Capacity Development Coordinator

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: As Mercy Corps seeks to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression around the world we recognize that instances of sudden change within a country or region, like the events currently sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa, are rare moments of opportunity. Mercy Corps responds to and is well placed to continue its support to the Syrian crisis across the region. The Syria portfolio responds to the Syrian crisis by addressing a large array of needs and gaps including food, WASH, NFI and livelihood activities through various approaches, including partnership.   This position is dependent on funding.   GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Capacity Development Coordinator will support the development and management of large multi-sectoral programs/grants. Under the direct supervision of the Program Development Adviser (PDA), the Capacity Development Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and assisting mainly in areas of partner identification, partner mapping and capacity development. The Capacity Development Coordinator will work closely with implementing partner(s) to ensure smooth, efficient and effective implementation of the program. This new position encompasses a wide range of activities, planning and coordination of high quality interventions, assisting with the facilitation of capacity development sessions, coordinating, managing and reporting on information from capacity development plans and ensuring that information is relevant and accessible for team follow-up on those individual plans and finding resources where needed in order to support capacity development.   Relevant technical sectors the Program Officer will be involved in include but are not limited to: Child Protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Non-Food Items.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Capacity Development Support Assists the Program Development Adviser in the setting up, logistics of, facilitation (as needed) and note taking for both internal and external capacity development prioritization (both with the MC team and partner organizations) Drafts the Capacity Development Action Plan (CDAP) after coordinating with the PDA and all relevant staff that will be following up on the CDAP and sends to partner organization for finalization Works with individuals assigned on particular follow-up items in the CDAP to locate and coordinate external technical resources as needed Attends bi-weekly Partner Catch-Up Meetings, collects follow up reports and takes all information related to partner capacity development and compiles it in one place to include: a running narrative on what is working and what isn’t, challenge areas identified and further steps to be taken Uses these reports to contribute to or create (as needed) reports for Donors on capacity development and/or reports to be used for lessons learned sessions with partners All other help/assistance needed to support the Program Development Adviser and team in the area of capacity development. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Assist in any other task or duty assigned by the supervisor.   Program & Partnership Development Support Responsible for keeping and updating the partner mapping tool in conjunction with the Program Development Adviser. Responsible for keeping and updating the sub-grants development tracker with the support of the Program Development Advisor. Responsible for having a wide understanding of partner capacity on all levels in order to be able to input into the Program Development Adviser on partner capabilities, areas of weakness and suitability for programmatic, operational and capacity development efforts. Support in partners evaluation In conjunction with the PDA, responsible for identifying, contacting, and coordinating with potential new partners. Representation and Coordination As required by the supervisor, represent Mercy Corps at partner and internal meetings.. Under supervision of the PDA, develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies, including humanitarian and human rights organizations, local authorities and local partners.   Organizational Learning:  As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. Highlights: Participate to staff training, helping to build technical capacity of staff (based on the experiential level and knowledge of the selected candidate); Mentors and coaches colleagues and team members building their capacity to enable them to obtain high quality results and impact Helps in development and execution of context specific solutions to improve collaboration, coordination and performance; Work with partners to strengthen linkages with other actors to enhance organizational learning which directly impacts staff performance and productivity;    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None     REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Development Adviser   WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: All Mercy Corps department and staff as well as staff from partner(s) organizations   KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 1-3 years of experience working in Non-Governmental Organization, ideally focused on humanitarian relief and/or Capacity Development. Desired demonstrated expertise in implementation of Protection programs and relevant projects. Experience in implementing humanitarian programs such as Child Protection, NFI distributions, WASH infrastructure projects, or food distributions is preferred, experience in capacity development is highly preferred. Good understanding of structure and processes in NGOs.   Demonstrated experience in emergency response programming in highly insecure environments. Commitment to local capacity building and past experience of engaging and working with local stakeholders in project design and implementation. Demonstrated capacity to collaborate closely with INGOs, national NGOs and Community Based Organizations. Good organizational and project management skills. Good facilitation skills are required. Proven ability to work cooperatively with colleagues from other departments in a team environment, and to lead a diverse group of people. Understanding of participatory methodologies for project design, implementation and evaluation. Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes, including SPHERE, HAP is an asset. Working understanding of procurement, administration and finance systems. Demonstrated familiarity with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required. Show great initiative and be able to work well in a team and independently. Demonstrate knowledge of the Syrian conflict context and understands project needs. Commitment to high level of confidentiality with sensitive information. Arabic and English language written and spoken is essential; Excellent written English is desired.   SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful candidate will have proven experience working effectively and respectfully with authorities, NGOs, and CBO representatives, and will have effective verbal and written communication as well as multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills. S/he will have demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members, and will have an interest and ability to travel and work in insecure environments. Sensitivity to multi-cultural humanitarian and development work and ability to train and facilitate dialogue among a diverse group of individuals with various skill sets and working styles are all critical, as is a commitment to working with community members to make concrete improvements to their livelihoods and living conditions. An ability to creatively solve problems, juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected and sudden events impacting program operations are also essential.   Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps’ policies, procedures and values at all times and venues, in such a manner as to bring positive recognition to Mercy Corps and to not endanger Mercy Corps’ humanitarian mission.