Deputy Regional Director, Programs (DRD-P)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to humanitarian crises, it operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with local communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization focuses on addressing the challenges posed by disasters, conflicts, and climate change, aiming to create lasting change through innovative and locally-led initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Director, Programs (DRD-P) plays a crucial role in addressing the humanitarian challenges faced by the MENA/Europe region, particularly those driven by protracted conflicts and climate change. This senior leadership position involves working closely with the Regional Vice-President (RVP) to ensure transformational change through impactful programming. The DRD-P is responsible for providing strategic direction and support to regional and country teams, ensuring that programming aligns with Mercy Corps’ four P2P outcome areas: security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, Water Security, Economic Opportunity, and Peace and Good Governance. The role requires overseeing the delivery of high-impact programming that meets donor commitments and adheres to Mercy Corps’ program management standards. The DRD-P will lead various teams, including Technical Resources, Evidence & Quality, Awards Management, Business Development, and Crisis Analysis, ensuring that resources are strategically deployed to achieve programmatic excellence and community resilience in crisis-affected areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Regional Director, Programs will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Strategy and Planning: Collaborating with the RVP to develop effective regional strategies and annual implementation plans that align with Mercy Corps’ Pathway to Possibility.
• Program Leadership: Providing overall programmatic leadership and overseeing program performance across the portfolio, ensuring high impact through strong technical quality and sound management practices.
• Team Management: Motivating and guiding teams towards excellence, ensuring a positive work environment, and directly supervising Country Directors and other key team members.
• Program Development: Overseeing business development functions to ensure high-quality proposals that align with regional strategies and support portfolio growth.
• Influence and Representation: Building strong relationships with donors and partners, representing Mercy Corps in the region, and promoting the organization’s capabilities and strategic vision.
• Communication: Facilitating program coordination and information sharing within and between countries, and maintaining close working relationships with counterparts in other regions.
• Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and ensuring accountability to beneficiaries, while integrating safeguarding practices into all aspects of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA/S in international development, social science, public or business administration, or other relevant fields, with an MA/S or equivalent experience preferred. A minimum of 10 years of field experience in senior management and direct program implementation is required, particularly in complex or fragile environments. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency with various public and private donors, as well as a strong understanding of humanitarian and development issues in the region. Experience in strategy development, design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, and planning is essential, along with an internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain such a qualification. Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, while fluency in Arabic is considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a BA/S in relevant fields such as international development, social science, public or business administration. An MA/S or equivalent years of experience is strongly preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian and development work.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of field experience in senior management roles, with a focus on direct program implementation. Candidates should have experience working in complex or fragile environments, managing and supervising large teams, and demonstrating staff mentorship and development capabilities. Familiarity with donor grant and financial management requirements is also essential, as is significant experience in strategy development and program design.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this role. Additionally, fluency in Arabic is considered advantageous, as it may facilitate communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is preferably based within the MENAE Region, but remote work is possible if the candidate is located within a +/- 3-hour time difference from Jordan and has the right to work in their location. The role requires up to 30% travel to the region, which may include travel to insecure locations. Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance 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 high ethical standards and safeguarding principles.