PSNP Livelihoods Technical Specialist Highland Resilience Activity

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

Job summary

An international humanitarian organization is seeking a PSNP Livelihoods Technical Specialist in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The role involves supporting the design and implementation of livelihoods programs, building capacity among local staff, and providing technical guidance. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in livelihoods programming, an advanced degree in a related field, and excellent English communication skills. The position offers a full-time role with a focus on improving the impact of interventions in diverse communities.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in livelihoods programming, preferably PSNP or similar programs.
• Advanced MS Office skills, especially Excel.
• Excellent English skills (oral and written).

Responsibilities

• Support the design, pilot, and implementation of the PSNP 5 Big Push Plus model.
• Provide expert advice for the implementation of big push plus livelihoods activities.
• Prepare regular reports on progress and impact of livelihoods activities.

Skills

Livelihoods programming

Capacity building

Technical support

Data collection

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in Agriculture, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field

Tools

MS Office (Excel)

Job description

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. We value diversity and belonging, and we welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to achieve long-term impact.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, working with government, the private sector, and civil society to build resilience. 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 outcomes: (1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods; (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.

We operate in multiple region states andcity administration with diverse donors including USAID, EU, GAC, Hilton Foundation, UN, Sweden, and others. The USAID-funded Highland Resilience Activity (HRA) contributes to PSNP 5’s “Big Push” initiative and aims to strengthen resilience for 120,000 PSNP households to graduation. HRA supports households in increasing on-farm, off-farm, and employment incomes while improving market systems to raise demand for goods and services in PSNP communities. HRA is a five-year program starting in October 2023, covering thirty-six woredas across ten zones and six regions. Subaward partners include Mums for Mums, Mahibere Hiwot for Social Development, Hundee - Oromo Grassroots Development Initiative, Action for Development, and Sidaama Development Association.

Position Description

• Location: Addis Ababa
• Position Status: Full-time
• Salary Level: (Refer to Country Salary Guidelines)
• Current Team Member: N/A
• Safeguarding Risk Level: Level 1

General Position Summary

The PSNP Livelihoods Technical Specialist will support the design, pilot, and implementation of the PSNP 5 Big Push Plus model within targeted woredas of Highland Resilience Activity. The role focuses on building capacity of local implementing partners to pilot the livelihoods implementation manual of the Government of Ethiopia, via technical guidance, capacity building, and coordination.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Technical Support and Implementation

• Participate in developing the overall graduation strategy and strategy for the program across implementing partners.
• Provide expert advice and technical support for the implementation of big push plus livelihoods activities in target woredas.
• Support planning and reporting of the big push plus livelihoods component and ensure rollout of material to kebeles across target woredas.
• Support the implementation and coordination of the big push plus livelihoods component of PSNP 5 in target woredas.
• Provide technical support to improve effectiveness of the big push plus Livelihoods component through capacity building, business intensification, and strengthened coordination with local implementing partners.
• Develop and oversee detailed work plans, technical guidelines, and learning tools for implementing partners.
• Identify and resolve challenges in the implementation of big push plus livelihoods activities, promoting continuous learning and quality improvement.

Capacity Building

• Support capacity building and coaching on big push plus Livelihood training modules and tools in market assessment and viable business options.
• Develop and deliver training programs to build capacity of local staff and partners in livelihoods programming and graduation approach.
• Support capacity development for federal and regional livelihoods staff.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Work with consortium-level subrecipient organizations to manage and monitor big push plus livelihood interventions per the PSNP Livelihood Implementation manual.
• Support regional coordination through meeting facilitation, information sharing, and partner mobilization.
• Collaborate with government agencies and other stakeholders for coordinated delivery of services.
• Support the rollout of the Livelihood component at the national level.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support the MEL team in building a data collection system with MIS-generated information and complementary data.
• Participate in joint reviews and implementation support.
• Coordinate the digitalization of business plans, inputs, and outputs market aggregation.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare regular reports on progress and impact of big push plus livelihoods activities for internal and external stakeholders.
• Document practices for implementing sequenced big push plus livelihoods interventions.
• Lead processes to generate/document evidence of program performance and impact to inform future design.

Influence & Representation

• Identify and manage partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate to ensure project targets and donor obligations are met.
• Interface with donor representatives to convey program information as appropriate.
• Share best practices with NGOs and governmental agencies.
• Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and positive relationships under difficult circumstances.
• Maintain high ethical standards and respect for all people.
• Aware of own strengths and development needs.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies.
• Ensure team operates in a secure environment and is aware of policies.

Organizational Learning

• Commit 5% of time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps and staff.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Support accountability to beneficiaries and international standards, engaging communities as equal partners in design, monitoring, and evaluation.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Knowledge And Experience

• Education: Advanced degree in Agriculture, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in livelihoods programming, preferably PSNP or similar programs; knowledge of CSOs in Ethiopia is an advantage.
• Advanced MS Office skills, especially Excel.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multitasking, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent English skills (oral and written).
• Ability to work with ethnically diverse teams in sensitive environments.
• Previous experience in insecure environments.

Success Factors

A successful candidate will have experience implementing livelihoods programs in Ethiopia, strong leadership and communication abilities across diverse teams, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and adapt with flexibility and creativity. They should learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, and maintain accountability for results in a complex setting. Teamwork and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps seeks accountability to program participants, community partners, and other stakeholders, and adheres to international standards guiding relief and development. Communities are engaged as equal partners in design, monitoring, and evaluation.

Ongoing Learning

All team members are encouraged to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that support personal and professional growth.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Mercy Corps strives to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team and culture, recognizing that diversity strengthens our work and impact.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis. We are committed to an environment of respect and psychological safety and to providing equal employment opportunities in all locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to safeguarding and to preventing exploitation and abuse. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment. Team members must adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct and complete mandatory training upon hire and annually.

How To Apply

All qualified staff are invited to apply. Applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable papers, must be sent electronically.

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity, and diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empowering women and youth.”

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: August 11, 2024 / 4:00 PM