Program / Department Summary 

Sustainable AgriFood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS)’ program aims to promote gains in food security and livelihoods through a demand-driven approach, with locally appropriate value chains developed in a co-creation process with communities and organizations. SASAS will deliver a range of activities in Khartoum state engaging private and public sectors to create demand-pull agricultural development, induce technology change and sustainable value chain development. The project is funded by USAID 

General Position Summary 

Under the supervision of the SASAS Project Manager, the Program Assistant is responsible for making sure that all systems are in order for effective delivery of the project. In addition, the Program Assistant helps to develop materials, translate documents, and organize the program offices.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Collaborate with the procurement staff on collecting pro forma invoices and finishing the procurement process to purchase materials for the grant.
• Assist with the planning and writing of progress reports
• Support the implementation of SASAS project activities 
• Ensure beneficiaries are targeted using gender lens and vulnerability criteria 
• Undertake awareness raising and outreach activities regarding the SASAS especially in relation to hard-to-reach groups
• Contribute to effective project reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use in coordination with the other project staff.
• Integrate community approaches, protection mainstreaming, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate
• Ensure project filing system is in place, adheres to internal and donor regulation and filing is regularly maintained
• Other duties as assigned.
• Assist in facilitating field visits for Mercy Corps staff and donor agency visitors. Actively participate in the development of new initiatives 
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

SECURITY 

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING 

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. 

Accountability to Beneficiaries 

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically 
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues

Knowledge and Experience 

• Willingness to engage in problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Advanced degree in English or the Social Sciences.
• 1 -2 years’ experience in related field
• Excellent computer skills, including expertise in PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook Express. 
• Strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to interact effectively with international and national personnel.
• Ability to perform several activities simultaneously, while maintaining a controlled presence.
• Superior English skills.
• Strong team player and communicator.

Success Factors 

The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. A professional standard of program, finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The post must be willing to travel to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

Females are highly encouraged to apply.