About Mercy Corps

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. Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR), and in Dire Dawa Administration and the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.

Position Title:      IT Manager

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Open Position:  1

The Program / Department / Team (Program / Department Summary)

The Operations Department provides key support to the entire country program in procurement, asset management, warehouse management, fleet management, IT Management, Safety and Security Management, and facilities & and office management for successful program implementation. 

The Position (General Position Summary)

The IT Manager is a key person within the Operations Management Team who assures the for-Network Infrastructure management, System administration, IT security, and providing IT training. The key responsibilities will encompass strategic planning, budgeting, team management, and ensuring the smooth functioning of IT operations resources are planned and utilized towards effective program support. The Logistics Manager plays a key role in IT under the guidance of the Operations Director.

The IT Manager shares the overall responsibility for the direction and coordination of the Mercy Corps IT related services under the direct supervision of the Operations Director

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide advice and support to Operations Department on IT related issues, and collaborate with Program teams, implementation mechanisms and other technical aspects related to IT services as required.
• Provide technical advice and information to meet needs and guide strategic and operational decision-making of Operations Department.
• Recommend IT strategies, policies, and procedures through evaluation of organization outcomes, identify problems, evaluate trends and anticipating requirements.
• Establish and enforce IT service standards and maintain quality service. Ensure the efficient, secure, and effective operation and performance of IT infrastructure and equipment.
• Preserve data & security and control structures and conduct regular system, network, and data audits to identify improvements.
• Ensure that an adequate plan for maintenance, disaster recovery and business continuity is maintained and effectively implemented.
• Coordinate, supervise and manage contractors, vendors, consultants in projects relating to IT.
• Ensure site documentation is maintained and updated.
• Implement / Improve IT infrastructure and services in all MC Field Offices.
• Provide second level technical support to local IT Assistant.
• Facilitate the rollout / deployment of new systems.
• Capacity building and management support to MC team members.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Develop the capacity of the IT team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
• Assist team members with information, tools, and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

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

Reports Directly To:  Operations Director

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/BS degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 3 years management experience in a corporate or an NGO environment.
• Provide IT services for field offices, Implement / Improve IT infrastructure.
• Provide second level technical support to Sound knowledge and understanding of operations and logistics management experience.
• Hands on experience in handling admin and logistics at field level with close coordination with the program team.
• Effective verbal and written communication, organizational, prioritization and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and local languages in the field location.
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.

Success Factors

The successful IT Manager will be good at problem solving and have the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with Mercy Corps and donor regulations. S/he will maintain strong cooperative relationships with other departments and interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity, while demonstrating the ability to multitask, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. S/he will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment and be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

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.