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About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

The Program Summary

Mercy Corps' Ukraine response meets the humanitarian needs of people affected by the war in Ukraine. Since the escalation of the war in 2022, Mercy Corps has supported more than 750,000 conflict-affected people in Ukraine and neighboring countries. In response to humanitarian needs, Mercy Corps has provided cash assistance, food and hygiene kits, and psychosocial support for people in emergency situations.

At the same time, Mercy Corps acknowledges that together with addressing humanitarian needs, it is also important to engage in recovery activities leading to resilience of communities. Therefore, alongside ongoing emergency activities, Mercy Corps is implementing a resilience program, that contributes to stabilization of livelihoods and improved resilience for IDPs and conflict-affected individuals. In line with direct investments to support self-employment opportunities, small to medium enterprise (SMEs) and agriculture sectors, this resilience program works as an adaptive response mechanism and will adjust programming according to ongoing analysis of the context and potentially changing needs. Notably, nearly all our programming is delivered in partnership with Ukrainian civil society organizations matching humanitarian and resiliency action with capacity strengthening and a real commitment to localization.

The Position

The Senior External Relations Advisor reports to the Ukraine Deputy Country Director (DCD) and engages on behalf of Mercy Corps with external stakeholders in the East and South of Ukraine, where the bulk of current programming is carried out. S/he will work with the DCD to strategize on engagement with authorities at local, regional and central levels, and will represent Mercy Corps with governmental officials when requested. S/he ensures effective coordination and liaison with key stakeholders and works to raise Mercy Corps' visibility and presence in the East and South of Ukraine. The Senior External Relations Advisor is an active networker and participates in various coordination meetings, including cluster meetings, Area Manager meetings, NGO forums, regional government meetings, etc. and plays a key role in liaison with regional and local governments, as well as relevant departments (e.g. social protection). S/he maintains an up-to-date directory of key government and other stakeholder contacts. The Senior External Relations Advisor liaises with respective Program Leads and coordinates external engagement efforts between Programs, Operations and Security teams of Mercy Corps. S/he plays a key role in translating government priorities, community recovery plans, etc., into humanitarian and development type of activities and advising the Program Leads and, Response leadership on new or additive interventions to address priorities and needs in the East and South of Ukraine. The Senior External Relations Advisor will also work closely with the Partnerships Team to establish collaboration with local Civil Society sector representatives, to understand local capacities in this regard and assist Program Leads in identification of potential partnerships with local organizations. In addition, s/he will serve as a member of the Extended Senior Management Team, which draws together senior Response staff of all departments across all locations in Ukraine.

Essential Responsibilities

STRATEGY & VISION

• Contribute to a clear program operational vision for the Response, working closely with Response leadership.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the government relations strategy in consultation with different departments bringing in the perspective of working with the regional and local authorities.
• Monitor needs and gaps for representation, networking, advocacy and programming and provide recommendations for follow on actions.
• In close cooperation with Response Director, Deputy Country Director, Director of Programs and Program Leads, liaise with Government of Ukraine stakeholders and participate in coordination fora to understand evolving needs and the changing context, and ensure constructive working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to program design discussions by bringing in knowledge of the local and central government priorities in relevant fields, sharing information on gaps and needs by communities discussed in coordination meetings and interactions with local CSOs.
• Inform the Partnerships and Program Teams about local CSOs working within Mercy Corps' thematic areas in the East and South of the country which can be considered for a strategic partnership.

LIAISON & REPRESENTATION AT FIELD LEVEL AND BEYOND

• Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, including other international and local organizations and networks active in the East and South of Ukraine.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and represent Mercy Corps in different coordination fora with relevant government and local authorities, partners, local and international NGOs and UN agencies.
• Represent Mercy Corps with regional and local authorities to keep them updated about Mercy Corps' interventions and collect necessary feedback.
• Provide regional perspective in meetings with Ukraine central government officials when requested.
• Liaise with key stakeholders in government (such as social protection departments, employment centers, etc) to regularly receive most up to date information about the needs in the respective area.
• Represent Mercy Corps at regional coordination and Area Manager meetings.
• Coordinate/ exchange information with peer INGOs and other key players in the area.
• Provide necessary support to Program Leads on in coordinating external engagements for HQ and donor

COLLABORATION WITH PROGRAM AND OPERATIONS TEAMS

• Coordinate with Programs and Operations teams on representation with various stakeholders to ensure consistency of messaging.
• Facilitate external engagement with relevant authorities, (I)NGOs, international organizations etc. by other team members.
• Contribute to creating and sustaining a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence and cultivate resilience and well-being under challenging situations.
• Contribute to team-building efforts, participate in identifying problem solving options and relevant decision-making processes.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Ukraine Deputy Country Director

Works Directly With: Response Senior Management Team, Program Leads, Program Managers, PaQ team, Operations team, Security Team.

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.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• 7−10 years of experience in Ukraine government authorities and/or civil society organizations, preferably in the east and/or south of the country.
• Experience in policy and advocacy with central and/or local authorities on humanitarian or development issues.
• Experience in managing programs and working in insecure emergency situations is preferred.
• Effective communication skills: able to work in person and remotely with geographically dispersed and culturally distinct teams.
• Strong understanding of the Ukraine central and regional/local government structures and decision-making processes.
• Experience engaging with Ukraine civil society is preferred.
• Strong representation, analytical skills and ability to develop solutions to complex issues required.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• MBA/MBS or equivalent in the relevant field.
• Excellent oral and written Ukrainian and English skills required.

Success Factors

The successful Senior External Relations Advisor will skillfully represent programmatic priorities to external stakeholders. They will proactively engage with (I)NGO, government and other relevant external stakeholders and networks to identify new programmatic and advocacy opportunities. They excel at navigating complex and at times sensitive relationships with authorities and other external stakeholder. They will be capable of multitasking and rapid decision-making, and will demonstrate initiative, drive, mentorship, and emotional intelligence. They will understand the importance of setting and meeting ambitious deadlines. They will be committed to the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level, working with and supporting front-line local actors.

Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

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.

People with disabilities and veteran status are welcome to apply.PLEASE, APPLY: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MER1024MERCY/JobBoard/7a14d810-d41a-4542-9b9c-ba39a563b91a/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=1bf5620b-4144-4dad-b549-498509d8500b