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 โ helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.
Position Summary
MC-E4i runs programs that seek to reduce poverty by accelerating access to clean energy, helping businesses and communities make better use of that expanded access and working with the private sector to support the sustainability of these efforts. E4i supports the development and growth of privately owned SMEโs and micro businesses, which deliver renewable energy products and services to the poor in rural and urban settings. We advise energy access SMEs on commercial, financial and engineering matters and help them secure the resources they need to grow. We run pilots to test new products and business models to expand into markets.
The Program Director is the ultimate accountability point for E4i, owning the vision, application, and development of their technical team. This position will oversee the portfolio of E4i programs direction, liaise with relevant donors while leading the technical components of the portfolio of programs. This will include supporting the team with program strategy, partner management, technical implementation, and inputs and accountability to the overall portfolio budget management. The Director supervises a team of technical experts, providing feedback and guiding growth, and coordinating team movement and activities.
Finally, the Program Director will work with the Sr. Director of Climate & Water Security, the E4i team and other relevant teams to establish an updated vision and expansion plan. This will include an operational strategy, updated service offerings and pathways towards greater coordination with Mercy Corps country, regional and global teams.
Essential Responsibilities
STRATEGIC VISION AND LEADERSHIP
Set, communicate, and apply a clear strategic vision and expansion plan (operational strategy, updated service offerings) with E4iโs new operating structure; Ensure it is updated to reflect ongoing learning, and emerging capacities.
Identify strategic partners and develop relationships in collaboration with relevant program area teams.
Lead efforts to build and develop relationships with energy access donors and funders to support new funding opportunities.
Manage the balance of strategy development, program design and implementation, knowledge management and technical influence.
PROGRAM PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Ensure that program implementation is responsive to implementing partnersโ and donor needs, and consistent with Mercy Corpsโ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
Serve as point person for all matters related to subaward execution and amendments. If relevant.
Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
Provide leadership and accountability for team to maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
Fulfill Mercy Corpsโ Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corpsโ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
Will be main point of accountability for all donor reports. Ensure that program reporting is clear, accurate and up to date, that program budgets are well managed and that key program risks are identified and mitigated.
PROGRAM QUALITY
Responsible for technical leadership and quality of the team โ ensuring that E4i teams are performing and providing the services required to ensure E4i grants and contracts are effectively delivered.
Provide direct technical support on high-stakes investments, particularly in the design and start-up phase.
Ensure learnings are integrated to improve E4is operations including in ongoing energy programs in the design of new large-scale programs and technical services.
Conduct data driven analysis to support and make recommendations on strategy and organizational performance.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Embrace Mercy Corpsโ culture and values and actively work to achieve its Diversity and Inclusion goals; Foster a spirit of inclusion and respect amongst team members.
Ensure timely communications with team staff.
Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
Supervise, hire, and orient new team members as necessary.
Use best practices for Human Resources, including up-to-date Job Descriptions, IOPs, and detailed review processes at pre-determined intervals.
Provide team members with information, tools, and other resources to improve performance and reach their objectives; Empower team members to be leaders in their fields and encourage/support professional growth.
Ensure team members' accountability for delivering on individual workplans and maintaining and using key databases, tracking, and knowledge management tools.
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
PERSONAL LEADERSHIP
Demonstrate exceptional leadership by consistently delivering expectations and maintaining composure, even in challenging situations.
Embrace a growth mindset, actively seek diverse perspectives, and welcome feedback to drive continuous improvement.
Maintain the highest ethical standards, treating all individuals with respect and dignity.
Demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of life, ensuring that your conduct reflects positively on Mercy Corps and does not compromise its mission or work.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proven program and team management skills
Strong leadership in strategy creation and implementation, external partnership management, and team development; fosters an environment of inclusion and collaboration.
Self-starter comfortable taking initiative.
High proficiency for working in varied cultural, political, and religious environments; able to travel and work in austere environments and maintain poise in stressful situations.
Creative, adaptive, and flexible; consistently acts with integrity and demonstrates accountability in their decision making.
Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under tight deadlines within complex team environments.
Exceptional writing skills; effective and clear communication overall.
Excellent external relationship and partnership management, prioritizing elevating Mercy Corpsโ and technical teamโs reputations.
Required Education and Experience
7+ yearsโ experience required in international development and the relevant technical sector that includes:
3 - 5 years of energy program experience required, direct management experience implementing field-based projects.
Advisory, management or strategic consulting
Early-stage business building as an entrepreneur, investor or incubator
Grant writing, research, and proposal development.
Leading all aspects of large and complex proposals and managing integrated grant writing teams.
Proven donor cultivation experience, including active donor networking.
Demonstrated success in building working relationships with diverse public, private, and civil sector actors.
Producing and publishing influential articles and blogs.
M.A. or equivalent in a relevant technical field preferred.
Combining strong theoretical and applied knowledge of the field of expertise using integrated approaches and applying systems thinking.
2-3 years of management and supervisory experience required.
Strong financial management skills, Proven ability to manage donor budgets and provide accurate and timely reporting to donors.
Ability to work effectively on matrixed teams and in non-hierarchical settings.
Exceptionally strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills are required.
Strong understanding of the off-grid market, entrepreneurial space, financial inclusion and impact investing sectors, preferable in the African context.
Strong network in energy access space, including SMEโs, investors and donors.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently to Mercy Corps project sites and program locations, including traveling to insecure environments, is required.
Familiarity with major donors like USAID, FCDO, the EC, foundations, and corporations.
Fluency in English required; fluency in other languages strongly preferred.
All other duties assigned.