MSD PROJECT COORDINATOR, ECONOMIC RECOVERY-CONFLICTED AFFECTED POPULATION (Internal Only)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations.

Program / Department Summary

ER-CAP is a 5-year project (December 2023-Nov. 2028 G.C) by Mercy Corps, DRC, and First Consult Development. It aims to improve the economic adaptation, protection, and recovery of conflict-affected populations in three regions: Afar (Abaala), Tigray (Mekelle), and Amhara (Woldiya). The program will benefit 43,540 individuals, focusing on IDPs, returnee women, youth and marginalized groups. It uses a conflict-sensitive, systems-strengthening, climate-smart and inclusive approach to enhance systems that support economic recovery. The expected outcomes include resilient livelihoods, improved access to financial products and services, and enhanced capacity to mitigate protection risks.
ER-CAP aims to improve the economic condition of conflict-affected communities by strengthening MSMEs, improving crop and livestock value chains, and providing income-generating opportunities. It includes providing affordable financial products and technology through partnerships with financial service providers, conducting GESI dialogues, and identifying business ideas for economic activities in displacement settings.

Position Summary

The MSD Project Coordinator will provide overall coordination and management for a Market Systems Development (MSD) project across three designated regions (Mekele, Abala and Woldiya). The coordinator will lead the process of in-depth market assessment, develop innovative market-based interventions, business model development and efficient implementation of interventions. This role will ensure effective implementation of project activities, maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, and ensure alignment with project goals and donor requirements. The coordinator will be responsible for overseeing project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, while ensuring efficient use of resources and effective collaboration among regional teams.

Position Description

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Position Status: Full-time, Regular
Salary Level: As per organizational scale
Current Team Member: No
Safeguarding Risk Level: Low

Key Responsibilities:

1. Context Analysis, Market Assessment and Intervention Development

• Lead the process of an in-depth conflict-sensitive market assessment to understand the impact of conflict on different market systems, identifying key constraints, opportunities, and risks.
• Develop and implement innovative market-based interventions, including viable business models focusing agriculture (on-farm off-farm activities) enterprise engagement, skills development, labour market and access to finance that address the root causes of market failure and promote inclusive economic growth/market system strengthening.
• Lead the process of mapping key market actors, value chains, and support services, considering the disruption caused by conflict, onboarding and managing market players (partners) that contribute both to sustainable and inclusive growth and to anticipated project results.
• Proactively identifying emerging changes and trends, such as shifts in markets, technological advancements, or regulatory changes, and rapidly adapting strategies and interventions to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate potential risks.
• Integrates community approaches, gender sensitivity, and capacity building into all activities.
• Fulfill Mercy Corps Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
• Recognizes opportunities for innovative action and creates an environment where project teams work together, exchange information, coordinate activities, and develop team spirit in project management.
• Works closely with project management and other team members to contribute to vision and strategy development and in applying market systems development approaches to IDPs, returnees and host community contexts
• Facilitate implementation of the activities across ER-CAP implementation areas.

2. Project Coordination and Management:

• Lead the overall planning, implementation, and monitoring of the MSD project across the three regions.
• Ensure the project is implemented in accordance with the project work plan, budget, and donor requirements.
• Coordinate and facilitate regular project team meetings and regional coordination meetings.
• Develop and maintain project management tools, including work plans, budgets, and monitoring frameworks.
• Oversee the development and implementation of project communication and visibility strategies.
• Ensure effective risk management and mitigation strategies are in place.
• Act as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders across the three regions.

3. Regional Team Support and Supervision:

• Provide guidance and support to regional project teams to ensure effective implementation of project activities.
• Supervise and mentor regional project staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among regional teams.
• Ensure that regional teams have the necessary resources and support to achieve project objectives.
• Monitor regional project progress and identify areas for improvement.

4. Partner and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and other project stakeholders across the three regions.
• Coordinate and facilitate partner meetings and workshops.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with project partners.
• Identify and address any challenges or issues related to partner relationships.
• Represent the project at relevant forums and events.
• Closely work with consortium partners (DRC&FC) organization to integrate innovation and access to financial services and products.
• Closely work with DRC to integrate priority protection issues across institutions, private and public sector partners

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Oversee the implementation of the project's MEAL system across the three regions.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection and reporting.
• Write high quality timely reports including annual reports to the donor.
• Analyze project data and prepare regular progress reports for management and donors.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor project activities and collect data.
• Contribute to the development of project evaluations and impact assessments.
• Ensure that lessons learned are documented and shared.

6. Financial Management and Administration:

• Monitor project budgets and expenditures across the three regions.
• Ensure compliance with financial management policies and procedures.
• Review and approve project expenditures and financial reports.
• Manage project procurement and logistics activities.
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping.

Supervisory Responsibility: Regional Coordinators
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: ER-CAP Program Manager
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: MEL/MRM manager, DRC and FC Program Manager/s and/or Coordinators MEL-CARM officer, GESI Advisor, Operations, Finance and P&C(HR) team.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

● Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward 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 programs.
Security
● Adhere and comply with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in economics, business administration, development studies, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience:

o Minimum of 6+ years of experience working in private sector or other I/NGO in market systems development, private sector engagement, agricultural value chain development, agri-business, or a related field preferably in post-conflict or fragile contexts.
o Experience on increasing on-farm and off farm productivity, MSME engagement, access to fiancé, skills development, labour market including collaborating with private sector national and international actors to achieve sustainable and scalable solutions for ER-CAP target participants
o Excellent knowledge of Markets Systems Development (aka Making Markets Work for the poor-M4P) approach and facilitation including coaching, relationship building, communicating, open and willing to work on new initiatives.
o Experience working in multiple regions or with decentralized project structures.
o Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership management.
o Experience in monitoring and evaluation, and report writing.
o Experience in financial management and budget monitoring.

• Skills:

o Strong project management skills, including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
o Strong leadership and team management skills.
o Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
o Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
o Fluent in English, Amharic/Afar/Tigrigna (capable in all required basic skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing);

• Preferred Qualifications:

o Experience working in Amhara, Tigray and Afar Regions.
o Knowledge of MSD principles and best practices.
o Experience with digital project management tools.

Success Factors

The successful Market Systems Development Project Coordinator expected to have strong organizational and communication skills. They master logistics, support M&E, and maintain accurate records. Understanding MSD principles and engaging with market actors is crucial. Adaptability and problem-solving are key. They will also have proven experience working with cross-cultural teams and partner capacity building. 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. Ultimately, success hinges on attention to detail, proactive initiative, and a commitment to sustainable development.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and requires up to 40% travel by road and air to field offices in often insecure environments.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically. 

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity, and diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empowering women and youth.”

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:  15 March 2025/ 4:00 PM