Programme Start-up Lead for PROPEL

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. The organization partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. With a workforce of over 1,000 team members, Mercy Corps has a significant programmatic presence across Africa, working in more than 15 countries to enhance job creation, food and water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and promote peace and good governance.

Job Overview:
The Programme Start-up Lead for PROPEL is responsible for coordinating all start-up activities across the four target countries during the initial three-month inception phase. This role involves developing a comprehensive work plan, coordinating inception deliverables, setting up the PROPEL project in accordance with Mercy Corps’ program management standards, and managing financial and personnel resources. The Start-up Lead will also oversee the recruitment and induction of the program team, bridging the gap between the program's start-up needs and the existing capacity of the country and regional teams. At the end of the inception phase, the Start-up Lead will transition responsibilities to the long-term program lead who will manage the implementation phase. The role requires close collaboration with Junior Achievement Africa (JAA) and various stakeholders to ensure effective program execution and alignment with donor expectations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a strategic and achievable plan for the inception phase, focusing on evidence generation and analysis. This includes creating detailed implementation, procurement, stakeholder management, and budget utilization plans.
• Lead the implementation of inception phase activities, including labor market assessments in target countries to evaluate skills supply and demand.
• Formalize the partnership with JAA, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration.
• Conduct meetings with Z Zurich Foundation and Audemars Piguet Foundation to align on outcomes and priorities.
• Engage with HQ and Technical Support units to coordinate their involvement during the inception phase.
• Lead stakeholder engagement meetings to share program vision and identify collaboration opportunities.
• Collaborate with HR teams to establish recruitment and onboarding plans for key program roles.
• Manage the handover process to the substantive Program Director, including orientation and transitional support.
• Promote compliance with Mercy Corps, donor, and government regulations. 1
• Capture lessons learned to improve future project start-ups and prepare a post-startup work plan for regular program implementation.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in a relevant field such as development economics, finance, business administration, or a related field relevant to technical education, employment, or private-sector development.
• A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience managing programs in the field for organizations like Mercy Corps, with a strong understanding of program management policies and standards.
• Experience in TVET training, market systems development for employment, and innovative financial products.
• Proven experience working with financial institutions to provide inclusive finance to underserved markets.
• Strong organizational and work-planning skills, with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and representation skills.
• Experience working in Africa is strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; French fluency is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to achieve results quickly.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a BA/BS degree in a relevant field, which may include development economics, finance, business administration, or other fields pertinent to technical education, employment, or private-sector development. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the foundational knowledge necessary to manage and implement the program effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in managing programs, particularly in contexts similar to those in which Mercy Corps operates. Candidates should have a demonstrated understanding of program management, policies, and minimum standards, as well as experience in TVET training and working with financial institutions to provide inclusive finance. Experience in managing a consortium or working within a consortium is also beneficial, as is a strong preference for candidates with experience working in Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Proficiency in French is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication with partners and stakeholders in Francophone regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kampala, Uganda, and housing is provided in a private apartment under housing allowance regulations. The role may require travel to Tanzania, Liberia, and Senegal to support program start-up activities. Living conditions in the field locations are generally clean and secure, with access to healthcare, shopping, and social life. The organization promotes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to safeguarding principles and ethical standards.