PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY ADVISOR – WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps operates with the belief that a better world is achievable. We understand that our teams thrive when they are diverse, inclusive, and every member feels a sense of belonging. We value varied backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, recognizing that they make us stronger and enhance our long-term impact.

Program/Department Summary:

Mercy Corps currently operates in 10 countries across West and Central Africa (WCA), working within fragile and conflict-affected areas, displacement settings, emergency contexts, and stable development environments. Our focus in WCA is on promoting good governance, conflict resolution, resilience enhancement, market system growth, access to finance and economic opportunities, and youth employment and empowerment. We strive to build secure, productive, and just communities across the continent by partnering with donors, government authorities, and civil society actors.

The Program Performance and Quality (PaQ) Unit:

The Program Performance and Quality (PaQ) Unit collaborates with program delivery teams to ensure quality program implementation by establishing and maintaining standards for excellence. This includes promoting accountability, evidence-based practices, and strategic program change management. The PaQ Unit oversees various functions and processes, including program management standards, quality assurance, program data management, infrastructure quality assurance, strategic change management, and facilitating complex program processes.

General Position Summary:

The Regional Program Advisor for Performance and Quality will be embedded within the WCA regional team. They will closely collaborate with regional and country teams to support the implementation of Mercy Corps standards, policies, and best practices for program quality. The advisor will focus on strengthening program management practices, promoting evidence-based programming, building adaptive management practices, and ensuring the use of data-driven evidence to demonstrate results. Additionally, they will oversee the establishment of a Regional Program Performance Unit to provide strategic support to country teams and programs.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Program Management and Standards:

   • Orient, train, and prepare program managers and directors to implement program management standards.
   • Contribute to the development and delivery of agency strategies to ensure quality program implementation.
   • Foster a culture that values high-quality program management practices.
   • Lead the adoption and refinement of agency program management policies in WCA.

2. Accountability:

   • Coordinate regional rollout and adherence to Mercy Corps’ accountability policies.
   • Embed accountability mechanisms within standard program management tools and practices.

3. Regional Collaboration and Strategic Support:

   • Build and support a Regional Program Performance Unit.
   • Support country teams in reviewing PAQ structures and strategic hiring.
   • Engage with relevant Communities of Practice and organize learning/sharing events.

4. Team Management:

   • Develop and empower team members to improve performance and reach objectives.
   • Promote accountability and provide constructive feedback.
   • Contribute to regional team-building efforts.

5. Internal & External Collaboration:

   • Build positive working relationships across departments, country and regional teams, and key stakeholders.
   • Represent Mercy Corps’ program management work externally and cultivate strong working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in international relief and development, including field-based experience.
• Experience managing programs and establishing strong program management systems.
• Leadership skills and experience in building a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Project management certification required.
• Proficiency in MS Office software and Google suite.
• Fluency in both English and French required.

Success Factors: The successful candidate will be a creative problem solver, skilled communicator, and have a positive and dynamic working style. They will have a deep understanding of international relief and development work and a passion for quality program implementation. Additionally, they will possess strong leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions: This position will be based in any of Mercy Corps Operational Offices in WCA, with expected travel up to 20% of the time. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs, and Mercy Corps policies at all times.

Ongoing Learning:

Mercy Corps encourages ongoing learning and supports team members in dedicating 5% of their time to personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Mercy Corps is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We value different perspectives and skills and strive to create a culture of trust and respect where everyone can contribute their authentic selves.

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 to strengthen our global impact.

Safeguarding & Ethics: Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals we come into contact with through our work. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment and expect all team members to conduct themselves in accordance with Mercy Corps’ Code of Conduct and values at all times.