Emergency Response Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address humanitarian crises, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with local communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and fostering resilience in vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Response Team Leader will play a critical role in leading and coordinating humanitarian program implementation in Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria. This position is essential for ensuring the rapid start-up of emergency interventions, establishing operational systems, and facilitating effective collaboration among various teams including program, operations, finance, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL). The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that high-quality, accountable, and timely life-saving interventions are delivered to vulnerable communities, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. The Emergency Response Team Leader will be responsible for developing detailed implementation plans, managing program management tools, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations and Mercy Corps standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Emergency Response Team Leader will be responsible for leading the rapid start-up of humanitarian interventions, ensuring that all activities align with donor requirements and Mercy Corps standards. Key responsibilities include developing and operationalizing detailed implementation workplans, establishing program management tools such as budget trackers and activity trackers, and ensuring clear coordination mechanisms across program and support teams. The position will oversee field implementation to ensure that activities are delivered on time, on target, and within budget, while adhering to technical standards and principles of protection and accountability. The leader will also conduct regular budget versus actual (BvA) reviews, represent Mercy Corps in coordination forums, and provide mentoring and support to program managers and sector leads. Additionally, the role involves fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism during rapid response operations, while actively integrating safeguarding practices into all aspects of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree in humanitarian studies, international development, or a related field preferred. A minimum of 7 to 10 years of humanitarian programming experience is required, including leadership roles in emergency response contexts. Candidates should demonstrate experience in rapid program start-up and large-scale humanitarian implementation, as well as strong knowledge of donor compliance requirements. Proven ability to establish program management systems, including workplans and monitoring tools, is essential. Experience working in insecure and conflict-affected environments is required, along with strong leadership, coordination, and problem-solving skills. Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree in humanitarian studies, international development, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the challenges faced in emergency response situations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in humanitarian programming, specifically in emergency response contexts. This experience should include demonstrated leadership in rapid program start-up and large-scale humanitarian implementation, as well as familiarity with donor compliance requirements and operational management in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the operational context in Nigeria.

Additional Notes:
This is an unaccompanied position 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 strict security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols is mandatory. Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace and is committed to equal employment opportunities. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws and customs at all times.