Technical Advisor, Governance and Partnership
Tracking Code
219639-927
Job Description
PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by building secure, productive and just communities. The Technical Support Unit (TSU) provides specialized technical support to design and execute effective programs and secure the funding for future work. The TSU enhances the quality and impact of Mercy Corps’ programs from assessment and program development through implementation, results measurement and learning. More specifically, the TSU 1) provides technically sound and timely support for high quality new program development; 2) helps enhance quality programming and meaningful impact/results; and 3) promotes Mercy Corps' best practices internally and enhances reputation among peers, donors and partners. Through its integrated approach, the Governance and Partnership (GAP) team on the TSU works to assist country teams in building resilience through integrated, multi-sectoral projects aimed at supporting communities in their quest for good governance and solving complex challenges through partnerships linking civil society, the public sector and the private sector. The team strategy is to ensure local ownership and sustainability of relief and development programming by promoting and transferring skills, tools and capacity to all country, regional and technical teams and partners.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Technical Advisor, GAP works to advance the team goals and strategy as they relate to building resilience through good governance principles, engaging diverse civil society groups and strengthening collaboration between civil society and public and private sector actors. S/he is responsible for contributing to program design and development; technical support to interventions; measurement, research and documentation; representation and partnership development; and training, mentoring and organizational learning related to governance, partnership and civil society development. S/he is a strong writer and producer of professional documents, experienced in developing international relief and development proposal, and comfortable working with groups and delivering public presentations. S/he is a user of technology and will support the GAP team in its drive to adopt new communication strategies to build our brand internally within Mercy Corps and externally within our industry.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Technical Capacity Development
* Provide in-country and remote training and support for Mercy Corps staff, civil society organization (CSO) partners and others to support the sustainable development of a local CSO/NGO sector in international contexts, and to build the local connections between community, government and private partners.
* Lead GAP training, in close coordination with the Policy Advocacy team, to facilitate country teams’ knowledge and implementation of Mercy Corps’ approach.
* Support the GAP practitioner’s cohort by facilitating discussion on Good Governance and Partnership and how they are actionable through the GAP work on the ground.
* Develop a deep understanding of shared incentives and values that will entice partners to connect and work across sectors, both internally and within field projects.
* Support new and on-going civil society and governance programs with best practice advice and assistance on assessment, implementation, research and evaluation needs.
* Support Mercy Corps’ CSO capacity building efforts through networking with partners and industry experts and sharing global best practices/ innovations.
* Collaborate closely with Conflict Management TSU to better define the approaches that overlap between the two sectors.
* Support in the team efforts to identify and adapt tools and resources, particularly increasing available tools that support humanitarian and emergency programs to effectively engage local government where possible and develop civil society partnerships.
* Provide guidance to field teams on Mercy Corps Community Mobilization approach.
Program Development
* Develop and expand Mercy Corps’ GAP portfolio through innovative program development and quality technical leadership in field.
* Design new programs in partnership with Mercy Corps and partner colleagues, actively using best practice principles for engaging partners in the process.
* Provide lead writing and/or expert technical review for new grant applications in-country or remotely depending on needs and timing of initiative.
* Develop and provide additional resource recommendations (consultants) for quality proposal support.
* Assist in development of standard indicator recommendations for GAP.
Representation and Thought Leadership Development
* Support and actively pursue the GAP team’s efforts to build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and partners on broader Program, Resource Development, MERL and Policy Advocacy teams to promote the impact of working with GAP as a cross-cutting base for programming, research and thought leadership.
* Develop, document and communicate program approaches in coordination with the GAP-Director to ensure that our governance and partnership programming utilizes and promotes quality standards in line with industry best practice and encourages adaptation and innovation.
* Represent Mercy Corps’ governance and partnership programming externally with donors and peer agencies. Participate and present at conferences, working groups or other forums as prioritized by team.
* Actively participate and facilitate a community of practice sharing lessons and support between different country programs and partners, utilizing new communication/technology strategies.
* Assist in documentation, promotion and dissemination of GAP’s development interventions, research activities and lessons learned, including case studies and articles.
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:
ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Director, Governance and Partnership TSU
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Senior Director, Strategic Programs and Resilience; Conflict Management TSU and Other TSU teams; Field and Regional Leadership; Regional Program Teams; Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning team; Policy and Advocacy team
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
* Masters degree in a technical field related to international development
* 4-6 years of experience working in development in the civil society arena with non-governmental/ civil society organizations with three years in the field required;
* Proven success writing grants for and supporting the implementation of programs related to civil society/ governance funded by European, USAID and other bi- and multi-lateral donors;
* Experience organizing and conducting trainings and workshops on civil society and governance topics in international arenas;
* Effective networking and communication skills that include a strong ability to deliver presentations, write for diverse development and policy audiences, and conduct public outreach using media and technology;
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals, including political, civic and business leaders, as well as members of the donor and diplomatic community;
* Experience and proven flexibility in advising program teams in adjusting activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders;
* Fluency in English required; a second language strongly preferred;
* 3 years of experience working in post-conflict environments and/or countries undergoing political transitions;
* Strong preference for work experience in Middle East region.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful candidate is a self-starter, with demonstrated leadership in civil society development, social inclusion, and cross-sector partnerships programming. S/he is conversant on topic of resilience and understands the role of good governance in building resilience. S/he prioritizes strong working relationships and embodies the principles of partnership in his/her daily work. S/he is comfortable multi-tasking, holds himself/herself accountable to our team strategy, and has a proven ability to organize and prioritize his/her work accordingly. S/he demonstrates creative problem-solving skills, communicates effectively with team members and partners of varied work styles and backgrounds, and can be counted on to meet tight deadlines under challenging circumstances. Strong writing and story-telling skills are critical to the success of this position. S/he demonstrates a strong understanding for cultural, political and religious environments and be able to work successfully in those environments. S/he maintains poise in stressful situations. S/he is able and comfortable traveling travel to and within countries undergoing transition or conflict.
LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The position is based in DC or Portland and requires at least 40% travel both within the US and internationally, sometimes within insecure environments. 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 MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Job Location
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Position Type
Full-Time/Regular