:

• Ensure that program managers and directors are oriented, trained and prepared to implement program management standards.
• In collaboration with Global PaQ contribute to development and delivery of the agency strategy to design, promote and verify accountability to integrated standards that ensure quality program implementation.
• Foster a culture that values high quality program management practices.
• Contribute to global efforts to integrate and mainstream Mercy Corps’ program management standards, tools, resources, and accountability mechanisms, ensuring a strong user perspective from across WCA programs.
• Lead adoption and refinement of agency program management policies in WCA, including the Program Management Manual, Gender Integration and Standards, Program Record Retention and Archiving Policy, and other related policies.
• Support country offices in integrating minimum standards into the newly approved Strategic Plans- Pathways to Possibilities (P2P)
• Coordinate PM@MC learning, training, and facilitation across Mercy Corps’ programs and teams in Africa. Oversee internal program management training and skill-building, and track key performance indicators.
• Contribute to a culture of learning and adaptive management.

• Work closely with Regional CARM Advisors to coordinate regional rollout and adherence to Mercy Corps’ CARM Policies in close collaboration with the Global CARM Team.
• Work closely with country teams to embed accountability mechanisms within our standard program management tools and practices throughout the program cycle.

• Continue to build a Regional Program Performance Unit that is equipped to partner with Regional and Country teams to ensure consistently high program quality and performance standards, including:
  • Support country teams in the review of PAQ structures to ensure optimal functionality.
  • Support strategic hiring for Key PaQ, positions within country teams.
  • Support orientation and onboarding of country-level PaQ and other senior program staff.
  • In coordination with global efforts, engage with and grow relevant Communities of Practice and organize learning/sharing events to promote a dynamic group of PaQ specialists across the region.
  • Contribute to Regional and Country Strategies, as requested. Design indicators and processes to measure performance and impact against the Regional Strategy.

Team Management

• Develop and empower team members to deepen understanding of their roles, improve performance and reach objectives and assist with career development.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-ones and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Contribute to regional team-building efforts and ensure the integration of team members into relevant decision-making processes.

• Build and maintain positive working relationships across all headquarters departments, country and regional teams, as well as other key stakeholders within Mercy Corps.
• Represent Mercy Corps’ program management work externally, and cultivate strong working relationships across key organizations and partners to share learning and keep practices current.

• BA in relevant field required; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent experience preferred
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in international relief and development, including field-based experience; demonstrated knowledge of grant-based funding models, emergency response and development strategies and operational challenges in the sector
• 3-5 years of experience managing programs and/or demonstrated ability to establish strong program management systems and practices to promote quality, performance and accountability within individual or country programs
• Demonstrated experience and skills of leading a team to build a culture of accountability, high performance, and establishment of reflective and adaptive management practices
• Demonstrated success designing and delivering professional development activities
• Experience leading or supporting change management preferred
• Project management certification required
• Proficiency with MS Office software required (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), and Google suite (Google drive, docs, sheets)
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to build strong and productive working relationships with a geographically dispersed team
• Fluency in both English and French is required.