Knowledge Management & Learning Lead (KMLL)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization founded in 1980, dedicated to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. With a mission to empower communities to overcome challenges and improve their livelihoods, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members who work collaboratively with local partners to implement programs that address the root causes of poverty and conflict. The organization emphasizes resilience building, which involves a systems-based approach that integrates multiple sectors and partnerships to strengthen food and water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, economic opportunities, and climate change adaptation. Mercy Corps is committed to diversity and inclusion, believing that diverse teams lead to better outcomes and long-term impact.

Job Overview:
The Knowledge Management & Learning Lead (KMLL) position is a critical role within Mercy Corps, aimed at supporting the implementation of a five-year Market Systems Development (MSD) program funded by SIDA. The KMLL will play a pivotal role during the one-year inception phase, which includes conducting comprehensive assessments and analyses, as well as developing a robust communications and knowledge management strategy for the subsequent four years of implementation. This position requires a proactive approach to fostering a culture of learning and adaptation within the program team, ensuring that knowledge is effectively documented, shared, and utilized to enhance program outcomes. The KMLL will also be responsible for managing the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team, guiding them in establishing effective MEL systems that align with donor standards and support program reflection and adaptation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The KMLL will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the development of a knowledge management strategy and operational plan; establishing systems and team capacity to achieve learning objectives; fostering a culture of learning and adaptation; managing MEL staff and providing guidance on MEL systems; strengthening collaboration and cross-learning within the program team and with external partners; authoring program reports and updates; identifying stories and communications to share results; organizing external events to enhance program visibility; facilitating a culture of collaboration and learning; managing internal document storage; and training and mentoring program team members in communications and knowledge management practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA/S degree in communication, public relations, development studies, or a relevant field, with a master's degree preferred. They should have at least 7 years of progressive work experience in communications and knowledge management for donor-funded development programs. Familiarity with the DCED standard for results measurement or experience in MSD approaches is preferred. Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills in English are required, along with the ability to simplify complex information for targeted audiences. Familiarity with graphic design, photo editing, and video editing is also beneficial. Experience in market systems development in agriculture or economic development programming is preferred, as well as demonstrated experience in training and capacity building across diverse teams and partners.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, development studies, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in knowledge management and learning within development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive work experience in communications and knowledge management specifically for donor-funded development programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing MEL systems and leading teams in a development setting, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex programmatic environments and achieve results.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills required. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working in a dynamic and evolving environment. Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance of teamwork, accountability, and effective communication. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws and customs at all times. The role may involve international travel and engagement with various stakeholders, requiring flexibility and adaptability.