Responsibilities
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
●Lead end-to-end proposal development process on CVA programs, working closely with cross-functional teams to gather information, develop compelling content, and produce high-quality proposals.
●Lead on technical support to operations, program managers and directors involved in CVA program delivery.
●Synthesize and harmonize cross-functional technical support across CVA Technology Advisor, Operations, PaQ/MEL to ensure coherence and singular vision for CVA.
●Support in developing a coherent flexible strategy for the use of CVA as a tool to support basic needs, with priority on MPCA, agricultural, food security, and market systems.
●Define and promote operational solutions for MPCA and other cash modalities in collaboration with Digital CVA Senior Advisor and other relevant stakeholders
● Develop strategies to integrate and influence the harmonization of CVA within Sudan
●Contribute to proposals for major donors, as needed. Support development of an approach to partnerships and CVA in the response, where appropriate.
MANAGEMENT
●Contribute to drafting scope of work/hiring CVA-focused team members and technical consultants
●Support evidence based advocacy for cash staffing and capacity strengthening at the country level where relevant.
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
●Provide support to CVA cash implementation, while ensuring coordination with various response-level departments including Operations and PaQ/MEL
●Identify and nurture relevant partnerships, including private sector vis-a-vis evidenced needs from field
●Support the determination and adaptation of the most appropriate cash delivery modality/modalities for the context
●Develop and lead the harmonization of SOPs, tools, and approaches (where appropriate)
●Ensure that program implementation is centered around communities, responsive to communities and partners, and consistent with Mercy Corps’ Cash Minimum Standards and other relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality
●Support general and sector focused needs assessments (including population movements, needs assessment, market price surveys, market assessments & vendor assessments, shelter needs rehabilitation); ensure methodologies and analyses employ best practices
●Support local associations’ capacity assessments and/or performance reviews, ensuring methodologies and documentation employ best practices vis-a-vis partnerships
PROGRAM LEARNING
●Track key development in regulatory environment as well as donor policies / funding trends to adapt CVA programming accordingly to ensure relevancy
●Build evidence base on “good CVA practices” for the Sudan Response, via consortium partners and otherwise
STRATEGIC INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION
●Develop strategic partnerships, in collaboration with Program and Technology leads, to bring viable external resources and innovations into the program
●Participate in cash coordination efforts, strengthening Mercy Corps program approach and influencing the response via these mechanisms
●Represent Mercy Corps at donor meetings for general partnership development, proposal development and presentation and status presentation of existing grants.
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.
Accountabilities
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 participant communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are accountable to Mercy Corps Procurement Policy and Procedures. Maintains accurate electronic and hardcopy files of procurement file and other relevant files.
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.
Supervisory Responsibility: CVA Specialist
Reports Directly To: Deputy Director of Programs – Emergencies
Works Directly With: Program Departments, Operations / Security, Finance & Compliance, PaQ / MEL
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
●5+ years of experience in CVA required (i.e. writing and analysis on proposal development; humanitarian assessments; CVA implementation; CVA capacity building);
●at least one response assignment that demonstrates the ability to successfully adapt support and assistance methodologies to real-world complexities (slow onset, rapid onset, protracted/complex crises) – required
●BA/BS or equivalent in Humanitarian Affairs, International Development, Economics or other relevant field; MA/S preferred.
●Excellent oral and written English skills required
●Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
●Mercy Corps Core Humanitarian Competencies (as defined in the Humanitarian Capacity Framework) preferred.
●Possesses strong understanding of theoretical and applied knowledge about CVA
●Knows and applies Mercy Corps’ CVA minimum standards
●Understanding of digital cash delivery mechanisms
●Experience in FSP scoping, mapping, and contract management
●Can lead rapid market assessments
●Can identify and initiate setup of payment mechanisms
●Can conduct response analysis and program design (CVA related)
●Is able to develop CVA SOPs in line with Mercy Corps’ Minimum Standards
Functional competencies
●Can write proposals and concept notes for funding
●Understands donor regulations and compliance (USAID, EU, FCDO, UN, etc.)
●Supports the development of program strategies
●Supports team members through capacity building
●Possesses basic M&E competencies to ensure program accountability and evidence of impact
●Can identify and nurture strategic partnerships
●Is familiar with using integrated approaches and applying systems thinking
●Can identify and leverage opportunities for collaboration/coordination
●Can effectively participate in external discussions and leadership spaces (such as the CWG and donor discussions)
●Nurtures innovation across the team
●Drives impact by building high performing teams
●Broadens influence by role-modeling and leveraging networks
Success Factors
The CVA technical advisor will demonstrate a winning track record in program development, and bring flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm to every project they undertake. The individual must have exceptional writing skills and the ability to set priorities, pay attention to detail, and work under tight deadlines within complex team environments. Experience in emergency contexts will be key for the success of this position.
The advisor must take an active role in building and maintaining external relationships as well as demonstrating the drive and initiative to contribute to internal team efforts. The individual must learn quickly how to provide technical data and support in the most efficient and effective form possible. The position requires strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, and a level of emotional intelligence proficiency that quickly builds and maintains productive relationships across teams.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position will be based in Port Sudan, Sudan, with regular travel to Darfur/field offices Kenya.Mercy Corps Sudan program activities may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing for this role is in shared housing with minimal ammenities.
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
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.
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.