Jordan: Emergency Program Manager

Nov 5, 2017 | 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, 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, with an established emergency response program in Syria, manages its North Syria programming remotely from Amman, Jordan.  Emergency programming will be implemented through a mix of direct implementation and through partnerships with local, Syria-based organizations, the latter being a new modality for the North Syria program.  Emergency programming is central to the response and is comprised of outreach, referrals and the delivery of emergency support and basic needs, including shelter, WASH, non-food items.

General Position Summary

The Emergency Program Manager ensures the smooth running of the Emergency Program to make sure that vulnerable, at-risk individuals and their families are support with critical life-saving or life-sustaining assistance.  The position includes design and technical oversight of Emergency programming activities and supervision of staff; ensuring appropriate systems and support mechanisms are in place to track, analyzing results and reporting on them. Emergency programming includes cash and voucher distributions, emergency life-sustaining assistance, as well as activities related to access to safe shelter conditions and the distribution of non-food items (NFIs). The Emergency Needs Program Manager is a strong team leader & communicator, able to develop and mentor field team members. A background in cash and vouchers is desirable. In addition to written and spoken fluency in English and good working knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Ensure that relevant systems, tools and procedures are developed for effective assessment, program implementation, and documentation, tracking & reporting of activities.
  • For cash and voucher programming, establish a system of continuous market monitoring & analysis.
  • Ensure that relevant SPHERE standards are followed.
  • Help ensure the application of appropriate eligibility criteria and appropriate tailored assistance through cash & vouchers and / or in-kind service &commodity support.
  • Ensure that protection standards are mainstreamed through program activities.
  • Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to grant management.
  • Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
  • Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.
  • Represent Mercy Corps and the program to donors and other stakeholders as required.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with UNHCR, INGO, government authorities, and other key stakeholders to ensure active coordination, collaboration, and information dissemination.
  • Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
Team Management
  • Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
  • Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
  • Supervise, hire, and orient new team members as necessary.
  • Hold the team accountable to weekly and monthly work plans.
  • Coach and train the staff with the aim of strengthening their technical capacity and exchanging knowledge within the team to capitalize their experiences in the field at agency level.
  • Promote and monitor staff care and well-being establishing good PFA practices like self-care and debriefing activities.
  • Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

 

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 towards 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

Senior project officer

Accountability

Reports Directly To: North Syria Program Director

Works Directly With: Other program staff, monitoring and evaluation and operations team.

Knowledge and Experience

  • BA/BS or equivalent in international studies, economics or other relevant field; MA/S preferred.
  • 2-4 years of international relief and development program management experience, in emergency program management.
  • Previous demonstrated experience in cash or voucher programming.
  • Previous experience in in-kind distribution or livelihoods programs would be an advantage.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly, lead a program to achieve stated results and objectives.
  • Experience with the development, implementation & compliance of ECHO, DfID or USAID funded programs.
  • Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key stakeholders.
  • Experience working with host governments, national and international NGOs.
  • Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills.
  • Excellent oral and written English skills required; proficiency in Arabic is a plus.
  • Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will be proactive, creative and problem solver; S/he will be conscientious with an excellent sense of judgment and excellent communication and team building techniques. S/he will have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment. S/he will demonstrate strong understanding of cultural and social environment in the region and have the willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide verity of people

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position will be based in Amman, Jordan. This role is currently unaccompanied. Housing is in individual housing in Amman. Personnel in this location are expected to follow all Mercy Corps security protocols, which may change from time to time, relevant to the prevailing risk environment. Good medical services are available. City electricity is available in Amman and running water is reliable also. Internet connectivity and communication is reliable in most locations.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of 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 Mercy Corps's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.