Project Team Lead - GFD

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 in 1979, Mercy Corps focuses on providing assistance in disaster situations and hardships, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization has been active in South Sudan since 2005, addressing the needs of displaced and disenfranchised populations affected by ongoing conflict. With a diverse funding base from various international donors, Mercy Corps aims to empower individuals to recover from crises and improve their livelihoods through innovative programs.

Job Overview:
The Project Team Lead for the GFD program is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the implementation of lifesaving food assistance programs in conflict-affected areas of South Sudan. This role involves managing project implementation in accordance with contractual obligations and donor requirements while ensuring compliance with safety and accountability standards. The Team Lead will work closely with various teams to integrate cross-cutting considerations such as gender and disability into program activities. The position requires strategic planning, project management, and collaboration with national NGO partners to achieve project objectives while adhering to budget and timeline constraints. The role also emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective program delivery and accountability to beneficiaries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Team Lead will lead the monthly planning of GFD implementation across the targeted counties, ensuring alignment with WFP SOPs and Mercy Corps strategic objectives. Responsibilities include overseeing project management activities, ensuring compliance with WFP standards, developing implementation plans, and managing beneficiary targeting and distribution processes. The Team Lead will monitor budgets and expenditures, collaborate with various teams, and build staff capacity on distribution procedures. Additionally, the role involves coordinating logistics and commodity management, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, and integrating safeguarding measures into program implementation. The Team Lead will also be responsible for fostering a culture of teamwork and knowledge sharing among staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with an advanced degree preferred. A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience managing humanitarian food assistance or security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-programs" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security programs is required, including at least 3 years in senior field management roles within complex humanitarian contexts, preferably in South Sudan. Proven experience in managing WFP-funded programs, large-scale food distributions, and beneficiary targeting is essential. Candidates should have strong knowledge of WFP SOPs, commodity management, and humanitarian principles, along with experience in capacity strengthening and maintaining audit-ready documentation. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with an advanced degree being preferred. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in humanitarian assistance, food security, or related disciplines, equipping candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and implement food assistance programs in challenging environments.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in managing humanitarian food assistance or food security programs, with at least 3 years in senior field management roles. Experience in complex humanitarian contexts, particularly in South Sudan, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of supervisory experience, demonstrating the ability to lead teams effectively and achieve results in challenging situations.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with local communities and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Panyijar, Unity State, South Sudan, and requires frequent field travel to support GFD activities. Staff may need to adapt to challenging field conditions, including insecure or remote locations with limited access to basic services. The role emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and professional development, with team members encouraged to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.