Programs Director - OCHA

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates in over 40 countries, driven by the belief that a better world is possible. The organization focuses on providing bold solutions to help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. Mercy Corps has a diverse portfolio of humanitarian and resilience programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and climate-related shocks. The organization aims to deliver timely and effective emergency responses while promoting sustainable recovery for crisis-affected communities.

Job Overview:
The Programs Director - OCHA is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of Mercy Corps Nigeria’s humanitarian programming portfolio. This role involves driving the expansion and quality of humanitarian interventions across Nigeria, ensuring that responses to crises affecting vulnerable populations are timely, effective, and principled. The Programs Director will work closely with the Country Director and senior leadership team to guide strategic positioning for humanitarian funding opportunities, strengthen donor engagement, and maintain Mercy Corps’ reputation for delivering impactful humanitarian programs. Additionally, the position will lead efforts to capture and showcase Mercy Corps’ learning, innovation, and impact in humanitarian programming, thereby strengthening evidence generation and thought leadership within the humanitarian sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programs Director will provide strategic leadership for Mercy Corps Nigeria’s humanitarian programming portfolio, focusing on emergency response, early recovery, and resilience programming. Key responsibilities include identifying emerging humanitarian needs and funding opportunities, leading the development of humanitarian response strategies, and ensuring strong integration between humanitarian response and long-term development programming. The role also involves leading strategic engagement with key humanitarian donors, developing high-quality humanitarian proposals, and maintaining partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and government actors. The Programs Director will oversee program implementation, ensuring adherence to humanitarian principles and standards, and will manage financial resources in compliance with Mercy Corps policies and donor regulations. Additionally, the position requires leading knowledge management efforts, representing Mercy Corps in humanitarian coordination platforms, and providing leadership and mentorship to senior program staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international development, humanitarian studies, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in humanitarian programming is required, including senior leadership roles in complex and insecure environments. Demonstrated experience managing large-scale humanitarian programs funded by donors such as DoS, ECHO, OCHA, or UN agencies is essential. A proven track record in humanitarian proposal development and donor engagement is necessary, along with a strong understanding of humanitarian coordination systems and standards. Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in international development, humanitarian studies, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the strategic planning necessary for effective program management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in humanitarian programming, particularly in senior leadership roles within complex and insecure environments. This experience should include managing large-scale humanitarian programs and engaging with key humanitarian donors, which is critical for the success of the role.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Additional languages relevant to the operational context may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is unaccompanied and based in Maiduguri, Borno State, where living conditions are basic but functional. The position holder will reside in shared staff housing and will have access to essential amenities and health services. The role involves travel to operational areas, primarily via UNHAS scheduled flights, and adherence to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols is mandatory. Mercy Corps emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Team members are encouraged to engage in ongoing learning activities to support their personal and professional growth.