MSD-Livelihoods Improvement Advisor

Youth Impact Labs East Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An international non-profit organization is seeking a Market Systems Development Livelihood Advisor to lead market systems development strategies in Gambella. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in related fields, with a focus on enhancing livelihoods for refugee and host communities. Responsibilities include designing interventions, providing capacity building, and conducting market assessments. The role requires strong analytical and interpersonal skills and the willingness to travel frequently to project locations.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in market systems development programs.
• Managerial experience preferred with partnership management skills.
• Ability to work in insecure environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of market systems development strategies.
• Enhance productivity with climate-smart agriculture practices.
• Develop on-farm and off-farm income opportunities.
• Conduct assessments and design market system interventions.
• Provide training and mentorship to project staff.

Skills

Intercultural skills

Problem-solving

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Networking abilities

Education

BA degree in Business, Economics, Finance or related fields

Job description

Overview

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that partners with communities to implement bold solutions and help people triumph over adversity, build stronger communities, grow food, earn higher incomes, and advocate for their needs.

Mercy Corps has operated in Ethiopia since 2004. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, resilience, and inclusive growth, spanning Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara, Tigray, and SNNPR. Our mission is to contribute to a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia that is inclusive of youth and women.

Department and Project

Department: Trade4Peace (Hilton Foundation funded project) – focused on building sustainable peace and improving livelihoods of host communities and refugees in Gambella, with objectives to strengthen peaceful coexistence, improve livelihoods, and provide inclusive financial services.

Job Description

Location: Gambella Field Office

Position Status: Full-time

Current Team Member: N/A

Safeguarding Risk Level: Low

About MSD-Livelihoods Improvement Advisor

As Trade for Peace Market Systems Development Livelihood Advisor (Refugee & Host Communities), you will provide technical expertise and guidance on market systems development and diversified livelihoods for refugee and host communities. You will design, implement, and monitor interventions to improve income-generating opportunities in crop and livestock production, on- and off-farm activities, fishery production and marketing, and access to finance for youth and women. You should understand livelihoods strategies, market systems approaches, and work with Financial Service Providers (FSPs) in settings with displaced populations.

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership and Strategy (Refugee & Host Focus)
   • Lead the technical design and implementation of market systems development and diversified livelihood strategies for refugee and host communities, ensuring conflict-sensitivity, sustainability, inclusivity, and contextual appropriateness.
   • Develop project work plans, budgets, and M&E frameworks on livelihoods and market systems, considering refugee-host dynamics.
2. Crop And Livestock Production Enhancement
   • Enhance productivity with climate-smart agriculture, better breeds, and value addition; link producers to markets for fair, profitable trade among both groups.
3. On-Farm And Off-Farm Income Generation
   • Develop and promote on-farm and off-farm income opportunities; provide tailored technical support and capacity building.
4. Fishery Production And Marketing
   • Assess sustainable fishery opportunities; improve techniques, post-harvest handling, processing, and market access; promote sustainable fishing practices.
5. Access To Youth And Women Finance
   • Increase access to finance for youth and women via digital services, financial literacy, and gender-responsive financial products; work with FSPs to develop targeted products.
6. Market Systems Analysis And Development (Refugee & Host Lens)
   • Conduct market assessments and value chain analysis considering refugee-host interactions; design interventions to address constraints and foster cohesive market systems.
7. Capacity Building And Training
   • Develop and deliver training for project staff, partners, and communities; provide ongoing mentorship and technical support.
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
   • Develop and implement M&E systems; review data, extract lessons, and contribute to reports comparing impacts across communities.
9. Coordination And Representation
   • Represent Mercy Corps in relevant forums; collaborate with staff and partners; maintain relationships with local authorities and UNHCR and other stakeholders.
10. Organizational Learning
    • Commit 5% of time to organizational learning activities.

Accountability and Reporting

Reports Directly To: Trade4Peace Project Coordinator

Works Directly With: project coordinator, Agricultural and inclusive financial service specialists, project officers.

Minimum Qualifications and Transferable Skills

• BA degree in Business, Economics, finance and development, agricultural economics, Business Management or related fields.
• At least 5 years of work experience, preferably in MSD programs and related areas.
• Managerial and supervisory experience preferred; partnership management skills.
• Experience in private sector and international development is advantageous.
• Understanding of Markets Systems Development Approach (MSD).
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including to insecure environments.

Success Factors

Intercultural, interpersonal and negotiation skills; strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, facilitation, and networking abilities; proficient computer and internet skills; results-oriented.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Gambella town with travel to project woredas, including Itang special woreda and Gog woreda for both host communities and refugees.

Ongoing Learning

Mercy Corps supports 5% of time for learning activities to develop professionally and personally.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We strive for diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams and culture, recognizing diversity as a strength and committing to continuous learning and improvement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

• Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination and seeks diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• We provide a respectful, safe work environment with equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, gender identity, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other protected status.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps upholds the UN/IASC safeguarding principles, prohibits abuse, and requires completion of Code of Conduct e-learning at hire and annually. All individuals are expected to conduct themselves professionally and in compliance with Mercy Corps policies.

How to Apply

All qualified individuals are invited to apply. Please submit a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers electronically. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged and contacted for interviews.

We encourage qualified female and young candidates to apply. Deadline for all applications: May 31, 4:00 PM.