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This position is contingent upon funding.
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps works almost exclusively in high-risk conflict and post-conflict environments. While we recognize that these are difficult places to operate, we believe that transitional environments – countries affected by civil wars, economic and political crisis, or natural disasters – also offer tremendous opportunities for positive change. We currently implement over 30 peacebuilding programs in some of the world’s toughest places, including Iraq, Somalia, and Sudan. Our current work builds on an exceptionally strong historical foundation. Since the late 1990s, Mercy Corps has implemented over 95 peacebuilding programs in over 30 countries and regions, making Mercy Corps a true leader in the field.
Mercy Corps Kenya has been responding to the violence in Kenya following disputed presidential elections in December 2007 through the Local Empowerment for Peace (LEAP) program in Rift Valley province. LEAP is working to strengthen the ability of local, district, and provincial structures to address the causes of post-election violence and promote sustainable peace and reconciliation. Because long-term stability requires reform of Kenya’s political institutions and implementation of a new constitution, Mercy Corps has proposed working with national actors to build alignment around moving the reform process forward.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Conflict Mitigation and Management (CMM) Program Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day administration and implementation of a new USAID-funded peacebuilding program in Kenya designed to move the reform process forward and promote sustainable peace and reconciliation.? This will include strengthening the capacity of local partners in the areas of peacebuilding and conflict management, training and curriculum development, reviewing the design and implementation of peacebuilding projects, and ensuring rigorous measurement of program impact and timely reporting.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manage and oversee all conflict management/mitigation program activities in cooperation with key project stakeholders, including local non-governmental organizations, government officials, community-based organizations, and key donors;
- Supervise and regularly coordinate with project staff to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of program activities;
- Ensure compliance with donor regulations and procedures, through sound financial and grant management;
- Maintain good working relationships with the donor, the host country government, partner agencies, and other key stakeholders;
- Increase staff capacity by designing and leading technical training sessions on conflict management for Mercy Corps staff and local partners;
- Promote learning and knowledge management through documentation and knowledge sharing around best practices and lessons learned;
- Ensure the timely and quality completion of all designated deliverables to donors;
- Coordinate with the Mercy Corps LEAP II program manager in Eldoret to ensure a well-integrated country-wide portfolio of programs.
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: Project Officers
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Kenya Country Director
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Mercy Corps finance, logistics, and monitoring and evaluation officers.? Also works directly with local national staff and affiliated relevant Mercy Corps headquarters units as necessary, including Mercy Corps’ Conflict Management Group and various administrative/financial units.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- Masters degree in conflict mitigation, social sciences, international relations or other relevant field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant professional experience implementing conflict management and reconciliation, youth, or livelihoods programs, preferably in insecure or transitional environments.
- Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills.
- Familiarity with interest-based negotiation and influence skills and tools.
- Experience managing national and international staff.
- Familiarity and experience with USAID regulations preferred.
- Fluency in written and spoken English required; knowledge of local languages? preferred.
- Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Program Manager will have an ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work under tight deadlines within a complex team. S/he will demonstrate strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and be committed to the values and mission of Mercy Corps. S/he will take initiative and contribute to team efforts, as well as demonstrate an ability to communicate, assume leadership, and make solid decisions while working remotely from country leadership.
LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The Program Manager will be based in Eldoret in the Rift Valley province. Eldoret has adequate, comfortable, and safe accommodations. The Program Manager should be prepared to bring snacks and some basic foods to cook if s/he has any special dietary requirements when traveling to the field. Eldoret and its surroundings are relatively safe. However, like any other urban center, it has its share of crime and other security-related challenges. Eldoret has had a history of violence around election seasons in Kenya and relative calm thereafter.
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 MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.
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