AIDA Deputy Director – Gaza

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global organization founded in 1986, dedicated to helping people in the most challenging environments. With a mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors, including economic development, health, education, and disaster response, and employs a diverse workforce committed to making a long-term impact in the communities they serve. Mercy Corps has a strong presence in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza, where it has been instrumental in providing critical services and promoting economic self-sufficiency.

Job Overview:
The AIDA director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director – Gaza serves as the Head of Office for the Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA) in Gaza, reporting directly to the AIDA Executive Director. This position is crucial for managing the coordination and engagement of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) with UN and member agencies in Gaza. The Deputy Director will represent INGOs at high-level meetings, engage with various stakeholders, and ensure compliance with donor requirements. The role also involves leading advocacy efforts, facilitating coordination among INGOs, and acting as a primary spokesperson for AIDA in Gaza. The Deputy Director will be responsible for overseeing the AIDA Gaza Deputy Coordinator and ensuring effective communication and collaboration among all members and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director's responsibilities include facilitating INGO coordination in Gaza, identifying gaps and opportunities for enhanced collaboration, ensuring high-level representation in key decision-making platforms, and supporting advocacy efforts on critical humanitarian topics. The role requires regular travel to engage with members and stakeholders, facilitating coordination meetings, and participating in key task forces. The Deputy Director will also maintain updated stakeholder mappings, manage the INGO Forum office in Gaza, and ensure compliance with donor and host agency regulations. Additionally, the Deputy Director is expected to actively learn about safeguarding and integrate it into their work, promoting a culture of accountability and respect within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field or an undergraduate degree with significant field experience. A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in humanitarian or development aid is required, preferably in complex emergencies or insecure areas. At least 2-3 years of experience in a senior leadership position within an INGO is essential. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of key thematic areas such as access, protection, and humanitarian aid architecture in conflict settings. Experience in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security or access-related roles, budget and grant management, and donor reporting is highly desirable. Proven ability to build relationships and facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders is crucial, along with excellent communication and analytical skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred, although candidates with an undergraduate degree and significant field experience will also be considered. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the role, emphasizing humanitarian aid, international relations, or a related discipline.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 5-7 years of experience in humanitarian or development aid, with a focus on complex emergencies and access-constrained environments. Experience in a senior leadership role within an INGO, such as head of unit or deputy country director, is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of success in INGO coordination and a deep understanding of the humanitarian coordination system.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Excellent writing, editing, and analytical abilities are essential. While Arabic language skills are desirable, they are not mandatory for the position. Strong communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, are crucial.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Gaza and requires up to 50% travel across Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank. Housing will be provided in individual apartments or shared housing within Gaza. Access to medical care in Gaza is limited, but adequate services are available outside of Gaza. This is an unaccompanied location, and team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.