Description
Location: Amman, Jordan or Beirut, Lebanon Valid unrestricted work authorization in Jordan or Lebanon is required at the time of application for this position. Position Status: Full Time Regular (duration of approximately 2 years) Starting Salary Range: The salary range will be based on local benchmark and will be provided during the interview process.
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.
Team Overview Our Crisis Analysis teams aggregate and analyze data to improve decision-making and access in complex crises. The teams directly contribute to data-driven decision-making by layering information gathered directly from open sources and from responders’ programmatic data and subjecting it to analysis by multi-disciplinary teams. This analysis is grounded in Mercy Corps’ status as an operational NGO, keeping our products constructive and relevant for humanitarian responders and donors within a given crisis.
Several countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe (MENAE - Mercy Corps’ administrative region) have established Crisis Analysis teams and presence, and have been using it as a strategic tool that contributes to our agency-wide impact and evidence-driven commitment by generated evidence through enabling innovative analytical tools and methodologies to unpack complex contextual phenomena and support decision making and influencing key stakeholders and our larger ecosystem across the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus.
Across the MENAE, Crisis Analysis has seen significant expansion in response to the significant conflict and overlapping crises currently being experienced across these countries. This includes a Crisis Analysis capacity at the regional level, complementing the work of our dedicated country CA teams such as Lebanon and Syria. The regional team is increasingly managing multi-country analysis and research projects, thematic regional analysis, and direct gap filling support for our country teams. As such we’re seeking to recruit a research project manager to support our regional Crisis Analysis team.
Position Overview The regional project manager will be largely responsible for project management support for ongoing Mercy Corps regional Crisis Analysis (CA) projects. This includes a collaborative project with UNDP and funded by RDPP Phase III on a research and advocacy project towards durable solutions to the Syria Refugee Crisis, focusing mostly on Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The regional CA Project Manager will also be supporting other ongoing and future CA projects in the region that needs dedicated support. The regional CA project manager will work closely with a range of in-country Crisis Analysis teams, as well as a growing regional Crisis Analysis team supporting cross-country and multi-country projects, as well as the relevant global support teams to ensure the effective coordination and delivery of complex multi country research projects. This includes working closely with the Regional MENA-Europe Crisis Analysis Advisor on country expansions.
Responsibilities
Program Management and Program Quality
Manage workflow and workload to maximize impactful output across managed CA teams and projects. Proactively seek opportunities to introduce new methodologies and technologies where they add value. Coordinate the production of time-sensitive, data-driven analytical products to support programmatic decision making. Ensure the Crisis Analysis outputs meet the unique needs of its target audiences and meet Mercy Corps’ minimum standards for Crisis Analysis work. Manage the finalization process for each research and analysis output, including (but not limited to): copy editing and proof reading; data visualizations, maps, and graphics; internal review process (including risk/sensitivity review); external review process; and page layout. When appropriate lead the composition of external engagement materials (such as slide decks) and provide briefing/presentations to relevant external stakeholders. Support the systematic use of evidence, data and analysis in programmatic decision making within Mercy Corps MENAE Crisis Analysis Teams. Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of Mercy Corps’ programming across the region. Build and maintain relevant networks that improve the quality of products and present findings to internal and external parties. Contribute to proposal writing and business development as needed.
Program Compliance
Work closely with Regional and Global Finance and Compliance teams to ensure compliance with donors and Mercy Corps regulations (including PM@MC minimum standards). Liaise with Mercy Corps HQ to facilitate donor requests for review and approval of program activities (e.g. program adaptations, events), communications initiatives (e.g. press releases, reports, campaigns) and other initiatives that require donor approval within the parameters of the award contract. Ensure that program is executed in alignment with the donors’/ In the case of the RDPP funded project, UNDP’s agreement and the applicable donor/ UNDP regulations , staying abreast of changes in regulatory environment related to donor/grant compliance; updating partnership process, tools, policies and procedures as necessary. Communicate compliance expectations, donor policy updates/changes, and other relevant guidance to relevant country leadership and stakeholders and assist in the development of CA-wide strategies to adhere to such guidance, as appropriate.
Team Management
Hire and supervise team member(s) responsible for administrative, reporting, and support duties for the consortium. Develop the capacity of the supervisees, deepen their understanding of their role and assist with career development. Assist Mercy Corps and partner team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and reach objectives. Support CA teams and Senior Leaders across the region and represent Crisis Analysis and Mercy Corps as appropriate. Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews. Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence. Assist in recruiting, orienting, and new team members and consultants onboarding as necessary. Ensure the team’s size and skill set remains suitable to delivering against the mandate, including through recruiting and securing resources via proactive business development.
RDDP-Funded Project specific responsibilities:
The position will be responsible for coordinating research and analysis for an upcoming research collaboration between Mercy Corps and UNDP on durable solutions for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan, funded by RDPP. These include:
Lead on the overall project outputs for Mercy Corps components of a project that focuses on advocacy for durable solutions backed by strong research and analysis Lead on coordination with UNDP as the Prime of the project and as the project lead Together with UNDP lead on all research and analysis related engagement with external stakeholders, including (but not limited to): national and international NGO fora, UN agencies, Regional Refugee & Resilience Plan (3RP) stakeholders, research/analysis partners, etc. Budget management and forecasts in coordination with Project Lead UNDP. Also ensuring relevant approvals for program activities and changes are taken from UNDP. * With relevant Mercy Corps advisors, coordinating regular project quarterly reporting (MEAL) to UNDP that feed into learning
