About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. 

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions 

into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. 

Now, and for the future.

The Program / Department / Team Summary

The Strengthening markets, Productive Alliances & financial services in Rural communities (SPARK) programme, implemented by Mercy Corps and funded by the Netherlands MOFA ($3.4 million), aims to improve prosperity, employment, and food security in rural Sudanese communities through a market systems development approach. The programme strengthens value chain linkages between smallholder farmers, MSMEs, and larger buyers in the agricultural sector through key activities: value chain development, business development services, market aggregation networks, solar-powered agro-processing hubs and irrigation, and business grants. By doing so, SPARK enhances agricultural productivity, creates job opportunities, and improves livelihoods, ultimately boosting economic growth and stability in rural Sudan

The Position 

The Project Assistant will be instrumental in the successful implementation of the SPARK Initiative. He/she will provide essential administrative, implementation and operational support, ensuring the smooth execution of project activities. Key responsibilities include project planning, activity implementation and follow-up, monitoring and evaluation, data management, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and general administrative tasks. This is a technical and operational position and involves extensive field travel and interface with program stakeholders.

Duties and responsibilities:

Planning, implementing and oversight of program activities 

• Direct Project Implementation: Support the project lead and program officer in implementation of assigned activities 
• Conduct assessments and mapping of farmer groups, solarisation opportunities, potential private sector partners, SMEs and other stakeholders
• Conduct training of farmer groups, solar groups, aggregation networks and SMEs.
• Conduct follow up and mentorship of SMEs and larger businesses
• Monitor the activities of service providers, contractors and project partners
• Support the development and strengthening of the business relationships between farmers, agribusinesses, groups, with financial institutions and larger SMEs 
• Review reports from private sector and prepare milestone-based payment requests.
• Administrative Support: 
• Maintain project files, records, and databases.
• Assist with the preparation of project documents, reports, and presentations.
• Coordinate meetings and workshops.
• Handle administrative tasks such as travel arrangements, procurement, and logistics.
• Data Management: 
• Collect and organize project data, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Assist in data analysis and reporting.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: 
• Support the implementation of the project monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Collect data on project activities and outcomes.
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports and evaluation reports.
• Stakeholder Coordination: 
• Maintain contact with project stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives, solar-infrastructure groups, MSMEs, project partners, consultants and government agencies.
• Coordinate meetings and communication with stakeholders.
• Capacity Building: 
• Assist with the development and delivery of training materials and workshops.
• Provide administrative support for capacity building activities.

1. Collaboration/Networking, Representation and Coordination

• Represent the program to the Donor, Government officials and other stakeholders as and when required to.
• Maintain close working relationships with development organizations, and local partners, including representing the program at local coordination meetings as assigned.
• Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with State, locality and lower-level leaders, representing Mercy Corps and soliciting participation in activities where appropriate and as directed.
• Lead coordination between financial service providers, fintechs and other Private Sector Partners
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Europe and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

1. Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Work closely with the monitoring and evaluation team to conduct studies, to capture data for measuring output and impact of the program; and to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field.
• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation. Respond to queries if and when necessary and maintain proper filing system.
• Provide follow ups, recommendations and solutions where there are challenges during implementation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Security 

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Project Lead

Works Directly With: Project officer, finance team, procurement team and operations team

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills 

• Required: bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, Business studies, economics or relevant discipline.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience Required: business development, value chain development
• Good verbal and written English communication, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Strong computer skills particularly office applications such as word, excel, Power point etc.
• Demonstrated adaptability, creativity, enthusiasm, willingness to learn and self-accountability.
• Excellent teamwork abilities, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, attention to detail.
• Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
• Strong organizational and report-writing skills.

Success Factors 

• Strong leadership working with operation and program staff.
• Capacity to represent MC Europe with government officials, partners and leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with team members and other stakeholders.
• Flexibility, adaptability and creativity in planning and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability work independently and effectively in extreme conditions.
• Proven ability to take initiative and be accountable for results.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Kassala state, and it requires up to 70% travel to project fields, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited.  Housing for this role is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard. 

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

Team Efficiency and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out different 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 and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. 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.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).