Job Advertisement

Position Title: Deputy Regional Director, Operations
Location: Dakar
Country: Senegal
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global non-profit organization that has been operating since 1981, dedicated to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. With a presence in over 40 countries, Mercy Corps employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working in various sectors including Economic Development, health, education, and Disaster Response. The organization focuses on empowering communities to overcome challenges and improve their livelihoods through innovative programs and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Director, Operations (DRD-O) plays a crucial role in supporting Mercy Corps' expanding operations in the West and Central Africa region, which includes nine countries. This position is designed for a senior leader who will provide strategic support to country offices, ensuring that operations align with Mercy Corps' mission and objectives. The DRD-O will work closely with the Regional Director and various focal points to enhance Coordination and improve operational efficiency. The role involves overseeing a departmental budget of approximately 2 million USD and supporting the planning of country program budgets within a regional portfolio of around 400 million USD. The DRD-O will also manage ethics and safeguarding efforts, ensuring that the organization adheres to internal and external policies while promoting accountability and excellence across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Regional Director, Operations will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: acting as a key partner for the Regional Director to achieve effective regional management; contributing to regional overviews and annual implementation plans; providing support on program planning, budgeting, and management; mobilizing effective support systems; managing regional core budgets; overseeing regional scorecards and performance indicators; motivating and guiding teams towards excellence; ensuring compliance with legal and operational standards; leading risk management efforts; collaborating with various support functions; and representing Mercy Corps with external stakeholders. The DRD-O will also be involved in Crisis Management, logistics planning, and maintaining high ethical standards within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a detailed understanding of the grant/project implementation life cycle, confident communication and facilitation skills, and the ability to lead multi-department teams. They should demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities at an organizational level, as well as the ability to manage multiple issues simultaneously, particularly in Emergency situations. A strong commitment to accountability and ethical conduct is essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in international development, social science, public or business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master's degree or equivalent years of experience is strongly preferred. An advanced degree or certification in finance and accounting is also preferred, highlighting the importance of financial management skills in this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8-10 years of field experience in senior management and direct program implementation, particularly in complex or fragile environments. Experience with US, UK, EU, UN, and other public and private donors, as well as government grant and financial management requirements, is essential. A demonstrated understanding of humanitarian and development issues in the region is also required, along with significant experience in navigating the challenges of operating in these contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and French is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in both languages is crucial for collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, regular position based in Dakar, Senegal, with up to 30% travel required to support Country Programs. The role may involve travel to insecure locations and areas with limited amenities. Housing for this position is provided, and staff will have access to quality medical services. Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and safeguarding, requiring team members to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct and participate in mandatory training on safeguarding and ethics.