Program Director

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates in over 40 countries, dedicated to the belief that a better world is possible. Established with a mission to help people triumph over adversity, Mercy Corps partners with communities to implement bold solutions that foster resilience and build stronger communities from within. The organization focuses on various sectors, including disaster response, economic development, and energy access, aiming to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Program Director for the E4i initiative at Mercy Corps is responsible for overseeing programs aimed at reducing poverty through enhanced access to clean energy. This role involves managing a portfolio of programs that support the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro businesses that provide renewable energy solutions to underserved communities. The Program Director will lead the technical team, ensuring the successful implementation of program strategies, managing partnerships, and maintaining accountability for budget management. This position requires a strategic vision to guide the E4i programs, ensuring they align with Mercy Corps' mission and values while adapting to emerging needs and opportunities in the energy sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Vision and Leadership: Develop and communicate a clear strategic vision for E4i, ensuring it reflects ongoing learning and emerging capacities. Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with energy access donors and funders. Balance strategy development with design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, ensuring alignment with Mercy Corps’ guidelines and values.
• Program Portfolio Management: Ensure program implementation meets the needs of partners and donors, adhering to Mercy Corps’ standards. Manage subaward execution and amendments, ensuring timely and budget-compliant implementation. Lead the team in maintaining effective financial management systems and reporting.
• Program Quality: Provide technical leadership to ensure high-quality service delivery in E4i programs. Integrate learnings to enhance operations and support the design of new programs. Conduct data-driven analyses to inform strategy and performance.
• Team Management: Foster a culture of inclusion and respect within the team. Communicate expectations clearly, provide constructive feedback, and support team members' professional growth. Ensure accountability for individual work plans and maintain effective knowledge management tools.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities: Integrate safeguarding practices into all aspects of work, promoting a culture of respect and dignity for all participants and team members. Encourage open communication regarding safeguarding concerns.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven program and team management skills, with strong leadership capabilities in strategy creation, external partnership management, and team development. A self-starter attitude is essential, along with the ability to work effectively in diverse cultural and political environments. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a detail-oriented approach to multitasking and prioritization under tight deadlines. Exceptional writing and communication skills are required, as well as the ability to manage external relationships effectively.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant technical field is preferred. Candidates should have a strong theoretical and applied knowledge of the energy sector, particularly in relation to integrated approaches and systems thinking.

Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of experience in international development, with at least 3-5 years specifically in energy program management. Experience should include direct management of field-based projects, advisory roles, and strategic consulting. Candidates should have a proven track record in donor cultivation and managing complex proposals, as well as experience in building relationships with diverse stakeholders in the public, private, and civil sectors.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, with additional language skills being strongly preferred. This is particularly important for engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders in the energy access sector.

Additional Notes:
This position involves supervisory responsibilities over the E4i team, which includes five direct reports. The role requires budget management and accountability, with a significant emphasis on financial oversight. The position may require up to 30% travel to support country programs and business development, including travel to potentially insecure locations. Mercy Corps emphasizes a culture of trust and respect, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences to enhance team effectiveness and innovation. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.