About Mercy Corps
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.
The Program
Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS)’ program aims to promote gains in food security and livelihoods through a demand-driven approach, with locally appropriate value chains developed in a co-creation process with communities and organizations. SASAS will deliver a range of activities in Kassala, Gedaref and South Kordofan states engaging private and public sectors to create demand-pull agricultural development, induce technology change and sustainable value chain development. The project is funded by USAID.
The Position
The Team Leader is overall responsible for the day-to-day implementation of SASAS program implementation. The Team Leader will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) to ensure the day-to-day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget, and required quality. The Team Leader reports directly to the MSD Portfolio Lead with written and oral activity and budget reports (as defined by the MSD Portfolio Lead). The Team Leader will assist the MSD Portfolio Lead in outlining a strategic plan for the implementation of this program including identifying target areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results.
Essential Job Responsibilities
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
● To manage all operations related to the Project according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy. Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities Liaise with MSD Portfolio Lead, as necessary.
● In close collaboration with the Director of Program, MSD Portfolio Lead and Human Resource Manager build the Project team program staff ensuring that there are fluent communication channels, that the reporting schedule is timely met and that program objectives are achieved.
● Coordinate and share information with the MSD Portfolio Lead to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are being achieved. Troubleshoot reporting and programmatic needs. Advise supervisor on suggested improvements and necessities, as required.
● Design and conduct training community in any areas related to the Project activities for staff, other trainings, communities and project beneficiaries.
● Produce written reports on the program activities capturing activities related to Production & Productivity, Market Access, Gender Empowerment & Equity, Youth Employment/opportunity, and Practice in the format provided by the Team Leader.
● Maintain written correspondence with the Director of Program and other program staff responding to daily program necessities.
● Coordinate closely with the MSD Portfolio Lead, Director of Program, Human Resources Manager, and relevant administrative and finance staff to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the program are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the program.
● Work with the MSD Portfolio Lead & Director of Program to forecast expenditure surpluses and deficits to enable adjustments to be made to the program in a timely fashion.
● As security permits, spend a minimum of two weeks a month at the field sites monitoring project implementation and overseeing all projects activities.
● Oversee the program filing system for all Project related activities and ensure that information is organized according to the reporting and auditing needs of the program. Ensure required levels of confidentiality.
● Ensure ensuring that sustainability is the highest priority for the action and at the heart of everything we do. Through our partnerships with producer’s groups and MSMEs to strengthen market access and financial services, the focus will be on sustainability of economic opportunities.
● Ensure that Project fits into the strategic plan and agricultural strategy and provide input into the strategic plan. Overall responsible for obtaining any permissions or reporting of the Program activities required by the Government.
● Provide written and oral translation and report writing for program staff, as necessary.
● Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
REPRESENTATION
● Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, village councils and local government in the target districts the area.
● Mobilize communities to participate in the design, implementation and maintenance of projects as well as design viable strategies which are both respectful with the local culture and sensitive towards the female population but that are effective in engaging women in the activities of the program.
● Ensure close coordination with relevant government institutions (Ministry of Agriculture, Humanitarian Aid Commission, Government representatives, etc.).
● Stay informed on Sudan-wide cross-cutting issues relevant to the Project including agricultural programming, agri-enterprise development, livestock issues and community development initiatives
Team Management
● Assist in the recruitment and training of program staff to ensure staff are of the quality and capacity to ensure the successful implementation of all Program activities. Monitor and advise on staffing needs throughout the program. Ensure evaluations and disciplinary measures are made, as necessary according to MC policy.
● Ensure the close coordination and sharing of information between the various sectors of the program staff including engineering, agriculture, community development and program support with regular program meetings and activity plans.
● Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all national staff, including agriculture, community development, and programme support staff.
● Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
● Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
● Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular 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.
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.
Organizational Learning
● 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.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
● 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.
● 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.
Supervisory Responsibility
SASAS Project Managers (Kassala, Gedaref & South Kordofan)
Accountability
Reports Directly To: MSD Portfolio Lead.
Works Directly With: Director of Programs, Program Performance & Quality Director & MEL Manager.
Knowledge and Experience
● This position requires a Bachelor or master’s degree in Management, Agriculture, Development Engineering, Economic or Social Science.
● 3 -5 years of experience focused in the management of development Programs involving rural communities to promote sustainable development.
● Experience in project management related to agriculture, livestock protection and community mobilization
● Administrative capacity and planning skills to manage a large team of national staff of multiple sectors.
● Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in written.
● Effectively coordinate with district, provincial and national authorities the program activities ensuring that there are synergies built with the national policies. Keep authorities abreast of the progress of the program.
● Extensive travel to program areas is required.
● This position requires excellent command of English.
● This post requires a high computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
● Sincere commitment to engaging women in community agricultural initiatives.
● Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
● Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.
● Understanding of Arabic and Sudan context desirable
Success Factors
They will be passionate about community engagement, with an innovative mindset willing to experiment with new approaches continuously. They must have the ability to think critically and make good decisions that contribute to the community’s success. They must have a proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. Awareness of and sensitivity to multicultural and diverse audiences is required.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
This role may include travel for team meetings and occasionally to country offices across the agency, travel estimated up to 5% of the time. Travel may be to insecure and/or austere locations.
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 country venues.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have a sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants, or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. Any offers of employment or continued employment are dependent on the successful completion of the screens which include but are not limited to our Background Check and Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme processes.