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.
S/he initiates and facilitates peer-to-peer learning opportunities on CLA best practices among HQ, country and regional technical and MEL staff. The Advisor works closely with country, regional and HQ based teams, to achieve the deliverables set below.
70% of the LOE of this position is sourced through direct billable products within funded programs, and 30% on HQ-led initiatives, therefore, effective relationship building is critical for the success of this position.
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.
Reports Directly To: Senior Director, MEL
Works Directly With: Wider PaQ team; Senior Technical Lead for Program Management (based in London); Global Gender Advisor. Also with wider engagement with the Program Operations Department (part of the broader PaQ unit), the Research and Learning Team, and the Technical Support Unit, as well as field program HQ and national teams.
Special provisions: Candidates from Africa and Asia, women, minority groups, people with different abilities are highly encouraged to apply. Captioning, assistive and inclusive workspace accommodations are available at Mercy Corps offices.
Language: Knowledge of English is required and knowledge of French is preferred.
Technology: Knowledge of Ona/ComCare, PowerBI or other data visualization platforms is required.
Physical Requirements: This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear/read (captioning available), see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.
Supervisory Responsibility: This position will not have supervisory responsibilities, but will need to work in a networked leadership environment.
Travel: International travel with at least one month prior notice may be required and may include travel to support programs in fragile and/or conflict-prone zone
The Program Learning Advisor will contribute towards and establish the foundational systems and practices for promoting learning within Mercy Corps programs. S/he will engage with every individual program with flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm, contextualize their technical support accordingly.
The individual must have exceptional writing skills and the ability to multitask, set priorities, pay attention to detail, and work under tight deadlines within complex team environments. S/he must also apply a systems thinking to all the initiatives they support.
The Program Learning 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 for each unique field team and environment.
All PaQ positions require strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, and a level of emotional intelligence proficiency that quickly builds and maintains productive relationships across teams. Being aware and sensitive to international development issues and diverse cultures is critical.
This position will be located in one of the countries where Mercy Corps implements programs.
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 venue