Overview
The Program Support Senior Officer reports directly to the Program Director and is responsible for managing program operations for the Jobtech Alliance portfolio of grants across Africa. This role leads on program management standards across grants and contracts, manages partner communications, and ensures that program operations run smoothly. As an integral part of the Jobtech Alliance Project Management Unit, the officer helps create systems that are efficient, secure, and effective in achieving the program's results.
Key Responsibilities
Partner Communication and Coordination
- Function as a project management and administrative liaison between key Jobtech Alliance partners and relevant Mercy Corps departments (finance, procurement, subgrants).
- Lead partner pre-award and contracting assessments, including due diligence; support the contracting process; compile documentation for ongoing payments; and coordinate with the finance team to follow up and resolve any issues related to reporting and payments.
- Verify that progress reports and financial reports are received from partners and vendors prior to report submission deadlines.
- Support assigned technical team members to deliver on partnership commitments and contribute to partnership development including kick off and ongoing meetings.
Program and Operations Support
- Ensure successful program implementation through managing timely alerts, recommendations for follow-up action, and reporting concerns about partners or projects to technical leads.
- Work closely with the Operations Director and Procurement team to manage payments and completeness of documents for all program-related procurement.
- Ensure compliance regarding program projected expenditures by coordinating and compiling program-related expenses for monthly cash-flow analysis.
- Maintain all files, records, and documents relating to the project, including scopes of work for consultants, MOUs, and other relevant documentation.
- Provide support to technical teams and consultants in drafting justification memos and other required documentation for partner engagements.
- Support the organization and coordination of events, including program-specific summits, learning sessions, team retreats, and other related activities.
- Manage onboarding for program team members, including training needs for new employees, consultants, and technical staff in coordination with HR.
- Build capacity of team members to follow Mercy Corps processes and standards.
Program Systems
- Lead management and ongoing improvement of Jobtech Alliance systems (e.g., Airtable and HubSpot) to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
- Collaborate with teams on building and maintaining templates, tools, and tracking systems for smooth operations.
- Manage the Jobtech Alliance program Google database and SharePoint drives, including updates, filing, and troubleshooting with the ICT team.
- Provide continuous support in clearing bottlenecks in procurement processes crossing between Program and Support departments.
Community Accountability (CARM)
- In coordination with the Gender Director, implement the Community Accountability Reporting Mechanism (CARM), including managing referrals and compiling feedback reports.
- Champion and maintain community accountability reporting standards.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Microfinance, Business Administration, Banking, or Finance.
- Experience: Minimum 5-8 years of experience working for a start-up, bank, MNO, non-governmental organization, or reputable international organization.
- Sector Knowledge: Experience working with start-ups and/or technology for development is an advantage.
- Communication: Excellent computer, verbal, and written communication skills, including report development and editing.
- Analytical Skills: Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Project Management: Demonstrated experience in project management and attention to detail.
- Soft Skills: Pro-active, self-disciplined, and able to work independently and cooperatively.
- Travel: Willingness to travel approximately once per quarter.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the Mercy Corps recruitment portal. Visit the application link here which will redirect you to the official recruitment page on recruiting2.ultipro.com. Ensure your application is submitted by the deadline of March 13, 2026.
