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 Iraq Team
Mercy Corps has worked across Iraq’s 18 governorates since 2003. Mercy Corps Iraq operates across ten governorates: Anbar, Basra, Thi Qar, Duhok, Baghdad, Erbil, Kirkuk, Ninewa, Salah al-Din, and Sulaymaniyah, with an experienced team of nearly 120 national and international staff. Through our extensive portfolio, Mercy Corps Iraq has formed strong relationships with communities and local authorities and has an in-depth understanding of the security and cultural context in the areas we serve. We have a solid track record of working with local stakeholders, including government directorates, community leaders, women’s associations, and local councils, universities, and NGOs. Mercy Corps also has a strong background in social cohesion and peacebuilding activities with communities.
Our approach in Iraq enables us to continue providing critical assistance to vulnerable populations amid periods of upheaval while expanding early recovery and development programs. Our focus includes water access, food, economic opportunities, and peace and good governance. Operational since 2003, with an annual budget of approximately USD $28 million, our funding comes from sources such as USAID, DRL, Global Affairs Canada, GiZ, AFD, ECHO, CDCS, and The Coca Cola Foundation. As part of Mercy Corps’ Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the Iraq office is poised to operationalize a three-year strategy aimed at enhancing the resilience of communities, addressing conflict drivers, and supporting long-term peace and prosperity.
General Position Summary
The Program Development and Grants Manager will serve as the primary support to the Deputy Country Director (DCD), focusing on new business development in coordination with the Program Leadership Team (PLT), which includes Senior Program Managers and Program Managers. The Manager will coordinate proposal development processes, secure new programs, and advise teams on donor compliance. They will also ensure timely, high-quality submission of donor reports and communication materials.
Essential Job Responsibilities
STRATEGIC GROWTH OBJECTIVES
- Work closely with the DCD and senior members of the Iraq Program to ensure alignment with the Mercy Corps Global Strategy (P2P) and country office strategy in decision-making.
- Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and Program Leadership Team (PLT), providing input on country-level policies and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Ensure an ambitious, realistic Country Strategy and follow through on its Implementation Plans.
- Support portfolio leads in developing sector strategies and updating capacity statements.
- Explore partnerships and consortium-building opportunities with the DCD and portfolio leads.
PREPOSITIONING AND DONOR ENGAGEMENT
- Participate in key donor meetings and consultations, supporting donor contacts to foster long-term collaboration.
- Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders, peer agencies, and donors to secure funding.
- Track donors and upcoming funding opportunities.
- Liaise with Mercy Corps headquarters to stay informed about donor priorities and requirements.
- Lead strategic evaluation processes for new funding opportunities.
PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
- Lead the proposal development process for small to medium opportunities, particularly focused on nexus and development programming.
- Coordinate with teams in the development of funding proposals, including budgeting.
- Incorporate safeguarding standards into proposals.
PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AND RECORD RETENTION
- Maintain online grant filing systems and monitor program performance.
- Lead grant kick-off and close-out meetings to ensure proper information dissemination.
- Coordinate with Quality, Evidence, and Learning (QEL) teams to improve program quality and incorporate learnings into new designs.
- Ensure donor compliance and communicate with headquarters regarding grant updates.
REPORTING AND COMMUNICATIONS
- Oversee reporting workflows and ensure quality submissions to donors.
- Collaborate on the development of communication materials such as sector profiles and impact reports.
- Represent Mercy Corps in external forums as needed.
- Participate in regional and national communication and learning initiatives.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
- Supervise the Grants Management Officers, ensuring they manage key workflows effectively.
- Develop the capacity of the grants team, providing feedback and support for career development.
- Create a work environment of mutual respect, promoting excellence among team members.
SECURITY
- Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies.
- Proactively ensure team members are aware of security policies and operate in a secure environment.
Supervisory Responsibility: Grants Management Officers
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Deputy Country Director
Works Directly With: PLT, Heads of Portfolio, Program Managers, QEL team, HQ, Finance, Operations, and Technical Resources.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
- Exceptional English writing skills, with experience in proposal development.
- 3 to 5 years of progressive work experience in grants or portfolio management.
- Familiarity with US, EU, and other donor regulations.
- Strong planning, management, and coordination skills.
- Experience managing staff and working in multicultural, high-stress environments.
- BA degree required; MA preferred.
- Experience in conflict and post-conflict environments in the Middle East is a plus.
Success Factors
The successful candidate will be highly motivated and able to manage multiple tasks. They will have strong grant management skills, be detail-oriented, and communicate effectively under pressure. The candidate will also prioritize and organize processes efficiently, while being passionate about development and humanitarian work.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Erbil, Iraq, with up to 20% travel. It is unaccompanied, and eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Living conditions are in group housing, with water, electricity, and internet available but subject to intermittent outages.
Ongoing Learning
Mercy Corps encourages all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and professional growth.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Mercy Corps is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We value the perspectives and skills of people from various backgrounds and ensure that all team members can thrive and contribute their best work.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination. We seek to build teams with diverse perspectives and ensure that all employees have equal opportunities in a respectful, inclusive environment.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to safeguarding and ethical conduct. We prioritize the prevention of exploitation and abuse in all aspects of our work. All team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct training and adhere to Mercy Corps policies at all times.