Under the direction and management support from the Deputy Chief of Party (COP), the HRA Oromia region Program Coordinator is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Oromia region HRA project including targeted woredas located in Eastern Hararge and Western Hararge zones. S/he ensures all project initiatives are implemented to achieve maximum impact as per program and project objectives while remaining on schedule and budget. The HRA Oromia region Program Coordinator directly manages the field-level program team, finance, and operation teams. S/he will work with the implementing partner, the Addis-based HRA team to ensure that HRA project objectives are implemented effectively through each objective. Her/his close working relationships with all technical units ensure program activities are carried out according to the highest standards and remain responsive and appropriate to the local context.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGY & VISION

• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to program-level, regional and countrywide strategy development.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Follow Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards, Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards in all program activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the program outcomes and impacts using robust MEL systems and tools and ensure alignment with Mercy Corps’ standards and donor requirements.
• Manage the program budget and financial resources in a transparent and efficient manner, and report on the program progress and challenges regularly.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the technical and operational support teams to ensure integration and synergy among the program components.
• Use CLA principles to inform program strategy, implementation, and learning, and share knowledge with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in relevant technical working groups, cluster meetings, and coordination forums with other actors in the sector.
• Review the program budget and expenditures quarterly with the DCOP and track the budget performance for the region.
• Plan and conduct quarterly and annual program review meetings with stakeholders to assess progress, adjust plans, and learn lessons for the region.
• Engage with the private sector, government, civil society, and communities as partners in the program implementation.
• Visit the field sites regularly to monitor the program activities and provide feedback and support to the field staff.
• Manage and supervise the program teams across various locations and ensure high-quality program delivery, compliance, and accountability.
• Update the supervisor and key program staff on the program status and issues, identify risks, and propose solutions for mitigation and resolution.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Build effective relationships with relevant program teams based on mutual trust and collaboration.
• Assist team members with information, tools, and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Increased commitment to Gender Equality Diversity and Social inclusion

FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.
• Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Liaise with regional-level local government officials, local NGOs and civil society organizations, local religious leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure support for and acceptance of Mercy Corps’ programs.
• Maintain close working relationships with donors, other humanitarian and development organizations, and local partners, including representing Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings as assigned.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, and other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

Team members working on HRA in the Oromia region directly including, Technical Specialists, MEL specialists, finance officer, and logistics officer based in Dire Dawa and Chiro.

Job Requirement

• BA/BSc in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
• Master’s degree in any one of the technical or management courses in the program focus areas highly preferred.
• At least 6 years in a middle or senior-level management position
• Previous experience managing complex project or consortiums an added advantage.
• Excellent communicator in English with demonstrated excellent report writing and speaking skills, knowledge of local languages (Oromiffa) greatly advantageous.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, and relationship management skills.
• Six years’ experience managing teams, strategic planning, and implementing programs.
• Proven experience developing effective and diverse teams in dynamic contexts.
• Strong organizational and managerial skills.
• Experience or working in the Oromia region with strong contextual knowledge of cultures.
• Experience effectively initiating and maintaining productive relationships with private, public, civil society, and research sector partners.