Job details

Alumni Talent Pool: Operations Lead Roles (Open to former Mercy Corps Employees)

The Alumni Talent Pool is open to former Mercy Corps employees only.

Apply by 10 October 2024.

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

The Program

Mercy Corps has created an Alumni Talent Pool to support emergency response, transitions and complex program start-up, by fast-tracking Mercy Corps alumni into temporary Senior Operations roles. The initiative focuses on matching qualified team members with urgent country-based needs, for short-term placements (3 months on average). This is an opportunity for senior managers that offers more professional and personal flexibility and access to diverse experiences.

The Role

Mercy Corps alumni (employed within the last four years) qualified to fill senior Operations Roles (Emergency Operations Lead, Operations Manager, Operations Director, Procurement Manager, or Complex Program Startup Manager) will be eligible to join the Alumni Talent Pool. Once selected into the Pool, members will have access to exciting, short-term opportunities in countries where Mercy Corps operates. Between assignments, members will enjoy continued engagement with Mercy Corps and optional professional development and networking opportunities. Responsibilities and supervisory structures will vary depending on the type of assignment, including but not limited to:

Emergency Operations Lead

Develop and implement a strategy for operational startup to support a rapid, high quality emergency response.
Develop, set-up & manage supply chain lines for the timely delivery, transport, storage, and distribution of relief items in emergency response planning and during assignments.
Work closely with Program, Administration, Security and Finance on the set up of new offices, partnerships and systems.
Assess the operating environment in the emergency and adapt ways of working in compliance with Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures.
Set up systems for supply chain operations to support rapid program delivery.
Recruit, onboard and train national team members to fill operations support functions.

Operations Manager

Guide and oversee the overall operations strategy in the country, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps policies.
Work collaboratively with program, HR and finance teams to maintain efficient support services and proactively address challenges.
Supervise a diverse team, proactively coaching and training team members for high performance.
Oversee application of procurement policies and procedures and compliance with donor regulations.
Oversee logistics, travel and transport services aligned with programmatic needs.
Manage custom clearance-related activities during the emergency response phase
Oversee maintenance of Mercy Corps’ assets and effective management of warehouses and goods.

Procurement Manager

Oversee procurement activities according to the Field Procurement Policies and Procedures, SOPs and donor rules & regulations.
Work collaboratively with program and finance teams to move processes forward swiftly and to troubleshoot issues.
Facilitate competitive processes to identify, select and negotiate with contractors to ensure that standards for quality and timeliness are achieved.
Coordinate with logistics and program teams on supply chain operations, storage, and transfer of goods to field sites.
Supervise procurement team members; hire, onboard and train team members as necessary.

Start-up Operations Lead

Work collaboratively to develop a start-up strategy and plan for program start up, devising appropriate operations systems.
Work closely with Program, Administration, Security and Finance on the set up of new offices, partnerships and systems.
Recruit, onboard and train national team members to fill operations support functions.
Ensure tools and tracking mechanisms are in place to accurately assess and communicate progress against the start-up work plan, resources (budget and personnel), and issues.
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
When on assignment, members will be eligible for competitive salary and benefits. The eligible salary ranges and a description of all benefits associated with these short-term positions (including health care and insurance) will be provided for informational purposes to candidates meeting minimum requirements for the role.
Professional level proficiency in at least one of Mercy Corps’ working languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian); proficiency in multiple languages is strongly preferred.

When on assignment, members will be eligible for competitive salary and benefits. The eligible salary ranges and a description of all benefits associated with these short-term positions (including health care and insurance) will be provided for informational purposes to candidates meeting minimum requirements for the role.

The Process

Applications will be accepted and reviewed bi-annually. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview process and to provide professional references; through which we will assess each candidate’s competencies and qualifications. Case study or scenario questions may be asked of the candidates as part of the panel interview. Those meeting the minimum qualifications and demonstrating competency in the priority areas will be invited to join the Alumni Talent Pool.

Once selected into the Alumni Talent Pool, members will provide information about their professional experience, qualifications, availability, and preferences. Pool members will then be matched to specific temporary employment opportunities (of 1-4 months) as hiring managers request support from the Talent Pool. Pool members will manage their own time and availability and can accept or decline any assignment.

For more information about the opportunity, you may consult our Frequently Asked Questions in English, Spanish, or French.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, 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.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

BA/S or equivalent in a relevant field required
At least 5 years of field experience in international relief and development operations overseeing procurement and logistics support functions.
Prior experience with Mercy Corps within the last four years (with at least one year of Mercy Corps work experience.)
Experience leading teams, managing performance of supervisees, and coaching/ mentoring staff.
Experience and understanding of institutional donors (USAID, ECHO, FCDO) is preferred.
Ability to influence, handle negotiations and make fast and effective decisions and plans in emergency contexts. Personal passion for and commitment to working in a diverse array of emergencies.
Willing and able to deploy internationally at short notice for assignments.
Able to work effectively in a highly stressed and potentially physically challenging emergency response set up in early and later stages of responses.
Availability to work non-standard hours as needed, especially when supporting an active emergency or critical incident response.
Professional level proficiency in at least one of Mercy Corps’ working languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian); proficiency in multiple languages is strongly preferred.

Success Factors

Successful Talent Pool members are self-starters who are ready to dive into an assignment on short notice. They have a positive attitude, are adaptable to changing circumstances, and are focused on problem solving. They have good self-awareness and understand their personal strengths and development needs, which they continuously work on between assignments. Talent Pool members understand it is a privilege to work in this sector and bring this enthusiasm to all their Mercy Corps assignments.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

Living conditions will depend on the location of assignment but may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing will depend on the assigned post and will be specified in the position description.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

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. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. 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 e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).

Mercy Corps Glassdoor Company Review

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