Driven
by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s
toughest places with the tools and support they need to turn the crises
they confront into the opportunities they deserve.
Mercy Corps is looking for a committed and dynamic individual to take up the following position:
Programme Coordinator, PROGRESS Programme – Nairobi
Programme / Department Summary: The PROGRESS Programme Coordinator will work in collaboration with the PROGRESS Programme Director, Programme Managers and PROGRESS Consortium members in the implementation of a proposed multi-year project as part of DFID’s BRACED initiative (Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters).
Mercy Corps anticipates a programme award under BRACED to implement the “Programme for Resilient Systems” (PROGRESS).
The Kenya-based Programme Coordinator will play a key role in implementation.
Summary: The Programme Coordinator will work directly with Programme Managers to support oversight of accountability and adherence to Mercy Corps policies and donor rules and regulations, and program milestones and deliverables.
He/she will report to and work with the Programme Director and engage in program representation to donors, relevant government entities, partners, other implementers and external stakeholders.
Essential Job Functions:
Program Implementation:
The Programme Coordinator will assist in overall program management of PROGRESS program activities in both Kenya and Uganda, as well as facilitation of communication and program documentation within the PROGRESS Consortium through support to programme planning, strategy development and communications between consortium members, program management staff and external partners.
This role will also entail oversight of the multi-country activities of PROGRESS to support the Programme Director to ensure cross-country cohesion in resilience messaging, planning, monitoring, evaluation and implementation.
The Programme Coordinator will also support operations around the PROGRESS learning agenda within each of the programme locations (Kenya and Uganda), and strategies for cross-country learning.
As deputy to the Programme Director, the Programme Coordinator will also be tasked with a shared representational role at resilience events and fora in the region and information management as it relates to resilience within Kenya and Uganda.
The Programme Coordinator will also assist with oversight of the PROGRESS communications strategy and lead in development of materials, presentations and other media in accordance with the DFID compliance requirements for the global BRACED profile.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting:
- Support Programme Managers in the achievement of program targets and objectives and support efforts towards the design effective M&E systems and operations.
- Facilitate the coordination, scheduling and production of formal and informal reports and documentation and communication of reports and learning materials.
Coordination and Representation:
- Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events in the field, in close coordination with the Programme Director. Attend key events, committee meetings, fora, seminars, etc. as they relate to East Africa resilience.
- 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: Contribute to country team-building efforts, and ensure the integration of all team and consortium members into relevant decision-making processes.
Program Support Operations:
- Ensure close communication across cross-country field teams and consortium members regarding program activities and plans, challenges and obstacles to timely and quality implementation.
- Coordinate with program, finance, and administration staff for troubleshooting and problem solving.
Organizational Learning: As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.
Supervisory Responsibility: None.
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.
Reports Directly To: Programme Director based in Nairobi, Kenya
Works Directly With: Kenya and Uganda Country Directors, Programme Managers in both countries, and technical and support staff from Mercy Corps office in Portland, Oregon and Edinburgh, Scotland.
Knowledge and Experience:
- MA, MSc or equivalent in governance, public administration, environmental policy or related field.
- At least five years of experience including three years in a senior management position, including at a regional/cross-country level.
- Previous experience with and strong understanding of DFID rules, regulations and compliance issues
- Strong writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.
- Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.
- Experience contributing to donor-funded proposal processes including assessment, design, and writing
- Proven understanding of both urban and rural livelihoods systems, climate change adaptation strategies, public administration and resilience programming;
- Experience implementing activities in Kenya, especially northern Kenya/ ASALs – with a strong understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context.
- Knowledge of and experience working in Karamoja preferred.
- Excellent quantitative skills required. Financial accounting experience preferred.
- Experience in building and maintaining strong/productive relations with implementing and strategic partner agencies is preferred. This includes coordinating with government authorities and counterparts.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
- Demonstrated success building, managing and leading a team of professionals.
- Experience working in conflict environments is preferred.
- Security management experience in remote and insecure environments.
Success Factors:
The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:
- A strong team player, with good communication and diplomatic skills.
- Proven ability to work independently as part of a regional team and with international professionals.
- Excellent analytical and information management skills.
- Good organizational skills and ability to work under stress and in austere contexts of remote locations.
- Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving.
- Attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
- Proven excellence maintaining professional internal and external relationships.
- A focus on building staff capacity.
NB: All the positions are pending approval of our PROGRESS program by the donor.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit on or before October 27th, 2014 containing a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit on or before October 27th, 2014 containing a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org.
The email subject line must clearly show the job title and location they are applying for.
Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified.
Please do not attach any certificates.
(ONLY Qualified and selected candidates for the interview will be contacted)
NB: Mercy Corps does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.