WATER SECURITY LEAD

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.
We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, addressing problems from multiple angles. And we go beyond emergency aid, partnering with local governments, forward-thinking corporations, social entrepreneurs, and people living in fragile communities to develop bold solutions that make lasting change possible.

 

Project/ Department Summary

Mercy Corps has worked across Iraq’s 18 governorates since 2003, implementing relief and development projects. Mercy Corps Iraq’s (MCIQ) 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’ resilience.

Mercy Corps’ approach within Iraq has allowed for continued provision of critical assistance to some of the country’s most vulnerable populations, while at the same time transitioning towards more sustainable and durable solutions for the communities we work for. With the launch of Mercy Corps’ Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize an exciting three-year strategy with the vision to enhance the resilience of Iraqi communities to address the drivers of conflict, thrive in the face of climate change, and facilitate long term peace and prosperity.

 

The Water Security (WS) portfolio is in the midst of a transition from humanitarian WASH response and infrastructure towards development and durable solutions programming with a longer-term focus and impact. The transition includes, but is not limited to, focusing on relevant sustainable water approaches including: integrated water resources management, nature based solutions, water governance, water service provisioning, ecosystem services, irrigation, enhancing community resilience,  ensuring wider participation and advocacy for improved surface and groundwater management and governance, widespread adoption of water saving technologies, approaches and climate change adaptation, and market systems development.

 

General Position Summary

The Water Security Lead (WS Lead) will be the Head of Water security portfolio is a key role to help shape and lead MCIQ’s water security strategy and oversee water-related programming that will make a lasting difference in the lives of millions of Iraqis. S/he is responsible for developing and implementing the new, longer-term strategy and providing strong leadership to transition the current WASH and infrastructure program to a compelling and impactful longer term WS portfolio. S/he will also lead pre-positioning efforts for fundraising including influencing donors, peers, and national or local authorities on the importance of water resource management in Iraq. This will include leading a highly collaborative process of proposal development and program implementation to ensure successful delivery of all water security initiatives and related projects and to achieve lasting impact with an eye towards facilitating public-private partnerships. The WS Lead will liaise with INGOs, CSOs, other humanitarian and development actors, and government authorities in their respective areas, and will lead in strategic planning and positioning for expansion of MCIQ Water Security Portfolio.

Essential Job Responsibilities:
STRATEGIC GROWTH OBJECTIVES
● Lead development of new strategic direction, including appropriate frameworks and policies, for the MCIQ water security portfolio in line with the MCIQ country strategy
● As part of Senior Management Team (SMT) and program Leadership team (PLT) , liaise with regional and global advisors to develop a vision for the MCIQ water security portfolio
● Collaborate with other portfolio heads in integration of multi sectorial and area-based programing, this would include donor mapping (along with PDG and DCD) to drive integrated programing with other sectors/ outcomes.
● Form new strategic partnerships/consortia as relevant

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP, QUALITY, LEARNING AND IMPACT
● Contribute to the Water Security Community of Practice in collaboration with regional and country teams
● Identify and collaborate on scientific research and publications in the field of water security and promoting MCIQ’s water security expertise and experience
● Lead the maintenance, technical orientation, rollout, socialization, and sustainability planning for newly established technical working groups.
● Work with the Program Quality, Evidence and Learning (QEL) unit to develop MCIQ evidence and learning priorities in the water security field, in alignment with the regional Evidence and Learning Agenda (ELA)
● Liaise with Regional and Global Technical Resources and Quality (TRaQ) department to receive technical support in designing and implementing programs and strategies.
● Work closely with QEL unit and program leadership to ensure lessons learned and recommendations are adapted and integrated into program implementation across the portfolio
● Explore partnerships with universities, research institutions, and other organizations to produce case studies, assessments, and other learning documentation, as well as enhance program quality

PROGRAM AND PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
● In coordination with the Program Development Team, manage the positioning of MCIQ partnerships, including the development and maintenance of strong relationships with current and potential partners
● Contribute to new business pipeline development, including establishing relationships with promising donors
● Write/review/contribute to proposals and concept notes for funding from donors including foundations, corporations, and US, European, and UN agencies, and other less traditional donors focusing on water security and climate.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
● Allocate and manage resources between project management, business development (in coordination with the Program Development Team), and oversee project start-ups to closeouts in accordance with PM@MC guidance and relevant policies/procedures
● Ensure all programs within their portfolio are on-scope and on-time, whilst ensuring quality, impact and Value for Money.
● Engage in periodic in-depth reviews to ensure programs are GEDSI-sensitive and adhere to Do No Harm principles, in coordination with GEDSI Advisor.
● Ensure that the programs align with water security principles, such as environmental sustainability, inclusive and participatory governance, reducing water risk, and promoting conservation.
● Provide technical supervision and support to these programs, engage with partners and stakeholders for technical assistance
● Oversee high quality narrative and financial program reporting
● Ensure SPM/PMs receive regular technical guidance, facilitating necessary training and capacity building (directly and through TRaQ or other sources).

TEAM MANAGEMENT
● Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews, check-ins, and real-time reflection.
● Supervise and manage SPMs and/or PMs, as relevant, to ensure program management responsibilities are completed according to schedule, budget and quality while team members also maintain overall wellbeing
● Supervise and mentor all staff under supervision to ensure expected outcomes are reached

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Senior Program Managers, Program Managers, Consortium Managers

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Deputy Country Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Regional Advisors, QEL unit, MEL, CARM, GESI, PDG, Operations, Finance Teams, Security and other sectoral leads.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
● Bachelor’s or master’s degree in water resource management, Environmental science / engineering, Hydrology, Sustainable Development (with a focus on water management), – Civil Engineering (with a focus on water resources), Public Health (with a focus on water and sanitation).
● Minimum 5-7 years’ experience implementing environmental programs, water security, water resource or water service management, water governance, sustainable development
● Knowledge of Iraq’s water resources, water demand, distribution and supply system, understanding of Iraq’s water governance and institutional framework and awareness of transboundary water issues
● Proven track record in fundraising and maintaining donor relationships
● Skills to manage, lead and grow a diverse team
● Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and Arabic
● Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
● Collaboration on or contribution to academic publications is a plus

SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful candidate will have proven experience working effectively and respectfully with host country government and other authorities, NGO, and CSO representatives, and will have effective verbal and written communication as well as multitasking, organizational, and prioritization skills. S/he will have demonstrated attention to detail while keeping a strategic view, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members, and will have an interest and ability to travel and work in insecure environments. Sensitivity to multicultural international development
Work and ability to train and facilitate dialogue among a diverse group of individuals with various skill sets and working styles are all critical, as is a commitment to working with community members to make concrete improvements to their livelihoods and living conditions. An ability to creatively problem-solve, to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected and sudden events impacting project operations are also essential, as is patience, tenacity, and a good sense of humor.

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 Participants 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

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.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES:
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 apply before the deadline indicated below on the below Link:

 Apply Here

 

ALL APPLICATIONS/ CVs SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY November 6^th , 2024

 

Potential candidates for the post will be contacted for an interview and processed according to Mercy Corps Human Resources policies and procedures. As soon as qualified candidates are identified the positions will be closed automatically. 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.

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. Females are highly encouraged to apply.

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.