About Mercy Corps 

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.

Country Summary 

Mercy Corps works in places of transition, where conflict, disaster, political upheaval, or economic collapse present opportunities to build a more secure, productive, and just communities. Providing emergency relief in times of crisis, we move quickly to help communities recover and build resilience to future shocks, and promote sustainable change by supporting community-led and market-driven initiatives. Recognizing both the great potential and the complex challenges faced by Afghanistan, since 1986 Mercy Corps has been implementing a range of humanitarian assistance and development programs tailored to the specific needs of the country and of those communities where we work.

Presently, we work in three provinces, with a portfolio of programs aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and natural resource-based livelihoods, combating natural resource degradation, expanding access to vocational training, providing access to water and sanitation facilities, promoting Hygiene and providing emergency response MCPA and winterization.

Program/Department Summary

EmpowerED (Elevating Trainer Expertise in Afghanistan) program, funded by GiZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer internationale Zusammenarbeit) aims to increase access for vulnerable young people, including women, to needs-based quality vocational training within in-company apprenticeships or other on-the-job training opportunities. Implemented over 20 months, the program targets master trainers from private sector companies across Kabul, Parwan and Herat and establishes master trainer courses based on in-depth market assessment. The program will be implemented together with two national partners.

Success Summary

The successful candidate Mercy Corps seeks for, will lead by example, be proactive and take initiative without being asked, possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, have good judgment for strategic decisions, manage his/her time wisely in order to meet deadlines and work according to the workplan, demonstrate excellent stewardship and compliance with Mercy Corps regulations. Maintaining a strong cooperating relationship with other MC departments is crucial. He/she will have the ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as in a training capacity and demonstrate an ability to multi-task. Strong motivational and influencing skills to engage the Senior Leadership Team and all MCA staff towards a transparent and accountable culture guided by Mercy Corps mission and vision. S/he will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment and be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

The Program Coordinator (PC) is responsible for the day-to-day coordination, implementation, and management of the program in Herat. The PC will oversee activities including - and in consultation with the Program Manager - oversight of budget, staff, and resources, keeping track of deliverables, and ensuring timely reporting of project activities. The PC will continuously follow up with the implementing partners to ensure the program is on target (meeting indicators, deadlines), within budget, and implemented with quality according to the program’s design; liaising with program participants, the community, and private/government stakeholders accordingly. The PC acts as a focal point between implementing partners and MC support teams including MEL, CARM and Protection/GESI/ Safeguarding especially for Herat province. The PC reports directly to the Program Manager and works closely with the implementing partners. The PC will work closely with other relevant departments in Mercy Corps’ provincial office, such as MEL, Finance, HR, Operations, Procurement and Security to ensure proper program implementation according to policies and procedures. The PC will be based in Herat and is expected to spend at least 40% of his/her time in the field to support the monitoring of partners’ activities and partners’ engagement with authorities and communities in the province of his/her post.

General

• Overall provincial (Herat) program coordination, responsible for day-to-day monitoring and supporting partners’ implementation of activities.
• Set and execute project work plans with partners in accordance to agreed program deliverables, ensuring activities are conducted on time and on budget, whilst adhering to Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures.
• Supervise and ensure timeliness of service deliverables relative to organizational objectives.
• Acquire and assess information, and provide depth and relevance to project designs and implementation.
• Evaluate service delivery performance against organizational requirements and established objectives.
• Advise teams and management on service platform performance, proposing remedial solutions to sustain delivery.
• Design functional teams that enable innovative designs, reflecting on strategic objectives.
• Initiate constant feedback with the team and/or partners on project for quality and deliverables.
• Uphold functional teams that ensure daily quality operations deliverables as per strategic objectives, while fostering innovation, open communication and strong teambuilding.
• Representation of the program within communities and government and private stakeholders.
• Build/ maintain community rapport and acceptance of Mercy Corps and the program.

Department Management

• Work closely and collaborate with other Mercy Corps’ departments: MEL, Finance, HR, Operations, Procurement, Security to ensure proper program implementation according to internal and the donor’s policies and procedures.
• Act as main focal person between MC support team and implementing partners in Herat, providing the support and capacities needed.

Leadership and Team Management

• Coach and 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.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.
• Motivate, influence and engage staff in the investment of MC’s culture, mission and vision.

Organizational Learning

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.

Accountability to Program Participants

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 program participant communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

• Reports directly to: EmpowerED Program Manager
• Works directly with: Operations, PQL Manager, HR, Finance, Operations Manager, Procurement team, Security.

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.

Hard Skills

• Requires a university degree, preferably in business administration, education, economy, finance, international development, social sciences, or a discipline with a strong socio-economic development background. Master’s Degree preferred.
• 4-5 years of relevant experience in the non-formal education/TVET sector.
• Preferred previous experience working with the private sector.
• Preferred previous experience in a managerial position or similar role.
• Requires strong budget management, report writing and program coordination skills (staff and activities) under the supervision of the Program Manager and across various departments in Mercy Corps: MEL, Finance, Operations, Procurement, HR, Admin, Security.
• Advanced knowledge of spoken and written English.
• Advanced computer skills in basic office programs (Word, Excel, Power Point).

Soft Skills

• Takes initiative; is proactive and highly organized.
• Possesses strong leadership, communication (verbal and written), time management, problem solving, decision making, critical thinking and interpersonal skills (team player).
• Requires minimal supervision.
• Teachable spirit. High work ethic, high attention to detail.
• Good sense of urgency to accomplish tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task and deliver high quality results with a positive attitude.

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and Cover letter, with the vacancy number and position title (MCA083-2024 Application for Program Coordinator) in the subject line, by email to af-vacancieskbl@mercycorps.org.

The deadline for submission is the close of business on 26-February-2024 applications received after the closing date and without a subject line will not be given consideration so, please make sure you put the vacancy number and title on the subject of your email, or your application will be disregarded by the system.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates whose application responds to the above criteria will be contacted for the written test/interview.

Note: Please note that MCA will provide office space and facilities only and is not providing any lodging facilities for its Team Members/Employees in HQ and field offices and it is the employee’s responsibility to arrange the lodgings for themselves if they work in a field office other than their home province.

Ps. Females are highly encouraged to apply for the MCA Open positions.