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 has been working in Benin since 2022 in the areas of access to renewable energy and agriculture. The Mercy Corps program in Benin was developed after the merger of Mercy Corps and Energy for Impact (E4I, having programs in Benin since 2019) which aimed to increase access to sustainable and climate-friendly energy, thus improving the lives of millions of people around the world. In October 2024, Mercy Corps launched the FCDO funded Borgou Stabilization and Learning (BSL) pilot project in Benin. The goal of BSL is to probe and begin to address the root causes of localized violence in Borgou department, in support of the high-level objective of reducing levels of violence and insecurity in north and central Benin through the development of inclusive, sustainable conflict management mechanisms and the reduction in grievances amongst marginalized communities. The start-up lead will join the growing Benin team within the West and Central Africa regional team.
General Position Summary The BSL Program presents an opportunity for Mercy Corps to scale-up Peace and Governance programming in Benin, building off lessons learned and ongoing programming across the West and Central Africa region. As the program has a short timeframe to complete its pilot, Mercy Corps is seeking a startup lead to coordinate all the project start-up activities during the initial 2–4-month start-up phase. This includes the development of an integrated and comprehensive work plan, coordination of financial and personnel resources, and supervision of the start-up team for one of Mercy Corps strategic pilot projects. The Lead bridges the gap between the program’s start-up needs and the existing and available country and regional team’s capacity and resources.
Essential Responsibilities
ANALYSIS & STRATEGY
- Lead analysis of existing and necessary capacities to facilitate a smooth and timely project start-up.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration to devise a project start-up strategy and plan including the definition start up timeline - typically 8 to 16 weeks.
- Ensure synergy with program plans, technical approaches, and commitments. Further the analysis as necessary.
- Identify critical path and key milestones that must be completed in the start-up phase of the project.
- Create a start-up roadmap in consultation with country and regional teams and cross-operations HQ teams.
Start-up team assembling and Management
- Establish the profiles and duration of the required start-up team members and participate in sourcing.
- Communicate the vision and direction to the team and ensure a coordinated and coherent approach.
- Ensure tools and tracking mechanisms are in place to accurately assess and communicate progress against the start-up work plan, resources (budget & personnel), and issues during start-up.
- Distribute and clarify roles and responsibilities throughout the start-up process.
- Provide coordination and supervision as needed to hold the start-up team accountable to the process.
- Engage in proactive communication and collaboration with the regional directors, project implementation team, and with support team members from the regional and global teams.
Hiring and Onboarding
- Collaborate with the People team and the Start-up HR focal point to establish a recruitment and onboarding plan.
- Ensure the plans and activities of the people start-up function are fully integrated with the other start-up functions.
- Participate in the hiring of key positions, including Program Manager as needed and assist with onboarding of culture and process.
Standards and Compliance
- Socialize Program Management minimum standards and best practices including PM@MC and all other relevant standards.
- Foster a culture of compliance and accountability among the team with regards to Mercy Corps, donor and government laws, policies, rules and regulations.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
- Capture lessons learned to improve future project start-ups.
- Prepare a post-startup work plan to guide transition to regular program implementation
Supervisory Responsibility Project team members
Accountability Reports Directly To: Deputy regional Director – Programs for West and Central AfricaWorks Directly With: Regional Leadership; Country Team in Benin, Strategic Partnership Manager – UK Government, Technical Resources and Quality Team; Regional Peace and Conflict Director; Regional Programme Team; Global Finance team
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.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
- BA/BS or Master’s degree in Peacebuilding, climate adaptation, social sciences, international relations, or another relevant field.
- A minimum of 5 years managing programs in the field, at least 2 of which at Mercy Corps
- Excellent knowledge of Mercy Corps structure, resources and processes
- Demonstrated understanding of program management, Mercy Corps policies and minimum standards including PM@MC.
- Strong organizational and work-planning skills.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, meeting deadlines and working and problem-solving independently and cooperatively.
- Excellent leadership, negotiation and representation skills.
- Effective English and French verbal and written communication, organizational, prioritization and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work across departments to achieve results in a short period of time
Success Factors The successful Start-up Lead is an effective leader that can build and motivate a team of people from a variety of departments under pressure and with limited time. They are very well organized, communicate clearly and uses strong interpersonal skills to navigate challenging organizational politics situations.
Living Conditions / Environmental ConditionsThe position will be based in Cotonou, Benin, with some remote work possible as well as travel to sub[1]offices. In some cases, the Lead may work from a Mercy Corps location in another country for several weeks during the assignment. It is an unaccompanied role. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/STA 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. Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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. 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 elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.