Mercy Corps
Role description
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.
Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders
Mercy Corps External Vacancy Announcement
Job Position – Market System Development Team Lead
Required Qualification and Experience
Education:MSC/MBA/ BA degree in Business, Business Administration, Economics, finance and development, agricultural economics, Business Management or related social science fields.
Experience: At least 5 years of work experience, preferably in MSD programs, especially enterprise development Skill market, output and input services, urban/Rural labor market, business development services, technical skills training, agricultural/non- agricultural value chains, inclusive financial services, product & strategy development.
Managerial and supervisory experience and demonstrated partnership management skills are preferred.
Previous work experience in the private sector, including financial sector, and international development organization are an advantage.
Understanding of Markets Systems Development Approach (MSD) approach is needed.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently to Mercy Corps project sites and field locations, including traveling to insecure environments, is required.
Requirement Skill
Development-oriented
Creativity
Strong coordination and networking skills
Desired Skill
Development-oriented
Creativity
Strong coordination and networking skills
Essential Responsibilities
STRATEGY AND PLANNING (10%)
Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.
Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.
Lead regular sector and program strategy review process in collaboration with senior management of the consortium partners as well as with internal/ external technical consultants.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (30%)
Establish the work plan, activities, targets, budget, standards for measuring progress and results and determine the processes, tools, and methodologies to be used to ensure effective and efficient program implementation and operations.
Oversee partnership formation and co-creation processes for each pipeline intervention including MOUs & contracts and ongoing program management and administration of team.
Ensure gender integration and mainstreaming are incorporated into mission level strategic and annual planning efforts.
Monitor progress and identify risks for timely action and early resolution.
Ensure full compliance with Mercy Corps rules and regulations and policies on financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations.
Ensure timely donor and government reporting and any other additional reporting
Responsible for financial management of the program and financial reporting.
Actively support knowledge building, sharing, and applying in the program.
Closely engage with wide range of public and private actors like businesses or financial service providers (Digital service providers, start-up Businesses, Labor associations, Training institutions, Addis Ababa City Mayor offices and relevant city level bureaus) in establishing partnership and managing relationships on regular basis
Ability to plan own work, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines.
Very good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations.
TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP (20%)
Develop and oversee implementation of the Technical Unit and partner capacity building strategy that promotes a culture of learning through systematic analysis and reflection of program data.
Closely work with the internal and partner MRM team to guide the Intervention Leads on measuring results and system level
Work closely with team members and partners, to support capacity-building and gender integration into the programs.
Provide technical leadership for intervention design, implementation and sharing of the learnings for intervention leads.
TEAM MANAGEMENT (40%)
Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
Very strong leadership capacities to guide a multicultural team in difficult circumstances.
Lead the identification of program issues, challenges and risks, appropriate recommendations and implement them.
Mentor and coach team members as they perform their duties.
Supervisory Responsibility
Application Process
All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically.
Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.
“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”
DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: June 9, 2026