Mercy Corps Scotland Job Description. Position: Economic and Market Development Technical Specialist

Transcription

1 Mercy Corps Scotland Job Description Position: Economic and Market Development Technical Specialist Location: London, UK Line Manager: Director of Programmes, European HQ but working closely with the Economic and Market Development Technical Unit Purpose: Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by building secure, productive and just communities. We work in transitional environments, where complex interconnected webs of social, political and economic factors are often underpinned by weak governance and institution, dysfunctional markets and ongoing conflict. In these challenging environments, we seek to catalyse civil society, public and private sector actors through interventions that are community-led and marketdriven. The Economic and Market Development (EMD) Technical Specialist is a part of the Mercy Corps European Headquarters located in the United Kingdom. S/he will work primarily with the global Mercy Corps Economic and Market Development Technical Support Unit (TSU), and also with the Youth and Conflict team and the Governance and Partnerships team, collaborating on nexus points between economic development, conflict mitigation and good governance. The EMD Technical Specialist will take an integrated approach in supporting the development of programming that simultaneously integrates market development, conflict management and good governance. S/he will play a key role in the areas of programme development, technical support to ongoing interventions, impact measurement, and training and organisational learning. The EMD Technical Specialist will also dedicate a significant portion of time to thought leadership initiatives and actively represent Mercy Corps to the UK government (DFID and the FCO), and potentially other partners, by developing collaborative relationships with key counterparts in technical or geographical departments. The EMD Technical Specialist will work in close collaboration with the Edinburgh-based Programmes team, members of the TSU, in particular the Economic and Market Development Unit. The EMD Technical Specialist will contribute to fostering Mercy Corps reputation in the field of multi-sectorial programming and leveraging funding interest

2 by promoting programmes that integrate elements of market development, conflict management and good governance. This position requires a minimum of 30-40% travel within the UK and internationally Main Duties: 1. Strategic Vision and Leadership: Critical to this role is adherence to the principles of multi-sectorial programming at the intersect of economic development, conflict management and good governance (internally referred to as the Trisect ), Mercy Corps Vision for Change and Strategic Framework, and M4P/market systems principles. The EMD Technical Specialist will work as part of the Mercy Corps European headquarters to: Provide technical leadership, guidance and development of policy and good practice of Mercy Corps interventions at the Trisect. Participate in strategy discussions, standards development, branding materials and organisation learning documents related to Mercy Corps Trisect strategy and market development more broadly. Identify, document, and communicate the ideas, trends, and emerging capacities that fall in the intersection of Mercy Corps vision and the interests of partners related to economic and market development, conflict mitigation and good governance programmes. 2. Programme and Business Plan Development & Support: Provide support in programme design and development both in the field and remotely. Lead proposal writing efforts as agreed upon with a particular focus on DFID and FCO funding but also other European donors as appropriate. Ensure best practice principles are incorporated into programme design and implementation. Technically support on-going programming within the EMD mandate, both in the field and remotely. Deploy on short notice to assist with field-based initiatives. 3. Representation & Partnership Development Track strategies, interventions and best practices in the field Collaboratively identify and nurture strategic partnerships with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (the FCO). Participate in relevant UK fora and others as identified within the EMD external relationship strategy. Actively engage in external relationship building, including with potential implementation partners, corporate donors and foundations, and learning organisations, in collaboration with EMDTSU. 4. M&E and Impact Measurement Ensure monitoring and evaluation efforts in Trisect programming reflect best practice.

3 Work in tandem with the M&E and EMD teams to ensure indicators are relevant and accessible to programmes, tools are created to effectively measure indicators and that staff capacity is built. Support implementation of results chains and DCED standards for monitoring and evaluation. Support field capacity to follow DFID approaches to Value for Money monitoring and systems approaches to impact evaluation. Support activities to assess and document the impact of our trisect and market systems approaches. 5. Organisational Learning: Promote and assist in the documentation and dissemination of Mercy Corps Trisect development interventions and other systems approaches and lessons learned including case studies and training materials and maintaining a community of practice, in collaboration with EMD.

4 Mercy Corps Scotland Person Specification Position: Economic and Market Development Technical Specialist Location: London, UK Line Manager: Director of Programmes, European HQ but working closely with the Economic and Market Development Technical Unit KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Masters degree in related field with previous experience in pro-poor market-based approaches to economic development, conflict mitigation and peacebuilding and governance with experience working in fragile or conflict-affected environments essential. Previous management experience in field-based projects with an economic development focus and experience in DFID-funded design phases of new projects. Strong knowledge of M4P/market systems approaches. Demonstrated successful track record on proposal development and donor cultivation Self-motivation and effective interpersonal skills. Proven success working with teams of diverse backgrounds Experience building solid working relationships with external stakeholders Experience in designing or managing DFID funded programmes would be prefered Knowledge of Value for Money principles. Ability to present projects to donors, government and other official stakeholders. Strong IT, organisational and communication skills. SUCCESS FACTORS: Self-starter, demonstrating leadership in economic development programming Flexibility in a non-hierarchical environment. Ability to multi-task with the proven ability to organise and prioritise competing priorities Demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results Ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details

5 Demonstrate a strong understanding for cultural, political and religious environments and be able to live and work successfully in those environments.