Program Director (Relief and Recovery) PCAP Gaza (217524-927)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps is a non-profit, non-aligned, secular non-governmental (NGO) humanitarian relief and development organization, registered in the United States and Scotland with offices in more than 40 countries around the world, including the West Bank and Gaza, where the organization has been active in implementing relief and development programs for nearly a decade. Mercy Corps ‘West Bank and Gaza’ has staff based in East Jerusalem and Gaza City offices that implement programs throughout the Palestinian territories.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps’ Palestinian Community Assistance Program (PCAP), a three year $100 million program funded by USAID, is paving the way to a brighter future for Palestinians through social and economic relief and recovery by meeting basic humanitarian needs and laying foundations for long-term recovery in Gaza. The program sectors include Education, Psychosocial Support, Youth in Sports, Cash for Work, Small /Medium Enterprise and Information /Communication Technology. Mercy Corps works closely with two international INGO partners, within the Co-operative Agreement. There will also be liaison with those NGOs that will have approved sub-grants as part of the RFA process, also within the overall PCAP program. The Program Director manages all programs implemented by Mercy Corps under the PCAP grant and has a senior leadership role within the Mercy Corps PCAP management team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Planning, Implementation and Development

• Be fully responsible for all aspects of program management and coordinate and lead program staff in integrated multi-sectoral program implementation.
• Ensure timely implementation of the programs to the highest standards delivering the highest possible quality.
• Ensure all program activities are implemented in accordance with technical and budgetary requirements including compliance with Mercy Corps and USAID requirements.
• Work cooperatively with other Mercy Corps staff, local community, partner NGOs, and other parties.
• Conduct regular field visits to the project sites, and ensure regular coordination meetings with the partner CBOs and NGOs are conducted.
• In conjunction with Procurement, Admin, Compliance and Finance, ensure documentation (including contracts/ payment schedules) of partner CBOs under the direct implementation component are in place with MC policies adhered to and timely processing of payments.
• Ensure that accurate and up-to date programmatic documentation is maintained.
• In cooperation with the Monitoring &Evaluation department, establish structures and procedures which facilitate monitoring and evaluation of all program activities.
• Report regularly on project implementation/ progress.

Staff Performance Management

• Participate in the recruitment and selection of new staff as required, drafting position descriptions, and coordinating with HR in the selection process.
• Insure effective performance management of all program staff through regular meetings and effective follow-up of work plans and implementation.
• Manage all implementing program staff.

Representation

• Ensure effective networking and coordination with local and international organizations working in similar programmatic fields.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Participate in the regularly scheduled senior management meetings.
• Any other duties as required.

ACCOUNTABILITY: 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 projects.

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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Supervise Program Managers and all other PCAP program staff.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Chief of Party

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Sub-Grants Coordination Director, HR, Admin, Finance, Compliance and Procurement staff, M&E department.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years experience in a senior management role overseeing diverse programming with a focus on at least one of the following: Community Development, Economic Development or Social Development.
• Proven success managing the administration and compliance of USAID donor funding and the ability to develop proposals for new projects and programs from conception to submission is required.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate and defend Mercy Corps’ interests with a diverse range of government officials, local organizations and other groups.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
• Experience with emergency response programs and staff training and mentoring is also preferred.
• Understanding of the social, political, and economic context of Palestinian territories, especially the Gaza Strip.
• Excellent administration and management skills
• Excellent writing skills in English and Arab speaker preferred.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Programs Director will be able to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines. S/he will be flexible and creativity in planning and problem solving

Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results. Ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details. Understanding and adhering to field security management practices, as well as cultural, political and religious considerations are essential. Successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations

LIVING CONDITIONS:

Team members in Gaza reside in shared accommodation provided by Mercy Corps. Entry and Exit to the Gaza Strip is controlled by the Israeli government and limited to specific hours, 5.5 days of the week. Team members can generally go to Jerusalem for a weekend at least once per month. The Gaza Strip is considered a conflict zone and as such, there are restriction imposed on Mercy Corps international staff for their safety.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of 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.

Submitting a resume online at a job site could cause valuable screening information to be missed.

Please apply directly at:

http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo....

Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.