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 has been operating in Nepal since 2005, implementing programs in food security, agriculture, market development, financial services, youth engagement, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
“Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision, and we encourage people from all backgrounds, especially women and members of disadvantaged groups to apply. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer”.
Mercy Corps invites applications from all interested and potential Nepali candidates for the following position:
Position: Director of Programs
> Location: Kathmandu, Nepal with at least 35% travel across Nepal depending on COVID restrictions
> Position Status: Full-time, Regular
> Salary Level: D
Program / Department Summary
Mercy Corps began operations in Nepal in 2005, and since then has implemented projects in the sectors of agriculture, food security and nutrition, financial services, youth engagement, and disaster risk reduction/ climate change adaptation. To date, this programming has reached over 900,000 people in 23 districts. Mercy Corps Nepal works to build the absorptive, adaptive and transformative potential of vulnerable individuals and communities across Nepal. The goal is attained through a systems based approach to market development, financial services, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, emergency response and youth engagement.
Currently, there are 10 programs in the Nepal portfolio; five will be closing out by the end of March 2021, and therefore will need close attention to program quality in the final stages, but also effective, efficient and responsible close-out. One program will be in the start-up phase, three programs will be on-going and will need normal attention to program quality, and one large USAID-funded complex program will be well into its first year of implementation. The USAID program has its own Chief of Party, but the DoP will have discreet support roles for the program going forward. Business development will be a key priority with the short-term emphasis will be on complementary, transformative funding opportunities while the long-term goals will be to maintain a similar level of effort, influence and implementation across the country. At any time, the country of Nepal could experience significant natural disaster, and this position would be expected to have a key leadership role in Mercy Corps Nepal’s emergen y response efforts.
General Position Summary
Nepal is a complex operating environment that is characterized by high levels of competition for available funding opportunities, logistical challenges due to the country’s topography, and additional management considerations related to the country’s geographic and ethnic/ caste diversity. In the last year, the country office has been undergoing significant transition- closing out several cornerstone programs while starting up new ones, and revamping policies, practices and staffing roles across the team. Mercy Corps has also made significant progress in assuming a leadership position in the disaster risk reduction, emergency, education and protection sectors.
The Director of Programs (DoP) is a key leadership and management position for Mercy Corps and works closely with the Country Director to set the overall strategic direction of the program portfolio. With oversight of a diverse $31.7 million portfolio, The DoP is responsible for management oversight of all programs, building and sustaining motivated and creative cross-cultural teams, ensuring technical quality and cross-program synergies and fundraising strategically. S/he builds and maintains strong relationships with all agency stakeholders, and ensures a productive and thoughtful work environment between the Programs and Support teams. S/he plays integral roles in program development, evidence building and use, as well as communications, influence, accountability, and overall quality assurance. S/he represents Mercy Corps Nepal programs and is responsible for coordinating with the larger S/he will directly supervise a 4-6 person program management team. As the deputy to the Country Director, the DoP also serves as a key advisor for major strategic decisions related to overall operations and management of the entire country office, and serves as acting Country Director in the absence of the CD. The successful candidate will be a progressive, strategic thinker, someone able to work outside the lines and inject new ideas and critical thinking skills into our work. The next DoP for our team will be a strong leader, committed to gender and social diversity, and will serve as a model for strong leadership not only to Mercy Corps’ project managers, but also support staff, partners, and other stakeholders.
Application Deadline: 24 Feb 2021
HOW TO APPLY
