Organization: Mercy Corps
Location: Addis Ababa
Grade: Senior level – Senior
Occupational Groups:
Operations and Administrations
Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
Logistics
Sustainable trade and development
External Relations, Partnerships and Resource mobilization
Transport and Distribution
Sustainable Business Development
Closing Date: 2024-12-23
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 present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are 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 with a vision to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses in the 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; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently, we operate in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Ethiopia. Working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good.
The Programme
This opportunity focuses on providing technical assistance to strengthen economic transformation in areas affected by conflict and migration in Ethiopia. The specific objective of the contract is to support and enhance the capacity of the local economy to generate employment opportunities within existing and potential value chains. These efforts will target refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities, fostering inclusive economic development and resilience.
The Position(General Position Summary)
The expert will work closely with stakeholders to strengthen value chains, foster the inclusion of vulnerable populations into financial systems, and design innovative financing mechanisms to create sustainable economic opportunities. By facilitating platforms for information exchange between communities and businesses, the expert will support refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities in building resilience and contributing to local economic development.
Essential Responsibilities (Example Section Below – Adapt to Specific Role)
STRATEGY AND PLANNING
- Collaborate with programme leadership to develop and implement strategies for enhancing value chain development in conflict- and migration-prone regions.
- Support the identification and prioritisation of value chains with high potential for economic transformation and job creation for vulnerable populations.
- Coordinate with local and regional stakeholders to align programme goals with broader economic development strategies and policies.
- Facilitate the integration of innovative financing mechanisms and inclusive practices into strategic planning processes.
- Lead the development and dissemination of reports on key performance indicators related to value chain activities, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
- Support the programme team in mobilising resources and partnerships necessary for executing strategic priorities effectively.
- Monitor progress and provide actionable insights to refine strategies and improve programme outcomes.
REGIONAL SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT FUNCTIONS
- Review and support country team adherence to Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures;
- Assist in capturing and disseminating best practices on operations, finance and HR systems across country teams to ensure highest quality and standards.
- Provide dedicated support to country team in the event of an emergency or start up of a complex program that requires additional resources.
- Collaborate with country finance leads in producing bi-annual master budgets.
HUMAN RESOURCES, SAFEGUARDING AND DIVERSITY
- Support Mercy Corps global and regional initiatives for human resources, including safeguarding and diversity, and talent development;
- Collaborate with the people team to promote staff access to high quality learning opportunities, with a special emphasis on national team member development;
RISK MANAGEMENT
- Engage and support the programme team to ensure that adequate risk management systems are in place;
- Collaborate with country leadership to support preparedness and response to major disruptive events;
- Engage with country team on the internal audit process to track findings and ensure country team compliance with IA findings and recommendations;
- Engage with country level Ethics and Assurance managers as well as the global Ethics and Assurance department to track and analyze trends and needs across countries;
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Key Expert 1: Team Leader
Works Directly With: Programme team (Key and Non-Key Experts), country leadership and heads of Finance, Operations and HR departments.
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
Qualifications and skills
- Master’s Degree in economics, or business studies, or a relevant, directly related discipline, or, in its absence, equivalent relevant professional experience of minimum 10 years.
General professional experience
- Minimum 5 years professional experience in support to value chains development in Sub Saharan Africa;
- An excellent verbal and written command of English is required.
Specific professional experience
- Minimum 3 years of experience relating to inclusion of vulnerable population into financial services;
- Minimum 3 years of experience relating to value chains analysis;
- Minimum 3 years of experience relating to design or implementation of innovative financing mechanisms;
- Minimum 1 year experience relating to creating/strengthening platforms/services for information exchange between communities and business services cross-border.
Success Factors
The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional coordination, and relationship-building skills, with a particular focus on fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders in value chain development. They will excel at facilitating partnerships and driving innovative approaches to engage and include vulnerable populations in economic systems. A strong ability to navigate complex challenges, think strategically, and adapt to evolving priorities is essential.
The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, enabling them to build trust and maintain productive relationships with community members, business leaders, and development partners. A commitment to inclusivity, flexibility, and openness to new ideas will support continuous improvement and innovation in value chain initiatives. A positive attitude, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams will be key to achieving success. Fluency in English is essential for clear communication and report writing.
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: December 23 2024 / 4:00 PM
How to apply
Simply click on the apply button, fill out of the form, and upload your documents