Capacity Development Coordinator - Warsaw, Poland (National Hire Only)

Position Description

This position is for 6 months, with a possibility of extension depending on funding.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps’ Ukraine crisis response seeks to meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Ukrainians and other conflict-affected people where they are: displaced inside Ukraine, refugees in Poland, Romania, and Moldova - or trapped behind the frontlines. We aim to reach 500,000 vulnerable people with multi-purpose cash assistance, in-kind humanitarian support, and protection services across four countries. Almost all our impact will be delivered in partnership with Ukrainian, Polish, Romanian and Moldovan civil society organizations through a granting program that matches humanitarian action with capacity strengthening, and with peer international NGOs through a consortium in Ukraine.

Position Summary

The Capacity Development Coordinator will join the Ukraine response Program Team and will work to support Mercy Corps partner organizations based in Poland in identifying their needs for organizational and technical capacity strengthening, development of organizations’ individual workplans, and assist during the workplans implementation (as it pertains to capacity strengthening). Coordinator will be overseeing the training component, ensuring it addresses identified needs and adheres to Mercy Corps and sector minimum standards. Coordinator will be a focal point for trainers and mentors, if applicable.  

Detailed Job Responsibilities

Design & Planning:
Provide strategic program guidance and technical support for the CSO capacity-building portion of the program, through provision of support to Mercy Corps teams and partner organizations as required and in coordination with the Partnership Manager and Country Representative
Develop strong relationships with partner organizations.
Supervise the capacity assessment of identified organizations using Mercy Corps' ASPIRE/Organizational Capacity Index (OCI) tool.
Using OCI findings, support partner organizations to create capacity development plans.

Tools and trainings‍

Provide contextual adaptation of Mercy Corps tools, whenever required; recommend best approaches for partner capacity development based on existing Mercy Corps knowledge and experience.
Develop and/or refine existing CSO capacity building curricula to fit local context and capacity. Collaborate with Mercy Corps Technical Support Unit to develop and deliver thematic capacity trainings.
Identify suitable training providers/consultants/experts in Poland and abroad. Support CSOs and training providers/consultants/experts in curriculum development
Deliver and/or oversee delivery of training to build partner capacity and technical competencies (both tailored to individual CSOs and grouped, whether organized by individual CSOs or Mercy Corps)
Support peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and peer mentorship opportunities, including field site visits and learning events.
Liaise with Mercy Corps departments and technical support to develop/strengthen partner organizations’ administrative, financial management systems and structures as well as programmatic expertise (i.e humanitarian principles, safeguarding, protection etc).

Tracking and Reporting‍

Monitor and track different training opportunities available for the sector and share with the Program team and partners
Provide inputs for programmatic and donor reporting, connect with Mercy Corps MEL on program indicator performance
Support the incorporation of conflict sensitive and gender approaches into civil society organizations and their activities.
Contribute to the selection of the service providers and supervise all procedures related to the selection process.

Other‍

Abide by all security protocols and assist in ensuring their implementation by other staff. Provide written and oral translation and report writing for program staff, as necessary;
Conduct himself/herself both 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

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To:  Deputy Country Lead Poland / PM Partnerships

Works Directly With: Partnership Team, PAQ, Finance, Technical Support Unit (TSU), Operations, Finance&Compiance

Knowledge & Experience  

Required:

• Academic degree, ideally in social studies
• Minimum of three years of progressive working experience in NGO sector in Poland is a must. Ideally with capacity strengthening/coordinating roles/focus
• Proved experience in meetings/training facilitation. Coaching/mentoring skills will be an asset.
• Demonstrated communication, coordination and multitasking skills
• Experience or interest in working in diversified environment
• Strong computer skills, ability to learn new software/app

Preferred:

• Experience working with international organizations in different context (outside of Poland) highly desirable
• Coaching/mentoring skills will be an asset.
• Experience from the similar role or context will be an added value
• Experience from working with NGOs in Ukraine Response is preferred
• Understanding of MEL and basic programmatic indicators

Language Skills:

• Polish is a must; working knowledge of English is required.

Success Factors

We’re looking for someone with a strong interest in organizational and technical capacity development, dedicated to the growth and support to local organizations, knowledgeable of non-governmental sector in Poland Successful candidate must have a personal commitment to the localization, an interest in quality improvement. Ability to learn, listen and work collaboratively with Mercy Corps teams, partner organisations and various service providers is the must. In addition we’re looking for a person who is a strong facilitator, communicator and coordinator, brings flexibility and adaptability, as well as sense of humor.

Any skills you have gained through education, volunteer, work, or life experience that are relevant for the position will be considered. Be sure to fully explain transferable skills and success factors and how they apply to this position in your cover letter and interview process

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position will be based in Warsaw, Poland. This position requires travel to various locations across Poland. Given the emergency context, this position requires flexible work schedules.

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 prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. 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 in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to 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.