Mercy Corps Chief of Party - Conflict Management - Kenya

Please note that this position is contingent on funding.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

The Chief of Party (CoP) will lead the implementation of a proposed five-year $10-25 million program to mitigate conflict and support peace in select Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states. This USAID-funded program will build and strengthen local-level cross-border conflict management mechanisms in the Horn of Africa – Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda. The program will support conflict management mechanisms that incorporate local civil society groups and local governments, mentor local non-governmental organizations to be able to address community-level conflict management, and provide technical assistance to the regional conflict early warning and response mechanism.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The CoP will provide overall leadership, management and strategic vision to the implementation of the program, while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program meets its targets and deliverables on-time and within budget. The CoP will supervise key program staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor rules and regulations. S/he will be the primary program representative to donors, relevant government entities, partners, other implementers and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Implementation: Provide leadership and strategic vision in all aspects of program implementation, development and management. Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners, and aligned with Mercy Corps’ principles, values and strategic plan. Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. Oversee performance of consortium partners and sub-grantees. Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites.

Coordination and Representation: Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events in the field, in close coordination with the Country Directors and Regional Program Director. Coordinate activities with consortium partners, subgrantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.

Staff Management, Professional Development and Team Building: Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels. Implement, and ensure all staff are effectively using, the performance planning and management system, establishing performance expectations and regularly providing constructive feedback. Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees, and ensuring that supervisory staff do the same. Contribute to country team-building efforts, and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

Program Support Operations: Coordinate with program and finance and administration staff to ensure operational systems are in place to support field activities including logistics, procurement, security, administration and human resources. Propose design of new local policies as needed and in accordance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.

Security: Work closely with the regional and country-level security focal points to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its work. Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security management priorities.

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: 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:Direct supervision of: Deputy Chief of Party, M&E Manager and other positions to be determined

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Regional Program Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Country Directors, program-specific staff, HQ Program Operations team members, Technical Support Unit team members

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• MA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development or other relevant field.
• Minimum of seven years of overseas experience in progressively responsible positions, including at least four years in a senior management position, preferably as a Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party.
• Strong understanding of US Government compliance issues.
• Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing.
• Proven technical experience in conflict mitigation and management, peacebuilding, civil society strengthening and governance.
• Previous experience in East Africa and in-depth knowledge of current cross-border issues and events in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda and South Sudan is preferable.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful CoP will combine exceptional management skills and experience in maintaining donor and partner relationships. S/he will have an outstanding ability to develop, implement and manage innovative programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural team and capacity building, individual staff development and strong mentoring skills. S/he will have demonstrated skills in managing programs in challenging, insecure environments. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, which is an accompanied post for spouse and children. Nairobi is a major metropolitan center with world class healthcare and excellent education options. Mercy Corps provides expatriate staff with a housing allowance that covers rent, utilities and security for comfortable accommodations in safe areas of the city. Telephone and internet access is available and there are dozens of excellent restaurants along with easy transport links to the rest of Africa and Europe.

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’ policies, procedures and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

How to apply:

Apply online at our website:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo...