Program/Department Summary

General Position Summary

• Communicate a clear vision of present and future program goals and strategies to Burkina Faso team members and external stakeholders in line with the MC Niger & Burkina Faso country strategy (2024-2027);
• Oversee the implementation of the FY25 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) and upcoming years for Burkina Faso, by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives ;
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Work closely with the program development team, the country program Manager, the proposal development and grants manager, and the Director of Programs Niger & Burkina Faso, identify/elevate potential opportunities for new programming or funding in Burkina Faso.

• Support the conceptualization, implementation and continual improvement of Mercy Corps Programs in Burkina Faso
• In coordination with the country program manager and programs team, lead program start-up, management, administration and closeout. Ensure implementation is on time, target and budget
• Support program development initiatives for Burkina Faso, including cross-border opportunities, field assessments, in particular with coordination, partnership development and representation during the program development process
• Provide leadership to increase coordination, collaboration, communication and harmonization of Mercy Corps programming and support team s in Burkina Faso;
• Engage Burkina Faso program leadership (Country program Manager, DOP, DCOPs, PMs) in ongoing context analysis that enables programs and teams to adapt to significant changes in the geopolitical/conflict environment.
• Participate in shaping policy positions and advocacy messages pertaining to the overall humanitarian situation inside the country.
• Integrate community approaches and gender sensitivity into all activities

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote the respect of Mercy Corps core behaviors in Burkina Faso
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Contribute to the Supervision, hiring and orientation of new team members;
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, leading this for the Burkina Faso team, helping team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

• Ensure adequate technical, analytical and administrative support for programs.
• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.
• Ensure the smooth running of the country office in Ouagadougou and the field offices in terms of having appropriate staff and systems are in place including providing any necessary training or guidance.
• Contribute to the administrative Supervision of Operations/Finance/HR & Admin teams to ensure optimal operational support for Mercy Corps programs and offices, in accordance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures and provide any necessary training or guidance to operational staff.
• Ensure in collaboration with the country program Manager that all support staff are able to adhere to work plans, and that deliverables are completed as promised.
• Ensure effective and transparent use and documentation of financial resources by all staff in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Review and approve requests for purchase according to the delegation of limit of authority; track commitments and expenditure against budgets

• Represent Mercy Corps in all relevant NGO forums, cluster meetings, and other coordination meetings and forums;
• Represent Mercy Corps with formal and informal government structures and representatives, maintain and develop relevant and productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Maintain productive relationships with internal and external constituents such as private partners, local NGOs and civil society organizations and academic institutions.
• Explore, evaluate and present innovative funding opportunities that support program objectives.
• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, governments and other stakeholders.
• Participate in Mercy Corps leadership meetings at the regional and HQ levels as needed.

• Maintain oversight of access provisions to ensure Mercy Corps’ continued ability to access our most vulnerable and hard-to-reach participants.
• Assist the Country Director and Operations & Security Manager in maintaining and advising on appropriate security systems and procedures, ensure that all team members are aware of, and adhere to these procedures.
• Ensure all team members understand and are compliant with Mercy Corps policies on safety and security, conflict of interest, and general conduct, in a manner, which is appropriate to an international NGO.
• Provide regular reports on program and administrative activities and the security situation, as well as incident reports, to the Country Director as per determined communication schedule.

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our program participants and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Supervisory Responsibility: Administrative supervision of managers of all departments, non-complex Program Managers, and provide relevant input in their annual objectives setting, midterm and annual performance evaluations including the regional staff based in Ouagadougou.

Accountability

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/S or equivalent in relevant field required, MA/S preferred.
• At least 5 years of leadership and management experience with an international NGO in humanitarian operations and previous work experience in other African countries and insecure environments essential.
• Substantial knowledge of the international humanitarian system, institutions and donors, and of compliance requirements, accountability frameworks and best practices; prior experience with funding from USAID, FCDO, ECHO, OCHA, EU, UNPBF, UN and other leading donors in country.
• Strong knowledge of the context of Burkina Faso with relevant connections within relevant technical Ministries (Agriculture, humanitarian affairs, livestock, health, environment, economy and finance etc..) and the relevant policies in relation with Mercy Corps four key outcomes (food security, water security, economic opportunities and peace and good governance).
• Robust experience in developing, operating, and implementing program strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in representation and negotiation resulting in securing significant new opportunities or partnerships for the organization.
• Demonstrated success working effectively and respectfully with host country government, private sector, INGO, NGO partners and other stakeholders in complex environments.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching.
• Solid operations management skills related to international, cross-functional teams.
• Experience of solving complex issues collegially, defining a clear way forward, and utilizing best practices in management to ensure shared success.
• Outstanding analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a focus on results and impact.
• Excellent spoken and written English skills required.
• Strong capacity for adaptation to new working environments and systems.

Success Factors

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions