About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps Global 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 / Department Summary 

Mercy Corps (MC) Europe has been working in Sudan since 2009 with the goal of supporting the transition to a fair and lasting peace by implementing programs that promote long-term, sustainable development and contribute to secure, productive and just communities. MC Europe 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.  

Mercy Corps will be implementing a 12-month BHA funded project scheduled to start on 1 September 2023, proposed by a consortium made up of three partners whose areas of expertise are complementary. The program aims to meet the urgent needs of populations affected by the conflict in Sudan or displaced, as well as host communities. The project adopts an integrated approach, including nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter and NFI, protection and multi-purpose cash assistance to respond to a complex situation, which corresponds to the most recent crisis to an entrenched regional and national crisis.

General Position Summary 

The Referral Officer will be responsible for coordinating and connecting referrals for children affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) from primary health facilities to Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) programs. The officer will ensure effective communication and collaboration between primary health facilities, community organizations, and cash assistance programs, to provide timely and appropriate support for affected children and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Referral Coordination and Management:
   • Develop and maintain a network of primary health facilities to facilitate referrals for children affected by SAM and MAM.
   • Coordinate and manage the referral process from primary health facilities to MPCA programs.
   • Ensure referral pathways are efficient, transparent, and accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
2. Case Management:
   • Maintain a comprehensive database of referred cases and monitor their progress through MPCA programs.
   • Conduct follow-ups with families and ensure they receive the necessary support and assistance.
   • Document and report on the outcomes of referrals and the impact of the assistance provided.
3. Communication and Collaboration:
   • Act as the primary liaison between primary health facilities, community organizations, and MPCA program staff.
   • Facilitate regular meetings and communication among stakeholders to ensure cohesive service delivery.
   • Advocate for the needs and rights of children affected by SAM and MAM within the referral network.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Monitor the effectiveness of referral processes and identify areas for improvement.
   • Collect and analyze data related to referrals and outcomes to inform program development and adjustments.
   • Prepare regular reports on referral activities and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.
5. Training and Capacity Building:
   • Provide training and support to staff at primary health facilities on the referral process and the importance of MPCA for children affected by SAM and MAM.
   • Develop and distribute informational materials about referral pathways and MPCA programs.
6. Compliance and Ethical Standards:
   • Ensure all referral activities comply with organizational policies, donor requirements, and relevant legal and ethical standards.
   • Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of children and families involved in the referral process.
7. 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

Accountability to Partners

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

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability 

Reports Directly To: Area Manager

Works Directly With: Team Leader, Finance Department, Operations Department, Director of Programs
 

Knowledge and Experience 

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Nutrition, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in case management, social work, or a related field.
  • Experience working with malnourished children and familiarity with SAM and MAM.
  • Previous experience in humanitarian aid, cash assistance programs, or community outreach is highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Strong organizational and coordination skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in data management and reporting.
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with vulnerable populations.
• Other Requirements:
  • Ability to travel within the region as needed.
  • Fluency in Arabi and English.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy Corps.
• Success Factors

The successful Referral Officer will combine exceptional management skills and technical experience in running Cash Transfer Programs (CTP) in Central Darfur/South Darfur/North/South Kordofan. S/he will have an outstanding ability to implement CTP programs. Prioritizing, problem solving, ability to seize opportunities, attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams and capacity building. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability and thrive in an evolving and changing environment while taking care of self and others.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions 

The position is based in Elobied and it requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited.  Housing for this role is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard.  

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 

Team Efficiency and Effectiveness  

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work. 

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out different 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. 

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. 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).