Mercy Corps drives high quality, analytical work to address complex challenges. We’ve been operating in Haiti since 2010 and currently manage a range of programs in, Arcahaie, Canaan and Carrefour-Feuilles regions with funding from foundations and other international NGOs. We focus our work on economic development - through enhancing employability and job creation, improving access to business development services and credit options to expand micro, small and medium business, and promote innovative, social solutions for economic development. We also promote holistic approaches to build resilient agro-ecosystems to both increase food security and reduce risks to natural disasters in poor rural populations. Our work is market-oriented and consistently innovative, dynamic and unique. We seek team members who fit this profile in kind and who can think creatively and critically to drive our work forward.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The position holder will provide support to Mercy Corps’ economic development program in Canaan, a recent urban community that has experienced exponential growth since the earthquake in 2010. The programs seek to design and execute innovative business development services, increase access to financial services such as scale-up and start-up credit, and strengthen job skills and employability, particularly for women and youth in the Canaan area outside Port au Prince, Haiti. The Livelihoods Technical Lead is a key position in program quality assurance, accountability, documentation and learning within the program. The unit exists to support program design, implementation and utilization of information collected at different stages. The position holder will be responsible for the development of interventions, quality of implementation, and incorporation of learning into adjustments to strategy. Strategies under this component must lead to the reduction of market barriers and increased access to employment and other forms of livelihoods in the area. S/he will also be responsible for ensuring proper documentation, learning and communication.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Design the required assessments related to economic development of Canaan including: market systems mapping of specific value chains (Market systems Development), labor pool survey, assessment of barriers to job creation and business development, assessment of self-employment opportunities, viability study for maker space
• Analysis of assessment data in a format that can be disseminated and discussed externally.
• Data from assessments and ongoing monitoring are continually used as a basis for decision making and adjustments to approaches and activities.
• Meet regularly with private sector actors, government institutions, and entrepreneurs to ensure maximum coordination and leveraging of initiatives across Canaan and the surrounding areas, and that Mercy Corps’ interventions remain relevant.
• Refine and package Mercy Corps Haiti’s life skills and business skills curricula to standardize the methodology and enable scaling out.
• Work with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to develop basic entrepreneurship skills and a business mindset tailored for different age groups.
• Ensure ongoing analysis of specific value chains to monitor changes, adjust strategies, and ensure that Mercy Corps’ interventions have minimal distortion to naturally functioning markets.
• Work with Mercy Corps’ global Social Ventures team to identify and nurture social ventures and other innovative market solutions in Canaan.

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.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Agriculture, Business administration or relevant field, Master’s preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in economic development, business development, value chain, or entrepreneurship.
• Understanding of particular challenges and needs specific to women and youth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills, specifically in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills;
• Familiarity with M&E, information, communications and knowledge sharing technologies and use of innovative approaches on digital financial services
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills as well as familiarity with financial accounting required;
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment mandatory;
• Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
• Advanced level French or English (both preferred), Creole a plus

SUCCESS FACTORS:The successful candidate will be business and entrepreneur savvy. Creativity and entrepreneurial spirit will be vital in developing and advising economic development programs in a fragile and unstable environment. The candidate should be an exceptional communicator, with the ability to develop rapport with a diverse range of program participants, partners, local stakeholders and government officials, as well as produce clear, concise, and compelling communications. In addition, the ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in economic and international development, and be dedicated to Mercy Corps’ mission of helping to build more secure, productive, and just communities.

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