Humanitarian Program Technical Advisor | Addis Ababa

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In times of disaster and hardship, and in more than 40 countries worldwide, we partner to implement bold solutions, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within, both now and for the future. Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, working closely with the government, private sector, and civil society actors to drive transformative ideas and build a more resilient country. Our programs are designed to be responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. With the launch of Mercy Corps Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development, ensuring improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water.

In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses on four outcome areas:

1. Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets.
2. Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food.
3. Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities.
4. People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use.

We currently operate in regional states –Abala,Addis Ababa, Afar, Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa, Dollo, Gambella,Gode, Hawassa, Jijiga, Konso ,Mekelle, Negelle, Woldia. Working with a diverse base of donors, including USAID/BHA, European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations, JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crises, build better lives, and transform their communities for good.

Position Title: Humanitarian Program Technical Advisor

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Open Position:  1

General Position Summary

Under the guidance of the Humanitarian Team Lead, the Humanitarian Programs Technical Advisor will provide high-quality technical advisory and program management support for agriculture and nutrition sector interventions and for the teams across Mercy Corps humanitarian programs which are being operated in Oromia, Afar and Somali regions. The technical advisor will ensure that Agriculture and Nutrition interventions are effective, evidence-based, and aligned with Mercy Corps' strategic objectives. The position holder will also provide technical assistance for MC’s humanitarian responses, support new business development, ensuring/supporting the agriculture and Nutrition teams to work in line with the nationally endorsed guidelines, developing tools, checklists, and standard operation procedures, designing, and managing training and other capacity strengthening efforts. The role also ensures effective representation of MC in Agriculture and Nutrition sectors coordination forums, clusters and meetings and ensure standard sectoral practices are applied throughout the Programme areas.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Technical Support and Program Quality:

• Provide high quality, sound, programs and advisory/technical guidance and support for agriculture and nutrition teams.
• Collaborate directly with program team in defining and designing activities that address MC and donor priorities related to agriculture and nutrition interventions in humanitarian contexts, in a strategic manner.
• Ensure that the agriculture and nutrition interventions are designed and implemented in accordance with best practices and Mercy Corps' standards.
• Provide technical advice to agriculture and nutrition teams (including quality control monitoring visits) and training/workshops as required to ensure quality and timely management of the humanitarian programs.
• Develop and review technical tools, guidelines, and standard operating procedures to ensure program quality.

 Team Management and Capacity Building:

• Develop team capacity, deepen understanding of their roles, and provide information, tools, and resources to improve performance and achieve objectives.
• Mentor and support program staff in the implementation of agriculture and nutrition interventions.
• Conduct training and capacity-building activities for program teams to enhance their technical skills and knowledge.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

Program Management:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of agriculture and nutrition programs.
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Support the development of work plans, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Coordination and Representation:

• Represent Mercy Corps at agriculture and nutrition coordination meetings/clusters at both federal and regional levels.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and other NGOs.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation plans to measure program outcomes and impact.
• Collaborate with field and country office MEL team to carry out operations research related to program delivery and contribute to other research efforts as needed.
• Facilitate learning and knowledge sharing across programs and teams.
• Ensure that lessons learned are documented and integrated into program design and implementation.

Reporting

• Prepare high-quality reports for donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of program activities and outcomes.

 Proposal Development:

• Support funding acquisition by providing technical/design leadership, leveraging existing learning, identifying, and cultivating strategic opportunities, and assisting country programs in developing winning proposals, advocacy, and recourse mobilization.
• Contribute to the design of innovative program interventions and approaches.

Quality and Accountability

• Coordinate with the team in the field and Country Office to build systems that promote beneficiary accountability by ensuring that communities participate in initial assessments and program design.
• Ensure that communities are informed about our programs and what we do, are aware of their entitlements, are comfortable to give feedback and that feedback is used to improve the quality of our programs.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

 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.

Organizational Learning

• Build the capacity of local partners and Mother groups in Nutrition-sensitive Agriculture and reporting.
• Develop plans to mentor and coach colleagues to build their capacity to manage program effectively and develop high quality progress reports.
• Build the capacity of all relevant team members to develop and maintain a robust Agr-nutrition system, including periodical reflection and analysis of program monitoring data.
• Facilitate the development and execution of context specific solutions to improve collaboration, coordination, and performance.
• Work in alliance with field coordinators to strengthen linkages with other actors to enhance organizational learning which directly impacts staff performance and productivity.

Supervisory Responsibility

Technical oversight of field-based activities undertaken by Agriculture and Nutrition team members.

Reports Directly To: Humanitarian Team Lead

Works Directly With:  Humanitarian Programs Manager, MEL Manager, regional program coordinators, and works closely with the existing humanitarian team both at MC field and country office.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• BSc degree (MSc preferred) in general agriculture, Agricultural economics, Nutrition, Agricultural Engineering, food security, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in technical advisory and/or Agriculture/Livestock/ Nutrition program management roles in humanitarian settings.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing agriculture (Crop + Livestock) and nutrition (CMAM + IYCF-E) interventions in NGO environment.
• Familiar with Agriculture production and Livestock emergency guideline and standards.
• Experienced in managing voucher-based agriculture production and Livestock supports.
• Experienced in Agriculture/FSL programming, market analysis and coordinating implementation with service providers.
• Experience with the implementation & compliance of USAID/BHA and ECHO funded programs.
• Team player who takes initiative, a problem-solver, and has ability to manage priorities autonomously.
• Willingness to travel to program sites as needed.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in spoken and written in English.

Success Factors:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Commitment to Mercy Corps’ mission and values.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

The position is based in Addis Ababa and may require travel to field sites in MC humanitarian operation regions, including areas with limited amenities and potential security risks. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs, and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values always 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 based on 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.

How to Apply

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised. All applications must be submitted electronically including a CV, three references, and all relevant official documents.

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and    diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: June 19, 2024, 4:00 PM