Senior Manager - Program Performance & Quality - Iraq

The Senior PaQ Manager will oversee the country’s PaQ Department, which in Mercy Corps Iraq consists of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Unit, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Unit, and the Community Accountability Reporting Mechanism (CARM) Unit. The Senior PaQ Manager will also play a critical role in overseeing cross-cutting research and learning initiatives within and beyond its current programming and will have heavy involvement in the drafting of proposals and in new program design. Align PaQ Department strategy and objectives to Country- and Regional-Level Strategies, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and metrics to monitor progress and achievement Serve as a member of the Extended Senior Management Team (E-SMT) to provide input and leadership around country-level policies and processes, including proactive problem solving and cross-department collaboration. Ensure the accessibility of program data, evidence, and aggregated progress toward indicator targets and overall outcomes not only to MEL/PaQ colleagues, but to broader Program Teams, Senior Management, and other relevant stakeholders to inform decision making Coordinate agency-level reporting requirements (such as the Annual Participant Count, CARM Quality Assurance Processes, etc.) relevant to Iraq. Participate in program kick-offs to ensure effective strategic direction, clear orientation on management requirements, and learning plans; Participate in program reflections or close-outs to gather learning and share results. Ensure appropriate staffing within a PaQ purview, and ensure all staff understand and are able to perform their role; engage in in-country and/or regional/global advocacy as needed to ensure human resource needs are met in the Department. Works Directly With: MCIQ PaQ Team, Program Leadership, Regional PaQ/MEL/CARM/GESI Focal Points, Extended Senior Management Team (E-SMT), Research/Evaluation Consultants Minimum 5 years working experience required, preferably in program monitoring and/or implementation, providing coordination and technical oversight, or the broader development sector Extensive experience with program quality, monitoring and evaluation, information management, research implementation or oversight, and other learning efforts strongly preferred. Knowledge of inclusion principles and best practices related to community accountability required; experience leading gender and/or inclusion analyses an advantage. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite required; Experience with data collection softwares (Ona, Kobo, CommCare, or similar) required; experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis softwares strongly preferred. Experience with a range of institutional donors such as AFD, EU/ECHO, GAC, GIZ, USAID/BHA, PRM, SIDA and FCDO is an advantage. Excellent English writing skills required; previous experience in developing donor assessments, research, proposals, and program reports is strongly preferred Demonstrated attention to details, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, prioritize activities and work independently and cooperatively with team members are required. Experience working in the Middle East region and/or complex security contexts preferred; experience in Iraq is an advantage. Proven ability to work cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders, and to play a leadership role in convening groups. Astute skills in relationship building and coordination. Willingness and ability to travel frequently to Mercy Corps program sites and field locations, including traveling to insecure environments, is required. Excellent listening, inter-personal, communication and networking skills; and the ability to work with diversified populations.