Program Officer CB

Position Title:Program Officer (Capacity Building)
Location: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. The program is implemented in the Gaza Strip, through and in cooperation with local partners that have relevant experience in economic and private sector development. The Program Officer will be the focal point for partner (ICT) business associations and individual businesses while building their capacity.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1-Develop technical assistance, capacity building and training work plans for individual businesses and associations and follow-up on the implementation of the activities.
2-Lead efforts of Mercy Corps in creating a Private Sector Advisory Committee ensuring members of the committee are recruited, committee meetings are organized, and relevant information is collected and disseminated.
3-Lead efforts of Mercy Corps in identifying approaches to stimulate sustainable engagement between higher education/training institutions and the private sector, and to coordinate other activities that will take place between Mercy Corps and (ICT) businesses and associations.
4-Coordinate all the activities at offices of relevant (ICT) businesses and associations.
5-Assure proper and high quality and professional implementation of services for (ICT) businesses and associations.
6-Manage well-structured capacity building and training programs for private sector businesses/associations.
7-Conduct regular field visits and ensure regular coordination meetings with the relevant partners on implementing activities.
8-Ensure all program activities are implemented in accordance with technical and budgetary requirements including compliance with Mercy Corps and USAID requirements.
9-Ensure timely implementation of the programs to the highest standards quality.
10-Ensure and maintain proper procurement documentation and standard forms preparation for program activities.
11-Maintain good business environment between Mercy Corps and the partner (ICT) businesses/associations in a professional manner. 
12-Participate in relevant (external and internal) project evaluations and/or needs assessments.
13-Work cooperatively with Mercy Corps staff, local community, partners and others.
14-Liaise and coordinates with other Mercy Corps departments as needed.
15-Ensure that accurate and up-to date programmatic documentation is maintained.
16-In cooperation with the Designing & Monitoring Evaluation department, ensure that relevant evaluation strategies are implemented in a timely and high quality manner, and that all outcomes of activities are met.
17-Issue regular reports on project implementation/ progress to the Senior Program Manager, and prepare draft reports and other project documentation as required. 
18-Generate verbal and written translations of pertinent project documentation as needed/required.
19-Performance of work beyond normal office hours as required, without additional compensation.
20-Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
21-Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Whenever applicable, the Program Officer will be responsible for directing the works of Program Coordinators 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 ICT, 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 institutional capacity building is an asset.
4-Good exposure and high understanding to the uniqueness of the Palestinian ICT sector in the Gaza Strip.
5-Good knowledge with the Palestinian ICT 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.
 

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

Saturday, May 21, 2011
       
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Please indicate in the email subject; Program Officer CB.
No application will be accepted if the email subject is not mentioned in the email subject line.