Since 1979, we have helped people grappling with the toughest hardships survive โ and then thrive. Thatโs the heart of our approach: We help communities turn crisis into opportunity. Throughout our history, Mercy Corps has demonstrated innovation, timeliness, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing realities.
Mercy Corps has worked in Tanzania since 2006, focusing primarily on three thematic areas: (1) food security, (2) governance and peace, and (3) economic opportunity and livelihoods. Youth and women are at the center of all programming in Tanzania. Through these programmes Mercy Corps supports and builds the capacity of government at the national and local levels, and of communities - making sure that they can address the challenges facing them. The Agrifin programme for example connects smallholder farmers with technology and financial services to boost productivity. Mercy Corps Tanzania is part of the FCDO-funded Collective Resilience Against Extremism (CREATE), a multi-country program that aims to mitigate the drivers, enablers, and narratives of violent extremism in East Africa (targeting Mtwara, Kigoma, Mwanza, and Tanga in Tanzania specifically). Through localized strategies, CREATE focuses on strengthening and supporting societal bonds to prevent the recruitment of vulnerable individuals to violent extremist organizations.
Programme
Funded by the UKโs Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the anticipated WAJIBIKA programme will promote a more open, inclusive society in Tanzania where government demonstrates greater accountability to the needs of its citizens. Wajibika will deliver this impact via three strategic outcomes to support 1) effective civic space and inclusive political processes 2) media freedom and access to information, and 3) Government of Tanzania (GoT) knowledge, will, and capacity for public service reforms. Wajibika is divided into three components aligned with the three outcomes. The first two components require indicative activities and delivery partners to be outlined at the bidding stage. The final component is a flexible, demand-led facility to tactically support GoT, FCDO, and SDC with research and technical assistance to drive governance innovation.
General Position Summary
Mercy Corps is seeking candidates for a Deputy Team Lead (DTL) who will provide technical and operational management of an expected five-year FCDO and Swiss Government-supported Wajibika Programme in Tanzania. The DTL will directly oversee the technical teams to ensure the programme meets its targets and deliverables on-time and within budget. S/he, Dorking closely with the TL, will contribute to overall leadership, management and strategic vision for the implementation of Wajibika. The DTL will be designated Acting TL in the TLโs absence and represent the programme to donors, relevant government entities, partners, other implementers and stakeholders.
The DTL is responsible for the strong, results-driven management of the core team and must ensure all staff meet performance expectations. Working alongside the TL, they will take quick and resolute steps to resolve any underperformance issues. S/he will lead the consortium on the design and implementation of Wajibika and will work closely with senior political and public leaders. S/he will ensure the delivery of successful interventions through an adaptive approach to programming.
Essential Responsibilities
STRATEGY AND PLANNING
โ Support the TL in the development of vision and strategy for Wajibika
โ Play an active role to identify and develop new programme adaptations that foster and/or improve strategic objectives
โ Lead on measurement and analysis of programme key performance indicators to inform strategic decision making.
Program Management
โ Oversee the technical and operational management of Wajibika
โ Work with the TL to oversee programme start-up, management and administration. With the TL, ensure programme implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
โ Ensure that programme implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corpsโ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
โ Confirm beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to transparent criteria.
Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity strengthening into all activities as appropriate.
โ Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corpsโ GESI and Safeguarding Policies, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
โ Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration, and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.
Team Management
โ Oversee the technical teams and assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
โ Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
โ Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
โ Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.
Finance & Compliance Management
โ Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corpsโ regulations.
โ Create and maintain systems to ensure effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with program, donor and Mercy Corpsโ needs.
Influence & Representation
โ In coordination with the TL, represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Country Director.
โ As deputized by the TL, coordinate activities with consortium partners, subgrantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
Security
โ Work closely with the country teamโs security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
โ Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.
HUMAN RESOURCES, SAFEGUARDING AND DIVERSITY
โ Support Mercy Corps global and regional initiatives for human resources, including safeguarding and diversity, and talent development;
โ Collaborate with the people team to promote staff access to high quality learning opportunities, with a special emphasis on national team member development;
โ Assist with the on-boarding of senior team members, ensuring they are set up for success and familiar with agency systems, procedures, and protocols.