SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, LIVELIHOOD – ENTER ENERGY SOMALIA (EES) PROGRAM

Job Description

Position Title:

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, LIVELIHOOD – ENTER ENERGY SOMALIA (EES) PROGRAM

Location Baidoa

Position Status Full-time

Number of Positions: 1

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 / Department / Team (Program / Department Summary)

Mercy Corps has been a fixture in Somalia since 2005, implementing projects that target hundreds of thousands of vulnerable households. Their work focuses on improving access to basic services and overcoming vulnerabilities caused by civil conflict and natural disasters. They achieve this through interventions in four key sectors: water security, peace and governance, economic and food security. Their programs are designed in an integrated manner, incorporating new methodologies like Emergency, DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction), and Resilience frameworks. Mercy Corps’ operations in Somalia are firmly rooted in a robust framework of socio-political analysis and risk management systems, ensuring compliance with Somali Federal Government (FGS) laws, internal accountability standards, and donor requirements. Mercy Corps Somalia has over 100 field staff based field operations in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Kismayo, and Baidoa with programs funded by multitude of donors including USAID, FCDO, SIDA, SDC, AFD and the UN.

The Position (General Position Summary)

Mercy Corps is seeking a senior program Officer for the Enter Energy project in Baidoa funded by FCDO and implemented in close collaboration with the Baidoa Municipality, The energy company (BECO), IOM and Power Africa that is supporting the electricification of the Barwaqo/ northern Baidoa corridor

The Senior Program officer will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality implementation of the EES program according to schedule and budget; working will closely work with Mercy Corps EES project and other team members in Baidoa during the stated period. Under the guidance of the team and office management, the Senior Program Officer also has to closely coordinate with the Local Administration, the IDP and host community leaders, and other key Program stakeholders to achieve the program goals and ensure that all activities to be implemented on demand-driven; and communities mobilized in a participatory way. He/she will have to show full adherence to Mercy Corps procedures, policy, and security protocols.

Essential Job Responsibilities Key Responsibilities

Review existing program strategies and approaches based on changing contexts.
Work with Program Manager to ensure linkages within all sector and stakeholder are carried out appropriately.
Design viable strategies that are both respectful with the local culture and sensitive towards the population.
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.
· Assist with technical implementation of all EES program activities with special focus on the Productive Use of Energy (hereinafter PUE) promotion measures under the project as directed. · Support of the EES program team members as well as external consultants and other service providers hired for the implementation. · Assist with the planning and implementation of the Enter Energy Somalia Program strategy and vision.

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.
Maintain close working relationships with local authorities, INGOs and Local NGOs
Foster a collaborative team atmosphere which engages the stakeholder.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Adhere to MC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines including safety and security policies and procedures.
Work with the MEAL Team to develop needs assessment tools and strategies, and train and supervise staff through field surveys and assessments.
Contribute to building the capacity of Mercy Corps staff, as well as project stakeholders.
Develop project work plans related to its sectors with the Program Team Lead.
Ensure the tracking, monitoring and quality reporting of all sectors and infrastructure interventions.
Complete budget pipeline planning, monitoring and monthly follow up in coordination with the Program manager.
Supervise and monitor the implementation of program activities, ensuring that all activities are compliant with the grant and Mercy Corps requirements. Prepare subsequent reports.
Work with Program Manager to identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, and other stakeholders.
Revise work plans in conjunction with POs under the oversight of the Program Manger.
Ensure provision of program quality in all aspects from design, planning, and implementation.
Contribute to the identification and design of additional opportunities for short, medium and long-term programming.
Contribute to the design of new proposals based on sectoral and general knowledge.
Prepare and develop status reports as required by management and supervisor in duty station.
Ensure proper filing of documents is done by the project team.
Representations at cluster meetings at the field level.
Promote and share ideas for improvement of the program unit.
Field data information and data collection to inform program design and planning
Document good practices and lessons, testimonies and stories for program learning from field visits, surveys and assessments that have been done.
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.
Perform any other assigned duty by supervisor or Director of Programs or CD.
REPORTING

· Document lessons learned and success stories of the program.

· Develop and contribute and submit all required program reports on time.

· Coordinate with MEAL team to ensure data quality and timely sharing of data to support reporting cycles.

· provide weekly update on project implementation progress as well as general security context of the area to senior program officer who will report to the senior management including the Director of Programs.

REPRESENTATION

· Represent Mercy Corps and its values at coordination and partner meetings in area of operation.

· Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

· Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure.

· Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.

Supervisory Responsibility

Program Officer Livelihood -EES program

Accountability: Reports Directly To: Program Manager

Works Directly with: POs & SPOs EES and Other Programs, Reporting & Program Support staff, Program Manager, Sector Leaders, MEAL Unit, Program Operations, Finance.

Skills and Qualifications
Knowledge and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in livelihood, Agriculture, food security, community development Public Health or related field. Masters preferred.

· 3-5 years’ experience in implementing multi-sectoral programs with focus on recovery and resilience.

· Experience in complex and complicated settings with time sensitive deliverables in unstable environments.

· Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.

· 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.

· Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.

· Knowledge of participatory approaches and community sensitization and mobilization.

· Good knowledge of program implementation, monitoring and evaluation techniques and practices.

· Good knowledge and experience regarding gender mainstreaming.

· Good computer applications skills.

· Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.

· Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.

· Experience in planning and managing surveys.

· Experience in developing and refining data collection tools.

· Experience in managing and providing training to partners and target beneficiaries.

· Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key stakeholders including host governments, and national and international NGOs.

· Experience in PUE related work required. Experience working in similar context (livelihood programming for displaced populations) in Somalia will be an added advantage

· Strong expertise in market systems development programming is a plus

· Strong analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to solve complex problems

· At least three years of experience designing, implementing and managing similar energy and livelihood initiatives (private sector partnership, economic strengthening, and market systems development) is necessary.

· Experience in building and maintaining strong/productive relations with implementing and strategic partners is required.

· Strong leadership and proven team building experience is necessary.

Excellent oral and written English and Somalia language skills required

Success Factors

Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and keep to deadlines.
Knowledge and understanding of the Somali people’s culture and political set up.
Strong team player and effective communicator.
· Willing to interact effectively with international and national personnel and other partners

· Experience in PUE related work required. Experience working in similar context (livelihood programming for displaced populations) in Somalia will be an added advantage

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 the 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 professionally, respect local laws and customs, and always adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all the times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

How to apply
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for this position and submit their applications (cover letter, updated CV, and contacts of 5 professional referees) through https://www.mercycorps.org/careers/national only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Deadline for Applications: OCT 21, 2024 at 5PM