Mercy Corps
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
The Technology for Development (T4D) team is housed within the Program Department’s Technical Support Unit. T4D collaborates with Mercy Corps’ global teams to unlock new possibilities that increase program quality, impact and innovation, helping improve more lives through the power of technology. We think beyond today’s context, exploring how we can use current and emerging technology to help people in vulnerable communities adapt to and overcome evolving challenges Our mission is to drive sustainable program impact through the responsible application of digital technologies (i.e. digital identity, digital payments, digital peacebuilding, data analytics, etc.) with the aim of maximizing scale, efficiency, and impact across the organization’s key strategic outcome areas.
General Position Summary
The Field Technology Testing Advisor focuses on providing technical support and capacity building to Mercy Corps field teams currently piloting three applications of technology:
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Basic Needs Wallet:Testing conditional cash payments using cryptocurrency in Uganda.
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E-Cookers: Testing pay-as-you-cook solar cooker technology in Uganda.
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Borehole Sensors: Testing the use of microsensors for effective community-based water management in Kenya.
These three internal grants are implemented by country teams, however the advisor is available to support with technical assistance, ranging from procurement and partner selection to monitoring and evaluation plans. At this stage in the lifecycle, all programs are underway, but will need tracking progress and support on data collection and evaluation of the pilot’s aims. As part of the pilot wrap up, the Advisor will also draft reports for internal and external audiences as well as other communications (i.e. conferences, donor presentations, etc.) to share learnings and results.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Program Management
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Support cross-functional teams in the implementation of pilot/experimental technology based solutions.
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Ensure program/project implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
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Manage reporting process for completed and in-progress pilot projects in the field.
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Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Program Management at Mercy Corps (PM@MC) and other relevant principles, values, quality standards and strategy.
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Participate as an active, integrated member of the T4D team providing technical support to a portfolio of field programs including those in complex crisis environments.
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Take leadership in identifying and addressing program quality needs. Collaborate with field leaders to problem solve.
Finance & Compliance Management
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Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.
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Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.
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Maintain accurate knowledge of the grant/funding status at the end of each month, making recommendations to adjust as necessary, but overall ensure Mercy Corps accurate budget compliance.
Reporting & Communications
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Consolidate results from each pilot– both challenges and successes– into final reports adjusted accordingly for internal and external audiences and in accordance with the Technology for Development communications strategy.
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Contribute to a paper on the learnings of innovation testing at Mercy Corps in consultation with key stakeholders from prior pilots funded by Technology for Development as well as other technology testing initiatives (i.e. FinX)
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Represent Mercy Corps technology testing program externally at conferences, workshops and other events as needed.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Alexa Schmidt, Director, Technology for Development
Works Directly With: Mercy Corps country teams in Kenya and Uganda, technical teams, research team, and technology partner organizations.
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
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BA required and Masters Degree preferred in a related field.
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4-5 years working in technology for development, international development, or related field OR 2-3 years experience where combined with an advanced degree.
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Experience in program measurement, data analysis and recommendations/arguments.
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Experience working in collaboration with multicultural and remote teams.
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Experience in writing, especially reports and storytelling.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Self starter who can work independently on ambiguous tasks.
Success Factors
The ideal candidate is someone interested in exploring how technology impacts the work that we do – both in its integration into program operations and as a participant facing tool. The candidate will demonstrate the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and process information in support of program activities and grant reporting. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is for any Mercy Corps location and it requires up to 10% travel to global locations.
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.
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
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse 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. 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 **