Job Description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMEnt:

Position title: Market Systems Development specialist- Somalia Emergency Resilience and Response Initiative (SERRI) program.

Location: Mogadishu but supporting to other country offices- (Roaming on need basis.)

Position Status Full-time

Number of Positions: 1

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.

The Program / Department / Team (Program / Department Summary)

Mercy Corps has been in Somalia since 2005, implementing projects that target hundreds of thousands of vulnerable households. Our work focuses on improving access to basic services and overcoming vulnerabilities caused by civil conflict and natural disasters. They achieve this through interventions in four key sectors: water security, peace and governance, economic and food security. Their programs are designed in an integrated manner, incorporating new methodologies like Emergency, DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction), and Resilience frameworks. Mercy Corps' operations in Somalia are firmly rooted in a robust framework of socio-political analysis and risk management systems, ensuring compliance with Somali Federal Government (FGS) laws, internal accountability standards, and donor requirements. Mercy Corps Somalia has over 100 field staff-based field operations in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Kismayo, and Baidoa with programs funded by multiple donors including USAID, FCDO, SIDA, SDC, AFD, and the UN.

The Position (General Position Summary)

Mercy Corps is seeking a Market Systems Development Specialist for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)-funded Somalia Emergency Resilience and Response Initiative (SERRI) program. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Market Systems Development Specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing market systems development interventions. The role involves conducting market assessments, identifying opportunities for market-led approaches, and collaborating with partners and stakeholders. He/She will contribute to the overall strategy and program development, ensuring alignment with Mercy Corps' mission and objectives.

Under the guidance of the Sector leads and office management, the Market Systems Development Specialist will also closely coordinate with the Local Administration, community leaders, and other key Program stakeholders to achieve the program goals and ensure that all activities to be implemented on demand-driven; and communities mobilized in a participatory way. He/she will have to show full adherence to Mercy Corps procedures, policy, and security protocols.  

Essential Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

·         Conduct detailed market research, mapping, and analysis to understand the dynamics, constraints, and opportunities within targeted value chains such as agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.

·           Analyze the impact of shocks (drought, conflict, etc.) on market systems and recommend strategies to make them more resilient and adaptive.

·         Identify opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.

·         Identify key market actors relevant for the SERRI program and analyze their roles, incentives, and relationships within the market system.

·         Design and support implementation of market-based interventions that address the systemic issues hindering market functionality, ensuring that these interventions contribute to long-term recovery and resilience.

·         Develop and lead the strategic direction for market systems development (MSD) initiatives to support sustainable livelihoods, economic recovery, and resilience.

·         Conduct market assessments and value chain analyses to identify opportunities for interventions and inform programming decisions.

·         Monitor and analyze market trends and shocks to adapt program strategies and ensure that interventions remain relevant.

·         Oversee the implementation of MSD activities, ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.

·         Provide technical guidance and support to field teams in implementing market-based interventions such as value chain upgrading, market linkage development, and business service provision.

·         Facilitate business-to-business (B2B) linkages, fostering partnerships that enhance market access for smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and other vulnerable groups.

·         Offer targeted support to community groups, such as VSLAs and cooperatives, by providing necessary resources and delivering tailored training on farming as a business to enhance their capacity and productivity.

·         Contribute to the development of program strategies, work plans, and reports, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Reporting

·         Capture and document the lessons learned and success stories from the program’s implementation.

·         Ensure all required program reports are developed, contributed to, and submitted on time.

·         Collaborate closely with the MEAL team to guarantee data accuracy and share relevant data promptly to support reporting cycles.

Representation

·         Represent Mercy Corps and uphold its values in coordination and partner meetings within the area of operation.

·         Ensure clear and effective communication to meet overall project targets and fulfill donor obligations.

·         Exhibit flexibility, resilience, and maintain positive relationships while managing challenges.

·         Demonstrate high ethical standards, treating all individuals with respect and dignity.

Security

·         Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

·         Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

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 toward 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.

·         Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues

Accountability.

Reports Directly To: Program Manager

Works Directly With: SERRI team, other Sector specialists, MEL Officers, Finance, HR and Operation field teams.

Experiences and Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

·         University degree in Economics, Agriculture economics, Business Development, International Development, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.

·         Minimum of 5 years of experience in market systems development, value chain development, or private sector development, preferably in fragile or conflict-affected environments.

·         Proven track record of working with private sector actors, producer groups, and market stakeholders in developing countries, with specific experience in emergency or resilience programs being a strong asset.

·         Strong understanding of market systems development (MSD) approaches, such as Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P), and experience with value chain analysis.

·          Experience and expertise in working with the private sector and developing market-based solutions that are inclusive of marginalized groups, such as women and youth.

·          Proven ability to facilitate partnerships between market actors and to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

·          Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills, with experience in presenting complex concepts to diverse audiences.

·         Excellent training needs assessment and community mobilization skills and demonstrated ability to work productively with farmers and youth groups.

·         Report writing experience with strong analytical skills and proven ability to work against tight deadlines.

·         Excellent ability to monitor on-the-ground activities and integrate beneficiary feedback into programming.

·         Must be able to work independently once in the field and show initiative.

·         Willingness and ability to travel regularly to all program target locations in Somalia.

·         Must be able to work independently and show initiative.

·         Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and email.

·         Good spoken and written English.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions: This is a national position based in Mogadishu.

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.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will combine exceptional skills and experience in working with diverse cross-cultural teams, commitment to local capacity building the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation, and strong mentoring skills. S/he will be focused on the capacity building of program staff, have strong program support skills, good information management skills, and the ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and while meeting deadlines. Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.

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. 

Skills Required

Follow us on social media