Mercy Corps is an international, non-governmental humanitarian relief and development agency that exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Mercy Corps works in more than 40 countries, and has been working in Liberia since 2002.
Mercy Corps invites applications from all interested and potential Liberian candidates for the following position(s):
1. Enterprise Development Project Officer – 02 positions, based in Monrovia, Montserrado Grand Bassa County with frequent travel to field sites.
Please find below the full position description for this position.
“Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision, and we encourage people from all backgrounds, especially women and members of disadvantaged groups to apply. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity
Employer”.
How to apply?
Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their detailed CV with a cover letter along with other relevant certificates to the email address lr-jobs@mercycorps.org. Or apply through the system below. You are requested to mention the title of the position on the subject line of the e-mail while applying.
Hard copies of the CV with cover letter along with all relevant certificates can be dropped at Mercy Corps’ Office located at “Sophie, Tubman Boulevard, Opposite SOS Medical Center, Monrovia”. Label the left corner of the envelop with the title of the position for which you are applying.
Last date for the submission of CV’s is November 8, 2019 by 04:00 pm. Mercy Corps reserves the right to accept or reject any or all CV(s) without assigning any reason. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Telephone enquiries will not be entertained.
Vacancy Announcement
ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OFFICER
Position Description
Location Monrovia, Liberia
Position Status Full-time
Salary Level Level XXX
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 started operations in Liberia in 2002 in response to the humanitarian crisis brought on by the two Liberian civil wars which took place from 1989-1997and 1999-2003. Since then, Mercy Corps’ interventions have evolved based on the context and needs of Liberian people. Based on the changing needs, Mercy Corps Liberia has implemented programs in renewable energy, food security, agricultural livelihoods, financial inclusion, nutrition, water and sanitation, infrastructure, and in youth economic empowerment.
General Position Summary
Reporting to the Enterprise Development and Innovation Manager, the Enterprise Development Project Officer will support the implementation of the AFD-funded Liberia Employment and Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP) (2019-2023) including planning, organizing and controlling program activities. LEEP is a three-year program to bolster employment and entrepreneurship potential of at-risk youth, engage public and private sector stakeholders in youth opportunities and build micro- and small and medium enterprise (MSME) capacity to contribute to economic growth and social development in Liberia. The post-holder will work closely with the PROSPECTS Program team and the field team (currently three field offices) for the implementation of the LEEP program.
Essential Job Responsibilities
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
 Conduct private sector engagement programs to attract Small and Growing Liberian businesses to participate in the LEEP Program. Develop and execute strategy for outreach, hunting, attracting and onboarding deserving and qualified innovative entrepreneurs, and start-ups.
 Work with incubators/accelerators and business development services company to develop and implement an incubation/acceleration program aimed at building the capacities of cohort businesses.
 Coordinate and manage the involvement of cohort business in the LEEP incubation program, including relationships with service providers and the private sector partners.
 Lead the design and implementation of strategies and activities aimed at providing training and business start-up support services, including access to business start-up grants and linkages to financial service providers for a range of services and products for youth.
 Design and implement the establishment of an award scheme to recognize highest employers of youth in Liberia.
 Provide high-quality coaching and advisory support to entrepreneurs.
 Identify fora and opportunities for Mercy Corps to showcase its work related to innovative partnerships, solutions and the private sector engagement, including identifying best practices that can be shared nationally and internationally through LEEP initiatives.
 Design useful tools and other resources to improve performance of cohort businesses.
 Manage the day- to- day interaction with the Incubatees.
 Provide support to entrepreneurs across ideation, acceleration, investment and scale-up stage.
 Ensure tight management of milestones and progress of entrepreneurs and start-up companies.  Conduct frequent field visits to project sites to assess activities and ensure efficient use of resources  Advise on and assist with project reviews conducted by the M&E Unit.  Design and implement community Engagement Events  Ensure authentic data is provided by field teams for project progress updates.
 Perform other tasks, as required by the supervisor.
PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENTS
 Manage contacts and relationships with private sector partners / foundations and related stakeholders and develop working relationships with companies interested in Mercy Corps’ work.
 Perform, as requested, risk assessment of possible new private sector partners.
 Work with program partners to structure technical engagements, including tech ecosystem development, creation of business incubators, business startup support services, which build and expand LEEP’s influence and reach in Liberia.
FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT
 Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
 Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.
 Build and/or maintain operational systems that ensure proper administrative support for programs.
 Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget. OTHER  Conduct him/herself professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.  Other duties as assigned. 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 towards 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. ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports Directly to the Enterprise Development and Innovation Manager WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Program teams, finance and operational staff. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:  At least a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Management, Business Administration or other relevant field (required)  At least 2 years’ experience managing entrepreneurship projects, incubators and accelerators, or SME development required.  Demonstrated ability to cultivate, build and maintain strong working relationships with start-ups, entrepreneurs, mentors, universities, research institutions, industry experts, associations, chamber of commerce & industries, state & central government, and angel investors  Significant experience and proven skills in relationship management and in engaging and influencing a variety of stakeholders  Proficient skills in event delivery and project management, including the ability to manage time effectively and balance multiple priorities  Fluency in written and oral English is required. SUCCESS FACTORS: Knowledge of the social enterprise and education landscapes in Liberia, experience in marketing or promotion, strong understanding of Market systems development and Entrepreneurship programming will ensure success in this role. The ideal candidate would need to have excellent writing skills in order to succeed.