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| Cash and NFI Manager | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Afghanistan | Province | Herat, Kandahar, |
| Categories | Program, | Type | Full Time |
| Post Date | 2024-01-17 | Close Date | 2024-01-27 |
| Vacancy No | MCA073-2024 | Gender | male female |
| No Of Jobs | 1 | Contract Duration | 12 Months |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree | Experience | At least five years’ experience working for NGOs focusing on cash-based programming. |
| Organization | Opportunities for you | Salary | As per MCA Salary Scale |
About Company
About Mercy Corps: 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. Country Summary Mercy Corps works in places of transition, where conflict, disaster, political upheaval, or economic collapse present opportunities to build a more secure, productive, and just communities. Providing emergency relief in times of crisis, we move quickly to help communities recover and build resilience to future shocks, and promote sustainable change by supporting community-led and market-driven initiatives. Recognizing both the great potential and the complex challenges faced by Afghanistan, since 1986 Mercy Corps has been implementing a range of humanitarian assistance and development programs tailored to the specific needs of the country and of those communities where we work. Mercy Corps has been working in Afghanistan continuously since 1986 with a large portfolio of programs addressing the promotion of sustainable licit livelihoods, agriculture development, youth vocational training, Renewable Energy and natural resource management; it has helped more than 2.5 million Afghans through these wide-range of community–based agriculture and economic development programs. Mercy Corps is working in Kabul, Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, Herat, Takhar, Badakhshan, Parwan, Baghlan,,Samangan, Balkh and Nangarhar. Program/Department Summary The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Afghanistan, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, Tax, and grant financial management and compliance. The Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures. In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively. Success Summary Has ability to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful financial information is essential. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. An impeccable professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. 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 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today. 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 so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work. Safeguarding & Ethics Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
Job Description
General Position Summary
The Cash and NFI Manager will play a crucial role within the Program Performance and Quality (PaQ) unit, taking on the responsibility of providing specialized support and guidance in the conceptualization, execution, quality assurance, and strategic development of cash and NFI-based programs across Afghanistan. This managerial and in the same technical position is instrumental in the scaling up of cash-based initiatives, ensuring strict adherence to Mercy Corps' global cash standards, and alignment with Afghanistan-specific tools and policies.
The position serves a key role in implementation as well as securing new institutional funding and actively participating in policy discussions, situational/ needs analyses, and responses related to cash and NFI-based interventions in Afghanistan. Working closely with program teams, the manager will assist in crafting innovative cash-based initiatives that effectively address the unique needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan.
The Cash and NFI Manager is expected to offer hands-on technical support while working closely with various program implementers and senior management teams. This role requires a high level of operational understanding and will offer practical support in the daily management of extensive cash programs. As such, the position necessitates at least 40% travel to field locations across Afghanistan for direct oversight and coordination.
The Manager will be responsible for running all of Mercy Corps' cash and NFI-based initiatives in Afghanistan, including emergency cash distributions (covering food and Non-Food Items), emergency vouchers, livelihoods-based cash and vouchers.
(such as business grants), protection-related cash assistance, and cash-for-work programs.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Management, TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT:
- Manage the logistical aspects of cash and NFI programs, coordinating with Operations teams to ensure timely procurement, delivery, and distribution of cash and non-food items.
- Oversee the establishment and operation of distribution points, ensuring a smooth process that maintains the dignity and safety of program participants.
- Collaborate with local partners, NGOs, and government entities to strengthen partnerships and build the capacity of implementing partners in the effective implementation of cash and NFI programs.
- Conduct regular coordination meetings with partners to share updates, address challenges, and enhance the overall efficiency and impact of collaborative interventions.
- Develop and standardize cash/voucher tools, best practices, and SOPs tailored to the Afghanistan context, ensuring compliance across projects, programs, and field offices.
- Ability to plan and run cash aid programs using simple, clear methods to efficiently ensure help reaches those in need.
- Conduct periodic site visits to the field offices for project and program monitoring, delivering actionable feedback to optimize cash and NFI-based interventions.
- Lead Cash Transfer Programming (CTP) assessments, taking into account local market conditions, security risks, and delivery mechanisms specific to Afghanistan.
- Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to implement qualitative evaluation methodologies, contextualizing learning for cash-based programming within the Afghanistan setting.
- Monitor adherence to globally recognized cash standards, identifying and rectifying discrepancies in alignment across various programs.
- Evaluate and integrate lessons learned and emerging best practices into new program designs with special focus on Afghanistan’s socio-political landscape.
- Conduct quality assurance of donor reports concerning cash and voucher programs, ensuring all donor requirements are met and contextualized to Afghanistan.
- Promote a culture of innovation within the team, encouraging the exploration and application of new technologies or approaches to enhance the efficiency and impact of cash and NFI programs.
- Implement adaptive management practices, regularly reviewing programmatic strategies in response to changing contexts, program participants needs, and emerging opportunities in Afghanistan.
- Ensure the integration of Mercy Corps global cash approach and strategic priorities in the implementation of cash in Afghanistan.
PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT:
- Lead the development of high-quality proposals for cash and NFI programs, ensuring alignment with donor priorities, Mercy Corps' strategic objectives, and Afghanistan's context.
- Collaborate with field teams to provide technical input during proposal development, ensuring the specific needs of Afghanistan are considered.
- Strong experience in setting up aid programs that cover different needs and help people in more than one way.
- Under the guidance of the DoP, liaise with donors to present tailored cash-based approaches, coordinating with regional and hub offices to create compelling concept notes and proposals.
- Ensure that budgets specifically address the unique technical resource requirements for delivering cash-based programming in Afghanistan.
- Contribute to the formulation of a resource mobilization strategy for cash and NFI programs in Afghanistan, identifying potential funding opportunities and cultivating relationships with donors.Able to keep track of the aid given out and write clear reports, reflecting the outcomes and the impacts of the implementation.
HR AND CAPACITY-BUILDING:
- Offer tailored training on cash and voucher assistance (CVA) to field staff, linking with subject-matter experts as needed and making use of localized resources.
- Assist in identifying technical capacity gaps in field offices and facilitating staff recruitment and training as required.
INTERNAL NETWORKING AND COORDINATION:
- Coordinate cash and NFI-based activities with other peer organizations active in Afghanistan, aligning transfer values and methodologies according to cluster/Cash Working Group recommendations.
- Foster peer networks among field offices to develop a community of practice focused on cash-based interventions within Afghanistan.
- Stay abreast of organizational policies, global objectives, and training opportunities, ensuring alignment with the Mercy Corps’ global vision.
EXTERNAL NETWORKING & REPRESENTATION:
- Actively participate in Cash Working Groups and other relevant coordination bodies to stay informed about sectoral developments, share insights from program implementation, and contribute to strategic discussions.
- Represent the organization's cash-based programming at regional and national levels, staying updated on policy shifts that might offer opportunities or challenges.
SECURITY:
- Strictly adhere to country-specific security protocols and procedures.
- Proactively ensure team awareness and compliance with security policies, particularly in the context of Afghanistan.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING:
- Dedicate 5% of work time to learning activities beneficial to both the individual and Mercy Corps, with an emphasis on continual improvement and adaptation to Afghanistan's evolving humanitarian landscape.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES:
- Uphold the highest standards of accountability, ensuring that beneficiary communities in Afghanistan are actively involved in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.
Supervisory Responsibility: none
Accountability
Reports Directly To: PAQ Manager
Works Directly With Directors of Programs, PAQ Unit including MEL, CARM and grants, program teams, operation teams, and finance teams.
Job Requirement
Knowledge and Experience
Bachelor’s degree with at least five years’ experience working for NGOs focusing on cash-based programming.
- Strong commitment to capacity-building of staff, with a willingness to adopt a participatory and consultative management approach that is culturally sensitive.
- Strong understanding of local governance and community structures.
- Demonstrated expertise in market-based programming that promotes the effective use of cash in an integrated manner, considering the unique economic conditions in Afghanistan.
- Strong understanding of the cluster and coordination system in Afghanistan related to CASH and NFI programming.
- Strong report writing skills, particularly in crafting proposals and donor reports that meet the requirements and challenges of working in Afghanistan. Advanced analytical skills and computer literacy are required.
- A mature understanding of rights-based approaches and participatory concepts, with practical experience in similar humanitarian contexts like Afghanistan.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of clear communication and negotiation at all levels. Cultural sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy are essential, especially within the Afghan context.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team, demonstrating patience, adaptability, flexibility, and the capacity to work in a stressful and potentially volatile environment typical of Afghanistan.
- Willingness to travel regularly to other offices in Afghanistan, such as Kandahar and Herat, and to adjust travel plans based on security conditions.
- Fluency in spoken and written English and Dari and/or Pashto
- Comprehensive knowledge of humanitarian response standards, including Sphere and the Core Humanitarian Standard, with a specific understanding of how these standards apply in the Afghan context.
Submission Guideline
To apply for this position, please submit your CV and Cover letter, with the vacancy number and position title (MCA073-2024 Application for (Cash and NFI Manager) in the subject line, by email to af-vacancieskbl@mercycorps.org.
The deadline for submission is the close of business on 27Jan-2024, applications received after the closing date and without a subject line will not be given consideration so, please make sure you put the vacancy number and title on the subject of your email, or your application will be disregarded by the system.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates whose application responds to the above criteria will be contacted for the written test/interview.
Note: Please note that MCA will provide office space and facilities only and is not providing any lodging facilities for its Team Members/Employees in HQ and field offices and it is the employee’s responsibility to arrange the lodgings for themselves if they work in a field office other than their home province.
Ps. Females are highly encouraged to apply for the MCA Open positions.