Agricultural Technical Advisor for Humanitarian Program Technical Advisor | Addis Ababa

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.

Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR), and in Dire Dawa Administration and the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps Ethiopia currently secured USAID/BHA funded multisectoral response program entitled ‘Humanitarian Assistance for Conflict-Affected Populations (HACAP)” in Oromia, Afar and Somali regions. The goal of the proposed program is to increase access to Life-saving Services for Conflict-affected IDPs, Returnees, and Vulnerable Populations through provision of integrated Multi-Sectoral Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion (WASH), Health, Nutrition, Agriculture, Protection, and Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) support in seven Woredas of the three regions.

General Position Summary

Under the guidance of the Humanitarian Team Leader, the Agricultural Technical Advisor for Humanitarian Programs will provide high-quality technical advisory and program management support for agriculture sector interventions (both Crop and Livestock Productions) and for the teams across all Mercy Corps humanitarian programs, with a particular focus on BHA-funded humanitarian program. The technical advisor will ensure that Agriculture interventions are effective, evidence-based, and aligned with Mercy Corps’ strategic objectives. The position holder will also provide technical assistance for MC’s humanitarian responses, support new business development, ensuring/supporting the agriculture teams to work in line with the nationally endorsed guidelines, developing tools, checklists, and standard operation procedures, designing, and managing training and other capacity strengthening efforts. The role also ensures effective representation of MC in Agriculture sectors coordination forums, clusters and meetings and ensure standard sectoral practices are applied throughout the Programmed areas.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Technical Support and Program Quality

Provide high quality, sound, programs and advisory/technical guidance and support for agriculture teams.

Collaborate directly with other program teams in defining and designing activities that address BHA priorities related to agriculture interventions in humanitarian contexts, in a strategic manner.

Ensure that the agriculture interventions are designed and implemented in accordance with best practices and Mercy Corps’ standards.

Provide technical advice to agriculture and nutrition teams (including quality control monitoring visits) and training/workshops as required to ensure quality and timely management of the Humanitarian program.

Develop and review technical tools, guidelines, and standard operating procedures to ensure program quality.

Team Management and Capacity Building

• Develop team capacity, deepen understanding of their roles, and provide information, tools, and resources to improve performance and achieve objectives.
• Mentor and support program staff in the implementation of agriculture and nutrition interventions.
• Conduct training and capacity-building activities for program teams to enhance their technical skills and knowledge.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Oversee program startup and ongoing program management and administration of teams across various field locations.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
• Develop partners’ MoUs and contracts & oversee a training program for program partners.
• Develop program implementation strategies, including partnership frameworks, beneficiary targeting and distribution.
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target and within budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• Fulfill Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
• Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.

Reporting

• Prepare high-quality reports for donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of program activities and outcomes.

Proposal Development:

• Support funding acquisition by providing technical/design leadership, leveraging existing learning, identifying, and cultivating strategic opportunities, and assisting country programs in developing winning proposals, advocacy, and recourse mobilization.
• Contribute to the design of innovative program interventions and approaches.

FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.
• Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

The role also ensures effective representation of MC in Agriculture sectors coordination forums, clusters and meetings and ensure standard sectoral practices are applied throughout the Programme areas.

GEDSI (GENDER, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION)

• Adherence of gender minimum standards
• Allocate budget for GESI related activities and staff capacity building on GESI
• Make sure GESI issues are properly reflected during program management
• Support the organization’s commitment to age and gender inclusive team building process
• Promote an inclusive and equitable workplace culture
• Support Staff Capacity Building on Increase staff knowledge of GEDSI
• Coordinate with GEDSI Technical Team Improve gender-responsiveness of program

Supervisory Responsibility

Technical oversight of field-based activities undertaken by Agriculture team members.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Humanitarian Team Lead

Technical Line Report To:

Works Directly With: Humanitarian Programs Manager, MEL Manager, regional program coordinators, and works closely with the existing program team both at MC field and country office.

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.

Knowledge and Experience

• Master’s or BSC degree in agriculture: plant science, agronomy, Agricultural extension/rural development or a related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in technical advisory and/or Agriculture/Livestock/ Nutrition program management roles in humanitarian settings.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing agriculture (Crop + Livestock Production) interventions in NGO environment.
• Familiar with Agriculture production and Livestock emergency guidelines and standards.
• Experienced in managing voucher-based agriculture production and Livestock supports.
• Good understanding of USAID/BHA-funded programs and requirements.
• Team player who takes initiative, a problem-solver, and has ability to manage priorities autonomously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse team.
• Willingness to travel to program sites as needed.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

Success Factors

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Commitment to Mercy Corps’ mission and values.

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.

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 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. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

How to Apply

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised. All applications must be submitted electronically including a CV, three references, and all relevant official documents.

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and    diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: July 31, 2024, 5:00 PM