Deputy Country Director Program Support - Haiti

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

The Program / Department / Team
Mercy Corps helps communities develop their own ideas to solve Haiti’s most daunting problems by using innovative approaches to bring Haitians new social and economic opportunities and to make their country more secure, productive, and just. Established in January 2010, Mercy Corps Haiti has offices in Port-au-Prince, Jeremie and Miragoane and more than 80 staff implementing programs in economic development, agriculture, natural resource management and humanitarian response. Mercy Corps’ economic development work is guided by the principles of pro-poor development and demand-driven strategies. Mercy Corps takes a progressive approach to development that leads communities and entrepreneurs from relief to sustainable livelihoods to resilience.

On August 14th, 2021 a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti creating widespread destruction, impacting over 130,000 households, and causing over 12,000 injuries and 2,200 casualties. Mercy Corps’ team in Haiti responded immediately, implementing our SMS emergency alert system to provide communities with critical information, as well as distributing Non-Food Items (NFIs) to meet families’ urgent needs including: personal hygiene, food preparation and light and thermal comfort for their shelters. Since the earthquake, Mercy Corps Haiti has continued to respond to communities' emergency needs and has expanded its programming to promote long-term recovery and resilience for communities prone to instability and the impacts of climate shocks.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Deputy Country Director Program Support (DCDPS) will work closely with the Country Director (CD) to develop a professional, effective, efficient, and results-driven support team. The DCDPS is responsible for operational oversight of the Mercy Corps Haiti Country program support functions, including smooth functioning of all Human Resource / Administrative management, Financial Management, Operations Management (including fleet, logistics, warehousing, procurement and Information Technology (IT).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Strategy & Vision

• Demonstrate visible leadership and adherence to Mercy Corps’ core values, principles and strategy.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to country strategy.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcome.
• Participate in overall country level strategic planningProgram Support Operations
  • Anticipate potential issues and delays in project implementation, acting in advance to mitigate and prevent problems from arising.
  • Define with mission SMT key performance indicators to better detect under execution and improve mitigation measures.
  • Further strengthen and enforce measures to prevent fraud and corruption, promote transparency and accountability culture
  • Assume direct responsibility for ensuring effectiveness of operations systems for program impact including finance, human resources / administration and operations (including fleet, logistics, warehousing, procurement and Information Technology (IT)).
  • Ensure transparent use of financial resources in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures, as well as relevant Haitian laws.
  • Work closely with the Country Director to ensure that all operational departments are working in close collaboration with programs to facilitate service-oriented responses to donors, program teams, local partners, and others.
  • Develop and over time revise the Mercy Corps Haiti Operations Team strategy to ensure that all support areas adapt to the evolving reality of our programs and needs of our participants.
  • Recruit, manage and motivate an informed, skilled and efficient team that seeks operational excellence; use and promote the Mercy Corps Performance Management systems and staff development strategies to ensure strongest possible team results.
  • Uphold Mercy Corps’ commitment to ethics management.
  • Ensure the definition and implementation of robust archiving, information management procedures in all departments (supports, operations, technical)
  • Liaise with key Mercy Corps headquarters finance, human resources, procurement, compliance, and other relevant team members to ensure that Mercy Corps Haiti meets and even exceeds Mercy Corps global standards in all of these areas.Field Office Operations
    • Work closely with and supervise the Heads of Office (one in Jeremie and one in Miragoane) in each region to ensure that decentralized support systems and structures are in place and compliant with relevant internal and external policies and procedures.
    • Maintain effective and positive internal communication with Mercy Corps staff in all field offices, this includes ensuring open and harmonious communication in all of the different departments and offices.
    • Conduct field visits on a regular basis to all regional office hubs for supervision and support, and maintain close collaboration with the Heads of Office in each field site to ensure operational and programmatic cooperation in each field office. Human Resources Supervision
      • Supervise the Human Resources (HR) team tasked with ensuring transparent, effective and timely recruitment of vacancies, including providing sound orientation.
      • Ensure the HR systems for national staff are implemented as described in the HR section of the Field Administration Manual and Haiti Employee Manual and assist with updating the manuals as necessary.
      • Ensure that all international staff obtain an orientation upon arrival and have access to all the relevant manuals and internal policies/procedures.
      • Work with the Human Resources manager to support other managers to properly implement the performance review process for quality talent management (star performers are rewarded, plan for underperforming team members).
      • Provide selective capacity building of staff as needed and contribute to the career development for program staff
      • Support the HR Manager with the review of Mercy Corps Haiti salary scale if one is needed.
      • Join HR Manager when consulting with outside counsel as needed on complex legal situations.Administration Supervision
        • Supervise the administration team members to ensure quality implementation of administration systems as described in the Field Administration Manual.
        • Work with the administration team to continually revise facility management, including housing and office leases and ensure that security standards are maintained at all premises.
        • Ensure that the administration team is providing timely travel reservations and arrangements, and maintain strong relations with transport providers.
        • Work with the Administration team to ensure that all government-required authorizations and documentation are complete and up-to-date.
        • Work with the team member responsible for expatriate visa and work permits, as necessary. Finance and Compliance Supervision
          • Supervise the Finance Team in all aspects of their work, from budget preparation to forecasting and monitoring to donor compliance.
          • Along with the Finance Manager, liaise with HQ-based finance support team as needed.
          • Ensure the proper use of the Finance Field Manual, and also the transparent use of resources in compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.
          • Seek IT solutions in collaboration with HQ whenever possible to improve financial process efficiency.Operations Supervision
            Procurement
            • Supervise the procurement team to ensure that all Mercy Corps contracts, and business transactions/relationships are transparent and in compliance with Haiti laws and Mercy Corps/donor policies.
            • Act as a champion of the Mercy Corps “Field Procurement Policies and Procedures” (FP3) and work with all Operations and Program teams to ensure proper and efficient implementation of established policies – liaise with appropriate HQ staff as needed to resolve problems.
            • Collaborate closely with the DOP (Director for Programs), Program Managers to provide clarity and understanding regarding the roles and responsibilities of all team members in terms of interaction with Administration and Purchasing departments. These include trainings, regular coordination meetings, problem solving and necessary planning activities to ensure effective and timely program implementation.Fleet management
              • Supervise the fleet management team to ensure that all Mercy Corps fleet management systems are up to MC standard, and in compliance with Haitian context, laws and Mercy Corps/donor policies.
              • Ensure context adapted movement follow up mechanisms are in place, in coordination with the safety and security Manager, and the field team.Information Technology:
                • Supervise the IT coordinator and other IT team members to ensure client-centered services and solutions to staff and program participants.
                • Liaise with HQ IT staff to identify improvements for the Mercy Corps Haiti IT system and to resolve problems as they arise. Internal control
                  • Supervision and review of the implementation of Mercy Corps Administrative / HR, Financial and operations procedures.
                  • Contribution to the development of internal control
                  • Focal point for internal and external audits
                  • Supervise the implementation of audit recommendations when need beRepresentation:
                    • Act as Interim Country Director in rotation with the DOP as needed.
                    • Interface with relevant government authorities responsible for international NGOs, labor, staff development and personnel taxes (in coordination with the Finance Director).
                    • Participate in relevant working groups with other NGOs and the UN system. Other
                      • Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps.
                      • Other duties as assigned and appropriate.
                      • Work closely with the Ethics and Security team members (supervised by the Country Director) to address any issues related to fraud, ethics or possible security concerns as needed.

                        SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
                        Human Resources& Administration Manager, Finance Manager, Operations Manager, and 2 Head of Offices.ACCOUNTABILITY:
                        REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Director
                        WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: DOP, Program Managers, Safety Security Manager, Field Teams, Latin America and Caribbean Regional team members as appropriate.
                        
                        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

                      • MA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development or other relevant fields.
                      • 8-10 years of experience in one of the main Operational areas (Human Resources / Administration, Finance, Operations), preferably with some level of experience in all areas.
                      • Strong knowledge of the US government and other donor compliance topics preferred.
                      • Experience managing humanitarian relief and post-conflict programs in areas affected by conflict and insecurity.
                      • Knowledge of major institutional donor requirements and compliance issues.
                      • Strong interpersonal and supervisory skills, with a good understanding of and belief in diversity, gender and inclusion policies to ensure a work environment that is welcoming to all.
                      • Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
                      • Knowledge of Haitian legal framework, notably regarding relevant labor laws, an additional asset
                      • Fluency in French and English (oral and written) required. Creole a plus Success Factors
                        The successful candidate is an assertive, fast-thinking, experienced leader. S/he has a thorough understanding of what it takes to provide client-centered operations services that help deliver impactful programs in challenging environments. S/he is an excellent communicator who can inspire broad and diverse teams towards achieving a shared goal and drive a fast-paced and adaptive program. S/he is able to create a stimulating working environment encouraging innovation and accountability. S/he is able to work effectively with an ethnically and gender diverse team in a sensitive environment and prioritize team building and capacity-building of national staff. S/he has excellent information management skills, is a strategic thinker. S/he has an outstanding ability to design, implement and manage timely and solutions-oriented support to programs that respond to the needs of our participants and that meet and even exceed the expectations of our donors.
                        
                        Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps’ policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
                        
                        Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
                        The position is based in (Port-au Prince, Haiti); The team members will be based in a secured residence, where all MC International staff stays, in an individual studio. The living conditions may change and the team members may be asked to live in a shared apartment, if needed. The position requires at minimum 50% travel to field bases.
                        
                        The population of Port au Prince (PaP) is estimated at around 2.5 million people. Although infrastructure is fairly poor in the capital, comfortable housing with water and electricity are readily available. There is reasonable access to most consumer goods, although they can be expensive. PaP offers many places to eat in all price ranges, as well as shops, and supermarkets which are comparable to a US supermarket.
                        Based on the fluctuating security context due to gang violence, movements can be restricted on short notice. Walking is not possible in most cases.
                        
                        Travel by car and air to field sites will be required and offer more secure and stable conditions. Mobile phones and cellular service are widely available. The Internet is available in all Mercy Corps offices. There are a number of health services available with evacuation options for serious illnesses.
                        
                        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.