The Role
The Senior Director of Technology for Development (T4D) oversees the T4D team, serving as a senior technology leader who collaborates directly with program teams and Information Technology (IT). In this role, the Senior Director partners with global, regional, and country-level stakeholders to ensure that proposed applications are sustainable and seamlessly integrated with Mercy Corps’ enterprise technology framework. Additionally, the Senior Director establishes and refines processes to evaluate, validate, and test technology solutions, assessing their effectiveness and cost-efficiency to drive innovation that supports program objectives and operational excellence.
Oversee and execute core duties critical to the role’s success, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Deliver key performance outcomes through strategic planning, meticulous execution, and continuous evaluation. Address and resolve complex challenges to maintain operational efficiency and drive measurable results. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to foster transparent communication, align priorities, and enhance cross-functional teamwork. Uphold compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and ethical standards to mitigate risk and ensure accountability. Manage resources effectively, including budget oversight, team leadership, and process optimization, to maximize productivity and sustainability.
Crafting and executing a forward-thinking strategic vision, fostering strong leadership, and driving meaningful influence across teams and stakeholders are central to this role. The position demands the ability to inspire and guide organizational growth while cultivating a culture of accountability and innovation. Candidates should exhibit exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic acumen, and the capacity to align diverse perspectives toward common objectives. Responsibilities include shaping long-term goals, leading cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring decisions reflect both immediate priorities and future aspirations. Ideal candidates must demonstrate a proven track record in leadership, the ability to influence key stakeholders, and a commitment to driving sustainable success.
Spearhead Mercy Corps’ strategic initiatives aimed at advancing thought leadership and influence concerning the integration of innovative digital technologies and data-driven solutions to optimize sector performance and amplify impact, both internally and externally.
Your leadership will be pivotal in driving the exploration and articulation of AI’s potential to strengthen Mercy Corps’ initiatives and the wider sector, collaborating closely with program teams, IT, MEL, and other key stakeholders.
To formulate annual or multi-year strategies that facilitate the adoption and expansion of innovative program technologies across the organization, this role may also encompass enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives tailored to program needs, such as implementation frameworks, governance structures, scaling approaches, and complementary change management processes.
Refine and enhance the strategic direction and operational practices of T4D on an ongoing basis.
Collaborate effectively across all departments to maintain strategic alignment in Mercy Corps’ management of data, digital technology, and AI, driving enhanced efficiency and impact.
We seek a dynamic professional to drive strategic expansion through the cultivation of innovative proposals and the forging of high-impact partnerships. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in proposal development, with expertise in identifying and securing funding opportunities, negotiating collaborative agreements, and aligning stakeholder interests. Responsibilities include drafting compelling proposals, conducting thorough market research, and establishing mutually beneficial alliances with industry leaders, nonprofits, and governmental entities. Strong analytical skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a results-driven mindset are essential, along with a minimum of five years in a related field and proficiency in proposal management software. This role demands adaptability to evolving priorities, meticulous attention to detail, and the capacity to foster long-term, value-driven relationships.
Develop and implement a cohesive strategy for leveraging technology to enhance productivity, drive impact, and reveal untapped opportunities across all operational areas.
Embed communication, knowledge management, and learning related to program-facing technology within Mercy Corps into our program models and the organization-wide Evidence and Learning Agendas.
Cultivate strategic alliances, particularly with private sector technology collaborators, to drive forward both Mercy Corps’ technological advancements and the effectiveness of its programs.
Steward external partnerships to achieve mutual goals, drive collaborative value creation, and secure essential resources—including funding, services, expertise, and products.
Drive inclusive and community-centered digital transformation by spearheading or collaborating on initiatives that bolster local technology ecosystems, empower local innovators, and guarantee technology solutions are tailored to local needs, accessible to all, and built to last.
Grasp Mercy Corps’ programmatic frameworks, strategic objectives, and long-term visions, then proactively seek technology collaborations that enhance or amplify these initiatives.
Develop and either lead or author proposals aimed at securing resources for the aforementioned initiatives.
When substantial new technological components are included in proposals, the role involves either managing the design of programmatic elements that are seamlessly integrated, feasible, and pioneering or executing this design directly.
We provide assistance in the execution and deployment of products and programs, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to established standards throughout the implementation process.
Oversee T4D-related support inquiries submitted by program, global, and regional program support teams, prioritizing timely and client-focused resolution.
Oversee the product ownership of technology applications designed for program-facing use, collaborating closely with program and program support business owner teams. Responsibilities may encompass program- or portfolio-specific technologies as well as enterprise-wide solutions necessary for global program support teams.
The incumbent is responsible for overseeing and guaranteeing the successful execution of activities associated with awards overseen by the T4D team.
Deliver or coordinate the delivery of assistance for deploying cutting-edge digital technology solutions within program initiatives or supporting teams.
Mercy Corps must uphold a principled stance that safeguards all program participants by making ethical technology and data use decisions, incorporating the core tenets of Do No Digital Harm—such as responsible AI implementation, equitable algorithmic practices, and rigorous data ethics, particularly in low-resource and high-risk environments.
Collaborate effectively with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Evidence Use Teams to drive the development and implementation of innovative solutions that enhance program data quality and maximize the utilization of evidence-based products.
Collaborate effectively with the Information Technology department to guarantee alignment of technology solutions and partnership development with the organization’s enterprise technology architecture vision, strategic plans, support capabilities, and financial parameters, while identifying opportunities to enhance integration between program-facing and operational systems wherever feasible.
Collaborate with industry-focused teams to identify and implement technological solutions that enhance the efficiency, quality, and impact of program models and strategies.
This role involves managing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of skills development initiatives aimed at enhancing internal talent and expertise in data usage and technological applications, including cutting-edge or emerging solutions. When feasible, these efforts should be extended to external collaborators, particularly local partners, to foster broader impact and collaboration.
Facilitate the creation and ongoing management of a high-performing T4D community of practice to drive collaborative engagement and best practices.
As required, provide direction in creating resources and guidance notes to facilitate the responsible and effective utilization of digital technology by Mercy Corps team members.
Drive the responsible integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies within program teams by conducting thorough evaluations, performing comprehensive risk assessments, and fostering capacity-building initiatives.
Responsible for overseeing and guiding a group of employees, ensuring their professional growth, productivity, and collaboration, while aligning their efforts with organizational objectives. Requires the ability to delegate tasks effectively, provide constructive feedback, and foster a positive work environment that encourages innovation and accountability. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential to address team challenges, motivate performance, and drive collective success.
Oversee the T4D team and financial resources, ensuring workloads are aligned with strategic priorities.
Responsibilities include overseeing the recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes for new employees, consultants, and interns as needed.
To cultivate a cohesive matrixed management structure for T4D, develop and nurture an environment that encourages seamless collaboration among team members on targeted initiatives, spanning multiple teams and individuals across the organization.
Implement and adhere to current Human Resources best practices, ensuring Job Descriptions, IOPS, and comprehensive review processes are maintained and conducted at scheduled intervals.
Deliver comprehensive support—including information, tools, and resources—to empower team members in enhancing their performance and achieving established objectives.
Demonstrate accountability by adhering to established work plans, advancing portfolio growth, meeting quality objectives, and upholding organizational policies.
To ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures, this role involves actively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to vulnerable individuals. The position requires thorough knowledge of safeguarding legislation, including the Children Acts and Care Act, alongside a commitment to promoting welfare and preventing harm. Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, implementing protective measures, and reporting concerns to relevant authorities in accordance with statutory guidelines. Additionally, the role demands regular training to stay updated on evolving safeguarding practices and legal obligations.
To continuously enhance understanding of safeguarding principles and effectively incorporate them into T4D’s initiatives, you will identify and address safeguarding risks and mitigation strategies specific to your scope of work.
Uphold Mercy Corps’ core values by demonstrating respect for the dignity and well-being of all participants as well as fellow team members.
We foster a culture of transparency and open dialogue within the team, actively encouraging members to voice any concerns through available reporting channels, such as the Integrity Hotline and other designated avenues.
We seek a dynamic leader with a strong sense of personal accountability and the ability to inspire and guide teams toward shared objectives. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional integrity, self-motivation, and the capacity to make decisive, ethical decisions under pressure. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, fostering collaboration, and maintaining resilience in challenging circumstances. Ideal applicants must exhibit clear communication skills and a commitment to continuous self-improvement, ensuring alignment with both individual and organizational goals.
Provide consistent leadership by reliably meeting expectations and remaining composed, particularly amid difficult circumstances.
Adopt a commitment to lifelong learning, proactively engage with varied viewpoints, and value constructive input to foster ongoing development.
Uphold the utmost ethical principles by consistently demonstrating respect and dignity toward all individuals.
Uphold the highest standards of professionalism in all spheres of your life, ensuring your behavior consistently enhances Mercy Corps’ reputation and aligns with its mission and objectives.
Success Factors encompass the essential skills, qualifications, and attributes required for optimal performance in a given role, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. These factors typically include a blend of technical expertise, relevant experience, and soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Employers evaluate candidates based on criteria like educational background, professional certifications, and demonstrated achievements to determine suitability for the position. Additionally, competencies such as leadership, teamwork, and analytical thinking are often prioritized to assess a candidate’s potential contributions to the team and company objectives.
The Senior Director of T4D is responsible for developing and executing a forward-thinking strategic vision, translating it into actionable initiatives, and spearheading the organizational transformation needed to drive enthusiasm and progress. This role involves assessing the integration of current and emerging technology models and solutions, while capitalizing on industry trends to advance innovation. Candidates must possess a proven history of leading both technological and organizational advancements, alongside the initiative to champion collaborative initiatives that align with Mercy Corps’ overarching strategic goals. They should demonstrate exceptional skill in engaging with leadership teams, partner organizations, and senior representatives from the private and public sectors. The position requires extensive experience in managing and empowering teams, nurturing talent, and operating effectively across diverse cultural and political landscapes. Additionally, the ideal candidate must be adaptable to travel and thrive in challenging environments while maintaining composure under pressure.
We are seeking candidates with a strong foundation in relevant methodologies, coupled with hands-on expertise in the field. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency through prior work experience and specialized training, ensuring they meet the strategic and operational demands of the role. Familiarity with industry standards, best practices, and emerging trends is essential to excel in this position. A minimum of [X years] of direct experience in a comparable role is required, along with the ability to apply technical skills efficiently in dynamic environments.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred.
Seasoned technology executive with a proven track record in senior leadership roles within multinational organizations, adept at guiding cross-functional technology teams operating across diverse global delivery frameworks and spanning multiple geographic locations.
With a proven track record spanning more than a dozen years in technology and its associated business domains, candidates should demonstrate a progressive career trajectory marked by escalating responsibilities.
Proven expertise in cultivating high-impact external relationships and driving revenue growth through strategic fundraising and sales initiatives.
Proven expertise in overseeing high-value performance-based contracts exceeding several million dollars in scope.
Proven ability to thrive in and adapt to frequent international travel environments, coupled with a high level of comfort and proficiency in cross-border engagements.
International experience in the non-profit sector or within an NGO is highly desirable.
With a proven track record in spearheading organizational change initiatives—most notably in digital technology and data systems transformations—experience with enterprise-wide solution implementations is essential.
Demonstrated expertise in crafting, overseeing, and optimizing service, capital, and operational budgets to ensure financial alignment with strategic objectives.
Proficiency in English is essential; working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is advantageous.
Experienced in collaborating within or supporting initiatives in low- and middle-income country settings.
Proficient knowledge of key institutional donors (FCDO, USAID, BMZ, Gates Foundation) and their strategic technology funding focus areas.
Preferred candidates will have hands-on experience deploying AI or GenAI applications, with a particular emphasis on low-resource environments or humanitarian settings.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
12 years
