Program Officer BD

Position Title:Program Officer (Business Development)
Duration:One Year with possibility of extension.
Department:Economic Development

Mercy Corps (MC) is a non-profit, non-aligned, secular non-governmental (NGO) humanitarian relief and development organization, registered in the United States and Scotland with offices in more than 40 countries around the world, including the West Bank and Gaza, where the organization has been active in implementing relief and development programs for nearly a decade.  Mercy Corps ‘West Bank and Gaza’ has staff based in East Jerusalem and Gaza City offices that implement programs throughout the Palestinian territories.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has implemented ICT sector development programs in Palestinian Occupied Territories since 2006, with an overall goal to contribute to the expansion and development of the knowledge-based economy in Palestine. Mercy Corps will start implementing a wider economic development program which will include many sectors with focus on utilizing ICT as a business development tool. The program is implemented in Gaza Strip, through and in cooperation with local partners that have relevant experience in education, accelerated learning, e-content development and ICT Software development.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1-Develop technical assistance, capacity building and training work plans for selected SMEs and follow-up on implementation of the activities.
2-Lead the coordination of all activities with the partner business associations.
3-Assure proper, high quality and professional implementation of services for the SMEs.
4-Manage well-structured training and internship programs at the businesses and/or private sector associations’ levels.
5-Provide SMEs with well-trained teams to improve the quality of services offered by the Palestinian Companies.
6-Conduct regular field visits to the selected SMEs, and ensure regular coordination meetings with the relevant partners and coordinates with partners and benefiting businesses on implementing activities.
7-Ensure all program activities are implemented in accordance with technical and budgetary requirements including compliance with MC and USAID requirements.
8-Ensure timely implementation of the programs to the highest standards of quality.
9-Ensure and maintain proper procurement documentation and standard forms preparation for program activities.
10-Participate in relevant (external and internal) project evaluations and/or needs assessments.
11-Work cooperatively with MC staff, local community, partner NGOs and other parties.
12-Liaise and coordinates with other MC departments as needed.
13-Ensure that accurate and up-to date programmatic documentation is maintained.
14-In cooperation with the Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) department, ensure that relevant evaluation strategies are implemented in a timely and high quality manner, and that all outcomes of activities are met.
15-Issue regular reports on project implementation/ progress to the Senior Program Manager, and prepare draft reports and other project documentation required by donors. 
16-Generating verbal and written translations of pertinent project documentation as needed/required.
17-Performance of work beyond normal office hours as required, without additional compensation
18-Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to MC and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
19-Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Whenever applicable, the Program Officer will be responsible for directing the works of Program Coordinator(s) to best meet objectives.

ACCOUNTABILITY
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Senior Program Manager - Economic Development
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Programs Director, Economic Development team, Admin, Finance and Procurement staff, DM&E department.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
1-University degree in business administration, Economic development, business development, or any other related field.
2-At least 3-years’ proved and progressive experience in working with international funded projects and/or INGOs, preferably in business development.
3-Experience in business and SME development is an asset.
4-Good exposure and high understanding to the uniqueness of the Palestinian private sector in the Gaza Strip.
5-Good knowledge with the Palestinian private sector representative and professional associations.
6-Understanding of the social, political, and economic context of the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip.
7-Excellent writing skills in English and Arabic.
8-High proficiency in computer, internet, and MS office literacy.

SUCCESS FACTORS:
1-Excellent communication and coordination skills, with strong personality.
2-Excellent planning and administration skills.
3-Initiative, self-reliant and cooperative.
4-Excellent time and organizational management skills.
5-Excellent ability to work under pressure and carry out multiple tasks.



Qualified persons are highly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a one page cover letter and their CV by e-mail to”

       
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Please indicate in the email subject; Program Officer BD.
No application will be accepted if the email subject is not mentioned in the email subject line.
Please apply separate application for each position you are interested in.