Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. Program / Department Summary
Mercy Corps has worked across Iraq’s 18 governorates since 2003, implementing relief and development programming, more than a third of which has focused on the specific needs of internally displaced persons. Mercy Corps Iraq’s goal is to work with new and existing civil society, public and private sector partners to meet immediate and long-term needs by strengthening communities’ ability to rebuild amidst increasing crises. Mercy Corps Iraq focuses on (1) a relief-to-resilience pathway to meet the needs of conflict-affected communities leveraging agency expertise in conflict management and civil society development (2) a humanitarian response that empowers conflict-affected populations to meet their own needs (3) partnering with conflict-affected adolescents to address their diverse needs, promoting leadership and linkages with civil society. Mercy Corps is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) to lead implementation of the anticipated five-year USAID-funded Iraq Civic Engagement Activity (ICEA). The proposed program will fostering a more politically engaged citizenry in Iraq, enhancing trust and participation in the country's democratic processes. This activity seeks to elevate civic literacy, empower citizens to actively engage and contribute to discussions on issues of concern. Equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in the democratic processes. This includes fostering awareness of governmental processes, promoting access to accurate media content, facilitating increased engagement with government entities at various levels, and empowering citizens to participate in public life. The expected result is a more resilient and participatory democracy in Iraq, with a particular emphasis on empowering marginalized groups. The Position The DCOP will assist the Chief of Party (COP) in project oversight, managing for results, technical, administrative, operational, and logistical management of the project. This includes oversight of the overall technical approaches, local partners, and day-to-day implementation of all project objectives. The DCOP will supervise a cadre of program and technical staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies as well as all donor rules and regulations. The DCOP will also have technical experience in one or more of the following areas and be able to provide strong technical inputs: CSO capacity building, civic engagement, and/or governance. Essential Responsibilities
STRATEGY AND VISION

In collaboration with the COP, co-lead development of a vision and strategy for ICEA shared with program staff and stakeholders. Work with the COP and the Technical Leads to create a coherent and integrated overall implementation strategy that is shared with the program team, local partners, and key stakeholders. TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP Oversee the local partnership strategy. Provide technical leadership in the development and implementation of strategies, interventions, and activities that address the program's results. Ensure technical compliance with USAID rules and regulations, and adherence to grant agreement Integrate locally-driven approaches, gender sensitivity, and capacity building into all activities, as appropriate. Ensure interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and program participant accountability standards. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT In collaboration with the COP, ensure implementation is on time, target, and budget, using effective M&E and CLA systems to assess impact. Support the COP in establishing a program management structure that favors integration among technical sectors. Oversee program and technical start-up and ongoing program management and administration of teams across various field locations. Lead the development of detailed implementation plans, flowing from annual strategic work- plans, and ensure the delivery of the same. Oversee the daily implementation of the local partnerships team and Hub offices where technical staff are based. Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration, and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities. In collaboration with the ICEA MEL team, monitor implementation through regular site visits and assessments to ensure program quality and impact. Ensure documenting of program achievements and dissemination of lessons learned best practices. Oversee administration and performance of local sub-grants, including planning, implementation, and compliance. Provide reviews and input for program documents, including quarterly and annual reports, and other internal and USAID reporting. Fulfill Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide. TEAM MANAGEMENT Oversee recruitment and onboarding of the program staff and consultants including direct oversight of local partnerships team. Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of staff roles, and assist with career development.

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