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Program / Department Summary Mercy Corps implements a variety of programming throughout Asia in response to the diverse humanitarian and long-term development needs of the region. Our portfolio in the Asia region includes ongoing or future programming in the countries of Afghanistan, Georgia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Mercy Corps is committed to delivering high quality, high impact programming that reaches communities or individuals in need, wherever they are.
General Position Summary Mercy Corps seeks a Deputy Regional Director (DRD) in Asia to support Mercy Corps programs and initiatives, and guide strategic direction in the region. The successful candidate will work closely with the Regional Director (RD) to ensure transformational change occurs through a combination of programmatic impact, influence and innovation. The DRD will collaborate with the RD to build and sustain a cohesive regional management team, ensuring the Asia portfolio is geared towards excellence. Essential Job Responsibilities
STRATEGY & PLANNING
Act as a key partner for the RD to achieve an effective regional management team (including the Director of Program Quality and Technical Support and the Director of Regional Support Services) that delivers programmatic excellence and significant impact and influence in the region. Ensure all programs in the region achieve the highest possible impact and are in line with overall regional and global strategies. Assist in the development of a regional strategy and annual work plans. Assist in the implementation of country work plans and budgets throughout the fiscal year. Provide support to RD and country teams on matters pertaining to program planning, budgeting and management.MANAGEMENT
In partnership with the RD, motivate, empower and guide teams towards excellence. Ensure a positive team culture and work environment. Directly supervise Country Directors as required by RD and fill in as needed for RD when s/he is on leave. Occasionally gap fill for country directors during periods of transition. Participate in the recruitment, selection, orientation, and training of key Mercy Corps staff in the region—and ensure that they are set up for success. Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-ones and performance reviews with Country Directors and regional management team members. In the event of a major disaster or emergency in the region, work directly with Mercy Corps Humanitarian Leadership and Response unit to coordinate an appropriate and timely response. Play a leading role on complex program boards in the region when necessary.REGIONAL PROGRAM TEAM (RPT)
Oversee RPT to ensure effective support to and monitoring of programs, as well as adherence by country teams to both donor and Mercy Corps best practices, policies and procedures. Directly supervise SPOs in MCE and MCG to ensure cohesion and consistency across the Asia region in approach to grants management, HQ systems (e.g. GAIT) and team performance. Hire, orient and lead RPT members to deepen their understanding of their roles and assist with career development. Ensure RPT has the information, tools and resources needed to reach their objectives, and/or improve performance where needed. Assist RPT with internal communications and ensure knowledge management systems are up to date and accurateNEW INITIATIVES
Directly supervise the regional new initiatives specialist(s), and where appropriate provide direct support to new programming initiatives that build on country/regional strategies, and position Mercy Corps for complex programs, scale up and/or multi-country funding opportunities. Support and prioritize the development of concept notes, proposals, and other funding requests, ensuring quality submissions that maximize chances for success. Connect teams to ideas, partners and resources to drive creative solutions for greater impact. Develop and maintain strong relationships with global and regional donors and partners that contribute to regional portfolio development, influence, and impact.COMMUNICATION AND REPRESENTATION
Encourage program coordination and information sharing within and between countries. Maintain close working relationships with counterparts in other regions, facilitating the gathering and sharing of experiences and lessons from other regions. Represent Mercy Corps at external events to build voice, brand, and influence. Along with the RD, act as a key liaison between headquarters, regional management and country teams to effectively publicize program innovations and successes. Help to ensure timely and targeted communication and information flow that highlight Mercy Corps’ regional and global impact.OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
In coordination with the RD and other senior leaders, lead the planning and preparation of regional gatherings. Assist with the identification, location, set up and transition of Mercy Corps offices as necessary. Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity. Supervisory ResponsibilityRegional management team, Country Directors, Regional Programs team members
Accountability Reports Directly To: Regional Director, AsiaWorks Directly With: Country Directors, Operations Managers/ Directors, Finance Managers/ Directors, Senior Management Teams as required inclusive of program teams and supplemental support teams based at HQ in locations such as Portland, OR and/or Edinburgh, Scotland Knowledge and Experience
MA, MS or equivalent in international development, political or social science, public administration, business management, or another relevant field. At least 8-10 years field experience in senior management and direct program implementation; experience in complex/fragile environments is a plus. Demonstrated understanding of the critical humanitarian and development issues in Asia, and significant experience with the challenges of operating in the region. Demonstrated proficiency and experience with US, UK, EU, UN and other public and private donors, government grant and financial management requirements. Direct experience managing and supervising large teams, as well as staff mentoring and development. Demonstrable success skills in business development and portfolio growth within complex settings. Confident communication skills applicable to donor relations, media outreach, and inter-agency coordination. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and solve complex problems at the organizational level. Understanding of the finance, operations and administration mechanisms that support a grant/project implementation life cycle. Ability to handle multiple issues at one time, especially in emergency situations, and to organize and prioritize accordingly. An 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 candidate will apply a strong combination of strategy development, leadership, management, coordination, and relationship-building skills with an outstanding ability to support innovative, impactful programs. With a high capacity to deliver results under tight deadlines with multiple priorities, the DRD will have the ability to think ahead and decide on courses of action, ensuring that the required resources to implement are available to achieve high-quality outcomes. Commitment, flexibility and openness to new practices, concepts, ideas and change for continuous improvement will serve the position and team well. Strong operational and contractual skills and experience are integral success factors in this position. Excellent negotiation, public relations and communication skills will foster the development of donor and partner relationships. The role also requires a deep understanding of the region, its recent history, current trends and political environment. Being a team player, having a positive attitude and sense of humor are definite pluses, along with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and a commitment to the values and mission of Mercy Corps.
Location and Travel The position is based in Bangkok, Thailand (or other relevant Mercy Corps locations in Asia) and it requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. The position is accompanied, and staff will have access to good medical services and a living situation of a high standard.