Project Officer Internal Only

About Mercy Corps 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 Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states - Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, and South Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (SNNPR), and in Dire Dawa Administration and the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa - Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.

Program / Department Summary Mercy Corps in partnership with WFP is implementing a comprehensive Food Systems Transformation intervention in Bokolmayo woreda. This ambitious program is designed to revitalize the local food systems, ensuring that they are robust, sustainable, and capable of supporting the nutritional and economic needs of both refugee and host community populations. By integrating a variety of support mechanisms-from agricultural enhancement to financial inclusion, market connectivity, and livelihood augmentation-the intervention is meticulously crafted to foster resilience and improve nutritional outcomes. The initiative is not a one size fits all solution; rather, it is a carefully orchestrated series of actions, each building upon the other, to address the unique challenges and leverage the strengths of the households it serves. For instance, agricultural beneficiaries will not only receive support but will also be encouraged to form cooperatives, engage in savings and loan associations, and tap into microfinance opportunities, thereby weaving a strong fabric of communal support and financial empowerment.

The project's vision extends beyond immediate aid, setting its sights on long term development and self reliance. Recognizing the untapped potential of agriculture in the region, hindered by water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure, the intervention aims to transform these challenges into opportunities. By providing access to irrigated land and modernizing agricultural practices through the introduction of solar pumps and regenerative techniques, the project aspires to unlock the full potential of local agriculture. This holistic approach includes not only the provision of quality seeds and inputs but also the cultivation of knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable farming practices. Training in climate smart agriculture and business acumen is a cornerstone of this strategy, equipping households with the tools to thrive independently and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

General Position Summary The project officers will be based in Dollo Ado & Bokolmayo woredas and work under the direction and guidance of the Project Coordinator and field team. The PO will be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Enabling Food Systems Transformation and IFTIIN program activities at the community level.

He/she bridges the link between the project field team and the communities and local government representatives and engages in community/institutional capacity building activities.

In collaboration with local level government stakeholders and community members, the PO is responsible for the day to day planning and implementation of project activities at the community level.

Project Officer Req positions: 3 positions.

Location: Dollo Ado

Position Status: Full time

Salary Level: 4

Current Team Member: No

Safeguarding Risk Level: Low

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Create conducive environment for smallholder farmers to access predictable market for agricultural inputs and produces.
• Facilitate access to financial services through formation of VSLA and cooperatives and link them to formal financial institutions to benefit both host and refugee communities.
• Works with woreda Agriculture and Natural Resources Office in the target area to create mass awareness to induce behavioral change to improve diversification and consumption of nutritious food.
• Facilitate woreda level stakeholders' coordination meetings and joint monitoring and follow up events.
• Take part in assessments and data collection when required.
• Provide activity, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Represent Mercy Corps in the woreda of his/her assignment.
• Ensure adequate consultation and participation of kebele and village/community level stakeholders ensuring active participation of women.
• With support of the field technical team, provide expertise and advice for community institutions/organizations on gender mainstreaming and gender equality.
• Facilitate community meetings, discussions, dialogues among others on the management of the programme at the community level.
• Support and facilitate community/institutional capacity building activities.
• Act as an active member of the project team by identifying and exploring opportunities to improve project implementation and guarantee its sustainability.

Strategy & Vision

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

Program Management

• Coordinates, participates, and facilitates assessments, activities planning, coordination meetings, and workshops with stakeholders.
• Provides systematic technical support to woreda Agriculture and Natural Resources Office to ensure quality and impactful implementation of all integrated smallholders resilience and livelihood support.
• Works with woreda Agriculture and Natural Resources Office to improve agriculture extension service to increase agricultural production and productivity.
• Facilitates market linkages between aggregators, agriculture input suppliers, and smallholder's farmers.
• Facilitates woreda and kebele level activities such as beneficiaries' selection and profiling, extension service provision, capacity building trainings and meetings events, market linkage events, financial inclusion activities.
• Provides work plan and corresponding activity report about the activities.
• Regularly visits field activities to assess progress and provide formal and informal feedback.

Team Management

• Develop the capacity of the community facilitators and enumerators, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
• Assist community facilitators with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.

Finance & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.

Influence & Representation

• Represent Mercy Corps in front of partners, communities and stakeholders and in coordination meetings.

GEDSI (Gender, Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion)

• Adherence of gender minimum standards.
• Make sure GESI issues are properly reflected during program management.
• Support the organization's commitment to age and gender inclusive team building process.
• Increased commitment to Gender Equality, Diversity and Social inclusion.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Line manage the Field facilitators.

Accountability Reports Directly To: The Agriculture Coordinator.

Technical Line Report To: The Agriculture Coordinator.

Works Directly With: The GEDSI, MEL and program team.

Knowledge And Experience

• BSc in NRM, Agriculture, Forestry, rural development, Development studies, Cooperative Management, Agriculture Economics or related field.
• Knowledge of cooperatives management, Smallholder support, Soil and water conservation, landscape management, Financial Inclusion and livelihood development.
• Three Years work experience in Cooperatives Development, Agriculture, NRM and livelihood development in similar organizations. Prior experience working with pastoralist communities, in Ethiopia especially in the Somali region.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi tasking, organizational, prioritization skills.
• Ability to work comfortably, effectively and creatively in areas of variable security.
• Multi tasking, organization, and prioritization skills.
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