Director of Programs (DoP)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. The organization has been active in Ethiopia since 2004, focusing on resilience-building initiatives in response to climate and conflict challenges. Mercy Corps collaborates with various stakeholders, including government entities, private sectors, and civil society, to ensure that programs are responsive to the needs of participants and stakeholders. The organization is funded by a diverse range of donors, including the US Government, UN, EU, and various foundations, which enables it to implement impactful programs across multiple regions in Ethiopia.

Job Overview:
The Director of Programs (DoP) at Mercy Corps is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for one of the organization's largest and most complex portfolios. This role involves overseeing more than 21 awards funded by bilateral and multilateral donors, private foundations, and corporate partners. The programming under the DoP's purview spans humanitarian response, market-driven development, peacebuilding, and climate resilience. The DoP will work closely with the Program Performance and Quality (PaQ) team to ensure that programs are of high quality and demonstrate strong communication, accountability, and overall quality assurance. The successful candidate will be a team player and adaptive leader, committed to delivering quality and impactful programming while promoting gender and social diversity within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DoP's essential responsibilities include developing a country-wide strategic plan in partnership with the Country Director and Senior Management Team (SMT), ensuring that the program portfolio aligns with Mercy Corps' Pathway to Possibilities (P2P) approach. The DoP will oversee program implementation, ensuring responsiveness to community needs and compliance with Mercy Corps' principles and procedures. This includes managing program budgets, ensuring high-quality donor reports, and promoting learning and knowledge management. The DoP will also lead new business development initiatives, maintain relationships with donors and stakeholders, and ensure that all programs produce professional quality reports and communications materials. Additionally, the DoP will supervise and mentor program managers and staff, ensuring effective team management and development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in management, international development, or a relevant field, with a focus on economic development studies. A minimum of 10 years of experience administering donor grants across various sectoral areas is required, along with specific experience in market systems and economic development. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to build staff capacity in cross-cultural settings, possess excellent team-building and interpersonal skills, and have a verifiable record of developing successful proposals for new projects. Experience with donor requirements from organizations such as USG, SIDA, and DFID is essential, as is a history of effective collaboration with host country governments and partners.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (MA/S) or equivalent in management, international development, or a related field. Candidates should have a strong foundation in economic development studies, which is crucial for understanding the complexities of the programs managed by the DoP.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of field experience in roles of increasing responsibility, particularly in administering donor grants and managing complex programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of building staff capacity and leading teams in cross-cultural environments, demonstrating strong leadership and management skills.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and its donor relationships. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ethiopia may be advantageous but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is classified as an accompanied family post, meaning that the DoP can bring family members to live with them during their tenure. The role involves regular field trips, with the expectation that the DoP will spend up to 50% of their time in the field. Mercy Corps promotes a culture of ongoing learning, encouraging team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to strict safeguarding and ethical standards.