Regional Project Coordinator/ Technical Lead| Woldia (re-advertisement)

Youth Impact Labs East Africa; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An international non-profit organization is seeking a Regional Project Coordinator to oversee the ER-CAP project in Woldia. The role focuses on economic recovery and market systems development for conflict-affected populations. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in economic development, strong leadership skills, and excellent communication abilities. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful community-focused initiatives.

Benefits

Diversity and inclusion efforts

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in economic development including market analysis, value chain development.
• Experience with agriculture and alternative livelihoods in conflict-prone areas is an asset.
• Strong ability to build and maintain relations with partners and government agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, implementation, and monitoring of the MSD project in the region.
• Develop and maintain detailed work plans, budgets, and monitoring frameworks.
• Coordinate and facilitate regular project team meetings and partner consultations.

Skills

Market analysis

Team leadership

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in economics or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Overview

About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. We know our teams do their best work when diverse and inclusive, and every team member feels they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to be stronger and have long term impact.

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, working to drive bold and transformative ideas, collaborating with government, the private sector and civil society to build a more resilient country. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water. Our strategy focuses on four outcome areas: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. We operate in Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration with diverse donors including USAID, EU, GAC, Hilton Foundation, UN, JOA, Sweden, EKN and others.

Position Title: Regional Project Coordinator/Technical Lead

Duty Station: Woldia

Open Position: 1

Safeguarding Risk Level: High

Program / Department Summary

ER-CAP is a 5-year project (December 2023–November 2028) by Mercy Corps, DRC, and First Consult Development. It aims to improve the economic adaptation, protection, and recovery of conflict-affected populations in three regions: Afar, Tigray, and Amhara. The program will benefit 43,540 individuals, focusing on IDPs, returnee women, youth and marginalized groups. It uses a conflict-sensitive, systems-strengthening, climate-smart and inclusive approach to enhance systems that support economic recovery. Expected outcomes include resilient livelihoods, improved access to financial products and services, and enhanced capacity to mitigate protection risks. ER-CAP aims to strengthen MSMEs, improve crop and livestock value chains, and provide income-generating opportunities, including affordable financial products and technology through partnerships with financial service providers, conducting GESI dialogues, and identifying business ideas for economic activities in displacement settings.

General Position Summary

Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified Project Coordinator to lead the implementation of the ER-CAP Project, including technical, managerial and operational coordination and management of the project in the target locations. This is an exciting opportunity to combine Economic Recovery, financial inclusion & MSD programming, and to become a leading expert in the economic recovery sector in crisis-affected contexts.

The Regional MSD Project Coordinator will be responsible for effective planning, implementation, and coordination of a Market Systems Development (MSD) project across Abala or Mekele or Woldiya in a post-conflict environment. This role requires a strong understanding of conflict dynamics, market fragility, and the needs of vulnerable populations. The coordinator will work with project teams, partners, and stakeholders to rebuild market systems, promoting economic recovery, social cohesion and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Context Analysis, Market Assessment and Intervention Development
• Work closely with the MSD project coordinator, the Program Manager and program team members to develop a strategy for achieving the objectives and KPIs of the ER-CAP programme.
• Lead assessments and analysis across all target locations (including needs, markets and conflict), drawing on external technical expertise as needed.
• Develop and implement innovative market-based interventions, including viable business models focusing on agriculture (on-farm/off-farm activities), enterprise engagement, skills development, labour market and access to finance that address root causes of market failure and promote inclusive growth.
• Lead mapping of key market actors, value chains, and support services, considering disruption from conflict, onboarding and managing market players (partners) contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth and to project results.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcome.
• Project Coordination and Management: Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the MSD project within the assigned region, ensuring alignment with project goals and donor requirements.
• Adapt project strategies and activities to evolving security and political context, ensuring conflict sensitivity and risk mitigation.
• Develop and maintain detailed work plans, budgets, and monitoring frameworks, adjusting as needed based on the dynamic environment.
• Coordinate and facilitate regular project team meetings, partner meetings, and stakeholder consultations, focusing on collaboration and information sharing.
• Oversee project communication and visibility strategies, ensuring they are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the local context.
• Ensure effective risk management and mitigation strategies are in place, particularly addressing security concerns and potential conflict triggers.
• Coordinate, manage and motivate program teams across all implementation locations, ensuring clear objectives and individual work plans as part of performance management.
• Act as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders within the region, fostering strong relationships and promoting collaboration.
• Work with the team and partners to adhere to humanitarian principles, Mercy Corps’ gender policies, Do No Harm principles and beneficiary accountability standards.
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities.
• Fulfill Mercy Corps Program Management Minimum Standards as per the organization-wide guide.
• Regional Team Support and Supervision: Lead and manage recruitment of staff in collaboration with the MSD project coordinator; provide guidance to regional project teams; supervise and mentor staff; promote collaboration and prevent conflicts; ensure resources and security considerations are addressed.
• Monitor regional project progress and adapt strategies to the changing context; work with security focal point to ensure team safety.
• Develop the capacity of the program team and support career development; promote accountability and a respectful work environment.
• Partner and Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, local businesses, community leaders, and other stakeholders; coordinate partner meetings and workshops; engage vulnerable groups and ensure their participation; represent the project at relevant forums advocating market-based approaches.
• Coordinate with consortium partners (DRC & FC) and integrate priority protection issues across institutions, private and public sector partners.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Oversee MEAL in the region, ensure timely data collection and reporting, and contribute to evaluations and donor reports; conduct field visits and ensure data quality and safety protocols.
• Produce high-quality reports including annual donor narrative report; manage documentation and filing systems per MC, donor and government requirements; ensure confidentiality and lessons learned are documented for best practices.
• Ensure program teams have community complaint and feedback mechanisms and respond promptly.
• Financial Management and Administration: Monitor budgets and expenditures; review and approve financial reports; ensure proper documentation and adherence to donor rules; ensure operational systems and logistics are in place; manage program budgets as primary budget holder; forecast expenditures to adjust as needed; follow fraud guidelines.

Organizational Learning

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning, all team members are expected to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps and themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members support accountability to our beneficiaries and international standards; actively engaging communities as equal partners in design, monitoring and evaluation.

Supervisory Responsibility

Two on-farm and off-farm/employment MSD and one MEL and CARM officer.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: ER-CAP MSD Project Coordinator

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: ER-CAP Program Manager, MEL/MRM manager, DRC and FC Program Manager/s and/or Coordinators, MEL-CARM officer, MSD on-farm and off-farm/employment specialist, GESI Advisor, Operations, Finance and P&C(HR) team.

Knowledge And Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, development studies, agricultural economics, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Training in minimum economic recovery and MSD facilitation in conflict contexts is an advantage.

• 4+ years of experience in economic development including market analysis, value chain development, livelihood recovery, entrepreneurship, employment and financial inclusion in Ethiopia.
• Experience providing technical support to MSD projects and accountability for project performance and design; experience with agriculture and alternative livelihoods in conflict-prone areas is an asset.
• At least five years of experience designing, implementing and managing MSD and livelihood initiatives (private sector partnerships, economic strengthening, market systems development).
• Strong ability to build and maintain relations with partners and government agencies; English communication skills required; strong leadership and team-building needed.
• Excellent coordination, representation, MEL/data analytics skills preferred; willingness to travel to project sites, including insecure environments; experience in IDP/refugee settings in Afar is preferred.

Success Factors

The ideal candidate will work effectively in the cultural and infrastructure contexts of the Afar Region, be an excellent communicator, multi-tasker, and able to work under pressure. They will be committed to Mercy Corps’ objectives and demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail and creative problem solving. They should have curiosity for understanding complex Ethiopian contexts.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We strive for a culture of trust and respect, embracing diverse origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal opportunities are available to all and discrimination is not tolerated on any basis.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment. Team members must conduct themselves professionally, respect local laws, adhere to the Code of Conduct, and complete mandatory e-learning on hire and annually.

All qualified individuals are invited to apply. Applications (CV, three references, and all applicable papers) must be sent electronically. Short-listed candidates will be acknowledged and contacted for interviews. “Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.”

Deadline for all applications: April 07, 2025 / 4:00 PM