Career Opportunities at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

The MM-CBRM Project Coordinator is responsible for working closely with other partners in the consortium to 1) enhance capacities for formal and informal cross-border stakeholders in conflict prevention and management and social cohesion with particular focus on women and youth; 2) enhance access to income-generating opportunities and shared natural resources for borderlands and community members. The Project Coordinator will ensure the overall implementation of the Mercy Corps role in the program, including ensuring the quality and impact of the interventions. They will ensure that the program is implemented on scope, time, and budget. The Project Coordinator will liaise with a diversity of internal and external stakeholders throughout program implementation to ensure that the team is driving transformational change in the target counties. In addition to a strong technical understanding of resilience-building, natural resource management, and conflict management/peacebuilding, the Project Coordinator will bring an in-depth understanding of local partner capacity building.

Essential Job Responsibilities

STRATEGY AND VISION

• Play a key role in developing the program strategy and direction for Kenya by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Contribute to the program’s learning and influencing agenda, working with relevant team members to integrate and advance learning, adaptation, and advocacy within both the program and Mercy Corps more broadly
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• In collaboration with relevant Mercy Corps team members, represent the program in key forums and donor meetings.
• Identify, build, and manage collaborative partnerships with relevant international and local agencies active in relevant technical fields, including donors, other organizations, local authorities, and local partners. Attend relevant coordination forums to identify synergies.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for MM-CBRM program activities, in partnership with key program stakeholders, including local and international partner organizations, local civil society organizations, local and national government officials, other international agencies on the ground, and key donors.
• Ensure programme implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts, and develop mechanisms for targeted research to inform programme design and implementation.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Lead in the structuring of Mercy Corps team roles and responsibilities for the delivery of cohesive program interventions, oversee their activities and provide continuous technical support, capacity building, and quality assurance.
• Regularly coordinate with program staff and support departments to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one one-on-ones and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Hire, orient, and lead team members as necessary.

OPERATIONS MANGAGEMENT

• Oversee the smooth flow of routine program support functions (e.g., finance, administration, logistics) about MM-CBRM and ensure compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Ensure that any procurement is completed, documented, and delivered to the end-user promptly, ensuring that items procured meet the specifications of the end-user while adhering to donor and Mercy Corps procurement guidelines.
• Oversee database and paper file management for program files in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• 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 programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security. 

MONITORING & EVALUATION (M&E) AND REPORTING

• Work closely with the country PaQ team members to ensure that effective M&E systems and processes are embedded within the program implementation unit and that data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform ongoing adaptation of program strategies and delivery approaches.
• Assess and analyze impact and adaptively manage the program to meet results.
• Oversee the scheduling and production of formal and informal reports and work plans on all aspects of Programme delivery in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ensure learning is blended back into program implementation, creating a cycle of adaptation and program improvement.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourages openness and communication in their team, encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g. Integrity Hotline and other options

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES AND PARTNERS

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and partners 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.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs, and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Direct supervision of all team members and consultants within the MM-CBRM program.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director of Programs

Works Directly with Country Director, Operations Director, Finance Director, Program Managers, PAQ team, consortium partners, local implementing partners

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as conflict management and disaster risk reduction, natural resources/rangelands management, agricultural economics, etc. A master’s degree qualification is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading interventions in these fields above, including utilizing market system development and resilience approaches
• Experience coordinating a program.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in program coordination is required,
• Sound understanding of financial, procurement, administration, and logistics management systems, including remote management.
• Experience coordinating multiple activities, developing synergies and creating opportunities for collaboration.
• Experience working with host governments at the national and sub-national level, INGOs and national NGOs and familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, and other NGOs.
• Persuasive written and oral communication in English and Swahili required; competency in a relevant local language beneficial.
• Experience within the Arid and Semi-Arid lands required

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The Position  

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director of Talent Acquisition to help design and lead our Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence (COE) and drive our efforts to attract, assess, and select the talent we need to meet our evolving organizational needs, deliver our strategy and reflect our mission and values. 

The Senior Director of Talent Acquisition (TA) will develop and implement a global talent acquisition strategy that aligns with the global People Team priorities in support of Mercy Corps’ transformative Pathways to Possibility (P2P) strategy, manage and develop a global team of talent acquisition professionals, and partner with key executives to develop talent and pipeline strategies. Key activities ensuring diverse high-quality hires, creating efficient hiring practices and marketing strategies that leverage recruitment technology and data analytics, sourcing for complex programs, and emergency recruitment. 

Essential Responsibilities  

STRATEGY AND VISION 

• Develop and implement intentional talent acquisition strategies ensuring effective and creative sourcing, evaluation, and selection of the most qualified and diverse global talent. 
• Collaborate with others to design and support the implementation of a fit-for-the-future Talent Acquisition strategy for Mercy Corps aligned with evolving needs, our mission, values and P2P commitments. 
• Collaborate closely with the Chief People Officer, other COEs, the VP People Team and the Regional HR Directors to guide the overall vision and approach to recruiting top talent, delivering clear actionable plans to achieve agreed TA priorities. 
• Develop appropriate metrics and tracking mechanisms, service-level agreements and other planning and measurement tools to build accountability and measure results, impact and cost-effectiveness of the hiring process and talent acquisition team.  
• Lead with a continuous improvement mindset, involving the talent acquisition team and hiring managers in identifying process improvements in our hiring practice that will reduce the time to fill and increase the quality of candidates/new hires, such as standardization of the hiring process and improved interviewing tools. 
• Provide strategic direction, talent acquisition expertise, and guidance to key stakeholders on strategic and emerging talent acquisition trends, benchmarks, and other talent acquisition issues. 
• Ensure that every new hire has a positive and professional recruitment experience by creating an exceptional experience at each step of the recruitment process, collaborating with other HR and organization leaders to assure a smooth orientation handoff from talent acquisition to the hiring teams.  
• Ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements.

TALENT ACQUISITION FUNCTIONS 

• Develop global standards and maintain talent acquisition processes that ensure quality and consistency in attracting, assessing, selecting, and hiring talent. 
• Develop strategies to address talent acquisition-related challenges and provide appropriate approaches for resolution. 
• Empower the delivery of a responsive, high-quality candidate experience that aligns with Mercy Corps' values and mission. 
• Develop and implement strategies to build national recruitment capacity in partnership with country leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. 
• Advise on and approve exceptional talent acquisition-related circumstances globally, ensuring compliance with specific labor laws and internal processes. 
• Ensure legal compliance for talent acquisition processes, maintaining accountability for adherence to relevant regulations and guidelines. 
• Thoughtfully delegate responsibilities for effective coordination between the Global Talent Acquisition and other HR functions, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment of priorities. 
• Represent Talent Acquisition priorities to executives and leadership, advocating for resources and support as needed to achieve strategic objectives.

TEAM LEADERSHIP 

• Ensure the growth and effective resourcing of the Global Talent Acquisition team, with a deep understanding of roles and responsibilities. 
• Foster a work environment of mutual respect, excellence, and continuous learning, where team members are empowered to thrive. 
• Engage in close partnership with the larger People Team and agency to share ideas, develop standard practices, and implement best practices across Mercy Corps programs. 
• Design and streamline processes in collaboration with People Team leaders to enhance the Global Talent experience across the organization, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness. 
• Guide project management efforts within the Global Talent department, prioritizing process, and system improvements to drive operational excellence. 
• Ensure effective systems are in place in all country offices for the management of talent acquisition processes, providing support and guidance as needed. 
• Review and support country team adherence to Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures, contextualizing them to local labor laws and ensuring compliance. 
• Provide dedicated support to country teams during emergencies or complex program startups, leveraging resources and expertise as needed. 
• Collaborate with country finance leads in producing bi-annual master budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial guidelines. 

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work  
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members  
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options 

Supervisory Responsibility 

Supervises a TA Manager and TA Technical Advisor. Will lead the strategic development of the TA Center of Excellence in partnership with the VP People Team and COE leads.  

Accountability 

• Reports Directly To: Chief People Officer 
• Works Directly With: People Team Leaders, Organizational Leadership, COE Directors & Regional HR Leads 

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 Qualifications & Transferable Skills 

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 
• 8+ years of progressive experience in talent acquisition, including at least 5 years in a leadership role within a global organization or NGO. 
• Experience personally managing executive/senior level recruitment within the past 5 years. 
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing talent acquisition strategies that support organizational objectives and foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. 
• Experience developing and improving talent acquisition systems and tracking talent metrics. 
• Deep understanding of recruitment best practices, including candidate sourcing techniques, assessment methods, and employer branding strategies. 
• Demonstrated experience and expert ability to create, implement, maintain, and improve recruitment strategies and systems in a high-volume context. 
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and empower a diverse team of professionals. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization. 
• Ability to communicate and problem-solve effectively across diverse cultures with sensitivity. 
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate senior-level conversations. 
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think analytically, solve complex problems, and drive continuous improvement. 
• Commitment to Mercy Corps' mission and values, with a passion for humanitarian aid and sustainable development. 
• Experience leading and advocating for a diverse team of high performers.