Private Sector Manager

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 Summary Mercy Corps has been operational in Sudan since 2004 and currently has a country office in Port Sudan and field offices in South Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, Kassala, River Nile, Northern and Gedaref states. Mercy Corps’ current areas of programming include food security and livelihoods, WASH, health, nutrition, resilience, and Market Systems Development. Mercy Corps’ Sudan crisis response seeks to meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Sudanese and other conflict-affected people across the country. Mercy Corps Sudan is recognized as a leader in market systems, agricultural, and food security and building on this experience, the Mercy Corps Sudan humanitarian program will layer in resilience and other program activities where appropriate and feasible to do so. The Sudan Somoud - Enhancing Community Resilience Project is an initiative funded by the World Bank which has two interlinked components: Component 1: Community Led Basic Service Delivery. This component supports: (i) delivery of improved community led basic services; (ii) temporary engagement of frontline workers and volunteers in select sectors; (iii) project management and technical assistance costs; and (iv) technical assistance and training to select local authorities. Component 2: Improving Food Security. This component supports: (i) increased resilience and production of select crops and protection of livestock assets in rural areas that supply food to the target communities; (ii) agricultural value chains; (iii) the scaling-up and strengthening of community consumer cooperatives and organizations and community food centers that distribute agricultural outputs and provide affordable food to vulnerable groups; and (iv) project management and implementation costs. General Position Summary The Private Sector Manager will lead the development and management of agriculture and SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) contracts and grants under Components 2.1 and 2.2 of the SOMOUD 2 program. The role involves strategic planning, project management, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement to support the development of sustainable agriculture and SME projects within the region. As a core member of the PMU, the Private Sector Manager will ensure that all private sector initiatives under the program align with the program’s objectives and are effectively managed to deliver impactful results. Essential Job Responsibilities Project Management

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of activities under Components 2.1 and 2.2, focusing on agricultural development and SME growth.
  • Oversee the development, negotiation, and execution of contracts and grants with private sector entities and SMEs to achieve project goals.
    • Ensure timely delivery of milestones and objectives as per the project work plan, ensuring alignment with SOMOUD 2 program objectives.
      • Prepare and manage project budgets, ensuring financial compliance and efficient resource allocation under Components 2.1 and 2.2.
        • Develop tools and frameworks for monitoring and evaluating the progress of agriculture and SME initiatives under the project. Strategic Planning and Development
          • Develop and implement a strategy for engaging the private sector in agriculture and SME growth, fostering innovative solutions and partnerships.
            • Identify and promote opportunities for private sector engagement in the agriculture sector and related SMEs within the context of the program.
              • Collaborate with stakeholders to design interventions that build the capacity of local businesses, agribusinesses, and farmers to enhance productivity and market access. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation:
                • Represent the SOMOUD 2 program in meetings and forums with donors, government bodies, private sector entities, and local stakeholders.
                  • Develop and maintain relationships with local and international private sector partners, financial institutions, and development organizations to leverage resources and expertise.
                    • Advocate for policies and reforms that enable an enabling environment for SME and agriculture sector growth in Gedaref and surrounding regions.
                      • Ensure effective communication and coordination with project partners, donors, and other stakeholders. Team Management and Leadership: