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. Program / Department Summary Mercy Corps’ programming in Central America is currently limited to Guatemala, where it has over 20 years of programming and deep connections to rural communities, and has carried out rural development, food security, water security, health, land conflict mediation, land formalization and violence prevention activities with funding from a multitude of institutional and private donors. Given the high levels of humanitarian need and mixed migration flows throughout Central American countries, the need to develop more robust, multi-country focused programming has become apparent. Mercy Corps is currently seeking registration in Honduras - where Mercy Corps had a presence until 2004 - and El Salvador, with ambitions to also expand beyond these geographies. Humanitarian needs range widely, but in general span from multipurpose cash assistance to purchase basic needs to accessing essential health services, protection and psychosocial support. Target communities in need include individuals on the move, including Central Americans, Haitians, Venezuelans, Colombians, Ecuadorians and other migrants moving north from South America, through the Darien Gap into Panama, and northward towards the US border. Supporting longer term economic development, job creation, violence prevention focused on youth in urban areas, and other development interventions supporting origin communities are also priorities for Mercy Corps. In line with Mercy Corps’ global and country-level Pathway to Possibility (P2P) strategies, the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regional team is in the process of refining its regional strategy to advance P2P’s strategic outcome areas - food security, water security, economic opportunities, and peace and governance – by establishing new operations, partnerships, alliances and programs across Central America in a way that addresses the shifting socio-economic, political, and governance environment, and effectively meets community needs and donor priorities. General Position Summary The Mercy Corps Central America Director is a growth-driven leader responsible for overseeing Mercy Corps’ day-to-day programs and operations in Guatemala, and leading the establishment of new program operations in Honduras and El Salvador. This person has held senior roles in managing operations and/or programming in fluid environments and formulating strategic direction across multiple contexts simultaneously. The Director has supervisory responsibility for the Guatemala country team leadership, and is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the country program in compliance with local laws, Mercy Corps policies and procedures, and donor rules and regulations. They will also ensure that existing Mercy Corps Guatemala programs - and new programs established in other geographies - are implemented in accordance to PM@MC standards, ensuring a high level of program quality, and that programs are implemented on time, on budget, and on scope. This person will contribute to proposal development for multi-country, multi-sector programming, ensure accountability to program participants and donors, placing a high value on innovative solutions to humanitarian and development issues and creative partnerships. Ideally, this person will have experience in emergency response and rapid expansion of activities and support functions. Essential Job Responsibilities STRATEGY & VISION
Plan and communicate a clear vision for the current and future state of Mercy Corps in Central America, including implementing Guatemala’s current three-year strategy and developing and executing expansion strategies into new country programs. Explore, evaluate and pursue new country initiatives and funding opportunities that leverage impact and ongoing activities in Guatemala; support and direct related fundraising activities with both institutional and private donors across all Central America geographies. In partnership with regional leadership, set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve program and agency objectives, and support team members and stakeholders that translates into concrete programs and work plans. Harness regional and global programmatic, operational, technical and other support needed to advance Mercy Corps’ expansion into Central America, through collaboration and development of strong relationships. Lead strategy development processes in new countries in alignment with the global Pathway to Possibility (P2P) framework. TEAM MANAGEMENT Develop the capacity of the Guatemala team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives Promote 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 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT In partnership with Guatemala Senior Program Manager, oversee program quality and impact by ensuring programs are based on sound design principles and utilize Mercy Corps and donor required M&E systems. Ensure effective, transparent use of resources in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies/procedures. Oversee budget management of sub-grantees/sub-contractors, if applicable Build and maintain operational systems that ensure proper administrative support for programs, as well as segregation of duties between finance and operations 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 community accountability standards.