Temporary Officer- Climate Change and Environment

Aug 21, 2018 | Mercy Corps
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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, Mercy Corps partners 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 alleviates poverty, suffering, and oppression and works to build secure, productive, and just communities in over 40 countries around the world. Our Program Department supports field-led work that delivers measurable impact. Mercy Corps' Technical Support Unit (TSU) is a key part of the Program Department. TSU subject-matter experts help set agency strategy and provide consultation – from assessment and design through project implementation and results measurement – to field offices worldwide, in some of the world's toughest places. TSU team members lead research, foster organizational learning, represent Mercy Corps to external audiences, and develop partnerships. The TSU is also integral to global business development and revenue.

General Position Summary

The Officer position focuses on providing project management and administrative support to the environment energy and climate teams. The support includes, but is not limited to: program design and development, curriculum and workshop development, network and partnership development, delivering training, and disseminating information to internal partners.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Project Management SUPPORT for the Climate Information Services Research Initiative (CISRI)

• Provide core program management functions for the CISRI during a period of management transition.
• Manage the planning and workflow among technical experts, including partnership management.
• Work in partnership with the project technical lead to ensure project milestones are met and technical quality is sound.
• Support internal teams in managing the budget and ensuring donor compliance.
• Work with Director of Environment, Energy and Climate and the CISRI Program Manager to ensure grant-funded project work is coordinated with other efforts across the organization, through producing regular updates and other internal communications.

Administrative Support to the environment energy and climate (EEC)

• Provide a range of general support and assistance to the EEC and their work with country and program teams.
• Support with design of the Climate Resilient Development workshop including editing of presentations and workshop materials.
• Support with updating of the Climate Resilient Development workshop pending feedback from pilots.
• Lead the drafting of capacity statements, approach documents and other communication tools.
• Assist the EEC team in their efforts to prepare the agency, and country teams to engage with the Green Climate Fund.
• Help the team develop, refine, and disseminate tools such as training presentations and manuals, best practices and lessons learned, program examples, and monitoring and evaluation tools.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director of Environment, Energy and Climate

Works Directly With: EEC team

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Up to two years of experience in project management, developing communication tools, and working with climate change and environment tools.
• Practical field experience that may include: delivering capacity building curriculum working knowledge of climate change and environment.
• Familiarity with major donors such as USAID, DFID, the EC and relevant foundations and corporations.
• Fluency in English is required; fluency in a foreign language preferred.

Success Factors

The Officer will demonstrate a winning track record in program development, and bring flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm to every project they undertake. The individual must have exceptional writing skills and the ability to multi-task, set priorities, pay attention to detail, and work under tight deadlines within complex team environments. The officer must take an active role in building and maintaining external relationships as well as demonstrating the drive and initiative to contribute to internal team efforts. The individual must learn quickly how to provide technical data and support in the most efficient and effective form possible for each unique field team and environment. This requires strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, and a level of emotional intelligence proficiency that quickly builds and maintains productive relationships across teams. Being aware and sensitive to international development issues and diverse cultures is critical.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position has locations in Portland, OR; Washington D.C. Team members must be ready to deploy to field environments on short notice in response to any emergency or crisis.

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

Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps' vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.