Job Vacancies at Mercy Corps

Essential Job Responsibilities

MEL STRATEGY AND PLANNING

• Set up and oversee the timely implementation of MEL systems, including the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), M&E Technology Plan, and Learning Plan.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, management, visualization, mapping, and reporting on quantitative and qualitative indicators related to the program’s overall operational context, and performance.
• Harmonize the MEL system across consortium partner systems and other external systems, as relevant.
• maximize the use of participatory methods in MEL data collection
• Ensure the quality of MEL implementation for the Activity, consistently reviewing and adapting the MEL systems and tools to the needs of the changing programmatic context.
• Ensure systems are established and maintained to collect sex- and age-disaggregated data to ensure that the project team can design gender-sensitive, and socially-inclusive.
• Ensure that personal protection is included in data collection (direct and remote), storage, and presentation of those data.
• Tailor evidence-based learning to diverse audiences, decision-makers, and stakeholders.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

• Ensure data management processes (collection, cleaning, analysis, storage, reporting, and visualization) are functioning in all Activity locations to provide quality data within deadlines.
• Ensure data quality through routine internal Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) as required by the Mercy Corps MEL Policy, and make adjustments as needed.
• Ensure the Activity adheres to Mercy Corps’ MEL and Program Record Retention and Responsible Data Policies.
• Develop reporting templates that facilitate the acquisition, aggregation, and flow of information and learning within the program as well as externally.
• Maintain a comprehensive reporting and accountability schedule as well as review program reports to ensure reports contain accurate, clear, and high-quality data presented in the proper format.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the Activity MEL team and sub-contractors, such as external evaluators and enumerators.
• Use competency-based approaches to build the capacity of all relevant Activity and partner team members to develop and maintain a high-quality MEL system, which integrates regular reflection, learning, and adaption through analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and other knowledge gained through implementation of the AMELP.
• Promote staff accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Collaborate with technical leads across the consortium and build processes for regular feedback to ensure effective and adaptive management.
• Present program MEL to external MEL and research stakeholders to influence decision-makers and promote collaboration and shared learning.
• Actively collaborate with regional and global counterparts to promote the use of MEL best practices and lessons learned.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Supervisory Responsibility

MEL Managers, MEL officers and MEL assistants on the MEL Team

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Chief of Party

Works Directly With: The Activity Team

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including proven experience managing MEL staff
• MA/MS in research methods, statistics, economics, monitoring and evaluation, or other relevant field preferred
• Experience managing MEL and activities under USAID-funded programs
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and overseeing program MEL systems from startup to closeout.
• Experience with and commitment to adaptive management and collaborative, learn, adapt (CLA) processes.
• Research skills, including participatory qualitative and quantitative methodologies and techniques, planning and managing surveys, and developing and refining data collection tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to network and maintain effective working relationships with diverse actors.
• Experience and understanding of market-system development interventions and how these are monitored and evaluated
• Previous experience in Nigeria or similar context is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

go to method of application »

The Position

• Mercy Corps is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) to lead the implementation of an anticipated five-year USAID/Feed the Future-funded Resilience Activity in Sokoto and Zamfara states of Nigeria.
• The COP will provide overall leadership, management, and strategic vision for the implementation of the anticipated activity, ensuring that the program meets its targets and deliverables on time and within budget.
• The COP will supervise all program staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies as well as all donor rules and regulations.
• The COP will be the primary representative for the program with donors including USAID, government entities, and other partners and stakeholders.

Essential Responsibilities

STRATEGY AND PLANNING

• Provide overall technical and administrative leadership and expertise. Responsible for administering and managing the implementation of the activity with the overall responsibility for assuring that all assistance provided is technically sound and appropriate to meet activity objectives.
• Lead the development of a vision and strategy for the program shared with the program team, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Integrate and embrace all voices into shared strategies and foster an inclusive culture of systems thinking, collaboration, learning, and adaptation.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Oversee program management and administration of the activity. Ensure implementation is on time, target, and budget, using effective M&E systems to assess and reflect on progress and understand impact.
• Develop partnership frameworks, partner agreements/Memorandum of Understandings, and capacity strengthening for partners.
• Integrate cross-cutting approaches including locally driven, shock-responsive, climate-adaptive, social and gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and nutrition sensitivity.
• Ensure interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, program participant accountability standards, and program management minimum standards.
• Ensure program strategies and activities are evidence-driven, anchored in a resilience approach, and represent global good practice in livelihood, climate-resilient agricultural development, market systems development, and food security and nutrition programming.
• Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration, and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.

EVIDENCE AND LEARNING

• Provide strategic oversight of MEL systems, ensuring they are responsive to the program’s technical strategy and learning needs.
• Facilitate collaborations with partners and programs to contribute to USAID and Mercy Corps’ evidence and learning priorities.
• Promote a team culture of evidence-based decision-making and regular use of diverse data sources for continual learning and adaptation

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Oversee recruitment and onboarding of the Activity staff and consultants.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect and learning where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Provide team members with information, tools, and resources to improve performance, enhance technical and partnership management skills, and reach objectives.
• Promote staff accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.

REPRESENTATION

• Liaise with and represent the program to USAID.
• Ensure collaboration between the Activity and complementary activities to scale influence, enhance learning, and drive collective impact.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships between the Activity and the Nigerian Government, ensuring implementation drives development gains in line with key policies
• Coordinate activities with consortium partners, subgrantees, and other Mercy Corps programs.
• Represent Mercy Corps and the Activity at government, donor, NGO, and other relevant forums.
• Serve as an active contributor and collaborator with regional and global counterparts to promote best practices.

FINANCE and COMPLIANCE

• Ensure compliance with USAID and Mercy Corps’ regulations.
• Create and maintain systems to ensure effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with program, donor, and Mercy Corps’ needs.
• Ensure sound financial management, including programmatic budgeting, spending projections, and monitoring of payments in compliance with USAID standards.

SECURITY and RISK MANAGEMENT

• Collaborate with country leadership to support preparedness and response to major disruptive events.
• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
• Ensure that activities are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervise Activity Team. The number of direct and indirect reports will be determined at a later stage.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Mercy Corps Nigeria Director of Programs

Works Directly With The Activity Team, Director of Programs, Program Performance and Quality Director, other COPs, HR, finance and operations teams, HQ Regional Programs Team, and HQ Technical Support Unit
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Advanced degree in agriculture, economics, business administration, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of international experience in management positions including being a Chief of Party for large programs (preferably $15 million and above).
• Demonstrated experience in livelihood, agricultural development activities, market systems development, and/or resilience programming in the African context preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to network and maintain effective working relationships with diverse actors.
• Experience managing diverse teams in dispersed geographic locations including inspiring staff and developing a shared vision with staff and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Nigeria’s governance and conflict dynamics preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations required.

go to method of application »

The Position

• Mercy Corps is seeking a Strategic Communications and Knowledge Manager (SCKM) who will support the implementation of an anticipated five-year USAID/Feed the Future-funded Resilience Activity in Sokoto and Zamfara states of Nigeria. The SCKM will be responsible for developing and overseeing a communications and knowledge management strategy for the Resilience Activity.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the development of a communications and knowledge management strategy and operational plan, and oversee the implementation of the communications and knowledge management plan.
• Establish and strengthen program systems and team and partner capacity to achieve knowledge management and communication objectives
• Effectively identify and use program evidence to represent program learning in strategic communications, and collaborate with MEL staff to identify and address evidence needs
• Strengthen collaboration and cross-learning within the Activity team, local partners, private sector, government counterparts, and other programs/organizations to contribute to the knowledge sharing and community of practice.
• Lead the development of and author program reports and updates including overseeing quarterly donor reports.
• Proactively identify stories and communications to share Activity results with various audiences,
• Manage, and share relevant Activity reports and publications
• Lead or actively contribute to the organization of external events and fora focused on enhancing program visibility, cross-partner collaboration, and peer learning
• Play a central role in program learning and facilitating a culture of collaboration, learning, and adaptation through documenting and sharing activity learning
• Manage internal document storage, adhering to Mercy Corps’ policies and data security standards
• Collect and disseminate learnings from the Resilience Activity internally and externally.
• Represent the Activity in internal and external fora, and identify events and platforms for sharing Activity communications.
• Train, mentor, and build the capacity of others on the Activity team in communications and knowledge management practices

Supervisory Responsibility

TBD
Accountability

Reports Directly To: COP

Works Directly With The Activity Team

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• BA/S degree in in communication, public relations, development studies, or relevant field, master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive work experience in communications and knowledge management for donor-funded development programs.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills in English are required.
• Ability to summarize and simplify complex information and communicate it to targeted groups.
• Familiarity with graphic design, photo editing, and video editing.
• Experience in agriculture or economic development donor-funded programming preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in training and capacity building across diverse teams and partners.
• Excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills.
• Previous experience in Nigeria or similar contexts is essential.
• Familiarity with USAID is required.