MARKET SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL ADVISOR- ECONOMIC RECOVERY FOR CONFLICT AFFECTED POPULATIONS (ERCAP) (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.

The Program / Department / Team

Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in two regional states – Afar and Tigray with potential to roll out in Amhara -Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.

Mercy Corps is currently seeking a qualified Market Systems Development Technical Advisor/Coordinator to support the implementation of the SIDA Funded Economic Recovery for Conflict Affected Population (ERCAP). 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.

General Position Summary

The Market System Development Technical Advisor will provide expert technical leadership and strategic guidance in designing and implementing market-based interventions that contribute to economic recovery, social cohesion, and resilience in a post-conflict environment. This role requires a deep understanding of conflict dynamics, market fragility, and the specific challenges faced by vulnerable populations in post-conflict settings. The Technical Advisor is an innovative and bold leader who will play a critical role in the design of program-level MSD strategy in Post-conflict and utilizing it to inform intervention concept notes development, implementation, and management of multi-sectoral sectoral approach within ERCAP in relation to the following areas, namely, on-farm, off-farm and non-agricultural enterprises, wage and employment, integration of access to finance in post-conflict interventions. The Technical Advisor will work closely with consortium actors, local partners, private and public partners, and other relevant stakeholders to rebuild and strengthen market systems, fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Position Description

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Position Status: Full-time
Salary Level: (Refer to Country Salary Guidelines)
Current Team Member: N/A
Safeguarding Risk Level: Level 1

Key Responsibilities:

1. Context Analysis and Strategic Guidance:
• Conduct in-depth conflict-sensitive market assessments to understand the impact of conflict on market systems, identifying key constraints, opportunities, and risks.
• Analyze the specific needs and vulnerabilities of conflict-affected populations, including displaced persons, returnees, and marginalized groups.
• Provide strategic guidance on adapting MSD principles and frameworks to the unique challenges of a post-conflict environment.
• Develop and refine conflict-sensitive MSD strategies and intervention designs that promote social cohesion and resilience.
• Identify and analyze the root causes of market failures exacerbated by conflict.

2. Intervention Design and Implementation

• Provide technical leadership and direction to program staff, participants, and diverse partners, including government, civil society organizations, communities, and households.
• Provide technical expertise in designing and implementing market-based interventions that address the specific needs of conflict-affected populations.
• Work in close collaboration with the regional level coordinators in close collaboration with the team lead, as well as supporting the technical teams within the regions and consortium partners to design innovative markets informed and driven interventions in the off-farm non-agricultural sectors, wage and employment and access to finance opportunities
• Ensure interventions are conflict-sensitive, promoting social cohesion and avoiding exacerbation of existing tensions.
• Support the development of business models and partnerships that promote sustainable market linkages in a fragile context.
• Guide the use of market facilitation approaches and tools that are appropriate for post-conflict settings.
• Take leadership in identifying, addressing, and adapting to program quality needs and gaps as they arise. Collaborate with other senior technical staff to problem solve.
• Support the integration of cross-cutting themes, such as gender equality, trauma-informed approaches, and peacebuilding, into MSD interventions.
• Integrate locally driven approaches, and capacity building into all activities, as appropriate. Certify all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and program participant accountability standards
• Ensure program strategies and activities represent good global practice for market development and resilience programming.

3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops on MSD principles, and best practices for project staff and partners.
• Provide technical mentoring and coaching to local organizations and community groups to build their capacity to implement effective MSD interventions.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among project teams, partners, and stakeholders on lessons learned from MSD interventions in post-conflict settings.
• Develop and disseminate knowledge products, such as case studies, best practice guides, and technical briefs, that are relevant to post-conflict MSD.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL):

• Provide technical guidance on the development and implementation of MSD-focused MEAL frameworks and tools.
• Contributes to the key monitoring and measuring indicators, milestones, and plans in close collaboration with MSD and M&E team.
• Work with the ERCAP Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to ensure that monitoring and evaluation aligns with program objectives, captures technical learning, and incorporates learning into program adjustments.
• Ensures the program captures and responds to up-to-date information related to market system performance and impact.
• Contribute to the development of project evaluations and impact assessments.
• Ensure that lessons learned are documented and used to improve project implementation.
• Promote the use of adaptive management approaches to respond to changing market conditions and conflict situations.

5. Partner and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including conflict-affected communities, local businesses, government agencies, humanitarian actors, and peacebuilding organizations.
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among market actors to promote systemic change.
• Provide technical support to partners in the development and implementation of their own MSD initiatives, ensuring alignment with conflict-sensitive principles.
• Work closely with all consortium team members to ensure activity integration to better achieve overall ERCAP goal.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: ERCAP Program Manager
Works Directly With: WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: MSD project coordinator, MEL/MRM manager, DRC and FC Program Manager/s and/or Coordinators MEL-CARM officer, MSD on-farm and off-farm/employment specialist, GESI Advisor, Operations, Finance and P&C(HR) team.

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.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Degree in Business management, Marketing, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Agricultural Economics or related field (master’s degree preferred)
• 5+ years of experience of increasingly proficient management and/or technical support in MSD programming, with at least one job experience in a globally well-reputed MSD project.
• Proven experience assessing markets and working with private sector partners
• Employment programming experience preferred
• Strong ability to understand and manage multiple stakeholders and complex relationships at multiple levels of the organization.
• Willingness and ability to travel / knowledge of context (as needed)
• A proven proactive approach to work and self-driven leadership.
• Fluency in English is required, with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Fluency in local languages preferred demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders including national and subnational government, donors, donor-funded programs, private sector actors, and civil society organization familiarity with USAID rules, regulations, and requirements preferred

Qualifications:

• Education: Degree in Business administration, Marketing, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Agricultural Economics, development studies or related field (master’s degree preferred)
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience of increasingly proficient management and/or technical support in MSD programming, with at least one job experience in a globally well-reputed MSD project.
• Experience in market systems development, private sector engagement, or related fields, with a focus on post-conflict or fragile contexts.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing conflict-sensitive MSD interventions.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing interventions in agriculture, enterprise engagement, employment creation, access to fiancé.
• Proven experience in conducting market analyses and value chain assessments.
• Experience in facilitating stakeholder engagement and collaborative processes.
• Experience in capacity building and training in MSD.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of MSD interventions.

• Skills:

o Strong understanding of MSD principles, frameworks, and methodologies.
o Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
o Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.
o Excellent training and facilitation skills, particularly in cross-cultural settings.
o Strong report writing and presentation skills.
o Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging and insecure environments.
o Fluency in Fluency in English is required, with strong written and oral communication skills.

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in Amhara/Tigray/Afar Region.
• Knowledge of specific MSD tools and methodologies, such as value chain analysis, social network analysis, and adaptive management, adapted for post-conflict contexts.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including conflict-affected communities, government agencies, private sector actors, and humanitarian organizations.

Success Factors

The successful Market Systems Development Technical Advisor/Coordinator will combine deep technical skills and experience collaborating with and supporting a variety of partners from the public and private sectors. Must be flexible, creative, innovative and enthusiastic about inclusive economic growth and resilience strengthening. Candidates must be self-starters who are able to manage competing priorities, learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results. 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.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and requires up to 50% travel by road and air to field offices in often insecure environments.

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