PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Established in 1979, Mercy Corps is a non-profit international relief and development organization committed to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Supported by headquarters in North America and Europe, the agency's global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries.
The Africa portfolio is part of the Program Operations Department and is headed by a Regional Program Director (RPD) and two Deputy Regional Program Directors (DRPD). Mercy Corps currently operates in 10 countries in Africa, with plans to further expand the portfolio. Mercy Corps’ programming in Africa encompasses both relief and development work.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Africa Assistant Program Officer (APO) will work with the Africa Senior Program Officers (SPOs) to support the administration of Mercy Corps’ Africa portfolio. The APO is primarily responsible for supporting new and existing grants, directing internal and external program information flows, liaising with other departments within Mercy Corps, coordinating logistics and administrative support to the country programs. The APO backstops for the SPOs when needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Administrative and Operational Support
- Maintain adequate records of all documentation and correspondence of grants, ensuring that grant information is entered into the Grant and Information Tracker (GAIT) database, the shared drive and the Digital Library. Track reporting requirements and deadlines of program reports.
- Work with the SPOs to review, edit, assemble, and ensure timely submission of internal and external reports.
- Proactively lead logistical support for field and headquarters teams including consultant requests and new staff hiring, new hire orientation, scheduling needs, etc.
- Handle requests for educational, computer and other materials from field offices, adhering to Mercy Corps procurement policies.
- Work with the Senior Program Officers and other technical resources to monitor current program operations to ensure that quality standards are maintained or improved and that programs adhere to Mercy Corps and donor requirements.
- Manage volunteers and interns with an emphasis on excellence and achievement; encourage a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation.
Communication
- Coordinate with Senior Program Officers to track and manage responses to field offices within 48 hours to all incoming requests.
- Act as a liaison between the field offices and the MC/HQ Human Resources and Recruiting, Resource Development and Finance Departments in responding to fundraising, recruitment, contract, payroll, and other related areas of need.
- Respond to public requests for information on specific Mercy Corps field activities in Africa through verbal and written communication as appropriate and in consultation with the SPOs, and Resource Development and Media staff.
- Assist the Resource Development team in the development of press releases, newsletter articles and other publication materials related to Mercy Corps’ programs in the region. Represent Mercy Corps at public and media events when requested.
Program Development
- Serve as program resource in reviewing, editing, assembling, and submitting final funding proposals, including Requests for Applications (RFAs) from USAID or other donor agencies as required. Prepare final documents for RFAs and grant proposals.
- Research and explore program opportunities in new and existing countries to facilitate Mercy Corps’ expansion in Africa as necessary.
- Provide primary desk officer backstopping responsibilities for the SPOs during absences from HQ.
- Other duties as requested.
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.
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:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Senior Program Officer
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Africa Senior Program Officers; Regional Program Director and Deputy Regional Program Directors; HQ Program and Technical Support units and departments, including Finance, Resource Development, Material Aid, Public Affairs, Global Emergency Operations (GEO), Procurement, Administration, and Logistics Management (PALM); Mercy Corps counterparts at MC HQ offices in Europe; MC donors and partners.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- BA/S in relevant international development field required;.
- At least two years of NGO or international development industry experience; demonstrated knowledge of relevant sectoral and/or operational areas (agriculture, relief to recovery, access to financial services, health/nutrition, economic development, etc.).
- Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Preference given to candidates with prior work experience in Africa.
- Foreign language proficiency (French or other regional languages) is preferred.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Assistant Program Officer must be people and detail oriented, have the ability to handle multiple tasks, and be able to work under pressure. Vital skills include writing and editing, communication, and creating and maintaining professional internal and external relationships. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving is necessary. S/he must demonstrate the ability to pay close attention to detail, follow procedures, meet deadlines and work both independently and as part of a team. An exposure to and interest in overseas environments and international development issues is important.
LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position is based in Portland, OR.
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. Staff 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.
Please apply directly at:
Closing date: 05 Aug 2011 — Mercy Corps
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