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 worldwide, 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 works in places of transition, where conflict, disaster, political upheaval, or economic collapse present opportunities to build more secure, productive, and just communities. Providing emergency relief in times of crisis, we move quickly to help communities recover, build resilience to future shocks, and promote sustainable change by supporting community-led and market-driven initiatives. Recognizing both the great potential and the complex challenges faced by the Middle East, since 1989 Mercy Corps has been implementing a range of humanitarian assistance and development projects tailored to the region’s specific needs and those communities where we work.

 Mercy Corps has worked across Iraq’s 18 governorates since 2003, implementing relief and development projects more than a third of which has focused on the specific needs of refugees and displaced persons. Mercy Corps Iraq’s current goal is to work with new and existing civil society, public and private sector partners to meet immediate and long-term needs by strengthening communities’ ability to rebuild amidst increasing crises. Mercy Corps Iraq focuses on (1) a relief-to-resilience pathway to meet the needs of conflict-affected communities leveraging agency expertise in conflict management and civil society development, (2) a humanitarian response that empowers conflict-affected populations to meet their own needs, and (3) partnering with conflict-affected adolescents to address their diverse needs, promoting leadership and linkages with civil society.

Project/ Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been actively engaged in WASH and water resource management initiatives in Iraq, The Program team employs a professional approach to address the challenges vulnerable communities face. Through its dedication to improving access to clean water, promoting hygiene practices, and implementing sustainable water management strategies, Mercy Corps plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and resilience of communities in Iraq.

Iraq is grappling with a severe water crisis, particularly impacting the marshlands of southern Iraq. The situation is exacerbated by factors such as drought, irregular precipitation, climate change-induced temperature fluctuations, and neighboring countries diverting water resources. The Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, crucial for Iraq’s water supply, have witnessed a 30% decrease in water flows since the 1980s, which is expected to further decline to 50% by 2030. This decline has intensified the salinity of the Shatt al-Arab River and Bada’a canal in Basra.

Basra faces critical challenges with its undrinkable tap water since the 1990s, compelling households to rely on private water vendors. Only 11% of the population has access to clean drinking water, with the majority receiving just 10 hours of water per day. Despite water infrastructure being a post-2003 rebuilding priority, progress has been hindered by corruption and stalled mega infrastructure projects. Compact water treatment units (CWTUs) have become the dominant purification technology, supplying a significant portion of treatment capacity.

Nevertheless, these CWTUs face efficiency issues due to inconsistent inflows from Bada‘a canal—affected by dam construction, climate variability, and illegal water extraction. Inadequate investment in maintenance further curtails the operational life of CWTUs. The current initiative strives to overcome these problems by improving water infrastructure, enhancing CWTUs’ functional efficiency, and revitalizing the DoW Technical Capacity Unit to ensure sustainable and reliable access to clean water in Basra.

For that Mercy Corps proposes a 12-month intervention to directly benefit 100,060 community members (49% female) in Basra governorate. The primary project goal is to ensure equitable and sustainable access to safe drinking water services through enhanced, climate-resilient water supply systems and water resources and improved governance systems that are adaptive to climate change with consideration of most affected communities. To achieve this goal, Mercy Corps will take a governance-first approach that focuses on strengthening the local systems (community, government, and ecological) responsible for managing and safeguarding critical water supply services and water resources.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will have an ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a technical advisory and training capacity and will also have an ability to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful information. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is essential, as is an impeccable, professional standard of M&E and reporting and a willingness and ability to ensure compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures. Multi-tasker with the proven ability to organize and prioritize competing priorities. Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results. Demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied experiences and work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines, The MEL Manager must be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps project sites

Living /Environmental Conditions

This position is based in Erbil, Iraq. Travel within Iraq is required to support Mercy Corps Iraq’s offices and programs. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. 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.

Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES:

Successful candidates should meet the education and experience requirements in the position descriptions for this vacancy.

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 below:

[email protected] . Any Resume will be sent without mentioning the job and Location applied for in the subject line will not be considered.

ALL APPLICATIONS/ CVs SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY July 14, 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.