Technical Advisor Partnerships - Jordan

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 / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been meeting the needs of conflict-affected communities inside Syria since 2012. Mercy Corps currently operates from neighboring locations with an experienced team of staff and partners who are supported and led by a Country Team based in Amman that ensures consistency, quality technical and programmatically. Mercy Corps sees greater potential for impact in the response to the on-going conflict in Syria if the strengths and contributions of both the international community and Syrian civil society groups are effectively leveraged. It is in this context that the Syria Team created this position.

General Position Summary

Partnership Advisor will be a member of the Program Performance and Quality (PaQ) unit and will support program teams with their partnership strategies, programming, and approaches. The Advisor will coordinate closely with the Programs,Finance, Sub-Awards, and Grants Management teams on issues related to partnership programming. The focus will be on developing or modifying guidance, resources, tools, and materials that can be used across all sectors/ programs. Finally, the Advisor will share promising partnership practices/ processes as well as conduct trainings and leverage existing resources to build out partnership expertise across Mercy Corps' Syria team.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Partnership Strategies/ Approaches

• Advise geographical program teams on partner identification, selection, vetting processes, and go/ no-go processes, with the of aim of harmonizing and ensuring consistent approaches as appropriate. The Adviser should leverage existing approaches where possible.
• Provide guidelines and tools for different types of competitive and noncompetitive partner selection processes (limited/ targeted calls, open calls, expressions of interest, identification of 'strategic' partnerships etc.)
• Support programs teams to adapt or develop processes, tools, and guidance to fit their partner identification needs
• Convene or facilitate review committee (or other internal decision making) meetings as requested by sector teams
• Conduct workshops/ trainings in partnership approaches/ strategies for sector and other relevant MC staff
• Provide technical support and oversight to teams transitioning from direct to indirect programming methodologies
• Lead or participate in cross-team working groups to address partner specific challenges, such as remote monitoring, money transfers to organizations operating inside, etc., based on issues raised by the program teams, our partners, or field staff

Partnership Coordination

• With IMS team, develop a database of past and present partners.
• With IMS team support mapping of potential partners operating in specific locations, sectors, etc.
• Strengthen coordination around shared partners across program teams (through, for example, monthly check in meetings per partner) and between finance and programs teams.
• Participate in key partnership platforms (INGO-SNGO fora, relevant sub-clusters or working groups, etc.) where necessary and serve as focal point with counterparts in other agencies.
• Contribute to/ participate in internal and external advocacy efforts related to Syrian partners (voice, protection of humanitarian aid workers).
• Elevate/ advocate with donors, HQs, or senior Syria leadership around these partnership issues/ challenges.

Sub-Grant/ Partnership Tools/ Resources

• Work with relevant team leads to develop guidance for MC's work with partners, based on level of risk, programmatic objectives, which sector the project is in, etc.
• Coordinate with other departments to standardize and roll out formats/ templates that should be used across all Mercy Corps partners, regardless of sector or geographic location
• Assist in the launch and maintain a hotline/ complaints mechanism for all Mercy Corps partners, regardless of sector or geographic location.
• Work with relevant Mercy Corps Syria and HQ stakeholders to address partner's' concerns and complaints.

Capacity Development Approaches/ Resources

• In conjunction with the Capacity Development Adviser, advise teams in determining appropriate capacity assessments (technical, delivery, financial, etc.) that are relevant for individual program/ partner needs and 'fit to purpose' within scope/ timeframe of project
• Provide support to teams in working with partners to identify key capacity development priorities, develop capacity strengthening plans, and address emerging priorities with partners, etc.
• Create new or curate existing 'best in class' resources, materials, and modules that can be adapted for or adapted by different teams to address common trends across partners
• Roll out and/ or conduct Training of Trainers for relevant sector focal points, enabling them to effectively understand and use relevant tools and resources with their own partners
• Review or provide input into development of new programming, PaQ, grants management, or financial materials and resources to ensure that a capacity strengthening lens is applied where relevant, helping to ensure that Mercy Corps' partner-facing materials are clear, consistent and accessible to all partners
• Work closely with MEL team to ensure tracking and measurement of capacity development initiatives, including outcome and impact level

Other

• Liaise, coordinate with, or advise on other Mercy Corps' or Syria Response initiatives specifically related to partner capacity development
• Liaise with the RTSU or global Governance and Partnership TSU to both deepen MC Syria's approaches and ensure our experience informs global initiatives and efforts
• Contribute to business development efforts/ provide input into high value proposals

Supervisory Responsibility

1 staff member

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Program Performance and Quality Director

Works Directly With: Deputy Country Director, Director of Programs, Subawards and Compliance Director, Finance Director, Grants Manager, and program teams as necessary

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in relevant field, masters preferred
• At least 5 years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in NGOs/INGO capacity building programs, ideally in relief and/or post-conflict settings
• Familiarity with civil society in in Syria and the role local organizations have played in the response
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in partnership programming in a wide variety of contexts and across a number of sectors
• Strong knowledge of, and experience with capacity strengthening of CSOs in challenging environments, and ability to inform and contextualize the content and methodology
• Proven track record in designing and delivering training, facilitating workshops, and coaching/ mentoring staff and partners
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
• Ability and interest to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner
• English fluency a must; Arabic preferred.

Success Factors

Critical problem solving skills, and the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with Mercy Corps and donor regulations. Maintaining strong cooperating relationships with other departments is crucial. A successful candidate will have the ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity and demonstrate ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. S/he will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment and be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is unacompanied and based in Amman, Jordan and it requires up to 40% travel to Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. Housing is individual accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. There are several good International schools in Jordan. Staff have easy access to services – medical, electricity, water, etc

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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