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
Mercy Corps has been present in Niger since 2005, focusing its interventions on improving food security, livelihoods, gender, social cohesion, governance and emergency response outcomes. Mercy Corps has also been working in Burkina Faso since 2016 with activities in conflict research and livestock programming. Our work in these areas contributes to local communities’ resilience to shocks and stresses and enables them to achieve long-term, inclusive and equitable development. Mercy Corps’ vision for change requires the private sector, government and civil society to work together to create meaningful and sustainable change. Mercy Corps is currently implementing several development and humanitarian programs worth more than $62 million with field offices in Abala, Filingue, Maradi, Tillabéri, as well as Ouagadougou/Burkina Faso. In 2019, we were able to benefit more than 89,000 vulnerable Nigeriens.
General Position Summary
The Proposal Development & Grants Manager will support a number of critical functions for Mercy Corps’ program portfolio in Niger and Burkina Faso, specifically 1) proposal/new business development, 2) grants management and reporting, and 3) supporting program quality. S/he will support the Director of Programs with developing concept notes and proposals, working closely with field team and program members for technical input and the Country Director and other Senior Management Team (SMT) members for strategic direction. S/he will also ensure high quality and timely reporting to Mercy Corps and its donors including, but not limited to, bi-weekly program updates, monthly sector reviews, and quarterly, annual, and final program reports. The Proposal Development & Grants Manager will also be responsible for collating and updating the program tools that will align with Mercy Corps’ program management minimum standards (including program file documentation, program documentation, program performance and financials). Finally, s/he will support the Deputy Director of Programs, CARM and Communications Coordinators, Program Managers and MEL Manager in adherence to quality programming standards.
Essential Job Responsibilities
STRATEGY & VISION
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Assist Management with the implementation of the Country Strategy, including monitoring its progress and making the necessary reminders.
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Be creative in looking for better efficiency given the various constraints and challenges related to the context.
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Provide program support, coordination and monitoring designed to meet program objectives.
PROPOSAL / NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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Under the supervision of the Director of Programs, take the lead in the development of quality proposals and concepts notes.
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Establish internal timelines, draft and review concept notes and project proposals with inputs by program and MEL team members.
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Support the contextualization of HQ/TSU technical input during the proposal writing process and support the incorporation of local priorities and knowledge into proposals and concept notes.
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Work closely and in coordination with Mercy Corps’ global offices, establishing strong working relationships with HQ program desk officers.
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Ensure proposals and program reports comply with donors’ and Mercy Corps’ requirements and best practices.
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Develop a robust local network to understand the funding requirements and be aware ontime about funding opportunities.
GRANTS MANAGEMENT
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Establish timelines and support the coordination, review, approval and timely submission of quality program, donor and MEL reports in French and English in adherence grant agreements and internal standards.
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Provide ongoing capacity-building to programs team and local partners in grant reporting, as needed.
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Collect and organize key project management tools and documents and manage grant administration, including overseeing electronic filing systems for key program documents (donor agreements, proposals, approved budget, work plans, etc.) ensuring it meets PM@MC standards and sending reminders when needed.
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Assist Deputy Director of Programs and Chiefs of Party at key moments of the program cycle, such as kick-off meetings, 90-day inception meeting check-ins, quality audits and spot checks, collecting lessons learned, 90-day end of program transition meetings and monthly program review meetings, including noting down action points and sending reminders.
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Support the Country MEL Manager in the continued rollout of TolaData.
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Assist senior management with the development of a partnership strategy and coherent approach to partnership and decision-making.
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Help ensure that partners (local implementing partners and government partners) have the capacity to implement the PM@MC, PAQ and Gender Minimum Standards processes (in coordination with the MEL unit, Gender & Protection Advisor and program managers).
FINANCE & COMPLIANCE
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Assist the budgeting process for concept notes and proposals.
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Support the review of BVAs, grant spending, and flag areas of concern.
INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION
- Liaise with local partners as well as sub-grantees to verify their systems and that they understand and follow all appropriate procedures and archiving.
Supervisory Responsibility
N/A
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Director of Programs
Works Directly With: Deputy Director of Programs, Chief(s) of Party, Social Cohesion Technical Specialist, Program Managers, Country MEL Manager, and CARM Coordinator
Collaborates With: Other team members as required
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/S or equivalent in social science, rural development, humanitarian affairs, international development or other relevant field.
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Ability to manage and deliver complex grants involving multiple partners to deadline.
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Minimum four years of field experience with an international NGO in humanitarian and development environments. Exposure to gender, protection, rural development and social cohesion programs.
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Good understanding of development challenges in the Sahel in General and in Niger and Burkina Faso in particular.
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Proven proposal development experience with European and US institutional donors.
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Ability to deliver high quality reports within short deadlines, as well as support, coordinate and lead proposal writing.
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Ability to juggle several competing priorities from different projects at the same time.
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Demonstrated attention to detail, following procedures, meeting deadlines and working and problem solving independently and cooperatively.
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Knowledge of Mercy Corps’ systems and procedures (esp. procurement systems) desirable; MEL experience preferred and knowledge of USAID, BPRM, EC, ECHO, etc. regulations helpful.
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Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
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Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.
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Excellent negotiation and representation skills.
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Excellent analytical, writing and reporting skills.
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Effective verbal and written communication, organizational, prioritization and Microsoft Office applications.
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Fluency in French and excellent oral and written English skills required
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Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
Success Factors
A successful candidate will have an ability to work independently, take initiative in tasks and self-learning, and be proactive in communications and development of professional relationships. The candidate will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment with demonstrated sensitivity to the people and issues in the region. The candidate will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal, relationship and cross-cultural communication skills especially in high stress environments are essential for success. The candidate will be committed to the values and mission of Mercy Corps; have the ability to creatively problem-solve, to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected and sudden events impacting program operations with patience, dynamism, tenacity and a good sense of humor.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The Proposal Development & Grants Manager will be based in Niamey, Niger with occasional trips to Burkina Faso. The position is accompanied and individual or group housing is available with freedom of movement beyond the house and office. Staff have good access to essential services, such as medical care, electricity, water, etc. This position requires up to 20% of travel by road or air to field locations in relatively secure environments but climatically harsh conditions. This position is eligible for R&R.
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.
Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. **