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(217287-927)
Note: This position is contingent on funding. Program expected to begin in summer 2011
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004 and implements an integrated program in the sectors of agriculture/livelihoods, conflict mitigation, and economic recovery.? Cross-cutting themes emphasize community mobilization and participation, reduced vulnerability to shocks such as conflict and drought, and the maximization of resources at the community and sub-regional levels.?
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall leadership, management and strategic vision to the implementation of a multi-million dollar USAID/Food for Peace-funded Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP) over five years. S/he will also be responsible for generating further program and administrative resources in the field to supplement or complement the program, especially from host country government agencies, bi-lateral agencies (such as EU/EC), multi-lateral agencies (such as UN), private foundations and other available institutional sources.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program Implementation:
- Provide leadership and strategic vision in all aspects of MYAP’s implementation, development and management.
- Outline a strategic plan for the implementation of the program including finalizing target areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results.?
- Ensure that program implementation is cohesive and responsive to communities and partners and aligned with Mercy Corps principles, values and strategic plan.?
- Oversee performance of consortium partners and sub-grantees.
- Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting:
- Facilitate the achievement of program targets and objectives and lead efforts to design effective M&E systems for the program, and linkages with internal M&E systems.
- Oversee the scheduling and production of formal and informal reports on all aspects of the program in a timely and efficient manner.
- Ensure that M&E staff focuses on assisting programs to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing program decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level.
- Produce written reports on the program activities capturing impacts related to all activities, as required by the Donor.?
Coordination and Representation:
- Liaise with USAID and represent the program to other Title II cooperating sponsors and other stakeholders.?
- Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events in the field (including the Clusters), in close coordination with the Country Director.?
- Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub-grantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
Staff Management, Professional Development and Team building:
- Supervise and manage all staff (including finance, administration, logistics and program) in all sites to ensure day-to-day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and quality.?
- Manage and help with the recruitment, orientation and ongoing training of MYAP staff to ensure they are of the quality and technical capacity necessary to ensure the successful implementation of activities.
- Monitor and advise on staffing needs throughout the program.
- Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels.
- Implement, and ensure all staff are effectively using the performance planning and management system, establishing performance expectations and regularly providing constructive feedback.?
- Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees and ensuring that supervisory staff do the same.
- Contribute to country team-building efforts and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
Program Support Operations:
- In collaboration with the country program’s operations and finance departments, ensure proper financial management, procurement, administration, human resources and logistics (including transport, warehousing and asset management) needs of the program are conducted within Mercy Corps policy and with the maximum benefit to the program.
- Ensure that commodity tracking and food distribution activities are in compliance with USAID FFP Regulation 11 and Mercy Corps procedures and policies.
- Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations, including those of the Congolese government.
Security:
- Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its work.?
- Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security management priorities.
Organizational Learning:
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: MYAP program team
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:? Ethiopia Country Director
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Other in-country program managers, Head of Offices, support departments, HQ Program Operations Team members, TSU team members
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- MA/S or equivalent experience in social science, management, international development or other relevant field.
- At least 5 years of overseas experience including 3 years in a senior management position.
- At least three years of experience managing a food-based program (distributions and/or monetization) required.
- Strong understanding of USAID compliance issues.
- Strong management and organizational skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing.
- Previous work with food security and economic development programming.
- Experience managing sub-grantees preferred.
- Experience in successfully managing multi-sectoral programs an advantage.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members.
- Experience in Africa preferred
- Patience, perseverance, initiative and a sense of humor required.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful COP will be familiar with the opportunities and challenges of rural, peri-urban and urban food security programming, with a strong combination of team leadership, grant management and reporting and donor and government communication skills. S/he will have familiarity with the procedures of food aid distribution and monetization.? The position requires an ability to think creatively about improving agricultural livelihoods and maternal and child health and to promote sustainable institutions and practices for long-term household and community food security. A successful COP will complete activities in a timely manner in accordance with Mercy Corps and donor procedures and guidelines.?
LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This is an accompanied position based either in Addis Ababa or Dire Dawa, to be determined.?
Addis Ababa is the political and commercial heart of Ethiopia.?Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1877, it is now a sprawling, hospitable city of 4 million people located at an elevation of 2,200 meter in the foothills of Mount Entoto. Modern buildings and wide-open boulevards stand side by side with historic churches, palaces and monuments, as well as simple country-style huts.? Addis Ababa has basic health service and adequate international schools, K-12.? There are ample opportunities for in-country vacation.?The weather is temperate year-round, with a heavy rainy season in the summer months.?Addis Ababa hosts many international organizations.
Dire Dawa is a small, quiet city that offers a few grocery stores and international style restaurants and hotels. There are also thriving local markets. There are no international level schools in Dire Dawa. In general, security is good and comfortable, secure residences are available and public services (water, electricity, healthcare) are adequate. There are two flights per day to Addis Ababa.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff 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.
Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.
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