Country Manager - Niger and Burkina Faso

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization established with the belief that a better world is possible. Since its inception, it has been dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by communities in disaster and hardship across more than 40 countries worldwide. The organization partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities from within. Mercy Corps has been operational in Niger since 2005, focusing on various critical areas such as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, livestock research, youth livelihoods, conflict prevention, social cohesion, climate change adaptation, and emergency response outcomes. Additionally, the organization has been active in Burkina Faso since 2016, working on social cohesion and youth and livestock programming. The overarching mission of Mercy Corps is to foster local communities' resilience to shocks and stresses, enabling them to achieve long-term, inclusive, and equitable development. The organization believes that meaningful and sustainable change requires collaboration among the private sector, government, and civil society, and is currently implementing both development and humanitarian programs in Niger and Burkina Faso.

Job Overview:
The Country Manager for Niger and Burkina Faso is a pivotal role that combines high-level program management, business development leadership, and official representation responsibilities. Given the relatively smaller scale of the country mission, the Country Manager will directly oversee program strategy, implementation, and quality assurance while serving as the primary representative of Mercy Corps in both Niger and Burkina Faso. This position demands a dynamic leader capable of providing strategic vision, managing complex multi-sector programs, ensuring compliance with donor regulations, and maintaining robust relationships with external stakeholders, including donors, local authorities, and national and international partners. The Country Manager will actively participate in portfolio management and growth, supported by the Deputy Regional Director for Programs. They will lead the technical oversight, management, and strategic vision of a multi-sectoral portfolio that encompasses both humanitarian and development programming, while also managing staff and resources to ensure that programs meet the highest quality standards and adhere to internal Mercy Corps policies and donor regulations, achieving targets and deliverables on time, within scope, and budget.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategy and Planning: Lead the development and communication of a clear vision for Mercy Corps’ programs in Niger and Burkina Faso, ensuring alignment with regional and global strategies. Develop and implement countrywide strategic plans responsive to the evolving context. Pursue innovative programming opportunities to sustain and grow the Mercy Corps portfolio in line with the country strategy. Analyze the Niger and Burkina Faso crisis and incorporate findings into planning for both short-term humanitarian and long-term recovery programming. Foster an environment that welcomes alternative viewpoints and innovative actions.
• Program Management: Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of multi-sector programs, ensuring adherence to Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards and donor expectations. Support and mentor program teams, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. Ensure operational systems are in place for administrative support and segregation of duties. Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy and accountability standards.
• Strategic Business Development: Lead efforts to identify and secure new funding opportunities that align with Mercy Corps’ strategic goals. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, NGOs, and the private sector. Coordinate proposal development and design with partner organizations.
• Team Management: Develop team capacity and assist with career development, providing tools and resources to improve performance. Promote accountability and provide constructive feedback. Create a respectful and accountable work environment. Lead recruitment efforts for key positions.
• Program Quality, Evidence & Learning: Communicate program goals and strategies to team members and stakeholders. Increase coordination and collaboration across Mercy Corps programming in Niger and Burkina Faso. Support high-quality data collection and the development of a learning agenda. Ensure programs meet donor obligations on scope, time, and budget.
• Finance & Compliance Management: Oversee financial management processes, ensuring transparency and compliance with donor regulations. Maintain oversight of program budgets and ensure appropriate resource allocation.
• Influence and Representation: Represent Mercy Corps to donors, government officials, and other stakeholders, ensuring strong partnerships. Maintain high ethical standards and treat all individuals with respect.
• Accountability to Affected Populations: Support efforts towards accountability to program participants and engage communities as equal partners in project design and evaluation.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities: Integrate safeguarding into work practices and encourage team members to report concerns.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: MA/S or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Experience: At least 5 years of continuous experience in portfolio and/or country management, with expertise in technical design and implementation of food security, livelihoods, youth engagement, peacebuilding, social cohesion, climate resilience, and/or economic development. A minimum of 2 years in humanitarian response in a complex context with international NGOs is a strong advantage.
• Skills: Excellent representation abilities with proven experience interacting with authorities, donors, and partners. Strong management, mentorship, and leadership skills. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate technical issues clearly. Understanding of donor regulations and compliance. Ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines. Strong program management skills and a solution-oriented attitude. Cultural sensitivity and adaptability in a multi-cultural context.
• Language: Excellent oral and written French skills are required; proficiency in English is an asset. Knowledge of Sphere standards and training in humanitarian response is an advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective program management and strategic oversight in complex humanitarian and development contexts.

Experience:
Candidates must possess at least 5 years of continuous experience in portfolio and/or country management, demonstrating expertise in technical design and implementation of programs related to food security, livelihoods, youth engagement, peacebuilding, social cohesion, climate resilience, and economic development. Additionally, at least 2 years of experience in humanitarian response within a complex context with international NGOs is highly advantageous, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges of the role effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective interaction with stakeholders. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities in a diverse working environment. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities at the country level, including direct oversight of program teams and strategic decision-making. The role may require international travel and engagement with various stakeholders, including government officials and donor representatives. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and aligned with Mercy Corps' policies.