ABOUT MERCY CORPS

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

The Strengthening Agricultural Markets and Food Security (SAFE) programme, implemented by Mercy Corps in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a SIDA funded USD 13 million programme that aims to improve food security for 41,000 male and female smallholder farmer households through enhanced gender-equitable market access and agricultural production. The programme which initially ran from July 2019 to September 2023 and has been extended to run until Dec 2025. The SAFE programme strengthens the capacities of key market actors, contributing to improved resilience capacities to shocks and stresses. It is guided by a Market Systems Development (MSD) and resilience approaches to sustain food security gains despite the complex risk environment in which smallholder farmers are exposed to. Specifically, the program enables smallholder farmers to increase climate resilient yields, sustainable natural resource management practices, market linkages, gender equity and empowerment of women and girls. 

The program aims to improve the income, food security, and resilience of low-income, marginalized communities in Sudan through three outcomes: inclusive and productive markets, healthy and fertile ecosystems, and gender-equitable communities and markets. To achieve this, the program will deliver outputs such as access to agricultural inputs and information, financial services, and buyers, as well as resilient agriculture and promotion of gender-equitable norms and behaviors. Activities will include promoting access to improved agricultural inputs, digitizing financial services, strengthening savings groups, and promoting 

THE POSITION Summary

Mercy corps is looking for an experienced, qualified and business oriented Sudanese to fill in the position of Agribusiness Development Officer. Reporting to the Program Manager, the holder of this technical position will implement aspects related to agribusiness development and ensure synergy with other components. She/he will in ensure commercialization of small holder farming practices and enterprises and link farmers to markets for products and other market-oriented opportunities such as contract farming 

The incumbent’s responsibilities will include businesses’ capacity assessment and research; capacity building support to program targeted agribusinesses including technical assistance, mentorship and coaching; and facilitating linkages to supporting services. He/she will also use market systems development approach to stimulate economic growth to create increased income and build wealth for farmers while maximizing investment from the private and public sectors. Additionally, he/she will work with key market players to ensure capacity building of farmers, agribusinesses and farmer institutions and linkage to market players. He/She will contribute to analytical thinking and innovative approaches and will support integration of all SAFE program components.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• With support from the Project Lead, periodically conduct detailed analysis
  of the capacity, and key opportunities/ constraints for agro-input trader, commodity trade partners, tree nurseries and cooperatives.
• Identify the capacity gaps of small and medium businesses, design and implement most feasible, tailored capacity-building interventions based on identified gaps.
• Offer continuous technical guidance, capacity-building support, mentoring and coaching to agribusinesses that the program is working with.
• Facilitate the development of farmer institutions (groups, cooperative societies and unions) into viable business units and capable of meaningfully interacting with market actors
• Organize and manage successful and impactful Agriculture fairs, 
• Support business strengthening of Village input retail shop strengthening, village tree nurseries and farmers into cooperatives and associations:
• Support Savings and Lending Groups (SLGs) members to strengthen group and individual businesses 
• Selection, and strengthening business which receive Agri-business Asset purchase through matching grants and loans as well as transport support grants 
• Lead the Creation and or strengthening of farm output market aggregation networks Promote the development and marketing of Fuel-efficient cooking stoves and adotion of matching practices:
• Participate in markets systems assessment, validation workshops, and stakeholder platforms/events in in collaboration with program Lead.
• constraints 
• Support market actors to develop approaches/modalities to support the establishment and/or expansion of the high-potential MSME to improve last-mile service delivery of inputs, financial services, information, output markets etc. 
• .Facilitate the development and implementation of short-term strategies to create linkages between market actors (i.e., training providers, technology providers, inputs suppliers, PHH equipment suppliers, producers, traders, processors, cooperatives, financial service providers) to improve outreaches in the target communities for increased production, income and resilience.
• Facilitate the implementation of the impactful activities by market actors to create jobs and access opportunities for youth and women in target areas.
• Conduct regular field visits to assess activity implementation progress, give technical advice / mentor and provide feedback(s) to farmers, partners, staff for further improvement.
• Closely work with supervisor and MEL team to develop of results chains, monitoring tools/ measuring indicators, milestones development, and monitoring/ reporting of output and outcomes.
• Ensures the program properly captures, documented and updated relevant information including through weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual and activity  reports and contribute to donor reports.
• In collaboration with supervisor, work to build and maintain close relationships with key partners, (government, private sector, associations and local authorities.
• Engage relevant stakeholders (government, extension services providers etc.) to ensure farmers receive adequate quality trainings and adopt Resilient Agricultural practices.
• Facilitate program partners in development and capacity building of support establishment of last mile agricultural supply points and networks.

 other tasks assigned:

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. 

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.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITY

• 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 ; None 

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: The Project Lead

Works Directly With: Program officers, program assistants, and Support Departments, (Finance, Operations, Logistics & Human resources) and other MC staff.

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 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness, crop production with advanced degree in business studies or experience OR Degree in business development with agriculture related experience or any relevant discipline.
• A minimum from 3-5 years’ experience with INGOs and small holder farmers in production and business development.
• Experience working in market support/strengthening programs or MSD approach is a big advantage
• Experience in working in the private sector, specifically agriculture input, output and post-harvest materials, or financial services or related field is an added advantage. 
• Familiarity with national agriculture and livestock sector strategies, tools and approaches is required
• Strong negotiation, representation, skills and the ability to work comfortably with a vast audience
• 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
• Proven skills in networking, collaboration, community consultation; teamwork and problem-solving.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English and Arabic and representation skills is required
• 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

SUCCESS FACTORS 

• Strong leadership and collaborative engagement with operations, finance, and other program staff.
• Fluent in English and Somali languages
• Business minded, entrepreneurial, adaptive, curious, great problem-solving skills, unafraid to ask questions, and results motivated.
• He/she will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and networking skills with a wide range of private, partner and NGO-sector actors

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

The position is based in Port Sudan.

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. 

Female is highly encouraged to apply.