Project Officers: Solar Irrigation project | Dollo Ado

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

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. With the launch of Mercy Corps Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy with a vision 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. In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses in the four outcome areas: 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 six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Ethiopia. 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, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good. 

Position Title: Project Officers

Duty Station: Dollo Ado

Open Position:  3

Safeguarding Risk Level: Low

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps in partnership with WFP is implementing a comprehensive Food Systems Transformation intervention in Bokolmayo woreda. This ambitious program is designed to revitalize the local food systems, ensuring that they are robust, sustainable, and capable of supporting the nutritional and economic needs of both refugee and host community populations. By integrating a variety of support mechanisms—ranging from agricultural enhancement to financial inclusion, market connectivity, and livelihood augmentation—the intervention is meticulously crafted to foster resilience and improve nutritional outcomes. The initiative is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it is a carefully orchestrated series of actions, each one building upon the other, to address the unique challenges and leverage the strengths of the households it serves. For instance, agricultural beneficiaries will not only receive support but will also be encouraged to form cooperatives, engage in savings and loan associations, and tap into microfinance opportunities, thereby weaving a strong fabric of communal support and financial empowerment.

The project's vision extends beyond immediate aid, setting its sights on long-term development and self-reliance. Recognizing the untapped potential of agriculture in the region, hindered by water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure, the intervention aims to transform these challenges into opportunities. By providing access to irrigated land and modernizing agricultural practices through the introduction of solar pumps and regenerative techniques, the project aspires to unlock the full potential of local agriculture. This holistic approach includes not only the provision of quality seeds and inputs but also the cultivation of knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable farming practices. Training in climate-smart agriculture and business acumen is a cornerstone of this strategy, equipping households with the tools to thrive independently and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

General Position Summary

The project officers will be based in Dollo Ado & Bokolmayo woredas and works under the direction and guidance of the Project Coordinator and field team. The PO will be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Enabling Food Systems Transformation and IFTIIN program activities at the community level.

He/she bridges the link between the project field team and the communities and local government representatives and engage in community/institutional capacity building activities.

In collaboration with local level government stakeholders, community members the PO is responsible for the day-to-day planning and implementation of project activities at community level.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Create conducive environment for smallholder farmers to access predictable market for agricultural inputs and produces.
• Facilitate access to financial services through formation of VSLA and cooperatives and link them to formal financial institutions to benefit both host and refugee communities
• Works with woreda Agriculture and Natural Resources Office in the target area to create mass awareness to induce behavioral change to improve diversification and consumption of nutritious food.  
• Facilitate woreda level stakeholders’ coordination meetings and joint monitoring and follow up events.
• Take part in assessments and data collection when required
• Provide activity, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Represent Mercy Corps in the woreda of his/her assignment.

• Ensure adequate consultation and participation of kebele and village/community level stakeholders ensuring active participation of women.
• With support of the field technical team, provide expertise and advice for community institutions/Organizations on gender mainstreaming and gender equality.
• Facilitate community meetings, discussions, dialogues among others on the management of the programme at the community level.
• Support and Facilitate Community/institutional Capacity Building Activities

• Act as an active member of the project team by identifying and exploring opportunities to improve project implementation and guarantee its sustainability.

 STRATEGY & VISION  

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.
• Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.

SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies. 

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 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 projects.
• 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.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  The Agri Coordinator   

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:  The Project implementation team. 

 Knowledge and Experience  

• BSc in NRM, Agriculture, Forestry, rural development, Development studies, Cooperative Management, Agriculture Economics or related field
• Knowledge of cooperatives management, Smallholder support, Soil and water conservation, landscape management, Financial Inclusion and livelihood development.
• Three Years work experience in Cooperatives Development, Agriculture, NRM and livelihood development in similar organizations Prior experience working with pastoralist communities, in Ethiopia especially in the Somali region.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, prioritization skills.
• Ability to work comfortably, effectively and creatively in areas of variable security.
• Multi-tasking, organization, and prioritization skills

Success Factors

• Fluent in English and Somali languages (capable in all require basic skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing);
• Business minded, entrepreneurial, adaptive, curious, great problem-solving skills, unafraid to ask questions, and results motivated.
• He/She will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.
• Computer literate especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

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 elearning 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 empower women and youth.”

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 15 August 2024/ 4:00 PM