2023-04-09

Food Security and Livelihood Program Officer – Jowhar, Somalia

Jowhar, Somalia
Posted on April 9, 2023

Mercy Corps

Food Security and Livelihood Program Officer – Jowhar, Somalia

Vacant Announcement

Position Title: Food Security and Livelihood Program Officer

Location: Jawhar, Somalia

Position Status: Full time, Regular

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.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMARY:

Mercy Corps Somalia aims to strengthen systems and mechanisms that enable sustainable development, emergency response and peaceful processes through high quality and high impact programming in Somaliland, Puntland, and the South-Central of Somalia, i.e., all over Somalia. Mercy Corps assists communities in Somalia to transition from crisis to transformative recovery and sustainable development. We currently implement programs that address IDPs’ and returnees’ needs in terms of education, health, conflict mitigation management, livelihoods, and emergency response with an orientation towards early recovery. We aim to expand our programs that strengthen and diversify livelihoods and ensure food security and resilience throughout the country. In our continued response to emergency and disaster, Mercy Corps seeks experienced food security and livelihood Program Officer for its Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRIS) – (Market Based Resilience for Marginalized Populations -MB-RMP) Activity funded by USAID.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The food security and livelihood Program Officer is overall responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the planned activity components particularly the livestock and agriculture related activities in the IRIS Program (MB RMP Program). The food security and livelihood Program Officer will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration, and program) in Jowhar and Balad districts but coordinating with other activities in Kismayo, Mogadishu, Baidoa and other Mercy Corps field offices to ensure the day-to-day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality. The Livestock Program Officer will coordinate closely with the different clusters, i.e., Food Security, Protection and Health/Nutrition Clusters. Similarly, the Livestock Program Officer with closely coordinate with the Local Administration, community leaders, beneficiaries, and other key program stakeholders to achieve the program goals and ensure that all activities to be implemented on demand-driven; and communities mobilized in a participatory way. He/she will have to show full adherence to Mercy Corps procedures, policy, and security protocols. This food security and livelihood officer position will also closely coordinate with Hirshabelle chamber of commerce, FAO and Other actors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Conduct periodic need assessment and prepare activity papers and documentation.
Maintain close working relationships with local authorities, INGOs and Local NGOs
Foster a collaborative team atmosphere which engages the stakeholder.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Adhere to MC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines.
Assist with the implementation of the IRIS (MB RMP Program) – AFS Sector and other program portfolios according to plan of action.
Prepare and develop status reports as required by management and supervisor in the area of duty station.
Ensure proper filing of documents.
Representations at cluster meetings at the field level.
Promote and share ideas for improvement of the program unit.
Field data information and data collection to inform program design and planning.
Support the implementation of the activities under the AFS Sector, particularly the livestock related activities in IRIS (MB RMP) Program.
Document good practices and lessons, testimonies and stories for program learning from field visits, surveys and assessments that have been done.
Work with all MC staff to compile all program related documentations for IRIS (MB RMP) Program coverage areas in the South-Central of Somalia as may be required from time to time.
Perform any other assigned duty by Mercy Corps Somalia.

REPORTING:

Document lessons learned and success stories of the program.
Develop and contribute and submit all required program reports on time.
Coordinate with MEAL team to ensure data quality and timely sharing of data to support reporting cycles.
provide weekly update on project implementation progress as well as general security context of the area to senior program officer who will report to the senior management including the director of programs.

REPRESENTATION:

Represent Mercy Corps and its values at coordination and partner meetings in area of operation.
Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure.
Maintain high ethical standards and treated people with respect and dignity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

Accountability:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: IRIS (MB RMP) Program Team Lead (Program Manager)

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Other program staff, finance officers, logistics officers, human resources, and administration officers.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

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

Skills and Qualifications

MINMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Relevant qualification in the field of livestock of the development for national and international relief and development organization in a similar role, ability to multitask and make decisions, experience in working effectively with minimum supervision.
At least 2 to 3 years of work experience with an NGO in a similar capacity, one operating in the South-Central of Somalia is extremely desirable.
Degree or equivalent in Economics, agricultural economics, livestock, or another relevant field.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in program design and implementation.
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and keeps to deadlines.
Knowledge and understanding of the Somali people’s culture and political set up.
Strong team player and effective communicator.
Willing to interact effectively with international and national personnel and other partners.

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. 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 elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

How to apply

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for this position and submit their applications (cover letter, updated CV and contacts of 3 professional referees) through https://www.mercycorps.org/careers/national only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

“Female candidates are strongly preferred to apply, and the candidate must have a good understanding and experience for the vacant position”

Note: Please be aware that your education certificate and employment background of the last 3 years will be verified by Mercy corps during the recruitment process.

Deadline for Applications: April 15th 2023.

Apply Here

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