Deputy Regional Director, Programs

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global non-profit organization that helps people in the world's toughest places survive the crises they confront and turn them into opportunities for progress. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries, employing more than 5,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various sectors, including economic development, health, education, and disaster response, with a mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Director, Programs (DRD-P) is a senior leadership position within Mercy Corps, responsible for overseeing a significant regional budget of approximately 250 million USD and managing a diverse portfolio of programs across Asia. This role requires a strategic leader who collaborates closely with the Regional Director to ensure impactful programming that aligns with Mercy Corps' mission and objectives. The DRD-P will lead teams focused on Technical Resources & Quality, Evidence & Learning, Awards Management, and Business Development, ensuring that programs are designed and implemented effectively to enhance community resilience against conflicts and climate shocks. The position demands a commitment to innovation and the ability to influence change at various levels, ensuring that the organization's commitments to climate-smart, evidence-driven, and inclusive practices are operationalized within the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DRD-P will be responsible for strategic planning and execution across the regional portfolio, ensuring that all programs achieve high impact through strong technical quality and sound management practices. This includes overseeing program performance, leading the development of a Regional Evidence and Learning Agenda, and managing complex programs with large budgets. The role also involves team management, where the DRD-P will motivate and guide teams towards excellence, ensuring a positive work environment and effective collaboration across global support offices and country teams. Additionally, the DRD-P will oversee business development functions, ensuring high-quality proposals are submitted to grow the regional portfolio, and will represent Mercy Corps in external engagements to build relationships with donors and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA/S in international development, social science, public or business administration, or a related field, with an MA/S or equivalent experience strongly preferred. A minimum of 10 years of field experience in senior management and direct program implementation is required, particularly in complex or fragile environments. Experience managing large teams and a strong understanding of donor requirements and financial management are essential. Candidates should also have significant experience in strategy development, design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, and knowledge of humanitarian standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as international development, social science, or public administration. A master's degree or equivalent experience is strongly preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in international development work.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant field experience, particularly in senior management roles and direct program implementation. Experience in complex or fragile environments is a plus, as is direct experience managing and supervising large teams. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in working with various public and private donors and have a strong understanding of the humanitarian and development issues prevalent in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in another language relevant to the portfolio of countries served by Mercy Corps is considered advantageous, enhancing communication and effectiveness in diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with responsibilities that may require travel to various countries within the Asia region where Mercy Corps operates. The role involves significant leadership responsibilities, including the management of large teams and complex programs. The Deputy Regional Director, Programs will also be expected to represent Mercy Corps at external events and engage with stakeholders to promote the organization's mission and values. The position may involve working in emergency situations, requiring flexibility and adaptability.