Cash and Livelihood Specialist

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In times of disaster and hardship, and in more than 40 countries worldwide, we partner to implement bold solutions, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within, both now and for the future. Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, working closely with the government, private sector, and civil society actors to drive transformative ideas and build a more resilient country. Our programs are designed to be responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. With the launch of Mercy Corps Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development, ensuring improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water.

In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses on four outcome areas:

1. Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets.
2. Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food.
3. Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities.
4. People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use.

We currently operate in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara, and South Ethiopia. Working with a diverse base of donors, including USAID, European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations, JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crises, build better lives, and transform their communities for good.

Position Title: Cash and Livelihood Specialist

Duty Station: Aba’ala/Erebti(Afar region)

Open Position:  1

Program / Department Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, the Cash and Livelihood Specialist will be responsible for planning, implementing, supervising, and reporting on cash transfer and livelihood interventions managed by Mercy Corps' Aba’ala Office in Zone 2 of the Afar region. This role involves identifying priority needs, selecting target beneficiaries, leading the cash transfer assistance process in Erebti and Megale Woredas, and facilitating and monitoring the proper distribution and documentation of cash payments to beneficiaries. The specialist is also expected to work in coordination with the Mercy Corps team, financial service providers, key stakeholders, and community representatives to ensure the timely and high-quality implementation of cash and livelihood assistance programs.

Main duties and responsibilities

Program Planning and Implementation:

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of cash transfer and Livelihood Activities in the project.
• Ensuring that cash assistance is delivered to targeted beneficiaries as per predetermined targeting criteria.
• Lead beneficiary identification, selection and independent or joint verification processes as per jointly set criteria to ensure impartiality, in coordination with project team members, local authorities and communities.
• Facilitate and monitor the proper distribution and documentation of cash payments to beneficiaries.
• Ensure programs are implemented according to established timelines and standards.
• Actively participate in Rapid Assessments, market assessments, capacity assessment of Financial Service Providers (FSP), and other digital cash transfer.
• Ensure that the program resources are implemented in a transparent and accountable manner and handed over or completed in a way that promotes local capacities and sustainable operations.
• Keep record of all required documents related to cash program, beneficiary selection, distribution and post distribution monitoring.
• Ensure mainstreaming of MC Ethiopia’s cross-cutting issues of gender equity, Child Safeguarding.
• Perform other functions as requested by the immediate supervisor.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Supervise or monitor the implementation of cash transfer and livelihood activities. to ensure they are achieving desired outcomes and meeting beneficiary needs.
• Works closely with the MEL officer to generate practical information that can be used for on-going project decision making while also capturing results at outcome levels. 
• Work in collaboration with MC MEL team conduct post-distribution monitoring (PDM) for cash transfers to ensure the program quality and collect lesson learned.
• Conduct regular field visits to assess program impact and gather feedback from beneficiaries.
• Support the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Maintain comprehensive records of program activities, including beneficiary lists and cash distribution logs.
• Ensure consistent reporting and documentation to improve program efficiency and quality.
• Prepare quarterly, semi-annual and annual performance reports for the activities under his/her responsibility.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Work closely with Mercy Corps team members, financial service providers (FSPs), key stakeholders, and community representatives to ensure effective program implementation.
• Participate in relevant Zone and Woreda level coordination meetings (such as Afar Cash Working group) and represent Mercy Corps as required.
• Foster strong relationships with local authorities, community leaders, and other partners.

 Accountability:

• Reports Directly To: Program Coordinator
• Works Directly With: Finance, Operation, Health and Nutrition Mobile team (MHNT), WASH team, Protection team, etc.

Qualifications and Experience:

• BA/Bsc/Msc/MA degree in a relevant field (e.g-Business Management, Economics, international development, or other related social sciences field).
• At least four years of experience in humanitarian organization(s) in cash and voucher assistance (CVA) and livelihood programming, preferably in relief and recovery programs targeting IDPs and returnees.
• At least 2 years’ experience in an international NGO preferably in an emergency or post-conflict setting.
• Strong understanding of cash transfer modalities, livelihood strategies, and Humanitarian principles and standards.
• Excellent project management skills, including planning, implementation, and reporting.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including local authorities, community representatives, FSPs, and NGOs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, and design packages).
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of gender, equity, diversity, inclusion and PSHEA (safeguarding) through programming experience TOT or any training in Cash and Vouchers Programming is a plus.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong commitment to Mercy Corps' mission and values.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diverse candidates to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised.

GEDSI (GENDER, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION) 

• Understand and aware GDI related priorities of the country office and contribute for the realization of priorities (continually work to understand and be aware of the gender diversity and inclusion priorities of the country office and contribute in the execution)
• Promote gender equal and inclusive workplace culture in a day-to-day interaction with a team member, partners and program participants.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

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.

How To Apply

All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically.

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and    diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 14 July 2024/ 4:00 PM