Position is contingent on new funding
Likely to start Oct 2021
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.
Program / Department Summary
Mercy Corps has been working in West Africa since 2005, providing humanitarian and development assistance to improve food security, livelihoods, and conflict management. We contribute to inclusive and equitable development in the region by responding to immediate humanitarian needs, building resilience to climate change, and strengthening peace and social cohesion. Mercy Corps’ vision for change requires that the private sector, government and civil society work together to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Mercy Corps is seeking qualified a Senior Technical Advisor to support implementation of the anticipated five-year, USAID-funded SERVIR West Africa 2 Activity. Globally, SERVIR is a joint development initiative between NASA and USAID that works with leading regional organizations worldwide to help developing countries use Earth observation data and geospatial technologies to manage climate risks and land use. The goal of the anticipated SERVIR West Africa 2 Activity is to increase the ability of local, national, and regional institutions to apply geospatial analysis to improve decision making and management of resources to improve the resilience of countries in the region, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and ensure appropriate land use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. SERVIR West Africa 2 will implement activities in Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries as determined by programmatic need.
General Position Summary
The Senior Technical Advisor will provide leadership and expertise in use of geospatial and climate data for development planning and policy decision making. They will play a critical role in supporting West African institutions to improve their access, use, and management of geospatial and climate information to make informed decisions in four thematic areas: food security and agriculture; water and hydro-climatic disasters; weather and climate; and land cover, land use change, and ecosystem services. Drawing on earth observation data and geospatial technologies, they will contribute to the development of analyses, tools, and services that will promote sustainable land management and climate risk reduction in the region. Senior Technical Advisors will plan, manage, and support program activities in partnership with local, national, and regional institutions, USG agencies, and other key stakeholders from the development and scientific communities. They may also manage technical teams and supervise staff based on programmatic need.
Essential Job Responsibilities
PROGRAM QUALITY – CLIMATE AND GEOSPATIAL DATA, ANALYSIS, AND SERVICES
● Provide technical leadership and direction for program staff and implementing partners related to climate and geospatial data analysis and services that improve climate risk management and sustainable land use.
● Lead or support initiatives to build the capacity of government, civil society, and other key stakeholders to integrate geospatial data and technology into their planning and policy processes.
● Spearhead activities to increase access to, use, and effective management of geospatial data and analysis at the national and regional levels. Work to raise awareness of geospatial data and available services among relevant stakeholders and communities of practice.
● Support the development, testing, and improvement of user-tailored geospatial support services (such as decision support tools, applications, models, and training) to get critical information to decision makers throughout the region, in collaboration with NASA and other international scientists.
● Take leadership in identifying, addressing and adapting to program quality needs and gaps as they arise. Collaborate with the Chief of Party to problem solve.
● Supervise and/or review the work of program consultants.
PROGRAM AND TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
● Oversee activities that are responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
● Integrate locally-driven approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate. Certify all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
● Ensure program strategies and activities represent global good practice in use and analysis of geospatial data, including climate data, for improved decision making and planning for resilience.
● Support effective integration of gender, youth, and social inclusion issues in all program initiatives; design and implement activities that actively address gender gaps and discriminatory practices.
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 BENEFICIARIES
● Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility
May be required to supervise small teams of technical staff. The number of direct and indirect reports is to be determined.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
Works Directly With: The SERVIR West Africa 2 team, HQ Technical Support Unit, implementing partners
Knowledge and Experience
● BA/S or equivalent in geospatial science, economics, engineering, management, international development or other relevant field; MA/S preferred.
● A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; relevant experience in the West Africa region and/or with multi-country programs preferred.
● Experience working with geospatial and climate data and analysis required; experience with geospatial data and analysis for climate risk management, land use planning, and/or development planning strongly preferred.
● Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders including host country governments, donors, other donor-funded programs, private sector actors, and other local organizations.
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French required.
● Familiarity with USAID rules, regulations, and requirements a plus.
● Understanding of SERVIR programs or NASA’s international initiatives a plus.
Success Factors
A successful Senior Technical Advisor will combine deep technical skills in geospatial data and technology with experience collaborating with and supporting a variety of stakeholders from the public and private sectors. Must be flexible, creative, and enthusiastic about leveraging data and technology to inform policies and planning that improve risk management and enhance resilience. Candidates must be self-starters who are able to prioritize competing priorities, learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results. They will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams and capacity building. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
Senior Technical Advisors will be based in Niamey, Niger. This is an accompanied position and housing is available in individual accommodation with freedom of movement. There are international schools (French and American) in Niamey and the city provides good access to most consumer goods. There are a number of good health facilities, but serious illnesses will require evacuation. During the hot season, Niamey is affected by very high temperatures and frequent power outages. This position requires up to 40% travel by plane and/or vehicle to field offices in relatively secure but climatically challenging environments in Niger, Burkina Faso, or other countries in West Africa. This position is eligible for R&R but not hardship pay.
Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment
More Information
- Job City Niamey
