ABOUT MERCY CORPS

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Mercy Corps has been operational in Sudan since 2004, and currently has a country office in Port Sudan and field offices in South Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, Kassala, River Nile, Northern and Gedaref states. Mercy Corps’ current areas of programming include food security and livelihoods, WaSH, health, nutrition, resilience, and Market Systems Development. Mercy Corps’ Sudan crisis response seeks to meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Sudanese and other conflict-affected people across the country. Mercy Corps Sudan is recognized as a leader in market systems, agricultural, and food security and building on this experience, the Mercy Corps Sudan humanitarian program will layer in resilience and other program activities where appropriate and feasible to do so.

The Sudan Durable Solutions - Building Resilience and Supporting Solutions to Displacement in Central Darfur Project is an initiative funded by Sida/SDC

Outcome 1 Access to Livelihoods: This component supports the following: 

• Market Infrastructure Rehabilitated 
• Vocational Trainings Provided 
• Village Savings and Loan Associations Supported 
• Cash for Work and 
• Agricultural Inputs and capacity building 

Outcome 2 Access to Social Services: This component supports infrastructure developments for social service provision.  

Outcome 3 Peacebuilding: this component supports: 

• Local peacebuilding structures created/supported 
• Youth engagement in peacebuilding

Outcome 4 Natural Resource Management: this component supports provision of support to local land use peace committees

THE POSITION   Summary

Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified, and business and or project management-oriented Sudanese to fill in the position of Project Manager- Central Darfur State. The Project Manager is overall responsible for the day-to-day implementation of all Durable Solutions project activities in Um Dukhun. The Project Manager will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, operations, and human resources to ensure the day-to-day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget, scope, and required quality. The Project Manager reports directly to Team Leader and will lead in Um Dukhun 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 RESPONSIBILITIES 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Manage all operations related to the Durable Solution 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.   
• 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.
• Ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are being achieved. 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 Lead, MEL Manager, Grants Coordinator, Private Sector Manager, Project Engineer supporting departments and other program staff.
• Meet all PM@MC requirement such as an updated program workplan, procurement plan, financial projections, supply and logistics needs among others. 
• Coordinate closely with the Operation Director, Human Resources Director, and Finance Director to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources, transport and finance needs of the program 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 per 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 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, SARHO/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, Peacebuilding, issues and community development initiatives 

Capacity building and mentoring 

• Assist in the recruitment and training of program staff to ensure staff are of the quality and capacity to ensure the successful implementation of all Program activities. Monitor and advise on staffing needs throughout the program. 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, Peacebuilding, community development and program support with regular program meetings and activity plans.
• Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all national staff, including agriculture, community development, Peacebuilding and program support staff.
• Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
•  Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

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.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

FSL Project Officer, WaSH Project Officer- Project Assistant, MEAL Officer, Project Assistants

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Team Leader 

Works Directly With: Area Manager, FSL Project Officer, WaSH Project Officer, Grants Coordinator, MSD Technical Lead, Project Engineer, MEL Coordinator, MEL Officer, Sub Awards Officer

ACCOUNTABILITY TO PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION & TRANSFERABLE SKILLS 

• Required: A degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agriculture economics, or closely related.
• Required: Minimum 4 years’ managing agriculture programs, Peacebuilding preferably development oriented.
• Advantage: Experience in Peacebuilding, market systems development (MSD) or market support Programs
• Advantage: Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management.
• Strong administrative and planning skills to manage a large team in multiple sectors. 
• Administrative capacity and planning skills to manage a large team of national staff of multiple sectors. 
• Capability to coordinate government and privates’ sector to develop agriculture markets. 
• Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.
• Good negotiation, representation, skills and the ability to work with vast audiences.
• Experience of gender dynamics and knowledge of national gender policy frameworks
• Proven skills in networking, collaboration, consultation; teamwork and problem-solving.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English and Arabic languages.
• Good 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.
• This post requires a high computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications. 
• Sincere commitment to engaging women in community agricultural initiatives. 
• Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
• Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.

SUCCESS FACTOR

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. 

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

Ongoing learning in support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis. As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. 

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

LIVING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/short term assignment to a field posting. 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.