natural resource management, and livelihoods in emergency and development settings. Specifically, the program will focus on sustainable and climate sensitive approaches that foster resilient agricultural systems, and enhance income opportunities within or outside agricultural systems. This program is managed through the Agriculture Technical Support Unit (TSU).
    General Position Summary
    The SCALE Capacity Strengthening Specialist will coordinate with the program director to lead capacity-strengthening activities for the SCALE program in agriculture, natural resource management and off-farm livelihoods for both emergency and development settings. She/he will be responsible for implementing a sustainable capacity strengthening strategy adapted to the needs of staff (from different FFP implementing agencies and USAID missions) at different levels and disseminated via different methods, while ensuring the coordination of activities with other agencies and implementers as well as other knowledge and learning program activities. A key component of this position will be to develop sustainable learning systems throughout the life of the program, including a capacity measurement system to evaluate uptake and results.
    Essential Job Responsibilities
    Strategy & Vision

    Contribute to the development and adjustment of a distinctive strategic vision for improved capacity strengthening across multiple agencies and countries.
    Contribute to industry work in agriculture, NRM and off-farm livelihoods by using a systems-based learning approach: incorporate and share key scientific and development research, build strong networks of partners at the field level, establish sustainable learning mechanisms to enhance program impact.
    Build external visibility on relevant technical areas.
    Program Implementation
    Ensure that program implementation is responsive to FFP implementing partners and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
    Ensure delivery of capacity-strengthening activities on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
    Contribute to influential analysis and derive new insights from field assessments and industry learning; incorporate those results, best practices, and industry principles into the program.
    Identify and develop contracts for specialist support during program implementation.
    Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
    Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
    Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Measurement
    Implement activities to assess and document the impact of technical capacity strengthening and interventions.
    Finance & Compliance Management
    Ensure compliance with USAID and Mercy Corps regulations.
    Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.
    Representation, Thought Leadership, AND Parnertship Development
    Identify, build and manage strategic partnerships with USAID, networks and stakeholders.
    Represent SCALE and Mercy Corps with different stakeholders, in relevant practitioner and learning networks and at key events, as well as through developing industry wide training curricula, papers, conference presentations, and online fora.
    Communicate effectively to ensure overall program targets and donor obligations are met.
    Actively engage in internal relationship building.Work with the team to maintain a strong roster of consulting resources to fill technical needs that are not available in house.
    Security
    Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by countryProactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
    Organizational Learning
    As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

    Accountability to Beneficiaries
    Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts 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
    None
    Accountability
    Reports Directly To: SCALE Program Director
    Works Directly With: SCALE Collaboration and Learning Specialist and other SCALE part-time staff, Agriculture and other relevant TSU, Save the Children BRIDGE and WASH associate award staff, and IDEAL staff
    Knowledge and Experience

    Advanced degree at master’s degree level or above or at least 6 years of work experience related to agriculture or international development.
    A minimum of 3 years of experience leading capacity strengthening activities for international development and emergency projects, preferably complementary to food security and food aid commodity programs.
    Expertise in natural resource management, off-farm livelihoods, behavioral change methodologies, and monitoring and evaluation of agriculture activities to improve data collection and analysis along with reporting preferred.
    Experience developing capacity strengthening content, adult-learning tools, and leading training or learning events.
    Demonstrated ability to provide capacity strengthening to multiple end users to achieve improved agricultural program results.
    Demonstrated ability of working with multiple stakeholders and networks to build learning opportunities.
    Experience working directly with USAID at HQ and field level preferred.

    Success Factors
    The successful applicant will balance in-depth technical expertise in the agriculture sector with implementation of capacity strengthening activities. Strong knowledge of adult learning mechanisms, integrated learning models, and organizational or institutional learning is essential, as well as practical implementation of programs to ensure learning and uptake is grounded in practical reality. The successful applicant will have the drive and confidence to innovate, and a true ambition to build knowledge as a means to improve program quality. Strong networking, listening, communication and negotiations skills are essential to the success of this role. He/she will be self-motivated and able to think creatively about achieving capacity strengthening objectives for a global, multi-organizational target audience. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
    Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
    The position is based in East Africa – either in Nairobi, Kenya or Kampala, Uganda and requires up to 40% travel to USAID/FFP implementation countries, which may include program areas of sometimes high security risk. The location will be accompanied and secure. Housing is individual accommodation. Staff will have good access to services – medical, electricity, water, etc.
    Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/STA 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.

  • Director, Frontier Financial Services for Displaced Populations – East Africa

    Director, Frontier Financial Services for Displaced Populations – East Africa

    Job Description
    Eastern Africa Nationals are highly encouraged to apply.
    Initiative Summary
    Drawing on our global experience working at the nexus of humanitarian response and protracted conflicts, Mercy Corps leads the Frontier Finance initiative to solve tough challenges at scale and contribute to cross cutting SDGs. Mercy Corps will accelerate the delivery of demand-driven, viable business models in fragility-affected regions to ultimately benefit displaced populations and host communities by facilitating private sector providers into targeted markets. We will apply market facilitation principles and expand access to finance businesses supporting/employing these populations, with a focus on digital delivery and bundled services. This will include exploring new partnerships, including blended finance and innovative financing mechanisms. This investment will allow Mercy Corps to test market-based products and partnerships, build/strengthen new partnerships, secure long-term investments and funding, and ultimately build the business case and clear finance models for working with both displaced populations in fragile and frontier markets. We will use a ‘lean’ approach – iterative and incremental to understand the actual needs of different segments of displaced persons, host communities, and businesses.
    General Position Summary
    The Director, Frontier Financial Services for Displaced Populations will be field-focused and will launch and quickly accelerate the delivery of demand-driven, viable financial models and products in fragile and frontier markets. The role is to be based regionally focusing on East Africa, while also having a global mandate by providing input, learnings, advice into other regions pursuing the same initiative and help with global representation.
    The position will draw on Mercy Corps’ global experience working at the nexus of humanitarian response and protracted conflicts. You will use a market-level approach and a focus on digital channels and related services to impact displaced populations, host communities, and service providers operating in fragile markets. Mercy Corps has initially prioritized scalable market sectors – energy and agriculture – alongside Sharia-compliant financial services. Investments will be multi-country and cross-border focused on humanitarian crises where opportunities exist to demonstrate scalable business models and leverage Mercy Corps existing on-ground presence. In East Africa, this will initially include Somalia and the multi-country South Sudan refugee crisis.
    The role will be a strong leader in Mercy Corps’ reaching its commitment to facilitate usage of improved financial inclusion to at least one million displaced persons, relevant host community members, and persons living in fragile environments by 2020. You will use a ‘lean’ approach – iterative and incremental to understand the actual needs of the different segments of displaced persons, host communities, and businesses while simultaneously building a business and evidence case for their engagement.
    The role will also work closely with Mercy Corps country teams to pilot new initiatives and integrate financial services into existing programs and help identify related pipeline investment opportunities for Mercy Corps Social Venture team.
    This role will contribute to strategic discussions (internal and external); support project documentation, including pilot designs with country teams; advise on monitoring tools; maintain coordination with key advisors supporting programme quality initiatives related to financial services and identity programming; recommend opportunities for research and evidence building to broaden impact; and reinforce stakeholder communication, including with senior leadership and policy advocates.
    Essential Job Responsibilities

    Strategy and Vision

    Develop regional strategy and quickly and continually raise funding to capitalize finance solutions, including blended finance, to seed the design and prototyping of financial tools and channels (both digital and non-digital).
    Set direction and quickly strengthen partnerships at the regional level with payment and technology companies, financial service providers, impact investors, institutional donors, foundations, research institutes, UN agencies, peer organizations, and host country governments.
    Continually identify new opportunities for strategic partnerships to finance and expand the initiative to understand, and to build on Mercy Corps unique strengths and competitive advantages.
    Conduct continual landscape analysis of actors and funding in this rapidly evolving sector and communicate/ continuously adjust strategy with respective technical teams.
    Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
    Understand other Mercy Corps programming contexts and objectives in order to identify integration opportunities with Mercy Corps fieldwork.

    Technical Advisory

    Cultivate and manage external partnerships for technical assistance, provide technical assistance, and mentor Mercy Corps country teams and partners, including, but not limited to:
    Traditional financial services providers (banks, microfinance institutions, Islamic finance providers), trade finance and agricultural actors, as well as digital platforms.
    Digital ID providers, mobile network operators, money transfer/remittance providers, payments companies, investment funds, ‘pay-as you’ providers, agricultural and energy finance players, and social enterprises.
    Explore partnerships in peer-to-peer digital payments, diaspora investments, and crowdfunding platforms.
    Engage with Mercy Corps country teams on market systems data collection processes / systems
    Coordinate with Mercy Corps’ Program Performance and Quality (PaQ) Unit and Technical Support Unit (TSU) to maximize capacity building strategies, programmatic learning, guidance development, and research opportunities
    Support program implementation and expansion activities, including partner coordination, pilots, and regional training workshops
    Conduct field visits to prepare for and manage pilots, capacity building efforts
    Thought Leadership, Influence and Representation
    Ensure Mercy Corps is seen as a critical influencer in financial inclusion for both fragile situations and for displaced populations. Build external visibility on relevant technical areas and lead external representation efforts
    Capture and disseminate insights from Mercy Corps programming for internal and external communications
    Maintain productive relationships with internal and external constituents such as private partners, local NGOs and civil society organizations and academic institutionsUnderstand donor pool and contribute to shaping donor views on the evolving context and its impact on Mercy Corps programming

    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
    None
    Accountability
    Reports Directly To: Regional Director with dotted line to Lead – Financial Services in Crisis/Displaced Populations.
    Works Directly With: Deputy Regional Director, Mercy Corps teams at the country, regional and global level, including fundraising, technical support units, research & learning, Innovations Team, and the Social Ventures Team
    Knowledge and Experience

    Relevant Master’s degree preferred.
    At least 10+ years proven, field-based track record of progressive management/ leadership positions in management consulting, investment, financial services, market systems development in an emerging/frontier market or challenging contexts.
    Significant experience living and working in a frontier market, preferably in East Africa for a minimum of 5-7 years.
    Significant experience working in formal and informal financial sectors, especially with digital financial services and experience working in agriculture and energy sectors, Islamic finance, and the digital ID space, especially in Africa.
    Strong regional contacts with financial institutions, UN, investors, institutional donors, social enterprises, foundations, and corporations engaged in this sector will be a priority so we can build on existing value and supply chains.
    Experience with Lean / Adaptive / Agile processes would be a plus.
    Ability to build partnerships with strong and/or high potential service providers will be key.
    Proven experience working with individuals and teams to quickly build, test, and scale business models, and jointly identify and prioritize key challenges.
    Strong organizational skills and a demonstrable track record of results and securing funding, with experience successfully structuring and coordinating a number of relationships and high value projects simultaneously across multiple countries.
    Proven ability to navigate cross-cultural relationships.
    A deep understanding of the complexities of the challenges low-income communities face, and the current efforts to solve them.
    Demonstrated experience applying DCED standards, the Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) approach and conducting political and market analysis
    Fluent in written and spoken English, and ideally Swahili and/or French.

    Success Factors

    Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to build influential partnerships quickly, self motivate.
    Exceptional project management skills.
    Customer centric outlook, proven experience with human-centered design thinking and approaches.
    Highly-developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching, especially with a market systems mindset.
    Ability to work across multiple countries and to influence throughout the agency and lead cross-agency learning. Ability to understand incentive structures and engage/persuade senior-level executives and other stakeholders.
    Cultural knowledge, sensitivity, and respect and ‘Do no Harm’ mindset.
    A strong empathy with the mission of Mercy Corps.

  • Senior Finance and Compliance Officer

    Senior Finance and Compliance Officer

    GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
    Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Country Finance Director, the Senior Finance and Compliance Officer will assist in the accounting and documentation of all financial transactions in a timely and accurate manner.
    ESSENTIAL JOB FUCNTIONS:

    Reviewing and posting entries input in the field connection and navigator for all offices.
    Monitoring expenditures under specific budgetary lines for relevance.
    Review of the payroll and payroll allocations, posting of the payroll journal entries on time.
    Review and posting of the monthly amortizations, making enquiries on deferred payments.
    Managing the staff end of service expense allocation including following up on insurance costs and refunds through the Human Resource department.
    Monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
    Review and support in submission of cash flow projections to HQ on a monthly basis.
    Management of the cash balances in all Mercy corps Kenya accounts.
    Examine all transactions that go through bank accounts and the ledger for accuracy before approving the bank reconciliation.
    Lead the finance team on the month close process, starting from the month close meeting held on a monthly basis, to the coordination of all field teams towards the timely closure of the monthly accounts and submission of the monthly reporting package without fail by the 10th of each month to HQ.
    Reclasses required internally and by HQ are done on a timely basis.
    Support in VAT returns process.
    Maintaining relations between Mercy Corps and the bank, Kenya Revenue Authority and the Auditors.
    Supported the Annual Financial year closure.
    Backstop plan in case of the absence of any Finance officer in Nairobi office and several other field offices.
    Constantly reinforced the adherence of Mercy Corps and donor policies to ensure they are adhered to.
    Assisting the Finance Director with program close out.
    Other assigned duties

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Two Finance Officers in Nairobi
    ACCOUNTABILITY
    REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Finance Director
    WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Nairobi Finance Team, Program Team & Operations Team
    KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

    Ten or more years of accounting or bookkeeping experience, including experience with double-entry accounting
    Must have supervised finance staff
    CPA(K) or equivalent and diploma in relevant business field
    Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
    Familiarity with computerized, double-entry accounting software
    Strong organizational skills as well as attention to detail
    Excellent oral and written English skills

    Success Factors

    A clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
    The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required.
    A demonstrated ability to work quickly, accurately, meet deadlines, and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.

  • Regional Program Development Specialist – East and Central Africa (Location TBC)

    Regional Program Development Specialist – East and Central Africa (Location TBC)

    Program / Department Summary
    Mercy Corps’ East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region has grown significantly over the past decade. With Mercy Corps’ continued focus on the 3 I’s – Impact, Influence and Innovation – the team has identified the need to effectively respond to New Business opportunities. Currently, Mercy Corps’ New Initiatives team focuses on:

    Highly strategic submissions, particularly (though not exclusively) to institutional donors and Initiatives that enhance overall agency proposal processes and competitiveness.
    Team members are tasked to provide additional “person power” on specific, high priority efforts by assisting with all or some of the following: assembling a proposal team; executing team planning; undertaking on-site participatory assessment and design work; extensive writing; providing high-quality reviews and edits; and more

    Examples of the types of strategic, agency-wide initiatives that the team has supported include: preparation and promotion of a proposal tool kit for improved planning; maintenance of a roster of proposal consultants; and organization of action reviews of proposals. With all of its activities, New Initiatives works in a highly collaborative manner with the agency as a whole, particularly the program operations team and country teams.
    General Position Summary
    The Regional Program Development Specialist (also known as Regional New Initiatives Specialist) will be a member of the New Initiatives team but responsible for supporting the ESA Africa region and, as such, will work particularly closely with the Regional Director (RD). His/her primary focus will be on program development including:

    tracking the pipeline of potential new business opportunities for the region and supporting the RD, DRD and Country Directors (CD) in prioritizing and preparing for them;
    leading and supporting program development efforts throughout the region;
    helping to enhance the overall state of practice vis-à-vis proposal processes within the region; and 
    enhancing partner relations, with a particular emphasis on helping to diversify the agency’s partnerships in the region. In addition, he/she will be responsible for helping implement various other activities within the ESA Africa region that are part of the New Initiatives work plan.

    Essential Job Responsibilities

    Program/Proposal Design and Development

    Responsible for leading and supporting all aspects of the development of strategic proposals throughout the ESA Africa region.Apply the agency’s best practices in proposal development efforts supported by the Regional Director and New Initiatives team.
    Support proposal development for:

    medium and mid-level proposal opportunities; 
    the many emergency and humanitarian proposal opportunities that are generally smaller value but frequent; and
    support work on larger strategic proposals, multi country opportunities and or European contracts in partnership with the NI team.

    Strategic Pre-Positioning

    Lead and support efforts that help Mercy Corps’ ESA’s programs to more pro-actively influence donor planning and access funding.
    Support targeted assessments that will help create funding opportunities or increase competitiveness of the agency in solicitations.
    Facilitate strategic planning sessions with country programs.
    Track donor trends for potential opportunities in the emergency space that busy country teams might not be able to monitor or respond to at the time.

    Build Regional Capacity

    Build capacity of Mercy Corps’ staff within the region to work on proposals and run strong proposal and program development processes through team-work during actual proposal efforts, mentoring or tailored training activities,
    Support / lead learning and communications activities for specific programs in the ESA region alongside country teams.
    Support the startup of new strategic programs and projects especially those programs and projects that the Manager designed and wrote with country teams.
    Contribute to activities that raise overall agency state of practice. As a member of the NI team, the Regional Program Development Specialist will spend a small portion of his/her time supporting agency-wide initiatives that enable Mercy Corps to more efficiently produce competitive submissions. (e.g. developing improved reference materials for proposal writers, contributing to efforts that capture learnings and results from our programs, and/or assisting with networking activities).
    Provide a link for flow of important information and idea-exchange between the ESA region and the agency overall.

    REPRESENTATION

    Responsible for proactively establishing, developing and nurturing relationships with partners in ESA region.
    Coordinate alongside CDs with the HQ teams including Corporations and Foundations Teams and the MCE Institutional Partnership Managers and the RPT teams.
    Spend time supporting agency-wide initiatives that enable Mercy Corps to more efficiently produce competitive submissions. (e.g. developing improved reference materials for proposal writers, contributing to efforts that capture learnings and results from our programs, and/or assisting with networking activities).
    Keep up to date on relevant donor strategies being developed or applied by significant governmental, academic, and non-profit groups.
    Work with Mercy Corps staff in the ESA region to determine how the agency can best work with and/or influence such materials.

    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, specificallyto 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: Regional Director, with dotted line to Director, New Initiatives
    Works Directly With: Deputy Regional Director, Country Directors, Deputy Country Directors, Directors of Programs, Technical Service Unit, Desk team and New Initiatives team.
    Knowledge and Experience

    Master’s degree preferred; International Development or Business Science preferred.
    5-7 years’ experience in program design and proposal development in a wide variety of sectors and geographic locations.
    At least 2-3 years’ experience in field-based program and staff management, with regional knowledge of ESA region.
    Preferable experience with emergency as well as development proposal writing
    Proven ability to work productively with a wide variety of stakeholders to run both participatory process and meet tight deadlines with an emphasis on producing quality products.
    Experience with a wide range of donors including USAID and European institutional donors. Familiarity with other donors, including corporate donors, a plus.
    Experience developing and strong understanding of budget and cost proposal submissions, and personnel and staffing requirements for USAID, OFDA, EU (ECHO and DEVCO) and other institutional donor proposals.
    Strong representation and relationship-building skills including professional representation (e.g. donors, partner agencies, host governments, etc.)
    Strong negotiation skills and experience developing multiple-partnership arrangements for proposal development.
    Ability to lead teams, handle negotiations and facilitate planning processes.
    Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and in sparse working environments.
    Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills an absolute must.
    Native-level spoken and written English

    Success Factors
    The Regional Program Development Specialist will demonstrate a winning track record in program development, and bring flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm to every project they undertake. The individual must have exceptional writing skills and the ability to multi-task, set priorities, pay attention to detail, and work under tight deadlines within complex team environments. S/he will have a love of writing, strong interpersonal skills, and a healthy competitive spirit, and will take a lead role in building and maintaining external relationships as well as demonstrating the drive and initiative to contribute to internal team efforts. Being aware and sensitive to international development issues and diverse cultures is critical.
    Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
    This position can be located in East Africa or London, UK. The position requires travel at least 40% time to the field where living conditions may be exceptionally rugged or be in volatile environments where security protocols will need to be followed. Team members must be ready to deploy to field environments on short notice in response to any emergency or crisis. When in the field the team member must able to work in remote settings, over weekends and/or evening as required by the schedule, and in settings with limited infrastructure, food options, and living conditions.
    Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/temporary assignment to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws and customs, and adhere to MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.Apply for 6 months program with UBA

  • Rangeland Specialist

    Rangeland Specialist

    Mercy Corps is recruiting a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)/Nutrition Advisor to ensure the delivery of high quality WASH and nutrition interventions for a five-year USAID-funded Feed the Future (FtF) Livestock Market Systems (LMS) Development Activity for northern Kenya.
    This position will support the Strengthening Community Capacities for Resilience and Growth associate award.
    This project will support USAID’s Feed the Future Initiative and specifically will improve households’ income, productive assets and resilience to drought and other shocks.
    Specific areas of focus include: strengthened and sustained rangeland and water management; strengthened drought risk management; strengthened conflict management; improved and sustained health, nutrition, and hygiene practices; improved literacy, numeracy, and life skills; and collaborative action and learning for community empowerment.
    General Position Summary

    The Rangeland Specialist will offer support to the LMS program quality and impact through provision of technical assistance and advice in the areas of sustainable Natural Resource Management (NRM).
    This is anticipated to include early warning systems, climate information systems, participatory rangeland management, watershed management, sustainable community water management systems in pastoral and peri urban areas and livestock productivity improvement (including forage development) and small business group development.
    The Rangeland Specialist will work closely with the project team to achieve program synergy. S/he will provide capacity building and technical assistance to LMS staff and partners in NRM aspects of implementing project interventions and encourage active participation of and networking between individuals and communities in recognizing NRM problems, identify solutions and implement project activities related to the identified solutions.
    The post holder will also build capacities of communities and institutions in sustainable NRM.
    S/he will work closely with community facilitators, community leaders, committees and local government development agents and take part in community meetings for information gathering, exchange and carry out participatory planning supporting field implementation.