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.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Mercy Corps has been operational in Sudan since 2004 and currently leads humanitarian assistance and longer-term development efforts in conflict-affected South Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, Kassala, Gedaref, and Khartoum States, supporting host communities, IDPs, returnees and refugees. Mercy Corps’ current areas of programming include food security and livelihoods, WASH, health, nutrition, peace building and protection, resilience, and Market Systems Development.
Enhancing Community Resilience (THABAT AF) is a two-year, $70 M USD food security Activity in Kassala, Northern and River Nile States of Sudan and focuses on improving production, yields and post-harvest in key staple crop value chains namely sorghum, millet, and wheat. The Activity is funded by World Bank and implemented by World Food Program (WFP) and Mercy Corps. Activities are designed to increase smallholder farmers' access to key inputs, knowledge, and skills through expansion of last mile agent networks and community extension training. The Activity will also provide support to producer groups to reduce post-harvest losses through the provision of equipment / training. Small and medium enterprise agribusinesses provide a critical cornerstone in key value chains within Sudan and act as a focal point for aggregation, processing, and distribution. They provide a critical link between smallholder farmers / producer cooperatives and consumers organizations. Mercy Corps will facilitate to build/rebuild existing/ new productive relationships with different key private sector actors and expand critical micro small and medium enterprise agribusinesses, including the establishment of a business development grant facility. A particular focus will be given on linking IDPs with consumer organizations so that they can access affordable and high-quality food.

THE POSITION Summary

Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified, and business oriented Sudanese to fill in the position of Project Manager- Kassala. The Project Manager is overall responsible for the day-to-day implementation of all THABAT PP project activities in Kassala. The Project Manager will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, operations, and human resource) to ensure the
day-to-day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget, and required quality. 

The Project Manager reports directly to THABAT PP Program Director and will lead in Kassala in outlining a strategic plan for the implementation of this program including identifying target areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

•Manage all operations related to the THABAT AF according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy. Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities Liaise with MSD Portfolio Lead, as necessary.
•Build the Project team program staff ensuring that there are fluent communication channels, that the reporting schedule is timely met and that program objectives are achieved.
•Ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are being achieved. Advise supervisor on suggested improvements and necessities, as required.
•Support program team to design and conduct training community in any areas related to the Project activities for staff, other training, communities, and project beneficiaries.
•Produce written reports on the program activities capturing activities implemented during the reporting period.
•Maintain timely correspondence and keep up to date with program correspondences to the MSD Lead, MEL Manager, Grants Coordinator, Private Sector Manager, Project Engineer supporting departments and other program staff.
•Meet all PM@MC requirement such as an updated program workplan, procurement plan, financial projections, supply and logistics needs among others.
•Coordinate closely with the Operation Director, Human Resources Director, and Finance Director to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources, transport and finance needs of the program within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the program.
•Conduct regular field visits and provide adequate support and advise to program staff to ensure program targets are met in both qualitative and quantitative metrices.
•Oversee the program filing system as per Mercy Corps program retention and other standards and ensure that information is organized according to the reporting and auditing needs.
•Ensure that all work follows humanitarian principles, sphere and other applicable standards.
•Ensure that Project fits into the strategic plan, agricultural strategy, overall MSD portfolio, and provide input into the strategic plan. Overall responsible for obtaining any permissions or reporting of the Program activities required by the Government.
•Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
•Other duties as assigned.

Team Management

•Monitor and advise on staffing needs and assist in the recruitment and training of program staff to ensure staff are of the required quality and capacity for successful implementation.
•Ensure evaluations and disciplinary measures are made, as necessary according to MC policy.
•Ensure the close coordination and sharing of information between the various sectors of the program staff including engineering, agriculture, community development and program support with regular program meetings and activity plans.
•Provide direct and ongoing supervision, management and support to all national staff, including setting targets, reviewing outputs and ensuring adherence to Mercy Corps policies.
•Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development including provision of information, tools and resources to improve performance.
•Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-ones and team-level performance reviews.
•Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

REPRESENTATION

•Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, village councils and local government in the target districts the area.
•Mobilize communities to participate in the design, implementation and maintenance of projects as well as design viable strategies which are both respectful with the local culture and sensitive towards the female population but that are effective in engaging women in the activities of the program.
•Ensure close coordination with relevant government institutions (Ministry of Agriculture, Humanitarian Aid Commission, Government representatives, etc.).
•Stay informed on Sudan-wide cross-cutting issues relevant to the Project including agricultural programming, Agri-enterprise development, livestock issues and community development initiatives

Capacity building and mentoring
•Assist in the recruitment and training of program staff to ensure staff are of the quality and capacity to ensure the successful implementation of all Program activities. Monitor and advise on staffing needs throughout the program. Ensure evaluations and disciplinary measures are made, as necessary according to MC policy.
•Ensure the close coordination and sharing of information between the various sectors of the program staff including engineering, agriculture, community development and program support with regular program meetings and activity plans.
•Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all national staff, including agriculture, community development, and program support staff.
•Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
•Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
•Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
•Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
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:

Project Officer- Agriculture, Project Officer- Agribusiness, Project Officer- Consumer Cooperatives, Project Assistants

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: THABAT PP Program Director
Works Directly With: Private Sector Partnership Manager, Grants Coordinator, MSD Technical Lead, Project Engineer, MEL Coordinator, MEL Officer, Sub Awards Officer

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: A degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agriculture economics, or closely related.

Required: Minimum 4 years’ managing agriculture programs, preferably development oriented.

Advantage: Experience in market systems development (MSD) or market support Programmes

Advantage: Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management.

Strong administrative and planning skills to manage a large team in multiple sectors.

Administrative capacity and planning skills to manage a large team of national staff of multiple sectors.

Capability to coordinate government and privates’ sector to develop agriculture markets.

Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.

Good negotiation, representation, skills and the ability to work with vast audiences.

Experience of gender dynamics and knowledge of national gender policy frameworks

Proven skills in networking, collaboration, consultation; teamwork and problem-solving.

Excellent written and oral communication in English and Arabic languages.

Good computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Word, Excel and Power Point

Commitment to working with program participants in need regardless of race, religion or gender.

This post requires a high computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.

Sincere commitment to engaging women in community agricultural initiatives.

Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.

Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.
 

SUCCESS FACTOR

The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. A professional standard of program, finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The post must be willing to travel to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Kassala, and it requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, 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).