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.
We help people overcome poverty and conflict. Working with communities, we leverage local logic to help people transform their lives. To grow more food, earn higher incomes and ultimately advocate for their needs. We see global challenges as an invitation to pioneer innovative, sustainable solutions. During our 34-year history, our work has improved more than 170 million lives in more than 115 countries around the world.
Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, and acts on behalf of people who have become disenfranchised and poor. We stand with Ethiopia to find and access opportunities, and to be part of lasting and meaningful transformation in the country. Mercy Corps seeks to be influential with government and development actors towards a more resilient country where poverty is tackled through the eyes of those who understand it best. This translates into ensuring that the population is financially stable, healthy & nourished, educated & informed, and that natural resources are accessible, shared and utilized sustainably.
Mercy Corps anticipates a multi-year, multi-million dollar USAID funded initiative focused on: stimulating increased production, productivity and marketing through more competitive livestock and livestock products markets; increasing communities’ resilience; improving alternative livelihood options through essential skills transfer; improving food security and nutrition, and contributing to the wider knowledge on pastoral development. The program will operate in multiple pastoral regions across Ethiopia. Mercy Corps Ethiopia invites motivated and qualified candidates to apply for the following vacant position.
Position Title: ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS TECHNICAL LEAD
Primary Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Open Position: 1
The Alternative Livelihoods Technical Lead will lead components of the program focused on development of alternative livelihoods for households that are chronically food insecure and/or transitioning out of pastoralism, mainly residing in urban and peri-urban areas. The Alternative Livelihoods Technical Lead will be responsible for overall planning, coordination and implementation of alternative livelihoods activities in the program, ensuring interventions achieve maximum impact while remaining on schedule and budget. The individual will work closely with other members of the senior management team and private and public sector stakeholders in designing and implementing alternative livelihoods approaches.
Program Implementation
Internal and External Coordination
Security
● 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.
● Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward 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.
● MA/S in Business, finance, agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural economics, or related field
● 5+ years’ work experience with for profit organization, non-governmental organization (NGO) or profit agribusiness working with vulnerable, marginalized and pastoralists/agro-pastoralist groups.
● 5+ years’ proven experience in innovative value chain development or business models using best practices.
● Experience with the development, implementation & compliance of donor funded programs including USAID agreements and strong understanding of USAID rules, regulations and compliance issues
● Established ability to manage and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles.
● Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
● Experience working with host governments, national and international NGOs.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
● Preference given to candidates with prior experience in Ethiopia
● Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
A successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles and cultures, follow procedures and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving. S/he will have a proven ability to learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, and be accountable for results, understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details, problem solving, work within a complex and sensitive setting and to follow laws and security protocols. The most successful Mercy Corps team 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.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The Alternative Livelihoods Technical Lead is based in the capital city – Addis Ababa. This position requires 35% travel by road and air to field offices in often insecure environments.
Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
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