PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s. Presently it has offices in Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Libya and Iraq. Programming in the region includes relief and recovery activities in Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Gaza, Jordan and Syria – working often with refugees and displaced persons, as well as host communities affected by conflict and poverty. Wherever possible, implementation in these environments includes transformative activities that empower individuals and connect them to the larger world. Mercy Corps is also implementing social development programs in Iraq, Yemen and Jordan that build capacity of local institutions to find long-term solutions to the needs in their communities. These programs also target marginalized groups, such as youth, women, PWDs and rural residents, giving them access to skills and forums in which they can take part in the improvement of their communities.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Assistant Program Officer (APO) teams with the Program Officer (PO) and Senior Program Officer (SPO) for the Middle East to support Mercy Corps’ country programs. The APO will also work closely with HQ Finance Officers and the Technical Support Unit. The APO is principally responsible for administrative support associated with grant management and development, with particular focus on grants in Libya, Iraq and the West Bank and Gaza. The APO will also keep program summaries up to date and maintain all grant entries in the GAIT system. Strong skills in editing and review of grant proposals and donor reports are essential requirements for the position. The APO also organizes and coordinates information flow, documentation, and logistics. The APO backstops desk officer responsibilities for the SPO and PO when they are traveling in the field or on extended absences from headquarters.
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 Middle East 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 Middle East 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, Middle East
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Program Officer - Middle East, Regional Program Director, Regional Finance Officer, Assistant Finance Officer, Country Directors, Field Finance Managers, Technical Support Unit
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- BA/S in relevant international development field required.
- At least two years of NGO or international development industry experience and in the Middle East or with Mercy Corps preferred;
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant sectoral and/or operational areas (youth, economic recovery, civil society development, governance) preferred
- Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Preference given to candidates with prior work experience in Middle East.
- Foreign language skills in Arabic 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.
Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.
Please apply directly at:
Closing date: 05 Aug 2011 — Mercy Corps
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