Program Officer – BRICS – Anbar

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.

 Program / Department Summary

Since 2003, civil society organizations (CSOs) have grown exponentially in Iraq, many of whom work to address human rights concerns and provide humanitarian assistance. Despite this growth, an independent and robust civil society remains relatively nascent in Iraq, as prior to 2003, all CSOs were required to be affiliated with the state. In addition, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) continue to dominate the CSO coordination and decision-making space, with local NGOs often playing a peripheral role. In large part, the underdevelopment of civil society in Iraq stems from CSOs’ frail operational systems and technical capacity, and thus their inability to attract international funding. Yet, it is local CSOs that are best connected with communities: where access challenges inhibited INGOs from program implementation over the past year, local CSOs maintained access in some of the hardest to reach areas of Iraq and stepped into the forefront of providing lifesaving assistance. This has enabled CSOs to expand their role in humanitarian service provision, and thus be in a key position to represent and advocate for citizens’ interests and rights, including freedom of assembly, access to justice, and gender equality. Ultimately, a capable and credible civil society offers the most sustainable way forward in securing Iraq’s continued democratic development

In order to harness the potential of local CSOs, Mercy Corps is implementing the 18-month, Building Resilience of Iraqi CSOs (BRICS) program to facilitate subgrant funding to local CSOs whose mandates and activities seek to improve the human rights landscape in Iraq, with Mercy Corps providing technical and organizational capacity training and mentorship. Through this project, Mercy Corps will act as a connector and enabler for local CSOs to elevate their role in promoting human rights in Iraq. Mercy Corps is requesting the full funding amount in order to support funding flows to local organizations for maximum impact, and to adequately resource the requisite capacity strengthening for CSOs to manage those funds. We will achieve this goal through the following two  objectives:

Objective 1: Iraqi CSOs implement projects that elevate human rights issues.

Objective 2: Selected Iraqi CSOs improve their technical and organizational capacity to deliver high-quality programming that elevates human rights

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Officer will support the Program Manager in implementing the daily operations of the Building Resilience of Iraqi CSOs (BRICS) program in Anbar .Through this project, Mercy Corps will act as a connector and enabler for local CSOs to elevate their role in promoting human rights in Iraq. Mercy Corps is requesting the full funding amount in order to support funding flows to local organizations for maximum impact, and to adequately resource the requisite capacity strengthening for CSOs to manage those funds

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Implement and organize program activities in targeted province according to the work plan.
• Regular site visit to the program implementing areas to follow program activities implementation.
• Work together with local government and local partners to facilitate and coordinate the program activities implementations.
• Work closely with local partners to recruiting according to selecting criteria and capacity building of program participants.
• Submit monthly and weekly activities progress report for program implementation to Program Manager .
• Support in the documentation process for program activities.
• Prepare additional reports/presentations/statistics as needed.
• Attend project related meetings and trainings.
• Abide by all security protocols.
• Disseminate and document success stories of program
• Conduct him/herself professionally and in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of work experience with an INGO / local NGO in peace building programs
• Prior skills in delivering  training/events  is a plus
• Demonstrated success working effectively and respectfully with multiple stakeholders including the private sector, local authorities and partners in complex environments.
• Successful and proven negotiation, communication and organization skills
• Computer skills – Word and Excel desired
• Language skills – Arabic, English desired
• Ability to work and interact with a diverse staff from different ethnicities and backgrounds
• Ability to conduct oneself with sensitivity and respect toward others

 ACCOUNTABILITY: Accountable to Position Description, MC HR Manual, and Code of Conduct Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards 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 project

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: none

 REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: MEL Unit, Program staff, Local Partner, field-based logistics and finance teams, and other MC team members.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERINCE:

Successful candidates should meet the education and experience requirements in the position descriptions for the vacant positions.

S/he must be self- motivated, creative, tolerant, and able to work in difficult, stressful environments and follow Mercy Corps procedures. S/he must respect diversity and gender equality at the workplace.

Interested candidates should submit their CVs to the email address  [email protected],  before the deadline indicated below.

Please indicate on the subject of the email the title of the position you are applying for, for full position description for the noted posts, please visit websites NGOs.

This role is only open to Iraqi citizens and individuals who have the legal right to work in Iraq.

ALL APPLICATIONS/ CVs SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY March 31, 2024 at 4:00PM

Potential candidates for the post will be contacted for an interview and processed according to Mercy Corps Human Resources policies and procedures. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for potential interview. Any documents submitted will remain with Mercy Corps and will not be returned to candidates.

Female Candidates are encouraged to apply for This Position.  Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global Impact.

Mercy Corps Iraq offers a variety of arrangements that enable women to excel in their careers. Mercy Corps

Iraq ensures a safe and inclusive working environment for women and men through field security training and measures to provide secure working arrangements on-site and in the office.