Director, Central America

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established over 40 years ago, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization has been active in Guatemala for over 20 years, focusing on rural development, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, water security, health, land conflict mediation, land formalization, and violence prevention programming. With a commitment to addressing high levels of development and humanitarian needs, Mercy Corps is expanding its operations into Honduras and Mexico, aiming to enhance its multi-country programming and support for communities in Central America.

Job Overview:
The Mercy Corps Central America Director is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the day-to-day programs and operations in Guatemala while spearheading the establishment of new program operations in Honduras and Mexico. This position requires a growth-driven leader with extensive experience in managing operations and programming in dynamic environments. The Director will supervise the Guatemala country team leadership and ensure compliance with local laws, Mercy Corps policies, and donor regulations. They will also be responsible for maintaining high program quality, ensuring timely and budget-compliant implementation of programs, and contributing to proposal development for both Guatemala-focused and multi-country initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in emergency response and rapid program expansion, with a focus on innovative solutions to humanitarian and development challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director's essential responsibilities include strategic planning and communication of a clear vision for Mercy Corps in Central America, exploring new country initiatives and funding opportunities, and leading the development of expansion strategies. They will manage the Guatemala team, providing support for career development and performance improvement. Program management duties involve overseeing program quality, ensuring compliance with donor policies, and managing budgets effectively. The Director will also supervise operations, ensuring adherence to compliance standards and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, they will represent Mercy Corps in new geographies, participate in humanitarian networks, and contribute to risk management and security planning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in social science, management, international development, or a related field. They should have 8-10 years of progressive field experience in international relief and development, with a proven track record in managing humanitarian and complex multi-sector programs. Senior leadership experience, including team capacity building, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in donor management and have technical knowledge in areas such as agriculture, WASH, nutrition, or conflict management. Familiarity with emergency response standards and experience in legal registration and startup of operations in new jurisdictions are preferred. Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in social science, management, international development, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of international development and humanitarian work, equipping the candidate with the skills needed to lead programs effectively and manage diverse teams.

Experience:
The position requires 8-10 years of progressive field experience in international relief and development, with a focus on managing humanitarian, rural development, and complex multi-sector programs. Candidates should have significant senior leadership and field management experience, demonstrating their ability to build effective teams and manage operations in challenging environments. Experience in emergency response and disaster management is also highly valued, as is a proven track record of successful donor management and compliance.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication with local partners, stakeholders, and team members, ensuring that the Director can navigate the diverse linguistic landscape of Central America. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Guatemala and requires up to 40% travel to support programs and expanding operations in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. The role may involve travel to insecure locations with limited amenities. Mercy Corps is committed to ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization fosters a culture of trust and respect, valuing diverse experiences and perspectives within the team. As an equal opportunity employer, Mercy Corps is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without discrimination.