Location: US, UK or Any Mercy Corps office location

Position Status: Full-time, Regular, (Temporary: 12 months; the assignment can be extended, depending on business needs).

Salary Level:

US Starting Salary for this role will be USD $64,000 to $76,000 commensurate on experience.
Based on local benchmark for candidates outside the United States.

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.

The Team

Mercy Corps works to achieve real and lasting impact in the world’s toughest humanitarian emergencies. We save lives and help people live with dignity in crises of all kinds. At the same time, we create the conditions to pivot to recovery quickly and effectively. We work wherever local capacity is overwhelmed, connecting people to the opportunities they need to strengthen their community in recovery. Whether it is a sudden shock or a slowly emerging crisis, whether the threat is natural or man-made, Mercy Corps is committed to rapid, needs-driven assistance. Mercy Corps supports a response that is market-driven and leverages the capacities of both traditional and non-traditional aid partners—and ultimately gives people the ability to make their own decisions and secure their own lives and livelihoods.  

The Global Emergency Response Team (ERT) provides the agency with timely and effective leadership to prepare for, respond to, and learn from humanitarian emergencies, develops sharp, well-timed and influential humanitarian analysis to inform program design and implementation, and supports agency leadership and regional and country teams with safety and security expertise.  

The Position

The Emergency Response Cash and Distributions Program Manager is responsible for the set-up and implementation of Mercy Corps’ distributions, including cash, vouchers and in-kind as relevant, in emergency responses. The position includes coordination between a variety of internal and external stakeholders, an understanding of different program modalities (cash, vouchers, in-kind) and their use, daily management of program activities and program staff ensuring appropriate systems, standards, and support mechanisms are in place to track, analyze and report on and achieve results.

The Emergency Response Cash and Distributions Program Manager is an experienced and strong team leader, able to quickly set up, manage and monitor programs in emergencies, and to support the development and mentorship of emergency response team members. S/he is responsible for managing relationships with local partners and international colleague agencies, coordination structures, program participants and communities, local authorities and donor representatives. S/he contributes to the achievement of agency goals through innovation, program development and expertise in humanitarian programming. This role requires astute skills in relationship building and coordination to facilitate program design, set-up and implementation.

Essential Job Responsibilities

STRATEGY & VISION

Identify new strategic opportunities and position Mercy Corps for high-impact humanitarian response related to distributions (cash, vouchers, and in-kind).
Set program direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to country, regional, and global-strategy development for emergency response, distributions, and CVA programming.
Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support. This includes contributing or leading on program development efforts for new proposals related to distribution/cash programming.
Lead programmatic expansion and advise on the appropriate modality (voucher, in-kind, cash) for a response and corresponding distribution requirements (standards, systems, processes, etc.)
Lead on the identification of the most appropriate operational modalities and transfer mechanisms. This will involve need assessment, market assessment, assessments of financial service providers, and liaising internally with the Program team, Finance, M&E, Logistics, etc.
Contribute to the work of CVA and distributions in emergency settings across MC through technical support, advice, engagement and learning with the global emergency response and cash teams at MC.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Ensure full project cycle management for key steps for cash, voucher, and in-kind distribution processes in emergency settings.
Regularly monitor market conditions and adjust program modalities and response options if necessary, in response to changing conditions.
Oversee distribution start-up and ongoing management and administration of the teams across the various response locations.
Develop and document standard operating procedures following required standards and best practices for registrations, and safe distribution processes for cash, vouchers, and in-kind distributions using the selected service provider(s).
Develop and document distribution plans clearly and collaboratively effectively with other MC and partner team members for the implementation of high quality and accountable distributions.
Identify appropriate targeting criteria and beneficiary selection and implement the program assistance work, with particular attention and care to gender, inclusion, and specific needs of vulnerable populations. Ensure this is adapted based on context and humanitarian needs, as well as in line with a coordinated humanitarian response approach.
Provide clear communication with affected communities regarding targeting criteria, entitlements, how to access assistance and feedback.
Ensure program implementation is on time, target, and budget.
Facilitate adaptive program management and revise distribution processes, systems, and monitoring as needed to improve program performance and quality.
Establish and maintain effective program reporting, monitoring and evaluation, and feedback mechanisms are in place for both internal and external use. Ensure filing adheres to internal and donors' regulations and is regularly maintained.
Fulfill Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
Facilitate risk assessments, monitoring, and mitigation planning for all distributions (cash, in-kind, vouchers). Proactively identify and address risks.
Undertake, when necessary, feasibility assessments for cash or voucher or in-kind programming, including leading data collection and analysis for market, risk, or payment mechanism assessments, and use that information to support appropriate program design
Advocate for the use of cash and voucher modalities where feasible and appropriate and support MC teams and other partners to incorporate CVA approaches into emergency programming.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

Advise on the appropriate team structures for the emergency response distributions, including implementation, monitoring, and learning.
Develop and implement a capacity-building plan to ensure all program, finance, and supply chain staff involved in cash and voucher programming have appropriate knowledge and skills related to market-based programming
Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
Promote a team culture of accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.

FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

Manage financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
Oversee the program budgets, project cash flow, and expenditures.
Advise and guide teams with the development of budget specific to cash, voucher, and in-kind distribution programs in emergency settings.

REPRESENTATION & COORDINATION

Identify, build, and manage collaborative partnerships with donors, local authorities, cash working groups, local partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
Liaise with the selected financial service provider(s) on operational planning to ensure that program participants receive assistance as smoothly as possible.
Work to use MC positioning and learning in emergency response to influence the wider use of distributions and CVA modalities and improve the quality of response for all actors.

SECURITY

Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

The Emergency Response Distribution and Cash Program Manager will manage the Program Team members.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: VP of Emergency Response, with dual technical management line to Senior Director of CVA; country program leadership team while on assignment

Works Directly With: Members of the global ERT and cash teams, regional and country technical and program leadership while on assignment, support teams (operations, finance, security, HR and logistics) while on assignment. Works very closely with Global Distribution Quality Advisor.

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.

Knowledge and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in international studies, economics or another relevant field.
4+ years of professional experience in development program management experience and international relief, in emergency program management.
Previous demonstrated experience in distributions including cash, vouchers, and in-kind items in emergency settings.
Strong understanding and experience of program design and proposal development on cash and distribution programming in emergency settings.
Strong understanding of and capacity to conduct basic market assessments, analysis, monitoring and experience, coordinating implementation with service providers.
Solid understanding of logistics, supply chain, and operational management related to implementation of distributions including cash, vouchers, and in-kind items.
Strong program management skills required. Pre-certification in PMD Pro or equivalent program management certification preferred.
Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate effectively with ethnically diverse team members of varied work styles.
Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.
Proven ability to learn quickly, lead a program to achieve stated results and objectives.
Experience with the development, implementation & compliance of USAID/BHA, FCDO, ECHO and other humanitarian donors and funded programs.
Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key stakeholders.
Experience working with local authorities, national and international NGOs.
Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills.
Previous experience working in insecure environments.
Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.

Success Factors

The successful Emergency Response Distribution and Cash Manager will combine exceptional management skills and experience in maintaining donor and partner relationships and internal team collaboration.  S/he will have an outstanding ability to develop, implement and manage programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams and capacity building, individual staff development and strong mentoring skills.

S/he will have a high level of adaptability and adjust to the constantly changing working environment. S/he will have previous experience in implementing large scale emergency programs in insecure and conflict contexts and setting up cash, voucher, and in-kind distribution program activities. Prioritizing, problem-solving, ability to seize opportunities, attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. 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 roving position is based ideally in a Mercy Corps HQ location, or MC location where the candidate already has the required work authorization. This role requires up to 65% of time spent on assignment, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Base location requires ability to deploy within 72 hours, dependent on visa, and connectivity to enable remote work from home. 

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 and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. 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 e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).

Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for US-Based Employees

Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.

This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.

For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided.