ORGANISATION SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps is a global team of humanitarians working together on the front lines of today’s biggest crises to create a future of possibility, where everyone can prosper.

Our mission: to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

Mercy Corps Europe, formerly known as Mercy Corps Scotland, has been operational in Sudan since 2009 and is facilitating recovery by addressing economic recovery needs and laying the groundwork for long-term development. MC Europe’s work in Sudan has three major components: Civil Society Development, Economic Recovery and Development and Humanitarian Assistance with activities that span many sectors including agriculture, market and livelihoods development, water/sanitation, capacity building, peace building, infrastructure rehabilitation, emergency distribution. MC Europe is committed to long-term programming in Sudan and faces numerous opportunities for expansion.  

PROGRAM 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

[Describe overview of job missioGENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Mercy corps is looking for an experienced, qualified and business oriented Sudanese to fill in the position of Program Manager. The Project Manager is overall responsible for the day-to-day implementation of program implementation. He / She will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) to ensure the day-to-day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget, and required quality. The Project Manager reports directly to the MSD Portfolio Lead with written and oral activity and budget reports (as defined by the MSD Portfolio Lead). The Project Manager will assist the MSD  Portfolio Lead in outlining a strategic plan for the implementation of this program including identifying target areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Program Management: 

• To manage all operations related to the Project according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy. Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities Liaise with MSD Portfolio Lead, as necessary.   
• In close collaboration with the Director of Program, MSD Portfolio Lead and Human Resource Manager build the Project team program staff ensuring that there are fluent communication channels, that the reporting schedule is timely met and that program objectives are achieved.
• Coordinate and share information with the MSD Portfolio Lead to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are being achieved. Troubleshoot reporting and programmatic needs. Advise supervisor on suggested improvements and necessities, as required.
• Support program team to design and conduct training community in any areas related to the Project activities for staff, other training, communities and project beneficiaries.
• Produce written reports on the program activities capturing activities implemented during the reporting period.
• Maintain timely correspondence and keep up to date with program correspondences to the MSD Portfolio Lead, Director of Program, supporting departments and other program staff.
• Meet all program management requirement such as an updated program workplan, procurement plan, financial projections, supply and logistics needs among others. 
• Coordinate closely with the MSD Portfolio Lead, Director of Program, Human Resources Manager, and relevant administrative and finance staff to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the program are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the program. 
• Conduct regular field visits and provide adequate support and advise to program staff to ensure program targets are met in both qualitative and quantitative metrices.
• Oversee the program filing system as pe Mercy Corps program retention and other standards and ensure that information is organized according to the reporting and auditing needs.
• Ensure that all work follows humanitarian principles, sphere and other applicable standards.
• Ensure that Project fits into the strategic plan, agricultural strategy, overall MSD portfolio, and provide input into the strategic plan. Overall responsible for obtaining any permissions or reporting of the Program activities required by the Government.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Team Management 

• Monitor and advise on staffing needs and assist in the recruitment and training of program staff to ensure staff are of the required quality and capacity for successful implementation.
•  Ensure evaluations and disciplinary measures are made, as necessary according to MC policy.
• Ensure the close coordination and sharing of information between the various sectors of the program staff including engineering, agriculture, community development and program support with regular program meetings and activity plans.
• Provide direct and ongoing supervision, management and support to all national staff, including setting targets, reviewing outputs and ensuring adherence to Mercy Corps policies.
• Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development including provision of information, tools and resources to improve performance.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-ones and team-level performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

Representation

• Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, village councils and local government in the target districts of the area.
• Mobilize communities to participate in the design, implementation and maintenance of projects as well as design viable strategies which are both respectful with the local culture and sensitive towards the female population but that are effective in engaging women in the activities of the program.
• Ensure close coordination with relevant government institutions (Ministry of Agriculture, Humanitarian Aid Commission, Government representatives, etc.).
• Stay informed on Sudan-wide cross-cutting issues relevant to the Project including agricultural programming, agri-enterprise development, livestock issues and community development initiatives.

1. Collaboration, Networking, Representation and Coordination

• Maintain good coordination and working relationships and solicit participation in activities where appropriate and as directed to create synergy, share experiences and obtain support for program objectives.
• On PM’s guidance, coordinate and share information with relevant stakeholders (government, NGOs etc) and obtain their support for meaning participation, access to resources and decision making by women.
• Represent Mercy Corps and the program in FSL Working Groups and other local FSL forums and GBV working group meetings on behalf of the Program Manager.
• 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. Respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues. 

1. Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting on the FSL thematic area by ensuring formulation of relevant indicators, participating in assessments, surveys and ensuring appropriate analysis. 
• Work closely with the MEL team to capture data for measuring output, outcome and impact.
• Conduct monitoring visits to assess the effectiveness of program activities and adjust as required.
• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that are indicative of program progress. Respond to queries when necessary and maintain a proper filing system as required.
• Provide follow up on recommendations and solutions where there are problems in implementation.

 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.

Do This 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

SASAS Project Officers & SASAS Project Assistants.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: MSD Portfolio Lead

Works Directly With: Director of Programs, Program Performance & Quality Director & MEL Manager, program implementation team and support team (finance, operations and procurement) 

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

• Required: A degree in Agriculture, livestock production, animal production or closely related.
• Strong advantage: Experience in private sector engagement or Market support programs.
• Experience of gender dynamics in target areas and knowledge of national gender policy frameworks
• Demonstrated commitment to women’s rights, human rights and social justice.
• Strong skills in networking, collaboration, teamwork and problem-solving.
• Required: Minimum 4 years of experience at management level, preferably on a development program especially agriculture targeting rural communities.
• Advantage: Qualification in project or program management at minimum diploma level.
• Strong managerial and administrative skills and capacity to manage a large team in multiple sectors. 
• Good coordination and liaison skills and ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English and Arabic languages.
• Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Word, Excel and Power Point 
• Commitment to working with program participants in need regardless of race, religion or gender.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

An ability to support programmatic objectives, willingness to work in rural areas, analytical, creative problem solving, negotiation, coaching and mentorship abilities. Should have a strong capacity to influence mindsets and drive behavior change. A strong results orientation, good interpersonal skills and an impeccable professional person with clear ethical standards and willing to comply with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.