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via LinkedIn
posted_at: 20 hours agoschedule_type: Full-timework_from_home: 1
Description
Location: Portland, OR or Washington D.C. or US Remote...
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position.
Position Status: Full-time, Regular - Exempt
Salary: The salary range for this position is $64,000 - $70,000 commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
Description
Location: Portland, OR or Washington D.C. or US Remote...
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position.
Position Status: Full-time, Regular - Exempt
Salary: The salary range for this position is $64,000 - $70,000 commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
The Program
In support of Mercy Corps’ mission, the US and Europe Corporate and Foundation Partnership teams manage Mercy Corps’ fundraising relationships with major US and European companies and foundations. We set bold visions for the positive social change we can create with our partners, provide outstanding partner services and relationship management, and together build meaningful partnerships that provide value to all parties while creating lasting impact for the local communities where we work. Our partnerships span areas including emergency response, economic and market development, food and water security, climate change, and peacebuilding. We work across many teams at Mercy Corps, including marketing and communications, mass market fundraising, the executive office, and with our program and country-based colleagues around the world. This position is within Mercy Corps’ broader Development team, also encompassing major and mid-level giving and strategic philanthropy.
The Position
The Senior Communications Officer, Global Corporate & Foundation Partnerships, will contribute to implementing the communications and influence strategy for the global corporate, foundation and catalytic philanthropy audiences. Working closely with the Communications Director, Global Corporate & Foundation Partnerships, this position will coordinate across internal teams and directly with external partners to create and deliver high-quality communications products including emails, blog posts, pitch decks, videos and marketing campaigns. Written communications will require translating content produced by other teams to resonate with and meet the needs of a private sector audience on topics including emergency response, food and water security, climate change, economic development and peacebuilding and governance. In addition to communications, this position will manage the planning and engagement process around corporate & foundation-related external events (e.g. World Economic Forum, Skoll Global Forum, BSR, Social Innovation Summit) including maintaining a calendar, preparing event strategy briefs and talking points, and coordinating among team members. We seek an outstanding project manager and writer who understands what motivates corporate and foundation partners (and their employees, customers and other stakeholders) to engage around social impact, and excels at translating content to fit the audience.
Essential Job Responsibilities
General Communications (25%):
• Write emergency response communications (creating and sourcing content from internal teams), including email solicitations and updates.
• Create communications around moments such as World Refugee Day or Giving Tuesday, adapting content for private sector audiences.
• Work closely with the Development Officer to coordinate comms delivery and outreach.
• Develop and maintain internal tracking documents to evaluate and prioritize communications opportunities with partners.
• Ensure the Corporate and Foundation teams follow Mercy Corps’ communications and marketing guidelines and policies.
• Contribute to Mercy Corps’ ethical fundraising and communications strategy: advance ethical storytelling materials that meet the needs of the private sector audience.
Communications Deliverables for High Value Donor Opportunities (50%):
• Source and transform content (working across the marketing, digital, creative services, media relations and programs teams) into compelling corporate & foundation audience-specific products. This can include, but is not limited to emails, blog posts, social media, pitch decks, fact sheets, and videos.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of profile-raising, multi-channel communications and PR strategies. This can include liaising and partnering with other internal teams (such as the marketing, digital, creative services, media relations) to develop and deliver on such strategies.
• Contribute to implementing the strategies for large, influential ‘big bet’ giving opportunities and other strategic fundraising priorities.
• Contribute to strategic employee communications for top corporate partners in partnership with the Senior Officer for Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving.
Event & Profile Strategy (25%):
• Contribute to the profile and influence strategy to raise Mercy Corps’ profile with key corporate and foundation donor audiences.
• Maintain an external events calendar to ensure the team can proactively prepare for key profile-raising opportunities. Research events, assess ROI, provide engagement recommendations.
• Manage the planning and execution of Mercy Corps-organized corporate & foundation partnership events, e.g. side events at conferences, webinars, or partner summits. Prepare strategy briefs, coordinate engagement, develop outreach communications and draft top-line talking points.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Accountability
Reports directly to: Director of Communications, Global Corporate & Foundation Partnerships
Works directly with: Senior Directors, Directors and Deputy Directors for Corporate & Foundation Partnerships across the US and Europe; Senior Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Officer; Senior Development Coordinator; Marketing and Communications team members.
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
• BA in related field, such as Business, Communications, Non-Profit Management, or International Development.
• 4+ years of experience in corporate or non-profit communications, ideally in international development-related issues.
• Expertise across a variety of specialties including media relations, social media, editorial planning, digital marketing.
• Outstanding writer with experience in multiple formats.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize competing demands while maintaining attention to detail.
• Visual thinker – basic design skills and experience working closely with designers
• Ability to adapt and pivot in a fast-paced environment, excelling in both proactive and reactive responses.
• Strong understanding of the social impact and philanthropy space.
• Strong understanding of international development work.
Success Factors
The Senior Communications Officer, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships will have demonstrated experience in creating and delivering high-quality communications products for sophisticated corporate and foundation audiences. They will be an outstanding writer with the ability to shape complex content so that it is fit for purpose. Experience in corporate social impact, innovative philanthropy and international development will be a strong asset. This role requires impeccable project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and individuals across many departments to ensure successful project outcomes. A passion for international development work is appreciated.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in the U.S. and it requires up to 5% travel to domestic locations.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.
Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees
Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided Show more details...
Location: Portland, OR or Washington D.C. or US Remote...
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position.
Position Status: Full-time, Regular - Exempt
Salary: The salary range for this position is $64,000 - $70,000 commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
The Program
In support of Mercy Corps’ mission, the US and Europe Corporate and Foundation Partnership teams manage Mercy Corps’ fundraising relationships with major US and European companies and foundations. We set bold visions for the positive social change we can create with our partners, provide outstanding partner services and relationship management, and together build meaningful partnerships that provide value to all parties while creating lasting impact for the local communities where we work. Our partnerships span areas including emergency response, economic and market development, food and water security, climate change, and peacebuilding. We work across many teams at Mercy Corps, including marketing and communications, mass market fundraising, the executive office, and with our program and country-based colleagues around the world. This position is within Mercy Corps’ broader Development team, also encompassing major and mid-level giving and strategic philanthropy.
The Position
The Senior Communications Officer, Global Corporate & Foundation Partnerships, will contribute to implementing the communications and influence strategy for the global corporate, foundation and catalytic philanthropy audiences. Working closely with the Communications Director, Global Corporate & Foundation Partnerships, this position will coordinate across internal teams and directly with external partners to create and deliver high-quality communications products including emails, blog posts, pitch decks, videos and marketing campaigns. Written communications will require translating content produced by other teams to resonate with and meet the needs of a private sector audience on topics including emergency response, food and water security, climate change, economic development and peacebuilding and governance. In addition to communications, this position will manage the planning and engagement process around corporate & foundation-related external events (e.g. World Economic Forum, Skoll Global Forum, BSR, Social Innovation Summit) including maintaining a calendar, preparing event strategy briefs and talking points, and coordinating among team members. We seek an outstanding project manager and writer who understands what motivates corporate and foundation partners (and their employees, customers and other stakeholders) to engage around social impact, and excels at translating content to fit the audience.
Essential Job Responsibilities
General Communications (25%):
• Write emergency response communications (creating and sourcing content from internal teams), including email solicitations and updates.
• Create communications around moments such as World Refugee Day or Giving Tuesday, adapting content for private sector audiences.
• Work closely with the Development Officer to coordinate comms delivery and outreach.
• Develop and maintain internal tracking documents to evaluate and prioritize communications opportunities with partners.
• Ensure the Corporate and Foundation teams follow Mercy Corps’ communications and marketing guidelines and policies.
• Contribute to Mercy Corps’ ethical fundraising and communications strategy: advance ethical storytelling materials that meet the needs of the private sector audience.
Communications Deliverables for High Value Donor Opportunities (50%):
• Source and transform content (working across the marketing, digital, creative services, media relations and programs teams) into compelling corporate & foundation audience-specific products. This can include, but is not limited to emails, blog posts, social media, pitch decks, fact sheets, and videos.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of profile-raising, multi-channel communications and PR strategies. This can include liaising and partnering with other internal teams (such as the marketing, digital, creative services, media relations) to develop and deliver on such strategies.
• Contribute to implementing the strategies for large, influential ‘big bet’ giving opportunities and other strategic fundraising priorities.
• Contribute to strategic employee communications for top corporate partners in partnership with the Senior Officer for Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving.
Event & Profile Strategy (25%):
• Contribute to the profile and influence strategy to raise Mercy Corps’ profile with key corporate and foundation donor audiences.
• Maintain an external events calendar to ensure the team can proactively prepare for key profile-raising opportunities. Research events, assess ROI, provide engagement recommendations.
• Manage the planning and execution of Mercy Corps-organized corporate & foundation partnership events, e.g. side events at conferences, webinars, or partner summits. Prepare strategy briefs, coordinate engagement, develop outreach communications and draft top-line talking points.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Accountability
Reports directly to: Director of Communications, Global Corporate & Foundation Partnerships
Works directly with: Senior Directors, Directors and Deputy Directors for Corporate & Foundation Partnerships across the US and Europe; Senior Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Officer; Senior Development Coordinator; Marketing and Communications team members.
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
• BA in related field, such as Business, Communications, Non-Profit Management, or International Development.
• 4+ years of experience in corporate or non-profit communications, ideally in international development-related issues.
• Expertise across a variety of specialties including media relations, social media, editorial planning, digital marketing.
• Outstanding writer with experience in multiple formats.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize competing demands while maintaining attention to detail.
• Visual thinker – basic design skills and experience working closely with designers
• Ability to adapt and pivot in a fast-paced environment, excelling in both proactive and reactive responses.
• Strong understanding of the social impact and philanthropy space.
• Strong understanding of international development work.
Success Factors
The Senior Communications Officer, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships will have demonstrated experience in creating and delivering high-quality communications products for sophisticated corporate and foundation audiences. They will be an outstanding writer with the ability to shape complex content so that it is fit for purpose. Experience in corporate social impact, innovative philanthropy and international development will be a strong asset. This role requires impeccable project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and individuals across many departments to ensure successful project outcomes. A passion for international development work is appreciated.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in the U.S. and it requires up to 5% travel to domestic locations.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.
Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees
Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided Show more details...
via Jobvite
posted_at: 3 days agoschedule_type: Full-time
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within...
Drawing on Mercy Corps’ experience implementing the AgriFin Mobile, AgriFin Accelerate and AgriFin Digital Farmer programs, GIZ has
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within...
Drawing on Mercy Corps’ experience implementing the AgriFin Mobile, AgriFin Accelerate and AgriFin Digital Farmer programs, GIZ has engaged Mercy Corps to understand how young technology innovators can be supported in scale and operational viability by engaging with emerging models of digital platforms. The GIZ smart development hack is a six-month, €1,300,000 initiative to work with a cohort of partners in Kenya and Nigeria to develop digital solutions that address challenges in the agriculture sector especially brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the complex fragility of many countries, highlighted most clearly in the interplay of public health, markets and food systems. Early warning signs are emerging that the continent is on the brink of an unprecedented food security crisis. In Kenya it is estimated that there are sufficient strategic reserves for three months, but disrupted food systems, logistics and evidence of food hoarding may shorten that timeline, particularly as the largest desert locust invasion in 70 years.
This project aims to promote zero contact and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by utilizing technology to expand access to food, improve distribution of agriculture outputs by consumers through support farmers utilize updated agriculture extension information to bolster production, cultivation, marketing and distribution of food in Kenya.
The OKTA - Sprout Smart Farmer Innovation (SSFI) Program intends the Sprout Platform to play the role of a global public good, where content can be consolidated and shared with farmer-facing organizations and distributed to smallholders through their various digital channels, supporting farmers to leverage the information to build their capacity and become more resilient. The program aims to develop and pilot the delivery of hyperlocal services for farmers via the Sprout Platform.
Sprout, The Open Content Agriculture Platform, a project of Mercy Corps Agrifin (MCA), is partnering with KALRO to provide a content marketplace/exchange for expert content developers to offer high quality digital-ready, farmer-friendly content that can be used free of charge by content distribution partners. The goal of Sprout is to enable MCA partners to cost effectively, acquire and use this content to build productivity, earned income and resilience of farmers at scale.
Purpose / Project Description:
The Site Reliability Engineering Consultant will be expected to help improve and maintain the technical infrastructure of the Sprout Platform.
Consultant Objectives:
Mercy Corps AgriFin (MCA) is seeking a to engage a Site Reliability Engineering Consultant to improve and maintain the technical infrastructure of the Sprout platform, reducing product development time, reducing infrastructure costs, and keeping the platform highly reliable and available for users. The engineer will report to D-CSA Program Director and Sprout Lead for deliverables; and will work closely and collaborate with other Sprout consultants and staff of MCA, particularly the senior technical advisor.
Consultant Activities:
The Consultant will conduct the following activities:
• Deployment Support
• Evaluate Sprout’s current AWS deployment and provide recommendations to improve reliability, reduce complexity, and reduce costs, incorporating feedback from the Sprout team
• If the consultant and the Sprout team determine that major infrastructure changes are needed, develop a testing plan to determine if these changes would achieve their stated goals
• If needed, implement the testing plan and measure its effectiveness, adjusting the new infrastructure plan based on the results and feedback from the Sprout team
• Develop a rollout plan to make any infrastructure changes in production
• Roll out and document any infrastructure changes approved by the Sprout team
• Evaluate the performance of any changes in the production environment and make incremental improvements as necessary
• Development Support
• Evaluate Sprout’s current local development setup for software engineers and provide recommendations to simplify the setup, improve performance, and make the development process more efficient
• Implement and document any improvements to the development environment approved by the Sprout team
• Support the software development team by making incremental improvements to the development environment and fixing any issues that arise
• Infrastructure and Application Monitoring
• Propose a comprehensive plan for monitoring site availability, performance, and application logs
• Implement and document any parts of the monitoring plan approved by the Sprout team
Consultant Deliverables:
The Consultant will:
(estimated completion date May 31, 2023):
• Written recommendations to improve reliability, reduce complexity, and reduce costs of Sprout’s current AWS deployment
• Written recommendations for Sprout’s current local development setup (for software engineers) to simplify the setup, improve performance, and make the development process more efficient
• Implement any improvements to the development environment approved by the Sprout team
• Written documentation for any implemented improvements to the development environment approved by the Sprout team
(estimated completion date July 31, 2023):
• Written documentation of the new infrastructure plan after presenting recommendations and incorporating feedback from the Sprout team, including options considered but rejected
• If the consultant and the Sprout team determine that major infrastructure changes are needed, a written testing plan to determine if these changes would achieve their stated goals
• Implementation of any testing plan
• Adjustments to the written documentation of the new infrastructure plan based on the results of testing, if needed
• Implementation and written documentation for any incremental improvements or bug fixes for the development environment, if needed
(estimated completion date September 30, 2023):
• Implement and roll out any infrastructure changes approved by the Sprout team
• Written documentation of any infrastructure changes implemented
• Written recommendations for monitoring site availability, performance, and application logs
• Implementation and written documentation for any incremental improvements or bug fixes for the development environment, if needed
(estimated completion date October 31, 2023):
• Implementation of any parts of the monitoring plan approved by the Sprout team
• Written documentation of the monitoring plan implementation
• Implementation and written documentation for any incremental improvements or bug fixes for the infrastructure, if needed
• Implementation and written documentation for any incremental improvements or bug fixes for the development environment, if needed
The Consultant will report to:
Mercy Corps AgriFin’s D-CSA Director, Sprout, and Ethiopia Lead
Payments will be made based on days worked capped at a maximum number of 60 days within the period of May 1st -October 31st, 2023
Timeframe / Schedule:
The Timeframe will be between May 1st -October 31st, 2023
The Consultant will work closely with:
The Mercy Corps Agrifin Technical team and Sprout Consultants
Required Experience & Skills:
• 7-10 years of technically relevant experience
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technologies or related field
• Experience administering and monitoring Amazon Web Services (AWS) deployments
• Experience administering highly available web application deployments with Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, and Terraform
• Experience building and maintaining development environments to support efficient software development and testing
• Strong bash, Python, and/or equivalent scripting skills to support developing, building, and deploying web applications
• Excellent Computer, verbal and written communication skills, including documentation development, writing and editing
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Pro-active, self-disciplined, responsive to requests
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging 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 Show more details...
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within...
Drawing on Mercy Corps’ experience implementing the AgriFin Mobile, AgriFin Accelerate and AgriFin Digital Farmer programs, GIZ has engaged Mercy Corps to understand how young technology innovators can be supported in scale and operational viability by engaging with emerging models of digital platforms. The GIZ smart development hack is a six-month, €1,300,000 initiative to work with a cohort of partners in Kenya and Nigeria to develop digital solutions that address challenges in the agriculture sector especially brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the complex fragility of many countries, highlighted most clearly in the interplay of public health, markets and food systems. Early warning signs are emerging that the continent is on the brink of an unprecedented food security crisis. In Kenya it is estimated that there are sufficient strategic reserves for three months, but disrupted food systems, logistics and evidence of food hoarding may shorten that timeline, particularly as the largest desert locust invasion in 70 years.
This project aims to promote zero contact and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by utilizing technology to expand access to food, improve distribution of agriculture outputs by consumers through support farmers utilize updated agriculture extension information to bolster production, cultivation, marketing and distribution of food in Kenya.
The OKTA - Sprout Smart Farmer Innovation (SSFI) Program intends the Sprout Platform to play the role of a global public good, where content can be consolidated and shared with farmer-facing organizations and distributed to smallholders through their various digital channels, supporting farmers to leverage the information to build their capacity and become more resilient. The program aims to develop and pilot the delivery of hyperlocal services for farmers via the Sprout Platform.
Sprout, The Open Content Agriculture Platform, a project of Mercy Corps Agrifin (MCA), is partnering with KALRO to provide a content marketplace/exchange for expert content developers to offer high quality digital-ready, farmer-friendly content that can be used free of charge by content distribution partners. The goal of Sprout is to enable MCA partners to cost effectively, acquire and use this content to build productivity, earned income and resilience of farmers at scale.
Purpose / Project Description:
The Site Reliability Engineering Consultant will be expected to help improve and maintain the technical infrastructure of the Sprout Platform.
Consultant Objectives:
Mercy Corps AgriFin (MCA) is seeking a to engage a Site Reliability Engineering Consultant to improve and maintain the technical infrastructure of the Sprout platform, reducing product development time, reducing infrastructure costs, and keeping the platform highly reliable and available for users. The engineer will report to D-CSA Program Director and Sprout Lead for deliverables; and will work closely and collaborate with other Sprout consultants and staff of MCA, particularly the senior technical advisor.
Consultant Activities:
The Consultant will conduct the following activities:
• Deployment Support
• Evaluate Sprout’s current AWS deployment and provide recommendations to improve reliability, reduce complexity, and reduce costs, incorporating feedback from the Sprout team
• If the consultant and the Sprout team determine that major infrastructure changes are needed, develop a testing plan to determine if these changes would achieve their stated goals
• If needed, implement the testing plan and measure its effectiveness, adjusting the new infrastructure plan based on the results and feedback from the Sprout team
• Develop a rollout plan to make any infrastructure changes in production
• Roll out and document any infrastructure changes approved by the Sprout team
• Evaluate the performance of any changes in the production environment and make incremental improvements as necessary
• Development Support
• Evaluate Sprout’s current local development setup for software engineers and provide recommendations to simplify the setup, improve performance, and make the development process more efficient
• Implement and document any improvements to the development environment approved by the Sprout team
• Support the software development team by making incremental improvements to the development environment and fixing any issues that arise
• Infrastructure and Application Monitoring
• Propose a comprehensive plan for monitoring site availability, performance, and application logs
• Implement and document any parts of the monitoring plan approved by the Sprout team
Consultant Deliverables:
The Consultant will:
(estimated completion date May 31, 2023):
• Written recommendations to improve reliability, reduce complexity, and reduce costs of Sprout’s current AWS deployment
• Written recommendations for Sprout’s current local development setup (for software engineers) to simplify the setup, improve performance, and make the development process more efficient
• Implement any improvements to the development environment approved by the Sprout team
• Written documentation for any implemented improvements to the development environment approved by the Sprout team
(estimated completion date July 31, 2023):
• Written documentation of the new infrastructure plan after presenting recommendations and incorporating feedback from the Sprout team, including options considered but rejected
• If the consultant and the Sprout team determine that major infrastructure changes are needed, a written testing plan to determine if these changes would achieve their stated goals
• Implementation of any testing plan
• Adjustments to the written documentation of the new infrastructure plan based on the results of testing, if needed
• Implementation and written documentation for any incremental improvements or bug fixes for the development environment, if needed
(estimated completion date September 30, 2023):
• Implement and roll out any infrastructure changes approved by the Sprout team
• Written documentation of any infrastructure changes implemented
• Written recommendations for monitoring site availability, performance, and application logs
• Implementation and written documentation for any incremental improvements or bug fixes for the development environment, if needed
(estimated completion date October 31, 2023):
• Implementation of any parts of the monitoring plan approved by the Sprout team
• Written documentation of the monitoring plan implementation
• Implementation and written documentation for any incremental improvements or bug fixes for the infrastructure, if needed
• Implementation and written documentation for any incremental improvements or bug fixes for the development environment, if needed
The Consultant will report to:
Mercy Corps AgriFin’s D-CSA Director, Sprout, and Ethiopia Lead
Payments will be made based on days worked capped at a maximum number of 60 days within the period of May 1st -October 31st, 2023
Timeframe / Schedule:
The Timeframe will be between May 1st -October 31st, 2023
The Consultant will work closely with:
The Mercy Corps Agrifin Technical team and Sprout Consultants
Required Experience & Skills:
• 7-10 years of technically relevant experience
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technologies or related field
• Experience administering and monitoring Amazon Web Services (AWS) deployments
• Experience administering highly available web application deployments with Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, and Terraform
• Experience building and maintaining development environments to support efficient software development and testing
• Strong bash, Python, and/or equivalent scripting skills to support developing, building, and deploying web applications
• Excellent Computer, verbal and written communication skills, including documentation development, writing and editing
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Pro-active, self-disciplined, responsive to requests
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging 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 Show more details...
via Jobvite
schedule_type: Full-time
Position Description
Location Portland, OR; Washington DC; London, UK; or The Hague, NL...
Position Status Full-time, Regular
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
The
Position Description
Location Portland, OR; Washington DC; London, UK; or The Hague, NL...
Position Status Full-time, Regular
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
The Department
The role of the Internal Audit Department (IAD) is to provide objective assurance that Mercy Corps’ business risks are being managed appropriately and that the agency’s risk management and internal control framework is operating effectively. The IAD actively reviews the reliability and integrity of financial and operating information as well as the systems established by the agency to ensure compliance with MC policies and procedures, donor policies and regulations and US and host country laws and regulations.
General Position Summary
The Senior Director of Internal Audit (SDIA) will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Mercy Corps Internal Audit Department. The SDIA will implement Mercy Corps' internal audit program to evaluate compliance with accounting principles, donor regulations and requirements, and organizational financial policies and procedures, thereby helping to safeguard MC assets, verify the accuracy of financial records, and promote organizational and operational integrity. The SDIA will provide strategic leadership to the Internal Audit Department (lAD) and work closely with the Joint Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.
Essential Job Responsibilities
STRATEGY AND VISION
• Sets clear direction and strategy for the lAD, to ensure it delivers quality internal audits, based on an assessment of agency risk and insights into MC's operations, even under difficult or changing conditions.
• Ensures that strategic objectives for the lAD are seen through to completion, anticipating challenges and identifying opportunities, but also acting decisively to end initiatives that aren't working.
• Ensures that the lAD and its activities provide valuable information to management to enable effective internal controls and risk management, thereby enhancing the department's and Mercy Corps' reputation for quality performance, both within and external to the organization.
• Develops IAD reports and communications that are comprehensive, clear and visually appealing so agency management can understand audit findings and timely address them.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Consistently strives to exceed expectations; demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintains high Show more details...
Location Portland, OR; Washington DC; London, UK; or The Hague, NL...
Position Status Full-time, Regular
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
The Department
The role of the Internal Audit Department (IAD) is to provide objective assurance that Mercy Corps’ business risks are being managed appropriately and that the agency’s risk management and internal control framework is operating effectively. The IAD actively reviews the reliability and integrity of financial and operating information as well as the systems established by the agency to ensure compliance with MC policies and procedures, donor policies and regulations and US and host country laws and regulations.
General Position Summary
The Senior Director of Internal Audit (SDIA) will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Mercy Corps Internal Audit Department. The SDIA will implement Mercy Corps' internal audit program to evaluate compliance with accounting principles, donor regulations and requirements, and organizational financial policies and procedures, thereby helping to safeguard MC assets, verify the accuracy of financial records, and promote organizational and operational integrity. The SDIA will provide strategic leadership to the Internal Audit Department (lAD) and work closely with the Joint Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.
Essential Job Responsibilities
STRATEGY AND VISION
• Sets clear direction and strategy for the lAD, to ensure it delivers quality internal audits, based on an assessment of agency risk and insights into MC's operations, even under difficult or changing conditions.
• Ensures that strategic objectives for the lAD are seen through to completion, anticipating challenges and identifying opportunities, but also acting decisively to end initiatives that aren't working.
• Ensures that the lAD and its activities provide valuable information to management to enable effective internal controls and risk management, thereby enhancing the department's and Mercy Corps' reputation for quality performance, both within and external to the organization.
• Develops IAD reports and communications that are comprehensive, clear and visually appealing so agency management can understand audit findings and timely address them.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Consistently strives to exceed expectations; demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintains high Show more details...
via Jobvite
posted_at: 9 days agoschedule_type: Internship
INTERNSHIP TITLE: Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Intern
INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Portland, OR or Remote...
DATES OF INTERNSHIP: May/June - August/September 2023
HOURS PER WEEK: 16-20 hours per week
INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Senior Officer
INTERN WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH: Corporate Partnerships Senior Director
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $1,300 per-month
Mercy Corps
INTERNSHIP TITLE: Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Intern
INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Portland, OR or Remote...
DATES OF INTERNSHIP: May/June - August/September 2023
HOURS PER WEEK: 16-20 hours per week
INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Senior Officer
INTERN WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH: Corporate Partnerships Senior Director
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $1,300 per-month
Mercy Corps Responsibilities
For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:
• Training and supervisory support
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project
Intern Responsibilities
Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:
• Laptop for working remotely
• Accommodation, travel and living expenses
• All other costs associated with this internship
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
In support of that mission, the Corporate Partnerships Team manages Mercy Corps’ relationships with major US companies by raising unrestricted revenue, co-creating strategic restricted grants and elevating Mercy Corps’ brand profile. We set bold agency-wide strategies, develop and manage relationships with corporate partners, and advance Mercy Corps’ mission through funding and partnerships.
The Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Intern will support the Senior Officer, Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving with various aspects of designing, implementing and growing a workplace giving and employee engagement program to raise critical funds from employees of key corporate partners.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The intern will gain exposure to a global non-profit organization and work with a culturally diverse team and stakeholders. They will enhance their understanding of how corporate employee engagement and workplace giving supports both Mercy Corps’ programs and resource development. Learnings will include how to:
• Imagine, create, and drive activities to strengthen employee engagement and encourage workplace giving
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to support employee engagement events, communications, and initiatives
• Responsibly represent complex topics and uphold humanitarian principles
• Support the research and cultivation of corporate employee engagement business development, and develop the skills required to build and maintain donor relationships
KEY DELIVERABLES:
• Support the development of meaningful and creative engagement and volunteer activities for corporate employee audiences, and help design materials to market new engagements
• Conduct research and analysis to identify key prospects for corporate engagement business development and produce a recommended list of target companies
• Support engagement and outreach planning and project management for key fall/winter employee fundraising campaigns
• Assist in planning, scheduling, and writing copy for strategic employee communications on employee giving platform
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
• University degree in progress or recently completed (within 1 year) in relevant discipline
• Strong communicator with the ability to clearly communicate ideas visually and verbally
• Organization skills with demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required
• Demonstrated sensitivity to a diversity of people and cultures
• Analysis and evaluation skills preferred
• Have a strong interest in pursuing a related career in nonprofit fundraising
• Experience in MS Office, Google Drive and M365 tools.
• Familiarity with graphic design platforms
Mercy Corps interns 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 Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Mercy Corps Diversity Statement
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As part of our commitment to keeping our community safe and providing a safe working environment, Mercy Corps has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for US interns based in Mercy Corps US HQ offices. Interns must be fully vaccinated per CDC requirement or have an approved exception, either (1) sincerely held religious convictions, or (2) a disability that prevents them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and comply with regular testing, within 10 business days of starting. Failure to comply may impact your internship.
Mercy Corps Headquarters: 45 SW Ankeny Street, Portland, Oregon 97204
Mercy Corps: https://www.mercycorps.org/
In your statement, you are encouraged to discuss any relevant experience, and demonstrate your interest. Your application will be reviewed by the Mercy Corps team and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews.
WEB SERVICES: Interns are automatically provided and Mercy Corps email address, as well as access to The Hub, Workplace and the Digital Library Show more details...
INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Portland, OR or Remote...
DATES OF INTERNSHIP: May/June - August/September 2023
HOURS PER WEEK: 16-20 hours per week
INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Senior Officer
INTERN WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH: Corporate Partnerships Senior Director
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $1,300 per-month
Mercy Corps Responsibilities
For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:
• Training and supervisory support
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project
Intern Responsibilities
Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:
• Laptop for working remotely
• Accommodation, travel and living expenses
• All other costs associated with this internship
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
In support of that mission, the Corporate Partnerships Team manages Mercy Corps’ relationships with major US companies by raising unrestricted revenue, co-creating strategic restricted grants and elevating Mercy Corps’ brand profile. We set bold agency-wide strategies, develop and manage relationships with corporate partners, and advance Mercy Corps’ mission through funding and partnerships.
The Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving Intern will support the Senior Officer, Employee Engagement and Workplace Giving with various aspects of designing, implementing and growing a workplace giving and employee engagement program to raise critical funds from employees of key corporate partners.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The intern will gain exposure to a global non-profit organization and work with a culturally diverse team and stakeholders. They will enhance their understanding of how corporate employee engagement and workplace giving supports both Mercy Corps’ programs and resource development. Learnings will include how to:
• Imagine, create, and drive activities to strengthen employee engagement and encourage workplace giving
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to support employee engagement events, communications, and initiatives
• Responsibly represent complex topics and uphold humanitarian principles
• Support the research and cultivation of corporate employee engagement business development, and develop the skills required to build and maintain donor relationships
KEY DELIVERABLES:
• Support the development of meaningful and creative engagement and volunteer activities for corporate employee audiences, and help design materials to market new engagements
• Conduct research and analysis to identify key prospects for corporate engagement business development and produce a recommended list of target companies
• Support engagement and outreach planning and project management for key fall/winter employee fundraising campaigns
• Assist in planning, scheduling, and writing copy for strategic employee communications on employee giving platform
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
• University degree in progress or recently completed (within 1 year) in relevant discipline
• Strong communicator with the ability to clearly communicate ideas visually and verbally
• Organization skills with demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required
• Demonstrated sensitivity to a diversity of people and cultures
• Analysis and evaluation skills preferred
• Have a strong interest in pursuing a related career in nonprofit fundraising
• Experience in MS Office, Google Drive and M365 tools.
• Familiarity with graphic design platforms
Mercy Corps interns 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 Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Mercy Corps Diversity Statement
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As part of our commitment to keeping our community safe and providing a safe working environment, Mercy Corps has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for US interns based in Mercy Corps US HQ offices. Interns must be fully vaccinated per CDC requirement or have an approved exception, either (1) sincerely held religious convictions, or (2) a disability that prevents them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and comply with regular testing, within 10 business days of starting. Failure to comply may impact your internship.
Mercy Corps Headquarters: 45 SW Ankeny Street, Portland, Oregon 97204
Mercy Corps: https://www.mercycorps.org/
In your statement, you are encouraged to discuss any relevant experience, and demonstrate your interest. Your application will be reviewed by the Mercy Corps team and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews.
WEB SERVICES: Interns are automatically provided and Mercy Corps email address, as well as access to The Hub, Workplace and the Digital Library Show more details...
via Jobvite
posted_at: 9 days agoschedule_type: Internship
INTERNSHIP TITLE: Onboarding & Mentoring Evaluation Internship
INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Portland, Washington DC or US Remote...
DATES OF INTERNSHIP: June – August 2023
HOURS PER WEEK: 25-35 hours/week
INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Director – Program Leadership Continuity & Success
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $2600/month
DEPARTMENT CODE: 13409
Mercy Corps responsibilities
For the duration of this internship assignment
INTERNSHIP TITLE: Onboarding & Mentoring Evaluation Internship
INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Portland, Washington DC or US Remote...
DATES OF INTERNSHIP: June – August 2023
HOURS PER WEEK: 25-35 hours/week
INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Director – Program Leadership Continuity & Success
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $2600/month
DEPARTMENT CODE: 13409
Mercy Corps responsibilities
For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:
• Training and supervisory support
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project
Intern
Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:
• Laptop for working remotely
• Accommodation, travel and living expenses
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
The Program Performance and Quality, (PAQ) team supports effective, efficient and equitable program performance through a culture of quality management to achieve greater results for those that matter most – our program participants. The Strategic Leadership Team, part of PAQ supports country teams, Complex Programs, and agency-wide initiatives in times of change to achieve and maintain high program performance and quality. Our team is organized around two key priorities: Supporting leadership continuity and success to minimize adverse impacts of transitions on programs and teams and supporting Complex Programs to ensure quality implementation.
The project is to review existing country leadership support tools specifically the new country leadership onboarding experience, and the Peer Guide program and identify areas for improvement. The lessons from this evaluation will also be used to create a template for new technical onboarding resources in the broader Program Performance and Quality team.
The Country Leadership Onboarding Experience was launched in 2023 with an aim to provide structured but flexible tools and support new country leaders as they move into their new roles. This includes an intranet site, check lists, and monthly peer webinars. To date 20+ leaders have been exposed to this new process. The Peer Guide program introduced in 2020 during COVID includes onboarding and mentorship tools where new leaders can sign up to be matched with a Peer for a three-month period to share best practices, broaden connections, and answer questions for new leaders. To date over 50+ leaders have been successfully matched. In the coming fiscal year, the PAQ team has identified onboarding as a priority effort to support new team members in their relevant technical areas. Lastly this project will involve coordinating with the People team (HR) focal point on onboarding to ensure these efforts support and are coordinated with broader onboarding resources and efforts.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The intern will gain skills in evaluation and learning, exposure onboarding and mentoring initiatives, internal communications as well as project management. They will gain exposure to a global non-profit organization and working with a culturally diverse team and stakeholders. They will have a solid understanding of key elements of onboarding programs as well as contributing factors to successful implementation. Through the evaluation reports they will also have exposure to different reporting and communication tools. Finally, the intern may complete informational interviews with other Mercy Corps staff members working in his/her area(s) of interest, in order to increase his/her knowledge of Mercy Corps’ work in these areas.
DELIVERABLES:
• Complete an assessment using primary data collection internally and also include desk review of other successful onboarding efforts for leaders or functional areas
• Complete a final report with detailed recommendations for improvement to support country leaders
• Based on assessment and report draft template that can be used for future onboarding for technical areas such as MEL, Engineering, etc
• Create presentations with key report findings for different stakeholder groups
• Support possible webinar events on important program successes and best practices
• Support the creation of country leadership page on the Onboarding SharePoint site
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
• Bachelor required and master’s degree in progress or recently completed (within 1 year) preferred in relevant discipline.
• Experience in evaluation including work with survey, interview, focus group discussion.
• Experience in presentation and report development.
• Interest in global relief and development sector.
Mercy Corps interns 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 Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Mercy Corps Diversity Statement
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As part of our commitment to keeping our community safe and providing a safe working environment, Mercy Corps has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for US interns based in Mercy Corps US HQ offices. Interns must be fully vaccinated per CDC requirement or have an approved exception, either (1) sincerely held religious convictions, or (2) a disability that prevents them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and comply with regular testing, within 10 business days of starting. Failure to comply may impact your internship.
Mercy Corps Headquarters: 45 SW Ankeny Street, Portland, Oregon 97204
Mercy Corps: https://www.mercycorps.org/
In your statement, you are encouraged to discuss any relevant experience, and demonstrate your interest. Your application will be reviewed by the Mercy Corps team and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews Show more details...
INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Portland, Washington DC or US Remote...
DATES OF INTERNSHIP: June – August 2023
HOURS PER WEEK: 25-35 hours/week
INTERNS SUPERVISOR & CONTACT INFORMATION: Director – Program Leadership Continuity & Success
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP: $2600/month
DEPARTMENT CODE: 13409
Mercy Corps responsibilities
For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:
• Training and supervisory support
• Access to Mercy Corps online tools
• All other tools, materials and communication requirements for this project
Intern
Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:
• Laptop for working remotely
• Accommodation, travel and living expenses
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
The Program Performance and Quality, (PAQ) team supports effective, efficient and equitable program performance through a culture of quality management to achieve greater results for those that matter most – our program participants. The Strategic Leadership Team, part of PAQ supports country teams, Complex Programs, and agency-wide initiatives in times of change to achieve and maintain high program performance and quality. Our team is organized around two key priorities: Supporting leadership continuity and success to minimize adverse impacts of transitions on programs and teams and supporting Complex Programs to ensure quality implementation.
The project is to review existing country leadership support tools specifically the new country leadership onboarding experience, and the Peer Guide program and identify areas for improvement. The lessons from this evaluation will also be used to create a template for new technical onboarding resources in the broader Program Performance and Quality team.
The Country Leadership Onboarding Experience was launched in 2023 with an aim to provide structured but flexible tools and support new country leaders as they move into their new roles. This includes an intranet site, check lists, and monthly peer webinars. To date 20+ leaders have been exposed to this new process. The Peer Guide program introduced in 2020 during COVID includes onboarding and mentorship tools where new leaders can sign up to be matched with a Peer for a three-month period to share best practices, broaden connections, and answer questions for new leaders. To date over 50+ leaders have been successfully matched. In the coming fiscal year, the PAQ team has identified onboarding as a priority effort to support new team members in their relevant technical areas. Lastly this project will involve coordinating with the People team (HR) focal point on onboarding to ensure these efforts support and are coordinated with broader onboarding resources and efforts.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The intern will gain skills in evaluation and learning, exposure onboarding and mentoring initiatives, internal communications as well as project management. They will gain exposure to a global non-profit organization and working with a culturally diverse team and stakeholders. They will have a solid understanding of key elements of onboarding programs as well as contributing factors to successful implementation. Through the evaluation reports they will also have exposure to different reporting and communication tools. Finally, the intern may complete informational interviews with other Mercy Corps staff members working in his/her area(s) of interest, in order to increase his/her knowledge of Mercy Corps’ work in these areas.
DELIVERABLES:
• Complete an assessment using primary data collection internally and also include desk review of other successful onboarding efforts for leaders or functional areas
• Complete a final report with detailed recommendations for improvement to support country leaders
• Based on assessment and report draft template that can be used for future onboarding for technical areas such as MEL, Engineering, etc
• Create presentations with key report findings for different stakeholder groups
• Support possible webinar events on important program successes and best practices
• Support the creation of country leadership page on the Onboarding SharePoint site
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
• Bachelor required and master’s degree in progress or recently completed (within 1 year) preferred in relevant discipline.
• Experience in evaluation including work with survey, interview, focus group discussion.
• Experience in presentation and report development.
• Interest in global relief and development sector.
Mercy Corps interns 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 Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Mercy Corps Diversity Statement
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As part of our commitment to keeping our community safe and providing a safe working environment, Mercy Corps has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for US interns based in Mercy Corps US HQ offices. Interns must be fully vaccinated per CDC requirement or have an approved exception, either (1) sincerely held religious convictions, or (2) a disability that prevents them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and comply with regular testing, within 10 business days of starting. Failure to comply may impact your internship.
Mercy Corps Headquarters: 45 SW Ankeny Street, Portland, Oregon 97204
Mercy Corps: https://www.mercycorps.org/
In your statement, you are encouraged to discuss any relevant experience, and demonstrate your interest. Your application will be reviewed by the Mercy Corps team and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews Show more details...
via Jobvite
posted_at: 15 days agoschedule_type: Full-time
Location: Portland, OR , Washington, DC
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position...
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
Salary: The salary range for this position is $53,000 - $57,667 commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams
Location: Portland, OR , Washington, DC
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position...
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
Salary: The salary range for this position is $53,000 - $57,667 commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.The Program / Department / Team
Mercy Corps implements a variety of programming throughout the Middle East, and it continues to respond to humanitarian and development needs across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen by forging meaningful and trusted partnerships and designing impactful programming. The country programs face humanitarian crises and significant development challenges, and operate in fragile and conflict-affected areas, displacement settings, emergency responses, as well as more stable developed settings. Mercy Corps’ focus in the Middle East has been in promoting good governance and conflict resolution, enhancing resilience, supporting market systems development, as well as gender and inclusion, and youth employment. Mercy Corps investment in thought leadership, continual learning, and adaptive programming allows us to make changes that are essential in a fluid context, with significant ambitions to learning and sharing through building an evidence base, investment in program quality, including MEAL and additional specific research, to enhance adaptive and responsive programming in the Middle East.The Position
The Program Officer (PO) supports strategic, impactful, high-quality programming in the Middle East region. They support country teams in aspects of their country program and grant administration, play a key role in connecting the country offices to HQ resources and represent the country/regional interests internally with various HQ teams as well as with external stakeholders. The PO provides the secondary check and supports the country offices (ultimate point of responsibility) in adhering to internal and external policies and regulations.Essential Responsibilities
PROGRAM & GRANT ADMINISTRATION
• Serve as HQ point of responsibility for overall monitoring on grants/programs for both external/donor requirements as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and requirements.
• Provide ongoing monitoring of the status of programs and complete regular check-ins on grant requirements (such as co-financing/match, BVA, data aggregation, etc.).
• Serve as HQ point of contact to donor representatives
• Support country team’s adherence to Mercy Corps internal policies and Program Management minimum standards. As identified, support adherence to Mercy Corps’ Complex Programs management standards.
• Support country programs, as needed, with planning and implementation challenges, and coordinating with other HQ departments, including Technical Support, Compliance, Finance, to provide additional support
PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
• Lead HQ coordination for proposals (unless designated otherwise). Throughout the proposal process, monitor the timeline, status of proposal and communicate to the relevant parties as appropriate.
• Review final proposal draft for coherence and alignment with donor requirements and manage submission to the donor. PO may be appointed a different role in the design process and travel to the country office if needed.
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
• With guidance from the SPO, coordinate partnership negotiation & development, ensuring the necessary teams are engaged, to help further program, country and regional interests.
EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION
• With guidance from the SPO, represent regional interests and programs with external stakeholders, in concert with the country office teams.
STRATEGY, PLANNING & LEARNING
• With guidance from the SPO, support country teams with strategy development and planning.
• Facilitate learning across country portfolios and regions and share lessons learned and knowledge of agency resources/tools/best practices/etc.
RECRUITMENT
• For senior management country office positions, participate in Mercy Corps’ recruitment process as needed.
INTERNAL COMMUNICATION
• In coordination with the APO, support internal communications and ensure knowledge management systems are up to date and accurate to support communication with other teams.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT:
• In coordination with the APO, ensure management of agency systems and adherence to HQ-related Program Management minimum standards, etc.
Supervisory Responsibility
None. Accountability
Reports Directly To: Senior Program Officer – Middle East
Works Directly With: Assistant Program Officer and other Program Officers; country teams; other HQ Program units and other departments, including International Finance, Compliance, Technical Support, Legal, Policy and Advocacy, Mercy Corps Counterparts at MC HQ offices in Europe; MC donors and partners Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
• BA/S in relevant field required; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred.
• 2 - 4 years of field-based experience in international relief and development -- ideally in the Middle East; demonstrated knowledge of relevant sectoral and/or operational areas.
• 2- 4 years of experience managing the development, implementation, administration, and compliance of awards (especially of US Government-funded grants); general program management experience preferred.
• Experience with proposal development including support and writing with various donors, particularly US Government, private foundations, and corporations.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts.
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media, and the public – preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Preference given to candidates with prior work experience in the Middle East.
• Proficiency in Arabic is a plus
Success Factors
The successful candidate is a problem solver, who is adept in successfully dealing with issues of complexity and demonstrates the ability to serve as a mentor for the Assistant Program Officer. They are a skilled communicator, able to develop and utilize strong relationships with staff, partners and donors. They will coordinate with their supervisor, the SPO, and be effective at building working relationships with stakeholders. They will collaborate with Mercy Corps’ diverse program support teams, including members of the TSU, Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness and Social Innovations teams to support impactful partnerships with country programs and the region at large. The Program Officer is part of a team that works with country teams to ensure that we learn from experience, thoroughly research and analyze context and develop high impact strategies. They will be a skilled writer and synthesizer of diverse and complex information, helping teams generate new insights into their work, the needs of their countries and the region, and how program impact can be scaled. A robust sense of humor is greatly appreciated.Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position can be based in Portland, Oregon or Washington, DC and is expected to travel up to 25% of the time - sometimes on short notice - to areas with limited access to medical facilities and amenities. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a country office posting or on a visit/STA to a country office 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. Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and developmentDiversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees
Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided Show more details...
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position...
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
Salary: The salary range for this position is $53,000 - $57,667 commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.The Program / Department / Team
Mercy Corps implements a variety of programming throughout the Middle East, and it continues to respond to humanitarian and development needs across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen by forging meaningful and trusted partnerships and designing impactful programming. The country programs face humanitarian crises and significant development challenges, and operate in fragile and conflict-affected areas, displacement settings, emergency responses, as well as more stable developed settings. Mercy Corps’ focus in the Middle East has been in promoting good governance and conflict resolution, enhancing resilience, supporting market systems development, as well as gender and inclusion, and youth employment. Mercy Corps investment in thought leadership, continual learning, and adaptive programming allows us to make changes that are essential in a fluid context, with significant ambitions to learning and sharing through building an evidence base, investment in program quality, including MEAL and additional specific research, to enhance adaptive and responsive programming in the Middle East.The Position
The Program Officer (PO) supports strategic, impactful, high-quality programming in the Middle East region. They support country teams in aspects of their country program and grant administration, play a key role in connecting the country offices to HQ resources and represent the country/regional interests internally with various HQ teams as well as with external stakeholders. The PO provides the secondary check and supports the country offices (ultimate point of responsibility) in adhering to internal and external policies and regulations.Essential Responsibilities
PROGRAM & GRANT ADMINISTRATION
• Serve as HQ point of responsibility for overall monitoring on grants/programs for both external/donor requirements as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and requirements.
• Provide ongoing monitoring of the status of programs and complete regular check-ins on grant requirements (such as co-financing/match, BVA, data aggregation, etc.).
• Serve as HQ point of contact to donor representatives
• Support country team’s adherence to Mercy Corps internal policies and Program Management minimum standards. As identified, support adherence to Mercy Corps’ Complex Programs management standards.
• Support country programs, as needed, with planning and implementation challenges, and coordinating with other HQ departments, including Technical Support, Compliance, Finance, to provide additional support
PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
• Lead HQ coordination for proposals (unless designated otherwise). Throughout the proposal process, monitor the timeline, status of proposal and communicate to the relevant parties as appropriate.
• Review final proposal draft for coherence and alignment with donor requirements and manage submission to the donor. PO may be appointed a different role in the design process and travel to the country office if needed.
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
• With guidance from the SPO, coordinate partnership negotiation & development, ensuring the necessary teams are engaged, to help further program, country and regional interests.
EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION
• With guidance from the SPO, represent regional interests and programs with external stakeholders, in concert with the country office teams.
STRATEGY, PLANNING & LEARNING
• With guidance from the SPO, support country teams with strategy development and planning.
• Facilitate learning across country portfolios and regions and share lessons learned and knowledge of agency resources/tools/best practices/etc.
RECRUITMENT
• For senior management country office positions, participate in Mercy Corps’ recruitment process as needed.
INTERNAL COMMUNICATION
• In coordination with the APO, support internal communications and ensure knowledge management systems are up to date and accurate to support communication with other teams.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT:
• In coordination with the APO, ensure management of agency systems and adherence to HQ-related Program Management minimum standards, etc.
Supervisory Responsibility
None. Accountability
Reports Directly To: Senior Program Officer – Middle East
Works Directly With: Assistant Program Officer and other Program Officers; country teams; other HQ Program units and other departments, including International Finance, Compliance, Technical Support, Legal, Policy and Advocacy, Mercy Corps Counterparts at MC HQ offices in Europe; MC donors and partners Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
• BA/S in relevant field required; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred.
• 2 - 4 years of field-based experience in international relief and development -- ideally in the Middle East; demonstrated knowledge of relevant sectoral and/or operational areas.
• 2- 4 years of experience managing the development, implementation, administration, and compliance of awards (especially of US Government-funded grants); general program management experience preferred.
• Experience with proposal development including support and writing with various donors, particularly US Government, private foundations, and corporations.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts.
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media, and the public – preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Preference given to candidates with prior work experience in the Middle East.
• Proficiency in Arabic is a plus
Success Factors
The successful candidate is a problem solver, who is adept in successfully dealing with issues of complexity and demonstrates the ability to serve as a mentor for the Assistant Program Officer. They are a skilled communicator, able to develop and utilize strong relationships with staff, partners and donors. They will coordinate with their supervisor, the SPO, and be effective at building working relationships with stakeholders. They will collaborate with Mercy Corps’ diverse program support teams, including members of the TSU, Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness and Social Innovations teams to support impactful partnerships with country programs and the region at large. The Program Officer is part of a team that works with country teams to ensure that we learn from experience, thoroughly research and analyze context and develop high impact strategies. They will be a skilled writer and synthesizer of diverse and complex information, helping teams generate new insights into their work, the needs of their countries and the region, and how program impact can be scaled. A robust sense of humor is greatly appreciated.Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position can be based in Portland, Oregon or Washington, DC and is expected to travel up to 25% of the time - sometimes on short notice - to areas with limited access to medical facilities and amenities. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a country office posting or on a visit/STA to a country office 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. Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and developmentDiversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees
Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided Show more details...
via Jobvite
posted_at: 29 days agoschedule_type: Full-time
Location: Washington, DC
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position...
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
Salary Level: The salary range for this position is $119,000 - $150,000 USD commensurate on experience.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams
Location: Washington, DC
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position...
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
Salary Level: The salary range for this position is $119,000 - $150,000 USD commensurate on experience.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have a long-term impact.
The Program
Mercy Corps is setting up a Cost and Pricing department which will be responsible for setting the vision and strategy for Mercy Corp’s cost and pricing strategy for new business. The department will also support organizational budgeting and planning for ongoing awards, providing strategic financial support to programs and countries.
Cost and Pricing also provide the Mercy Corps Board, working through the Board’s Finance Committee, with information to allow insight into Mercy Corps’ external cost and pricing strategic approach to new business and donor diversification.
The Position
The Senior Director of Cost and Pricing will lead and direct cost and pricing across Mercy Corps supporting Finance and New Initiatives/Resource Development. They will lead cost and pricing initiatives by capturing and evaluating nuanced details of cost drivers of high-quality interventions as part of multi-year budgets for complex, competitive USG, foundation, and multilateral bids. They will lead business decisions with the proposal design team about Price to Win, Fee Structures, and potential partnerships by ensuring these elements align, enhance, and support a robust, realistic, and feasible win and implementation strategy for the technical approach and management approach.
They will liaise with proposal design team and partners to request, analyze, and present business and cost requirements in the most effective manner with excellent budgeting, writing, editing, and presentation skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe. They will help drive quality improvements on bid applications by organizing reviews and delivering production support for bid materials prior to submission.
Essential Responsibilities
• Lead in the development of a cost and pricing strategy and guidance for Mercy Corps.
• Drive decision-making around key cost and pricing strategy for Mercy Corps.
• In response to funder requirements and in compliance with organizational policies, leads proposal budget development for proposals ranging in value up to multi-hundred million dollars partnering with New Initiatives, Development, and Programs.
• Works to troubleshoot complex budgeting issues and solicitation requirements and ensures review feedback is incorporated into final budgets.
• Collects cost inputs from a variety of internal/external sources to ensure competitive market prices and accurate information.
• Analyzes, makes recommendations, and communicates issues or concerns regarding cost applications and proposal requirements to internal stakeholders for a timely discussion on bid response.
• While leading budget development, provides substantive inputs to guide decision-making on the overall design of the application.
• Supports completion of other cost-related documentation during the final production stages of the proposal, as needed.
• Prepares questions to submit to funders if further clarification is needed.
• Leads the response and engagement with donors’ requests for clarification and further information as it relates to applications and proposals, working with the Chief Financial Officer, Senior Director of New Initiatives, International Finance, and Compliance as needed.
• Upon award, work with the Senior Director of International Finance and Country Finance Leads to transition budgets for implementation.
• Lead the d Partner with International Finance to ensure other budgeting material is updated and staff is regularly trained.
• Seek efficiency and adaptive cost and pricing strategies in an evolving industry and organization.
• Work on new business special projects, as identified and needed.
CAPTURE & PROGRAM DESIGN
• Conduct desk research and tabulation of local country costs drivers, such as labor rates and employment rules, travel and training venue costs, office rental and housing costs, local inflation, equipment and supplies procurement, security needs, etc., to determine feasible cost parameters for anticipated USG and other donor bids.
• Develop high-level pricing models/budgets to guide the strategic development of the Donor bid.
• Collect data and documentation about potential local and international partners that can demonstrate evidence of capacity to effectively manage awards including reviews of policy and procedures, annual budgets, recent audits, financial and programmatic reports, and local registration.
• Work directly with international and local partners to frame and complete their anticipated business and cost application materials in alignment with client initiatives.
• Build, review, and sign off on roll-up activity-level budgets with anticipated interventions that include co-funding and/or stand-alone cost structures responsive to submission requirements.
BID STRATEGY & PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
• Create and adapt comprehensive tools and templates, to deliver high-quality cost and business application materials in a timely manner including document checklist, partner document list, compliance matrix, and bid calendar.
• Lead the review of the entire bid solicitation and identify red flags for the team and review the evaluation criteria to ensure that the business and cost applications meet the requirements and reach the maximum score.
• Create a comprehensive bid-specific budget and cost narrative in alignment with Donor requirements, technical approaches, and participant targets, that demonstrates price to win, fee structures, implementation feasibility, and cost competitiveness per participant.
• As needed, create complex (CLIN, sub-objective activity level) budgets to best suit the competitive needs of each bid.
• Review pricing inputs from technical or other pricing contributors for completeness on a timely basis.
• Compile and compose detailed cost and business questions for submission by senior team members.
• Track, review, and provide feedback as needed on partner cost documentation and ensure compliance with solicitation requirements.
• Serve as partner liaison, as assigned, on active bids to track partner cost inputs to ensure all documentation is received in full and in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ best practices and policies, solicitation requirements, and client policies across a range of opportunities, donors, and schedules.
• Provide regular updates on the status of all cost and budget narrative development, while proactively communicating obstacles and solutions to meet proposal calendar deadlines.
• Integrate all partner pricing inputs into a consolidated budget, budget narrative, and cost application.
PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS & TRAINING
• Lead the development of checklists and instruction manuals as needed for the successful delivery of inputs for proposal reviews related to the costing of the proposal and strategic pricing, including the recommendation of co-financing.
• Participate in internal debriefing meetings and make informed recommendations on how to improve cost and pricing activities/products.
• In collaboration with Proposal Manager, Proposal Leader, and Senior Director, New Initiatives, help adjust processes and deadlines as needed, while upholding corporate interests, business needs, and our overall win strategy.
• Review internal and external debriefing analysis; as directed, implement improvements accordingly.
• Remain current on industry trends and best practices.
• Actively participates in all proposal reviews, Post Proposal, and Post Award reviews, leading in the cost and pricing component of these reviews.
• Leads the support and capacity development to small and local subrecipients in budget preparation, indirect cost rate or multiplier development, and other supporting documentation with the support for .
Supervisory Responsibility
Sr. Cost and Pricing Advisor
Accountability
Reports directly to: CFO
Works directly with: International Finance, New Initiatives/Resource Development, Compliance, Mercy Corps’ Europe, and country offices.
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, and other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
• BA/S or equivalent is required. MBA strongly preferred
• 8+ years of related job experience including program budgeting and finance, cost and pricing, and budgeting for proposals and programs as well as strategic pricing.
• 8+ years of supervisory experience, in hiring, coaching, developing, motivating a team
• Expert knowledge of US government grants and contracts (2 CFR 200, FAR, AIDAR) including cost principles and familiarity with solicitation mechanisms and contract types (i.e., cost reimbursement, fixed price, time, and materials).
• Strong knowledge of foundations, and multilateral institutions.
• Experience with indirect cost recovery methodologies and budgeting of non-USG clients.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and strong written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate, both written and verbally, effectively among and within multiple organizational and professional levels, including multiple cultures.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities, takes initiative to solve problems.
• Ability to manage intense deadline-driven processes.
• Demonstrated excellent attention to detail.
Success Factors
The successful Senior Director Cost and Pricing will have the ability to work independently and employ effective time management skills, manage priorities and work effectively with a wide variety of individuals including international staff. Additionally, they will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and be able to communicate financial information in a succinct, organized manner. The position requires strong collaborative skills with an ability to facilitate change. The most successful Mercy Corps team members have a positive approach, a strong commitment to teamwork and personal accountability, and the ability to be flexible with a customer-centric approach.
Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions
This position will be based preferably in the greater Washington, DC area with flexibility for the right candidate. Travel up to 25%, (mostly global), to support cost and pricing proposals for new business, positioning, and capture work. Given the nature of the role, work outside typical working hours may be required.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal-opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.
Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees
Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided Show more details...
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position...
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
Salary Level: The salary range for this position is $119,000 - $150,000 USD commensurate on experience.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have a long-term impact.
The Program
Mercy Corps is setting up a Cost and Pricing department which will be responsible for setting the vision and strategy for Mercy Corp’s cost and pricing strategy for new business. The department will also support organizational budgeting and planning for ongoing awards, providing strategic financial support to programs and countries.
Cost and Pricing also provide the Mercy Corps Board, working through the Board’s Finance Committee, with information to allow insight into Mercy Corps’ external cost and pricing strategic approach to new business and donor diversification.
The Position
The Senior Director of Cost and Pricing will lead and direct cost and pricing across Mercy Corps supporting Finance and New Initiatives/Resource Development. They will lead cost and pricing initiatives by capturing and evaluating nuanced details of cost drivers of high-quality interventions as part of multi-year budgets for complex, competitive USG, foundation, and multilateral bids. They will lead business decisions with the proposal design team about Price to Win, Fee Structures, and potential partnerships by ensuring these elements align, enhance, and support a robust, realistic, and feasible win and implementation strategy for the technical approach and management approach.
They will liaise with proposal design team and partners to request, analyze, and present business and cost requirements in the most effective manner with excellent budgeting, writing, editing, and presentation skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe. They will help drive quality improvements on bid applications by organizing reviews and delivering production support for bid materials prior to submission.
Essential Responsibilities
• Lead in the development of a cost and pricing strategy and guidance for Mercy Corps.
• Drive decision-making around key cost and pricing strategy for Mercy Corps.
• In response to funder requirements and in compliance with organizational policies, leads proposal budget development for proposals ranging in value up to multi-hundred million dollars partnering with New Initiatives, Development, and Programs.
• Works to troubleshoot complex budgeting issues and solicitation requirements and ensures review feedback is incorporated into final budgets.
• Collects cost inputs from a variety of internal/external sources to ensure competitive market prices and accurate information.
• Analyzes, makes recommendations, and communicates issues or concerns regarding cost applications and proposal requirements to internal stakeholders for a timely discussion on bid response.
• While leading budget development, provides substantive inputs to guide decision-making on the overall design of the application.
• Supports completion of other cost-related documentation during the final production stages of the proposal, as needed.
• Prepares questions to submit to funders if further clarification is needed.
• Leads the response and engagement with donors’ requests for clarification and further information as it relates to applications and proposals, working with the Chief Financial Officer, Senior Director of New Initiatives, International Finance, and Compliance as needed.
• Upon award, work with the Senior Director of International Finance and Country Finance Leads to transition budgets for implementation.
• Lead the d Partner with International Finance to ensure other budgeting material is updated and staff is regularly trained.
• Seek efficiency and adaptive cost and pricing strategies in an evolving industry and organization.
• Work on new business special projects, as identified and needed.
CAPTURE & PROGRAM DESIGN
• Conduct desk research and tabulation of local country costs drivers, such as labor rates and employment rules, travel and training venue costs, office rental and housing costs, local inflation, equipment and supplies procurement, security needs, etc., to determine feasible cost parameters for anticipated USG and other donor bids.
• Develop high-level pricing models/budgets to guide the strategic development of the Donor bid.
• Collect data and documentation about potential local and international partners that can demonstrate evidence of capacity to effectively manage awards including reviews of policy and procedures, annual budgets, recent audits, financial and programmatic reports, and local registration.
• Work directly with international and local partners to frame and complete their anticipated business and cost application materials in alignment with client initiatives.
• Build, review, and sign off on roll-up activity-level budgets with anticipated interventions that include co-funding and/or stand-alone cost structures responsive to submission requirements.
BID STRATEGY & PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
• Create and adapt comprehensive tools and templates, to deliver high-quality cost and business application materials in a timely manner including document checklist, partner document list, compliance matrix, and bid calendar.
• Lead the review of the entire bid solicitation and identify red flags for the team and review the evaluation criteria to ensure that the business and cost applications meet the requirements and reach the maximum score.
• Create a comprehensive bid-specific budget and cost narrative in alignment with Donor requirements, technical approaches, and participant targets, that demonstrates price to win, fee structures, implementation feasibility, and cost competitiveness per participant.
• As needed, create complex (CLIN, sub-objective activity level) budgets to best suit the competitive needs of each bid.
• Review pricing inputs from technical or other pricing contributors for completeness on a timely basis.
• Compile and compose detailed cost and business questions for submission by senior team members.
• Track, review, and provide feedback as needed on partner cost documentation and ensure compliance with solicitation requirements.
• Serve as partner liaison, as assigned, on active bids to track partner cost inputs to ensure all documentation is received in full and in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ best practices and policies, solicitation requirements, and client policies across a range of opportunities, donors, and schedules.
• Provide regular updates on the status of all cost and budget narrative development, while proactively communicating obstacles and solutions to meet proposal calendar deadlines.
• Integrate all partner pricing inputs into a consolidated budget, budget narrative, and cost application.
PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS & TRAINING
• Lead the development of checklists and instruction manuals as needed for the successful delivery of inputs for proposal reviews related to the costing of the proposal and strategic pricing, including the recommendation of co-financing.
• Participate in internal debriefing meetings and make informed recommendations on how to improve cost and pricing activities/products.
• In collaboration with Proposal Manager, Proposal Leader, and Senior Director, New Initiatives, help adjust processes and deadlines as needed, while upholding corporate interests, business needs, and our overall win strategy.
• Review internal and external debriefing analysis; as directed, implement improvements accordingly.
• Remain current on industry trends and best practices.
• Actively participates in all proposal reviews, Post Proposal, and Post Award reviews, leading in the cost and pricing component of these reviews.
• Leads the support and capacity development to small and local subrecipients in budget preparation, indirect cost rate or multiplier development, and other supporting documentation with the support for .
Supervisory Responsibility
Sr. Cost and Pricing Advisor
Accountability
Reports directly to: CFO
Works directly with: International Finance, New Initiatives/Resource Development, Compliance, Mercy Corps’ Europe, and country offices.
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, and other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
• BA/S or equivalent is required. MBA strongly preferred
• 8+ years of related job experience including program budgeting and finance, cost and pricing, and budgeting for proposals and programs as well as strategic pricing.
• 8+ years of supervisory experience, in hiring, coaching, developing, motivating a team
• Expert knowledge of US government grants and contracts (2 CFR 200, FAR, AIDAR) including cost principles and familiarity with solicitation mechanisms and contract types (i.e., cost reimbursement, fixed price, time, and materials).
• Strong knowledge of foundations, and multilateral institutions.
• Experience with indirect cost recovery methodologies and budgeting of non-USG clients.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and strong written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate, both written and verbally, effectively among and within multiple organizational and professional levels, including multiple cultures.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities, takes initiative to solve problems.
• Ability to manage intense deadline-driven processes.
• Demonstrated excellent attention to detail.
Success Factors
The successful Senior Director Cost and Pricing will have the ability to work independently and employ effective time management skills, manage priorities and work effectively with a wide variety of individuals including international staff. Additionally, they will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and be able to communicate financial information in a succinct, organized manner. The position requires strong collaborative skills with an ability to facilitate change. The most successful Mercy Corps team members have a positive approach, a strong commitment to teamwork and personal accountability, and the ability to be flexible with a customer-centric approach.
Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions
This position will be based preferably in the greater Washington, DC area with flexibility for the right candidate. Travel up to 25%, (mostly global), to support cost and pricing proposals for new business, positioning, and capture work. Given the nature of the role, work outside typical working hours may be required.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal-opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.
Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees
Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided Show more details...
via Jobvite
posted_at: 8 days agoschedule_type: Full-time
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within...
This evaluation Terms of Reference (TOR) is a plan for preparing for, conducting, and facilitating learning from an evaluation for the
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within...
This evaluation Terms of Reference (TOR) is a plan for preparing for, conducting, and facilitating learning from an evaluation for the UCC emergency response program, particularly focused on the first phase of the emergency scale up. It conveys clear directions to the evaluation team, defines roles and responsibilities, and includes details needed to recruit for, implement, and learn from the RTE evaluation.
The Ukraine Cash Consortium (UCC) comprises Mercy Corps, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and People in Need (PIN). The Consortium’s programmatic work currently consists of the implementation of a $100 million, 17-month USAID/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) award of the same name. The program’s goal is to meet emergency basic needs while enhancing the protection environment for approximately 320,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees and other conflict-affected people (CAPs) in Ukraine.
Purpose / Project Description:
The primary purpose of this evaluation is to learn from the initial emergency response phase and to identify lessons, successes, and points for improvement for the continued implementation of this program. The RTE will look at the implementation done by the UCC partners between May 2020 and March 2023.
The evaluation team members will examine the scale-up and coordination of the emergency response, explore to what extent the consortium structure and established processes hindered or improved the program’s adaptability, timeliness, and overall response, and evaluate UCC’s overall emergency response approach. The RTE will help UCC and partners improve its future programming through lessons learned and best practices generated through this program. Response personnel are the primary audience for this evaluation and will use the learning from it to modify the continued response implementation as appropriate.
Indicators will be agreed upon with UCC and the Evaluator and will be defined in the Analytical Framework, as agreed upon by both parties.
Evaluation Scope and Questions
The evaluation should be organized around evaluation criteria as follows, with suggested evaluation questions provided, the list will be refined with the consultant.
Relevance and Effectiveness:
• How effective and timely was the UCC BHA emergency response?
• How timely was the UCC scale-up to the new emergency conditions compared to other cash actors in Ukraine?
• To what extent did the different implementation approaches (working through partners; doing direct registrations; or online self-registration) meet the needs of vulnerable communities in a safe and equitable manner?
• Was the local partnership model of some of the consortium members successful in delivering its intended outcomes? What were the challenges and successes of this approach?
• To what extent has the flexible modality approach helped UCC partners meet the needs of those most in need during the emergency response?
• What were the comparable advantages of the three different modalities used by partners: working through partners, online self-registration, and doing direct registrations with potential participants?
• To what extent did consortium members consistently implement activities in line with the program design, international norms, and standards?
• What were the main implementation challenges program and operational teams faced while implementing the emergency response?
• Is the BHA program design still fit for purpose or do we need to rethink and redesign it?
• What are the main takeaways from the UCC emergency response operation? What went well and what could have been done differently? How can we improve the UCC program in the future and the UCC consortia approach?
Efficiency/Consortia model:
• What was the added value of Consortia partnership during the initial emergency response operation?
• What were the challenges of having to set-up/working in a consortium at the same time as scaling-up the emergency response?
• What are the key takeaways from working through Consortia in the Ukraine emergency response phase?
• Were parts of the response strengthened by the fact that partners were working in consortium rather than individually (e.g. economies of scale)? Were parts of the response hindered by having to work in Consortia? How can this be improved in the future?
• Was the Consortium Model able to achieve any greater impact compared to a single agency emergency response, if so, how?
• To what extent did the Consortium Model enhance the timeliness and quality of response?
• What level of cohesiveness and complementarity in delivering/monitoring assistance has UCC achieved across the different consortium partners?
Coordination:
• How effective was the UCC management unit at establishing internal communication and coordination structures in meeting programmatic needs?
• What internal coordination problems has the consortium faced and how have they been addressed?
• What have been the biggest successes in coordination? What were the biggest gaps?
• How can we address these gaps in the future?
• How effective/well-coordinated were the UCC activities and de-duplication with central and local authorities in the Area of Operation (AoO), clusters (e.g. cash working group), and other cash actors?
Learning:
• To which extent were consortium members able to share best practices, and how did this contribute to the success of the project?
• Did the Consortium Model offer the opportunity for learning across partners, if so, in what manner and form did this take?
Evaluation Project Tasks
• Refine the evaluation objectives and primary research questions in consultation with UCC management team.
• Devise and test a methodology and evaluation tools to address the specific objectives and individual research questions of the evaluation and obtain sign off from UCC management team on these.
• Conduct secondary data collection and desk research, including using UCC’s existing project monitoring data, to identify gaps in data coverage and knowledge.
• Collect primary data and through various stakeholders in Poland and Ukraine (or other locations) to address the specific research questions of the evaluation.
• Provide a draft report to UCC management that will be incorporated into ongoing Program planning and evaluation, as well as recommendations for maximizing social impact.
• Facilitate an online workshop to validate the findings of the RTE with UCC and partners staff and other stakeholders.
• Incorporate UCC feedback into a draft report and prepare a final report. The final report should both describe the results of the evaluation, and provide actionable recommendations for improving UCC’s Program
• Provide an English version of the RTE report, and English and Ukrainian versions for the Summary/External report.
Methodology
UCC recommends a qualitative approach to gather the RTE data through semi-structured interviews, Desk review, and Key Informant Interviews (KII). The participants include relevant stakeholders, and data is analyzed thematically to identify patterns and trends. The findings are used to make recommendations for program improvement and to inform decision-making. The evaluation process is iterative and involves continuous communication and feedback with stakeholders to ensure the validity and reliability of the data collected.
The following methodology outlines the qualitative research methods/tools that could be used.
1. Key informant interviews: the team is expected to interview a variety of staff for program implementation and support (M&E, finance, operations), cash coordination group members, donor representatives, representatives of the affected population, and civil society/local actors. The team will annex the interview guide or guides to the inception report and to the draft and final reports. Targeted roles for interview will include:
• Mercy Corps and UCC Partner Staff: Head of Programme, Thematic Advisors, Program Managers, MEL, program staff, operations, and finance, Country Directors/Steering Committee.
• DART Representatives (Planning Coordinator, Team Lead, Deputy Team Lead).
• Key members of the cash coordination group - Ukraine Cash Working Group Lead and Co-Lead, Other BHA consortia, CCD, etc.
• Civil Society/local actors - local governments, other INGOs, local civil society.
• Central government representatives.
2. Desk review: Review program documents, including program reports, monitoring and evaluation reports, and other relevant documents to gain a better understanding of the program's implementation, management, and monitoring processes. The document review could also provide insights into the program's design, implementation challenges, and lessons learned. Existing Program Information Sources include:
• Proposal
• Logframe and M&E plan
• Situation Reports, market research conducted at various periods of the crisis
• Contingency Plans/Workplans
• Post Distribution Monitoring Data/Reports
• Aggregated (non-sensitive) CARM Data
• Learning Documents/lessons learnt workshops
• Risk and Issues Register
• Minutes of meetings
• Donor communication
3. Data analysis: Analyze the qualitative data collected from KIIs, document review, case studies, and participatory approaches using thematic analysis. This analysis could identify key themes related to the program's implementation, targeting process, impact, and sustainability.
Triangulation: Triangulate the qualitative data with other sources of data, including quantitative data and program monitoring data, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the program's performance.
Overall, the above qualitative research methods can provide valuable insights into the experiences and perceptions of program participants and stakeholders, and help to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement for the Ukraine Cash Consortium program.
INCEPTION PHASE
Before the start of data collection, the evaluation team will do the following:
• Hold a short planning meeting with all members of the evaluation team including the UCC MEL Director, RTE Steering Committee (RTE SC) and relevant Program teams who will provide a brief about the Program and agree on the documents to be included in the desk review.
• Review key internal and external documents. reports will be made available to the evaluator(s) along with other relevant project documentation.
• In partnership with the UCC MEL Director, refine and finalise the specific evaluation questions to be explored from the scope described above.
• Propose to the UCC MEL Director and RTE SC the appropriate methodology to be developed for the Ukrainian context to evaluate the BHA Program and address the OECD evaluation criteria.
• Prepare an outline of the data collection methods that are required and the relevant survey templates and participatory data collection guides to be used for data collection.
• Develop a work plan consisting of key milestones required for data collection.
• The inception report and the data collection tools will be reviewed by UCC, and feedback provided to the evaluator.
• Finalize the inception report and data collection tools.
PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION
The qualitative approach, feeding into the findings around the objectives outlined above, will aim to assess the effectiveness of the project management, systems, and processes established by the projects, including strategies to improve gender equity both at the participant and project management level, protection issues, and its implementation, performance monitoring, and conflict sensitivity. The qualitative evaluation will also capture lessons learned and best practices. The KII will be collected in person, if the security situation allows.
DATA ANALYSIS
Qualitative data should also be analysed and should primarily focus on developing a deeper understanding about the relevance of the Program, and providing recommendations for improving or strengthening the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the results of the Program. The analysis will be conducted using specialized software such as MAXQDA, NVivo, or ATLAS, among others. These software applications provide tools to facilitate data organization, coding, categorization, and retrieval, as well as visualization and reporting of findings.
PRESENTATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This consultancy will take place between (May - June 2023).
The findings of the evaluation must be shared with UCC in the following formats:
• Validation of findings workshop with UCC and partners. (in-person, if security situation allows)
• Final presentation workshop with UCC staff and partners to present findings and get feedback (ideally, in-person):
• Agreed lessons learned and best practices that can be incorporated into relevant sectors’ programming
• Agreed recommendations that will inform and improve UCC’s future programmatic strategy, with agreed action points and deadlines
• Draft Evaluation Report submitted to UCC MEL Director and RTE SC for feedback and comments after conclusion of field visit. UCC will submit feedback and the consultant will have to incorporate UCC feedback into the RTE Report.
• Final RTE Report- The report must be clear and concise and the following sections must be included as a minimum: Executive Summary, Literature Review of all BHA responses in Ukraine, Methodology, Analysis of Findings, Limitations and Challenges, Recommendations, Annexes: ToRs, a timeline of the response, a list of individuals interviewed, statistical outputs, templates of data collection tools used, a description of the methods employed, a summary of survey results (if appropriate) and any other relevant materials.
• UCC requests that an external version of the evaluation be prepared for external use to share key findings with other actors in the Ukrainian response, including BHA.
• A Ukrainian version of the RTE Summary/External report is to be submitted to UCC after the finalization of the English RTE report.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND DATA PROTECTION
The evaluation team will make clear to all participating stakeholders that they are under no obligation to participate in the evaluation study. All participants will be assured that there will be no negative consequences if they choose not to participate. The evaluation team will obtain informed consent from the participants. The research team will ensure prior permission is received for taking and use of visual still/ moving images for specific purposes, i.e., research report and presentations. The evaluation team will assure the participants’ anonymity and confidentiality and will ensure the visual data is protected and used for agreed purposes only. In particular, the evaluation team will employ robust data security measures to further ensure participants’ confidentiality and anonymity. All beneficiary and community members identifying information must remain confidential. It is the responsibility of the contracted Consultant to anonymise all datasets or raw data and ensure that identifying personal information is not shared with UCC Program staff nor any external party.
The Consultant will ensure that the preservation of respondent anonymity and confidentiality is prioritized during data collection, management, storage and reporting. Respondent data will not be shared with third parties without prior consent from Mercy Corps. The Consultant is expected to have clear data protection protocols and policies that should be shared with UCC during the procurement process and inception phase.
The evaluation team must also ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR sets standards for the collection, storage, and use of personal data in the European Union (EU) and should be followed to ensure the protection of personal data.
The evaluation team is responsible for determining whether or not their proposed methodology would require Institutional Review Board (IRB) clearance and will be responsible for clearing the process and training if such approval is required.
ASSUMPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
• Evaluators will have access to all documentation and can take part in relevant meetings.
• UCC will communicate with Local Authorities regarding the Evaluation scope and dates to facilitate access for the Evaluation team.
• Evaluators will have access to key partner staff who will provide them with adequate information.
• Evaluators will take confidentiality and objectivity into consideration during the process.
• Security concerns could impact the timing and the scope of the evaluation. It is important for the team to remain flexible. They must be open to making changes to the schedule and itinerary such as visiting alternate sites, conducting remote reviews and interviews, etc.
• COVID-19 situation doesn’t prevent or restrict data collection.
• All data (primary or secondary) gathered by the evaluators will be fully transferred to Mercy Corps ownership and eliminated from evaluators’ possession.
COVID-19 MITIGATION MEASURES
The spread of the novel COVID-19 virus stands to impact every facet of humanitarian and development program design and implementation. With new emergency aid and modifications of ongoing aid and development programing, adjustments and adaptations to monitoring and evaluation approaches are imperative. External Evaluators must do their part to limit human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 and ensure protection of staff and others by taking preventive measures. The evaluator is to ensure the following:
• The evaluation methodology is adapted to include evaluation approaches that correspond to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
• Detail the measures to be taken to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission to consultancy staff, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed adapted methodology in achieving evaluation objectives.
Proposed Governance Structure
RTE steering committee will be established to oversee the overall implementation of the evaluation and conducted in an ethical and transparent manner, and the findings and recommendations are implemented effectively.
The RTE steering committee should consist of key stakeholders such as partners (program or M&E) leads. The committee should coordinate regularly to review progress, provide guidance, and make decisions on any issues that arise.
The RTE Steering Committee should have the following roles and responsibilities:
• Provide overall guidance and support for the evaluation process
• Review and approve the evaluation plan, including the methodology, data collection tools, and analysis plan
• Review and approve the findings and recommendations
• Formulate a management response to the RTE findings and recommendations
• Ensure that the management response is implemented effectively
The consultant/s should report to the UCC MEL Director for all the contract-related matters and aspect of the consultancy. And will report to the RTE Steering Committee on the following:
• Conducting the evaluation according to the approved evaluation plan
• Ensuring that the evaluation is conducted within the agreed timeframe
• Providing regular progress reports to the RTE Steering Committee
• Presenting the evaluation findings and recommendations to the RTE Steering Committee and other relevant stakeholders
• Responding to feedback and comments from the RTE Steering Committee and other relevant stakeholders
• Collaborating with the RTE Steering Committee in formulating the management response to the RTE findings and recommendations.
Timeframe / Schedule:
May 5, 2023 – Contract signing
May 12, 2023 – SUBMISSION: Draft Inception Report and Instruments
May 19, 2023 – Client Feedback on Draft
May 23, 2023 – SUBMISSION: Final Inception Report and Instruments
May 29, 2023 – Data Collection (multiple consultants can deploy for more efficient collection)
June 5, 2023 – Data Analysis and Report Writing
June 9, 2023 – Presentation of the Key Findings
June 12, 2023 – SUBMISSION: Draft Evaluation Report
June 19, 2023 – Client Feedback on Draft
June 22, 2023 – SUBMISSION: RTE Report (English Version)
June 30, 2023 – SUBMISSION: RTE Report Summary/External (Ukrainian/English Versions)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
For the purposes of this evaluation, UCC welcomes international and national evaluators to apply.
The profile of the lead consultant is:
• 7-10 years of technically relevant work experience.
• Individuals in academia, social research, or humanitarian evaluation with a background in humanitarian aid, research methods, development economics, development studies, or other related fields. Preference will be given to consultants with Cash/Food security evaluation experience and Real Time Evaluation experience.
• Prior experience with conducting Real Time Evaluations or After-Action Reviews.
• Extensive experience of conducting evaluations along DAC OECD evaluation criteria, ideally leading an evaluation team and experience of designing evaluation methodology/tools, data analysis etc. in an emergency setting.
• Experience of working in humanitarian contexts and good understanding of humanitarian response work and conflict sensitivity – both in Programs and operations.
• In-depth knowledge of qualitative research methods.
• Competent in using statistical packages for qualitative analyses.
• Use of national consultants is essential for work within Ukraine due to security constraints and local and contextual knowledge.
• A gender balance of field enumerators is essential to conduct data collection with both male and female beneficiaries.
• Excellent presentation and writing skills.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills in English and ability to translate the final external report into Ukrainian.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging 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 Show more details...
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within...
This evaluation Terms of Reference (TOR) is a plan for preparing for, conducting, and facilitating learning from an evaluation for the UCC emergency response program, particularly focused on the first phase of the emergency scale up. It conveys clear directions to the evaluation team, defines roles and responsibilities, and includes details needed to recruit for, implement, and learn from the RTE evaluation.
The Ukraine Cash Consortium (UCC) comprises Mercy Corps, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and People in Need (PIN). The Consortium’s programmatic work currently consists of the implementation of a $100 million, 17-month USAID/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) award of the same name. The program’s goal is to meet emergency basic needs while enhancing the protection environment for approximately 320,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees and other conflict-affected people (CAPs) in Ukraine.
Purpose / Project Description:
The primary purpose of this evaluation is to learn from the initial emergency response phase and to identify lessons, successes, and points for improvement for the continued implementation of this program. The RTE will look at the implementation done by the UCC partners between May 2020 and March 2023.
The evaluation team members will examine the scale-up and coordination of the emergency response, explore to what extent the consortium structure and established processes hindered or improved the program’s adaptability, timeliness, and overall response, and evaluate UCC’s overall emergency response approach. The RTE will help UCC and partners improve its future programming through lessons learned and best practices generated through this program. Response personnel are the primary audience for this evaluation and will use the learning from it to modify the continued response implementation as appropriate.
Indicators will be agreed upon with UCC and the Evaluator and will be defined in the Analytical Framework, as agreed upon by both parties.
Evaluation Scope and Questions
The evaluation should be organized around evaluation criteria as follows, with suggested evaluation questions provided, the list will be refined with the consultant.
Relevance and Effectiveness:
• How effective and timely was the UCC BHA emergency response?
• How timely was the UCC scale-up to the new emergency conditions compared to other cash actors in Ukraine?
• To what extent did the different implementation approaches (working through partners; doing direct registrations; or online self-registration) meet the needs of vulnerable communities in a safe and equitable manner?
• Was the local partnership model of some of the consortium members successful in delivering its intended outcomes? What were the challenges and successes of this approach?
• To what extent has the flexible modality approach helped UCC partners meet the needs of those most in need during the emergency response?
• What were the comparable advantages of the three different modalities used by partners: working through partners, online self-registration, and doing direct registrations with potential participants?
• To what extent did consortium members consistently implement activities in line with the program design, international norms, and standards?
• What were the main implementation challenges program and operational teams faced while implementing the emergency response?
• Is the BHA program design still fit for purpose or do we need to rethink and redesign it?
• What are the main takeaways from the UCC emergency response operation? What went well and what could have been done differently? How can we improve the UCC program in the future and the UCC consortia approach?
Efficiency/Consortia model:
• What was the added value of Consortia partnership during the initial emergency response operation?
• What were the challenges of having to set-up/working in a consortium at the same time as scaling-up the emergency response?
• What are the key takeaways from working through Consortia in the Ukraine emergency response phase?
• Were parts of the response strengthened by the fact that partners were working in consortium rather than individually (e.g. economies of scale)? Were parts of the response hindered by having to work in Consortia? How can this be improved in the future?
• Was the Consortium Model able to achieve any greater impact compared to a single agency emergency response, if so, how?
• To what extent did the Consortium Model enhance the timeliness and quality of response?
• What level of cohesiveness and complementarity in delivering/monitoring assistance has UCC achieved across the different consortium partners?
Coordination:
• How effective was the UCC management unit at establishing internal communication and coordination structures in meeting programmatic needs?
• What internal coordination problems has the consortium faced and how have they been addressed?
• What have been the biggest successes in coordination? What were the biggest gaps?
• How can we address these gaps in the future?
• How effective/well-coordinated were the UCC activities and de-duplication with central and local authorities in the Area of Operation (AoO), clusters (e.g. cash working group), and other cash actors?
Learning:
• To which extent were consortium members able to share best practices, and how did this contribute to the success of the project?
• Did the Consortium Model offer the opportunity for learning across partners, if so, in what manner and form did this take?
Evaluation Project Tasks
• Refine the evaluation objectives and primary research questions in consultation with UCC management team.
• Devise and test a methodology and evaluation tools to address the specific objectives and individual research questions of the evaluation and obtain sign off from UCC management team on these.
• Conduct secondary data collection and desk research, including using UCC’s existing project monitoring data, to identify gaps in data coverage and knowledge.
• Collect primary data and through various stakeholders in Poland and Ukraine (or other locations) to address the specific research questions of the evaluation.
• Provide a draft report to UCC management that will be incorporated into ongoing Program planning and evaluation, as well as recommendations for maximizing social impact.
• Facilitate an online workshop to validate the findings of the RTE with UCC and partners staff and other stakeholders.
• Incorporate UCC feedback into a draft report and prepare a final report. The final report should both describe the results of the evaluation, and provide actionable recommendations for improving UCC’s Program
• Provide an English version of the RTE report, and English and Ukrainian versions for the Summary/External report.
Methodology
UCC recommends a qualitative approach to gather the RTE data through semi-structured interviews, Desk review, and Key Informant Interviews (KII). The participants include relevant stakeholders, and data is analyzed thematically to identify patterns and trends. The findings are used to make recommendations for program improvement and to inform decision-making. The evaluation process is iterative and involves continuous communication and feedback with stakeholders to ensure the validity and reliability of the data collected.
The following methodology outlines the qualitative research methods/tools that could be used.
1. Key informant interviews: the team is expected to interview a variety of staff for program implementation and support (M&E, finance, operations), cash coordination group members, donor representatives, representatives of the affected population, and civil society/local actors. The team will annex the interview guide or guides to the inception report and to the draft and final reports. Targeted roles for interview will include:
• Mercy Corps and UCC Partner Staff: Head of Programme, Thematic Advisors, Program Managers, MEL, program staff, operations, and finance, Country Directors/Steering Committee.
• DART Representatives (Planning Coordinator, Team Lead, Deputy Team Lead).
• Key members of the cash coordination group - Ukraine Cash Working Group Lead and Co-Lead, Other BHA consortia, CCD, etc.
• Civil Society/local actors - local governments, other INGOs, local civil society.
• Central government representatives.
2. Desk review: Review program documents, including program reports, monitoring and evaluation reports, and other relevant documents to gain a better understanding of the program's implementation, management, and monitoring processes. The document review could also provide insights into the program's design, implementation challenges, and lessons learned. Existing Program Information Sources include:
• Proposal
• Logframe and M&E plan
• Situation Reports, market research conducted at various periods of the crisis
• Contingency Plans/Workplans
• Post Distribution Monitoring Data/Reports
• Aggregated (non-sensitive) CARM Data
• Learning Documents/lessons learnt workshops
• Risk and Issues Register
• Minutes of meetings
• Donor communication
3. Data analysis: Analyze the qualitative data collected from KIIs, document review, case studies, and participatory approaches using thematic analysis. This analysis could identify key themes related to the program's implementation, targeting process, impact, and sustainability.
Triangulation: Triangulate the qualitative data with other sources of data, including quantitative data and program monitoring data, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the program's performance.
Overall, the above qualitative research methods can provide valuable insights into the experiences and perceptions of program participants and stakeholders, and help to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement for the Ukraine Cash Consortium program.
INCEPTION PHASE
Before the start of data collection, the evaluation team will do the following:
• Hold a short planning meeting with all members of the evaluation team including the UCC MEL Director, RTE Steering Committee (RTE SC) and relevant Program teams who will provide a brief about the Program and agree on the documents to be included in the desk review.
• Review key internal and external documents. reports will be made available to the evaluator(s) along with other relevant project documentation.
• In partnership with the UCC MEL Director, refine and finalise the specific evaluation questions to be explored from the scope described above.
• Propose to the UCC MEL Director and RTE SC the appropriate methodology to be developed for the Ukrainian context to evaluate the BHA Program and address the OECD evaluation criteria.
• Prepare an outline of the data collection methods that are required and the relevant survey templates and participatory data collection guides to be used for data collection.
• Develop a work plan consisting of key milestones required for data collection.
• The inception report and the data collection tools will be reviewed by UCC, and feedback provided to the evaluator.
• Finalize the inception report and data collection tools.
PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION
The qualitative approach, feeding into the findings around the objectives outlined above, will aim to assess the effectiveness of the project management, systems, and processes established by the projects, including strategies to improve gender equity both at the participant and project management level, protection issues, and its implementation, performance monitoring, and conflict sensitivity. The qualitative evaluation will also capture lessons learned and best practices. The KII will be collected in person, if the security situation allows.
DATA ANALYSIS
Qualitative data should also be analysed and should primarily focus on developing a deeper understanding about the relevance of the Program, and providing recommendations for improving or strengthening the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the results of the Program. The analysis will be conducted using specialized software such as MAXQDA, NVivo, or ATLAS, among others. These software applications provide tools to facilitate data organization, coding, categorization, and retrieval, as well as visualization and reporting of findings.
PRESENTATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This consultancy will take place between (May - June 2023).
The findings of the evaluation must be shared with UCC in the following formats:
• Validation of findings workshop with UCC and partners. (in-person, if security situation allows)
• Final presentation workshop with UCC staff and partners to present findings and get feedback (ideally, in-person):
• Agreed lessons learned and best practices that can be incorporated into relevant sectors’ programming
• Agreed recommendations that will inform and improve UCC’s future programmatic strategy, with agreed action points and deadlines
• Draft Evaluation Report submitted to UCC MEL Director and RTE SC for feedback and comments after conclusion of field visit. UCC will submit feedback and the consultant will have to incorporate UCC feedback into the RTE Report.
• Final RTE Report- The report must be clear and concise and the following sections must be included as a minimum: Executive Summary, Literature Review of all BHA responses in Ukraine, Methodology, Analysis of Findings, Limitations and Challenges, Recommendations, Annexes: ToRs, a timeline of the response, a list of individuals interviewed, statistical outputs, templates of data collection tools used, a description of the methods employed, a summary of survey results (if appropriate) and any other relevant materials.
• UCC requests that an external version of the evaluation be prepared for external use to share key findings with other actors in the Ukrainian response, including BHA.
• A Ukrainian version of the RTE Summary/External report is to be submitted to UCC after the finalization of the English RTE report.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND DATA PROTECTION
The evaluation team will make clear to all participating stakeholders that they are under no obligation to participate in the evaluation study. All participants will be assured that there will be no negative consequences if they choose not to participate. The evaluation team will obtain informed consent from the participants. The research team will ensure prior permission is received for taking and use of visual still/ moving images for specific purposes, i.e., research report and presentations. The evaluation team will assure the participants’ anonymity and confidentiality and will ensure the visual data is protected and used for agreed purposes only. In particular, the evaluation team will employ robust data security measures to further ensure participants’ confidentiality and anonymity. All beneficiary and community members identifying information must remain confidential. It is the responsibility of the contracted Consultant to anonymise all datasets or raw data and ensure that identifying personal information is not shared with UCC Program staff nor any external party.
The Consultant will ensure that the preservation of respondent anonymity and confidentiality is prioritized during data collection, management, storage and reporting. Respondent data will not be shared with third parties without prior consent from Mercy Corps. The Consultant is expected to have clear data protection protocols and policies that should be shared with UCC during the procurement process and inception phase.
The evaluation team must also ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR sets standards for the collection, storage, and use of personal data in the European Union (EU) and should be followed to ensure the protection of personal data.
The evaluation team is responsible for determining whether or not their proposed methodology would require Institutional Review Board (IRB) clearance and will be responsible for clearing the process and training if such approval is required.
ASSUMPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
• Evaluators will have access to all documentation and can take part in relevant meetings.
• UCC will communicate with Local Authorities regarding the Evaluation scope and dates to facilitate access for the Evaluation team.
• Evaluators will have access to key partner staff who will provide them with adequate information.
• Evaluators will take confidentiality and objectivity into consideration during the process.
• Security concerns could impact the timing and the scope of the evaluation. It is important for the team to remain flexible. They must be open to making changes to the schedule and itinerary such as visiting alternate sites, conducting remote reviews and interviews, etc.
• COVID-19 situation doesn’t prevent or restrict data collection.
• All data (primary or secondary) gathered by the evaluators will be fully transferred to Mercy Corps ownership and eliminated from evaluators’ possession.
COVID-19 MITIGATION MEASURES
The spread of the novel COVID-19 virus stands to impact every facet of humanitarian and development program design and implementation. With new emergency aid and modifications of ongoing aid and development programing, adjustments and adaptations to monitoring and evaluation approaches are imperative. External Evaluators must do their part to limit human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 and ensure protection of staff and others by taking preventive measures. The evaluator is to ensure the following:
• The evaluation methodology is adapted to include evaluation approaches that correspond to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
• Detail the measures to be taken to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission to consultancy staff, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed adapted methodology in achieving evaluation objectives.
Proposed Governance Structure
RTE steering committee will be established to oversee the overall implementation of the evaluation and conducted in an ethical and transparent manner, and the findings and recommendations are implemented effectively.
The RTE steering committee should consist of key stakeholders such as partners (program or M&E) leads. The committee should coordinate regularly to review progress, provide guidance, and make decisions on any issues that arise.
The RTE Steering Committee should have the following roles and responsibilities:
• Provide overall guidance and support for the evaluation process
• Review and approve the evaluation plan, including the methodology, data collection tools, and analysis plan
• Review and approve the findings and recommendations
• Formulate a management response to the RTE findings and recommendations
• Ensure that the management response is implemented effectively
The consultant/s should report to the UCC MEL Director for all the contract-related matters and aspect of the consultancy. And will report to the RTE Steering Committee on the following:
• Conducting the evaluation according to the approved evaluation plan
• Ensuring that the evaluation is conducted within the agreed timeframe
• Providing regular progress reports to the RTE Steering Committee
• Presenting the evaluation findings and recommendations to the RTE Steering Committee and other relevant stakeholders
• Responding to feedback and comments from the RTE Steering Committee and other relevant stakeholders
• Collaborating with the RTE Steering Committee in formulating the management response to the RTE findings and recommendations.
Timeframe / Schedule:
May 5, 2023 – Contract signing
May 12, 2023 – SUBMISSION: Draft Inception Report and Instruments
May 19, 2023 – Client Feedback on Draft
May 23, 2023 – SUBMISSION: Final Inception Report and Instruments
May 29, 2023 – Data Collection (multiple consultants can deploy for more efficient collection)
June 5, 2023 – Data Analysis and Report Writing
June 9, 2023 – Presentation of the Key Findings
June 12, 2023 – SUBMISSION: Draft Evaluation Report
June 19, 2023 – Client Feedback on Draft
June 22, 2023 – SUBMISSION: RTE Report (English Version)
June 30, 2023 – SUBMISSION: RTE Report Summary/External (Ukrainian/English Versions)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
For the purposes of this evaluation, UCC welcomes international and national evaluators to apply.
The profile of the lead consultant is:
• 7-10 years of technically relevant work experience.
• Individuals in academia, social research, or humanitarian evaluation with a background in humanitarian aid, research methods, development economics, development studies, or other related fields. Preference will be given to consultants with Cash/Food security evaluation experience and Real Time Evaluation experience.
• Prior experience with conducting Real Time Evaluations or After-Action Reviews.
• Extensive experience of conducting evaluations along DAC OECD evaluation criteria, ideally leading an evaluation team and experience of designing evaluation methodology/tools, data analysis etc. in an emergency setting.
• Experience of working in humanitarian contexts and good understanding of humanitarian response work and conflict sensitivity – both in Programs and operations.
• In-depth knowledge of qualitative research methods.
• Competent in using statistical packages for qualitative analyses.
• Use of national consultants is essential for work within Ukraine due to security constraints and local and contextual knowledge.
• A gender balance of field enumerators is essential to conduct data collection with both male and female beneficiaries.
• Excellent presentation and writing skills.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills in English and ability to translate the final external report into Ukrainian.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging 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 Show more details...
via BeBee
posted_at: 24 hours agoschedule_type: Full-time
This position is pending funding
About Mercy Corps
...
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. Mercy Corps is a global team of development and humanitarian professionals working together on the
This position is pending funding
About Mercy Corps
...
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. Mercy Corps is a global team of development and humanitarian professionals working together on the front lines of today's biggest crises to create a future of possibility, where everyone can prosper. The mission is to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Mercy Corps works in more than 40 countries around the world, where over 5,400 team members work side by side with people living through poverty, disaster, violent conflict, and the acute impacts of climate change.
In Nepal, Mercy Corps began operations in 2005, and since then has implemented projects in the sectors of agriculture, food security and nutrition, financial services, youth engagement, and disaster risk reduction/ climate change adaptation. To date, this programming has reached over 900,000 people in 23 districts. We work with a range of donors in Nepal, and have been a trusted prime partner of choice for USAID for decades.
The Program / Department / Team
Mercy Corps is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director to lead the MEL Team responsible for implementation of the MEL plan, systems, and related learning and research activities for the anticipated, five-year, USAID-funded Integrated Nutrition Activity (INA) in Nepal. The purpose of this Activity is to reduce malnutrition among women, children and adolescents in Nepal's underserved and marginalized communities. An early idea of what this program may look like can be found in the recently issued Request for Information.
The Position The MEL Director is a member of a senior program management team responsible for designing, leading, managing, and implementing INA's monitoring, evaluation and learning system, as well as targeted research components and a quality assurance mechanism. The MEL Director will play a key role in ensuring high quality of program implementation by providing timely and accurate analyses for adaptive management and data-based decision making. This role will also be responsible for leading the approach and mechanisms to ensure a holistic, meaningful, and localized Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) approach throughout the life cycle of the program and in close coordination with program technical leads, partners, stakeholders, and the Government of Nepal. Support to information management, reporting, and technology applications will be key. The MEL Director will also oversee a team of research, learning, data and technology experts across various technical areas and locations, and will need to ensure coordination with other relevant programs and initiatives. The MEL Director is responsible for capacity building and mentoring for program staff on themes related to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, reporting, and learning.
Essential Responsibilities
PROGRAM MEL MANAGEMENT
• Design a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system in line with USAID and Mercy Corps requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of the MEL system, ensure it's up-to-date and responds appropriately to the changing context and program needs.
• Plan and lead all MEL activities, including assessments, evaluations, and research initiatives.
• Develop and regularly update a program-level MEL Plan.
• Oversee data collection, validation and analysis for program performance indicators; ensure indicator results are regularly updated on internal Mercy Corps indicator tracking platform (TolaData).
• In cooperation with relevant technical leads, identify additional program data needs and develop a data collection system to track contextual, qualitative, and other indicators as needed.
• Develop and operationalize relevant MEL SOPs and protocols, oversee their roll out and consistent implementation across relevant teams.
• Develop a detailed data flow process for the program and ensure all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities in the process.
• Develop standards and quality assurance mechanisms for all data collection and train relevant program and partner team members to ensure consistent data quality.
• Oversee design and management of all program databases and dashboards.
• Initiate and conduct regular internal data quality assessments.
• Develop and roll out a systematic monitoring visits plan for program activities, including relevant tools and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure program team members are fully aware of their MEL-related responsibilities and provide regular technical support, including to partner staff.
• Recruit and manage all subcontractors involved in data collection and evaluation activities, national and / or international.
• Conduct regular program data analysis and present it to relevant program teams, including appropriate visualizations such as PowerBi dashboards and tailored maps.
• Take on overall responsibility for program reporting including monthly, quarterly, annual, final, and ad-hoc reports.
• Conduct regular visits to program sites to conduct routine monitoring and provide required technical support to program teams.
• Ensure all minimum Mercy Corps MEL Policy standards are met throughout the program.
COLLABORATION, LEARNING AND ADAPTATION
• Design and oversee implementation of the program Learning Plan, including internal and external learning events and products.
• Identify program knowledge gaps and design appropriate learning and research activities.
• Oversee implementation of relevant research activities, including management of research entities and consultants, if applicable.
• Ensure that lessons learned throughout the project are captured and communicated to internal and external stakeholders through appropriate channels.
• Conceptualize and facilitate regular learning sessions with program teams using relevant program data (performance indicators, monitoring and assessment data, etc.).
• Provide required data to facilitate data-based program adaptations, document the results, and close the learning loop.
• Liaise with various stakeholders, including USAID, on relevant program MEL issues.
• Represent the MEL Team on regular check-ins and field visits with USAID, and in meetings with relevant government agencies.
• Represent the program in relevant Mercy Corps and USAID MEL / CLA initiatives and events.
• Oversee knowledge management for the program using appropriate platforms (SharePoint and / or Google Drive).
• Identify and pursue external learning and research opportunities, such as relevant thematic conferences.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
• Identify and recruit qualified team members to ensure implementation of the program MEL system.
• Directly manage MEL staff in day-to-day activities and provide technical oversight and support.
• Develop the capacity of the team, including partner MEL staff, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
• Ensure all team members have access to information, tools, and resources the need to improve performance and reach objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
SECURITY
• Work closely with the country team's security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
Given the nature of the work, all staff are expected to be flexible and may be asked to carry out duties which are not specifically listed above. The job description may be revised after discussion between the staff member and the organization.
Supervisory Responsibility
Expected to supervise several direct reports. The number of direct and indirect reports will be determined at a later stage.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: INA Chief of Party
Works Directly With: INA Deputy Chief of Party, INA Technical Leads, Mercy Corps Global MEL Team, Mercy Corps Nepal Country Director, Director of Programs, CARM Advisor, Program Managers, and Finance and Compliance Teams
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
• MA/S or advanced degree in statistics, economics, or relevant field with substantial course work in research and quantitative methods.,
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience, with at least 3 years in a senior role, in M&E management and designing and implementing M&E systems for development programs
• Direct USAID experience with MEL systems preferred
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• High degree of computer literacy; advanced Excel and Word skills are essential.
• Strong mathematical skills and experience with statistical analysis and statistical software.
• Experience with data visualization software such as PowerBI is preferred.
• Experience with establishing data flow processes that incorporate digital data collection tools such as CommCare and Ona.
• Experience with ArcGIS or other geographic information systems preferred but not required.
• Experience in experimental design of evaluations.
• Direct experience with the full spectrum of data collection and analysis methods (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed).
• Fluency in written and oral English required; must be able to read and interpret documents and communicate effectively with others to perform job duties.
• Fluency in Nepali preferred.
• Understanding of health and nutrition sectors preferred.
Success Factors The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding and working effectively within the cultural, political, security, and social environment of Nepal. 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. The successful candidate will be focused on team-building and capacity-building of their team; be a strategic thinker, have strong skills in M&E for development programs, and maintain a sense of humor.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
This position is based in Kathmandu, Nepal, with significant travel required to program locations across the country. For international candidates, this is an accompanied position with housing in individual accommodation and unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house and office. Kathmandu is a culturally dynamic capital city that can provide a safe and comfortable living environment, including for families, though a sense of patience with routine power cuts, water shortages, air pollution, and traffic is required. There are many international schools in Nepal, including both American and British system programs. Staff have full access to all services, such as medical, electricity, water, and internet. This position requires 50% travel (or more) to field offices and locations, some of which are easily accessible but many others of which are remote and require extended travel (by medium or small aircraft, vehicle on rough, windy, and/or elevated roads, and hiking) in areas that may be distant from amenities or healthcare. Climate conditions can include exceptional heat or cold, with some field sites at higher altitudes. This position is not eligible for hardship and/or R&R benefits.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world's most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis Show more details...
About Mercy Corps
...
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. Mercy Corps is a global team of development and humanitarian professionals working together on the front lines of today's biggest crises to create a future of possibility, where everyone can prosper. The mission is to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Mercy Corps works in more than 40 countries around the world, where over 5,400 team members work side by side with people living through poverty, disaster, violent conflict, and the acute impacts of climate change.
In Nepal, Mercy Corps began operations in 2005, and since then has implemented projects in the sectors of agriculture, food security and nutrition, financial services, youth engagement, and disaster risk reduction/ climate change adaptation. To date, this programming has reached over 900,000 people in 23 districts. We work with a range of donors in Nepal, and have been a trusted prime partner of choice for USAID for decades.
The Program / Department / Team
Mercy Corps is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director to lead the MEL Team responsible for implementation of the MEL plan, systems, and related learning and research activities for the anticipated, five-year, USAID-funded Integrated Nutrition Activity (INA) in Nepal. The purpose of this Activity is to reduce malnutrition among women, children and adolescents in Nepal's underserved and marginalized communities. An early idea of what this program may look like can be found in the recently issued Request for Information.
The Position The MEL Director is a member of a senior program management team responsible for designing, leading, managing, and implementing INA's monitoring, evaluation and learning system, as well as targeted research components and a quality assurance mechanism. The MEL Director will play a key role in ensuring high quality of program implementation by providing timely and accurate analyses for adaptive management and data-based decision making. This role will also be responsible for leading the approach and mechanisms to ensure a holistic, meaningful, and localized Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) approach throughout the life cycle of the program and in close coordination with program technical leads, partners, stakeholders, and the Government of Nepal. Support to information management, reporting, and technology applications will be key. The MEL Director will also oversee a team of research, learning, data and technology experts across various technical areas and locations, and will need to ensure coordination with other relevant programs and initiatives. The MEL Director is responsible for capacity building and mentoring for program staff on themes related to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, reporting, and learning.
Essential Responsibilities
PROGRAM MEL MANAGEMENT
• Design a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system in line with USAID and Mercy Corps requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of the MEL system, ensure it's up-to-date and responds appropriately to the changing context and program needs.
• Plan and lead all MEL activities, including assessments, evaluations, and research initiatives.
• Develop and regularly update a program-level MEL Plan.
• Oversee data collection, validation and analysis for program performance indicators; ensure indicator results are regularly updated on internal Mercy Corps indicator tracking platform (TolaData).
• In cooperation with relevant technical leads, identify additional program data needs and develop a data collection system to track contextual, qualitative, and other indicators as needed.
• Develop and operationalize relevant MEL SOPs and protocols, oversee their roll out and consistent implementation across relevant teams.
• Develop a detailed data flow process for the program and ensure all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities in the process.
• Develop standards and quality assurance mechanisms for all data collection and train relevant program and partner team members to ensure consistent data quality.
• Oversee design and management of all program databases and dashboards.
• Initiate and conduct regular internal data quality assessments.
• Develop and roll out a systematic monitoring visits plan for program activities, including relevant tools and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure program team members are fully aware of their MEL-related responsibilities and provide regular technical support, including to partner staff.
• Recruit and manage all subcontractors involved in data collection and evaluation activities, national and / or international.
• Conduct regular program data analysis and present it to relevant program teams, including appropriate visualizations such as PowerBi dashboards and tailored maps.
• Take on overall responsibility for program reporting including monthly, quarterly, annual, final, and ad-hoc reports.
• Conduct regular visits to program sites to conduct routine monitoring and provide required technical support to program teams.
• Ensure all minimum Mercy Corps MEL Policy standards are met throughout the program.
COLLABORATION, LEARNING AND ADAPTATION
• Design and oversee implementation of the program Learning Plan, including internal and external learning events and products.
• Identify program knowledge gaps and design appropriate learning and research activities.
• Oversee implementation of relevant research activities, including management of research entities and consultants, if applicable.
• Ensure that lessons learned throughout the project are captured and communicated to internal and external stakeholders through appropriate channels.
• Conceptualize and facilitate regular learning sessions with program teams using relevant program data (performance indicators, monitoring and assessment data, etc.).
• Provide required data to facilitate data-based program adaptations, document the results, and close the learning loop.
• Liaise with various stakeholders, including USAID, on relevant program MEL issues.
• Represent the MEL Team on regular check-ins and field visits with USAID, and in meetings with relevant government agencies.
• Represent the program in relevant Mercy Corps and USAID MEL / CLA initiatives and events.
• Oversee knowledge management for the program using appropriate platforms (SharePoint and / or Google Drive).
• Identify and pursue external learning and research opportunities, such as relevant thematic conferences.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
• Identify and recruit qualified team members to ensure implementation of the program MEL system.
• Directly manage MEL staff in day-to-day activities and provide technical oversight and support.
• Develop the capacity of the team, including partner MEL staff, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
• Ensure all team members have access to information, tools, and resources the need to improve performance and reach objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
SECURITY
• Work closely with the country team's security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
Given the nature of the work, all staff are expected to be flexible and may be asked to carry out duties which are not specifically listed above. The job description may be revised after discussion between the staff member and the organization.
Supervisory Responsibility
Expected to supervise several direct reports. The number of direct and indirect reports will be determined at a later stage.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: INA Chief of Party
Works Directly With: INA Deputy Chief of Party, INA Technical Leads, Mercy Corps Global MEL Team, Mercy Corps Nepal Country Director, Director of Programs, CARM Advisor, Program Managers, and Finance and Compliance Teams
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
• MA/S or advanced degree in statistics, economics, or relevant field with substantial course work in research and quantitative methods.,
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience, with at least 3 years in a senior role, in M&E management and designing and implementing M&E systems for development programs
• Direct USAID experience with MEL systems preferred
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• High degree of computer literacy; advanced Excel and Word skills are essential.
• Strong mathematical skills and experience with statistical analysis and statistical software.
• Experience with data visualization software such as PowerBI is preferred.
• Experience with establishing data flow processes that incorporate digital data collection tools such as CommCare and Ona.
• Experience with ArcGIS or other geographic information systems preferred but not required.
• Experience in experimental design of evaluations.
• Direct experience with the full spectrum of data collection and analysis methods (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed).
• Fluency in written and oral English required; must be able to read and interpret documents and communicate effectively with others to perform job duties.
• Fluency in Nepali preferred.
• Understanding of health and nutrition sectors preferred.
Success Factors The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding and working effectively within the cultural, political, security, and social environment of Nepal. 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. The successful candidate will be focused on team-building and capacity-building of their team; be a strategic thinker, have strong skills in M&E for development programs, and maintain a sense of humor.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
This position is based in Kathmandu, Nepal, with significant travel required to program locations across the country. For international candidates, this is an accompanied position with housing in individual accommodation and unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house and office. Kathmandu is a culturally dynamic capital city that can provide a safe and comfortable living environment, including for families, though a sense of patience with routine power cuts, water shortages, air pollution, and traffic is required. There are many international schools in Nepal, including both American and British system programs. Staff have full access to all services, such as medical, electricity, water, and internet. This position requires 50% travel (or more) to field offices and locations, some of which are easily accessible but many others of which are remote and require extended travel (by medium or small aircraft, vehicle on rough, windy, and/or elevated roads, and hiking) in areas that may be distant from amenities or healthcare. Climate conditions can include exceptional heat or cold, with some field sites at higher altitudes. This position is not eligible for hardship and/or R&R benefits.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world's most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis Show more details...
via LinkedIn
posted_at: 26 days agoschedule_type: Full-time
Description
Location Portland, OR, Washington, DC, US remote...
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position.
Position Status Full-time, Exempt, Regular
Salary The salary range for this position is $46,000 - $49,000 USD commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To
Description
Location Portland, OR, Washington, DC, US remote...
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position.
Position Status Full-time, Exempt, Regular
Salary The salary range for this position is $46,000 - $49,000 USD commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. The Program The global communications team is a small but dynamic group of communications professionals dedicated to getting the word out about Mercy Corps’ outstanding work to help people around the world survive through crises, build better lives and transform their communities for good. The team strives to raise Mercy Corps’ public profile by working with top tier international media and supports the agency’s fundraising and advocacy efforts to advance our mission.
The mission of the Marketing and Communications department is to advance the organization’s strategic goals and support our worldwide team by raising funds, profile and influence. Our job is to tell the Mercy Corps story to the organization’s most important audiences in a clear and compelling way. We boldly share Mercy Corps’ global impact with our audiences, with a focus on building trust, engagement and long-term relationships among our global team members and with our supporters. We inspire financial support and partnership through transparency, inclusivity, creativity and best-in-class storytelling. The team encompasses several dozen dynamic professionals who possess a wide range of expertise. We are marketers, fundraisers, web designers, storytellers, media professionals, creative visionaries, brand champions, and social media experts. Most of all, we are passionate about Mercy Corps’ mission and believe a better world is possible. The Position As an integral member of the global communications team, the media and communications associate will support day-to-day operations of the team, including implementing regular media monitoring and reporting, managing analytics and key platforms the team relies on, maintaining media subscriptions and media lists, and providing other communications support. Essential Job Responsibilities COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA RELATIONS
• Research and compile daily, weekly, quarterly and annual media monitoring reports.
• Manage Muck Rack, the team’s software tool, which includes tracking all Mercy Corps media hits on a daily basis as well as maintaining all of our media subscriptions.
• Research, create and maintain targeted media lists and research new potential media segments for outreach, aligned with the team’s strategic priorities.
• Conduct media coverage analyses on various topics/themes.
• Survey, track and report on trends in mainstream and social media, to inform media outreach strategies.
• Research and support editorial calendar planning.
• Draft communications materials including press releases, reporter backgrounders, media briefing prep docs, and talking points.
• Field incoming media inquiries.
• Manage the online press room.
• Stay current on best practices in media and communications strategies and innovations across industries.
• Identify opportunities for Mercy Corps to increase its profile and funds through the application of social impact awards.
• Maintain and update team templates and processes.
• Administrative responsibilities including organizing team calls and on-call rotation, collecting team updates and circulating notes.
• Other general support for Mercy Corps media relations and communications team, including supporting new team member onboarding.
Supervisory Responsibility None Accountability Reports Directly To: Communications and Media Manager
Works Directly With: Other members of the communications team, including Senior Director of Communications and Director of Communications, communications managers, Mercy Corps Europe press officers; marketing, development and development operations teams; Chief Marketing and Communications Officer; office of the Chief Executive; corporate and foundation team; policy and advocacy team; other departments including Program Operations, Humanitarian Leadership and Response and Technical Support Unit. Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
• BA/S required, preferably in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or international relations.
• Interest in media relations and communications.
• 3+ years of experience in relevant areas.
• Spoken and written fluency in English.
• French and/or Spanish language skills are a plus
• Excellent organization and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Superb attention to detail and ability to multitask as well as manage multiple projects on different timelines.
• Able to cope with changing priorities, often at short notice, and work well under pressure.
• Proactive and solutions-based attitude.
• High levels of motivation, professionalism and resilience.
Success Factors The successful media and communications associate will have the ability to meet tight deadlines and thrive under pressure; and will also be able to multitask while keeping an eye on long-term objectives. They will be able to organize and prioritize urgent tasks while following procedures, and meeting deadlines.
This person will have a high degree of initiative and a proven ability to learn quickly, work independently and be accountable for results. Finally, this person will have a deep interest in Mercy Corps programs and a commitment to the goals of the organization with an awareness of and sensitivity to multicultural international development work.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions The position is based in Portland, Ore., Washington, DC, or a remote US location and will require minimal travel.
Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a country program or on a visit/TDY to a program site. 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. Ongoing Learning In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work. Safeguarding & Ethics Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process. Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided Show more details...
Location Portland, OR, Washington, DC, US remote...
Valid unrestricted work authorization in the country in which you will be based (United States) is required at the time of application for this position.
Position Status Full-time, Exempt, Regular
Salary The salary range for this position is $46,000 - $49,000 USD commensurate on experience
About Mercy Corps Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. The Program The global communications team is a small but dynamic group of communications professionals dedicated to getting the word out about Mercy Corps’ outstanding work to help people around the world survive through crises, build better lives and transform their communities for good. The team strives to raise Mercy Corps’ public profile by working with top tier international media and supports the agency’s fundraising and advocacy efforts to advance our mission.
The mission of the Marketing and Communications department is to advance the organization’s strategic goals and support our worldwide team by raising funds, profile and influence. Our job is to tell the Mercy Corps story to the organization’s most important audiences in a clear and compelling way. We boldly share Mercy Corps’ global impact with our audiences, with a focus on building trust, engagement and long-term relationships among our global team members and with our supporters. We inspire financial support and partnership through transparency, inclusivity, creativity and best-in-class storytelling. The team encompasses several dozen dynamic professionals who possess a wide range of expertise. We are marketers, fundraisers, web designers, storytellers, media professionals, creative visionaries, brand champions, and social media experts. Most of all, we are passionate about Mercy Corps’ mission and believe a better world is possible. The Position As an integral member of the global communications team, the media and communications associate will support day-to-day operations of the team, including implementing regular media monitoring and reporting, managing analytics and key platforms the team relies on, maintaining media subscriptions and media lists, and providing other communications support. Essential Job Responsibilities COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA RELATIONS
• Research and compile daily, weekly, quarterly and annual media monitoring reports.
• Manage Muck Rack, the team’s software tool, which includes tracking all Mercy Corps media hits on a daily basis as well as maintaining all of our media subscriptions.
• Research, create and maintain targeted media lists and research new potential media segments for outreach, aligned with the team’s strategic priorities.
• Conduct media coverage analyses on various topics/themes.
• Survey, track and report on trends in mainstream and social media, to inform media outreach strategies.
• Research and support editorial calendar planning.
• Draft communications materials including press releases, reporter backgrounders, media briefing prep docs, and talking points.
• Field incoming media inquiries.
• Manage the online press room.
• Stay current on best practices in media and communications strategies and innovations across industries.
• Identify opportunities for Mercy Corps to increase its profile and funds through the application of social impact awards.
• Maintain and update team templates and processes.
• Administrative responsibilities including organizing team calls and on-call rotation, collecting team updates and circulating notes.
• Other general support for Mercy Corps media relations and communications team, including supporting new team member onboarding.
Supervisory Responsibility None Accountability Reports Directly To: Communications and Media Manager
Works Directly With: Other members of the communications team, including Senior Director of Communications and Director of Communications, communications managers, Mercy Corps Europe press officers; marketing, development and development operations teams; Chief Marketing and Communications Officer; office of the Chief Executive; corporate and foundation team; policy and advocacy team; other departments including Program Operations, Humanitarian Leadership and Response and Technical Support Unit. Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
• BA/S required, preferably in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or international relations.
• Interest in media relations and communications.
• 3+ years of experience in relevant areas.
• Spoken and written fluency in English.
• French and/or Spanish language skills are a plus
• Excellent organization and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Superb attention to detail and ability to multitask as well as manage multiple projects on different timelines.
• Able to cope with changing priorities, often at short notice, and work well under pressure.
• Proactive and solutions-based attitude.
• High levels of motivation, professionalism and resilience.
Success Factors The successful media and communications associate will have the ability to meet tight deadlines and thrive under pressure; and will also be able to multitask while keeping an eye on long-term objectives. They will be able to organize and prioritize urgent tasks while following procedures, and meeting deadlines.
This person will have a high degree of initiative and a proven ability to learn quickly, work independently and be accountable for results. Finally, this person will have a deep interest in Mercy Corps programs and a commitment to the goals of the organization with an awareness of and sensitivity to multicultural international development work.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions The position is based in Portland, Ore., Washington, DC, or a remote US location and will require minimal travel.
Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a country program or on a visit/TDY to a program site. 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. Ongoing Learning In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work. Safeguarding & Ethics Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated. We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process. Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided Show more details...
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