Turkey: Emergency Programs Manager - Ankara, Turkey (219908-927)

This is a 3 months assignment that is due to start as soon as possible. Candidates who are available immediately are highly encouraged to apply.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

As Mercy Corps seeks to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression around the world we recognize that instances of sudden change within a country or region, are rare moments of opportunity. Mercy Corps is interested in strengthening presence for early as well as longer term programming for Syrians, including those who have been displaced, and will be present initially in the north, with expansion of programming to other regions over time. It is imperative that Mercy Corps present itself as a key and reliable partner with various donors, INGOs, government authorities and civil society actors, to be part of the process of positive change. Mercy Corps, with its global experience in working in countries undergoing major transitions, will be a key contributor in the process, bringing knowledge, expertise and strong management skills to position the agency as a partner of choice for progressive change in Syria, as well as in response to refugee and vulnerable populations in Turkey. Syria is currently in the midst a major humanitarian crisis impacting the entire country as well as a number of the neighboring countries. The main thrust of the work of Mercy Corps along with its national and international partners for the foreseeable future will be primarily focused on meeting urgent war-related humanitarian needs across the country. The heightened insecurity and continuous acts of violence and war make the humanitarian response not only more challenging, but increasingly complicated.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Emergency Programs Manager will be responsible for providing management support to the Director of Programs (DoP) for North Syria with a particular focus on new initiatives and achieve the program objective of providing a quality response in northern Syria. He/she will work with the DoP, managers, and other departments to lead assigned initiatives and identify gaps in programs and processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Management

• Capture, document and review internal systems and process related to programs.
• Provide management oversight to different sectors/ programs as needed during management gaps.
• Support the Managers in developing draft strategies for the respective sectors.
• Lead new initiatives that will enhance program design and quality.
• Provide management support to Director of Programs for North Syria.
• Support the set up of strong information systems within programs.
• Provide management oversight to emergency response.
• Work with Managers on capacity building staff as needed.

Representation and Coordination

• Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the Syria emergency response, including donors, other humanitarian and human rights organizations, local authorities and local partners,
• Represent Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings,
• Work with Director of Programs and Grants Management Advisor to develop concept notes, white papers, etc.

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 Stakeholders:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to the 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Director of Programs

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: All Mercy Corps department and staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• BSc or Master's Degree in a relevant degree; politics, local governance, development, history and or languages preferred.
• 4-6 years of demonstrated expertise in senior program management and ideally implementation of remotely managed programs, in emergency response program management in highly insecure environments.
• Commitment to program quality.
• Familiarity and demonstrated ability to coordinate with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, and other NGOs.
• Good organizational and project management skills and the ability to anticipate project needs.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with colleagues of other departments in a team environment, and to lead a diverse group of national and international staff.
• Understanding of participatory methodologies for project design, implementation and evaluation.
• Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes, including SPHERE, HAP.
• Solid understanding of organizational best practices, systems, and procedures.
• Must be able to strategically advise staff on program and office activities and security issues.
• Fluent English essential; Arabic is preferred.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful candidate will have proven experience working effectively and respectfully with host country government and other authorities, NGO, and CBO representatives, and will have effective verbal and written communication as well as multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills. S/he will also have remote management experience. 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 multi-cultural 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 program operations are also essential, as is patience, tenacity, and a good sense of humor.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The position will be based in Ankara with frequent traveling to the field office. Personnel in this location are expected to follow all security protocols. Good medical services are available. City electricity is available in Ankara and running water is reliable also. Internet connectivity and communication is reliable in most locations. In general, road conditions in Turkey are good. Some travel to Gaziantep will be required.

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 Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=c3NhbGxvdW0uMjg0NTMuMzgzMEBtZXJjeWNvcnBzLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ