Resilience Knowledge Hub Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization focuses on alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by fostering secure, productive, and just communities. In Zimbabwe, Mercy Corps has been active since 2002, concentrating on multi-sectoral market systems development, small-scale agriculture, and improving access to essential services such as water, sanitation, and hygiene. The organization aims to enhance the resilience of communities in Zimbabwe, which face recurrent environmental, economic, and social shocks that undermine development investments.

Job Overview:
The Resilience Knowledge Hub Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the Resilience Knowledge Hub (RKH) under the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF). This role serves as the primary liaison between UNDP and the ZRBF Steering Committee, ensuring effective coordination and implementation of RKH's core functions. The Team Leader will guide ZRBF partners in understanding and applying resilience concepts and methodologies, thereby driving the resilience agenda as outlined in the Zimbabwe Resilience Strategic Framework. The position also involves advising partners on conducting analyses and improving planning and implementation processes. The RKH Team Leader plays a critical role in providing leadership, management, and strategic vision to ensure that RKH meets its targets and deliverables efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The RKH Team Leader will supervise program staff, ensuring accountability to Mercy Corps policies and UNDP regulations. Responsibilities include leading the development of a Knowledge Management strategy, ensuring high-quality implementation of RKH, and adapting to changing contexts. The Team Leader will support the Resilience Measurement & Research Specialist in developing a strategic resilience measurement approach, contribute to sensemaking sessions with partners, and promote a culture of learning within the team. Additionally, the Team Leader will manage financial resources, ensure compliance with regulations, represent Mercy Corps at relevant events, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to avoid duplication of efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree or Advanced University Degree in development studies, international relations, resilience, climate change, Disaster Risk Reduction, or related fields. A minimum of 9 years of relevant management experience in resilience programming is required, with at least 5 years in a senior management position overseeing integrated, multi-sectoral programs. Strong communication skills, adaptability to shifting priorities, and experience in the Zimbabwean context are advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to teamwork and accountability, thriving in dynamic environments while maintaining effective communication.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree or an Advanced University Degree in fields related to development studies, international relations, resilience, climate change, or Disaster Risk Reduction. Equivalent qualifications may also be considered, particularly those involving research in these thematic areas.

Experience:
The position requires at least 9 years of relevant management experience in resilience programming, particularly in coordination and leadership roles within an international non-governmental organization (INGO). Candidates should have a strong background in managing integrated, multi-sectoral programs of similar size and scope, with at least 5 years in a senior management capacity. Experience in international development and familiarity with resilience-related research, monitoring, evaluation, and analytics are essential.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of the organization. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant leadership responsibilities. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in organizational learning activities, dedicating 5% of their time to such initiatives. The role emphasizes accountability to participants and adherence to safeguarding principles, ensuring a respectful and dignified environment for all individuals involved. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and annually thereafter.