Job at Mercy Corps, Logistic and Program Assistant
Location
Kinondoni, Masaki Dar Es Salaam
Description
GENERAL PROGRAM SUMMARY:
The AgriFin Accelerate program will operate in 3 African countries (Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia) utilizing a market ecosystem approach, working with carefully selected partners to build sustainable models, where farm and crop management tools and financial services are "bundled" in affordable, unified platforms on mobile phone channels to promote mass uptake commercially. The program involves three interrelated components that seek to address low farmer productivity and capability, and improve institutional ability to deliver appropriate financial and information products and build ecosystems to drive scale. The program will work with farmers, banks, mobile network operators, MFIs, research institutions and other ecosystem players in well-defined partnerships to sustainably bundle services, leveraging the offer and outreach of all partners, while increasing the range of services, access points and value for farmers. The program works with partners to identify, prototype, test and scale successful mobile-enabled services for smallholders, with a key focus on expanding access to financial services, using a rapid iteration approach to product development and client-centric design techniques.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Logistics and Program Assistant (LPA) will report directly to the Agrifin Accelerate Tanzania Director, supporting the implementation of all partner and project activities in Tanzania, as well as timely and correct collection of all required information and data from partners to drive program monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) and reporting. The Program Assistant will also provide support to other activities related to the AgriFin Accelerate program, including field research and new product design and testing, as agreed with the Agrifin Accelerate Tanzania Director. In addition, the PA will perform procurement and logistics function for the AgriFin Accelerate program in Tanzania including asset and facilities management, contracting, travel and transportation.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
LEAD FUNCTIONS:
Partner Engagement Support, Monitoring and Reporting
Assist in the implementation of project activities.Monitor partner and project activities and progress against targets on a regular basisSend timely monitoring reports with recommendations for follow-up action; report and suggest solutions for any concerns about partners or project related issuesVerify that progress reports and financial reports are received from partners prior to report submission deadline.Work in liaison with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director and partners to ensure strong systems are in place for the development of surveys and project evaluationsEnsure that all partners are trained in and knowledgeable of all donor requirements and deadlinesReview and assess information provided by the partner in the narrative and financial reports. Take follow- up action as requiredEnsure the proper maintenance of all files, records and documents relating to AgriFin Accelerate activities of the projectProvide support to technical teams in development and implementation of partner engagements in the areas of research, product development and testing, as agreed with Agrifin Accelerate Tanzania Director;
Procurement
Read and comply with Mercy Corps procurement management policies and procedures. Assist, when required with training staff on these policies;Assist staff when required with creating clear and understandable purchase requests and other documentation;Collect quotations and bids from vendors for Purchase Requests as assigned by manager – as per Mercy Corps standards and formats;Interact with vendors during collection of quotations and ensure that vendors will use Mercy Corps forms properly;Ensure fair competition and strict adherence to Mercy Corps procurement rules regarding vendor relationsMaintain up to date Mercy Corps Procurement data management system;Prepare the required documentation of supplies and transactions are completed to Mercy Corps standards, including Purchase Request, Request for Quotations, Quotations Analysis, Purchase order / Contracts, Good Received Note, Purchase Records and Payment Requests;Ensure procurement files are well maintained in orderly and up to date systematically in hard and electronic forms. These include regular review of on-going and master PR lists;Coordinate with Finance department to ensure that, payments to vendors and service providers are made on time and without any unnecessary strain on the Mercy Corps financial systems. In cooperation with finance staff, help to ensure compliance with established financial management rules and procedures for Tanzania-based procurement actions;Ensure all Mercy Corps procurement activities are legal and ethical;Arrange travel, accommodation and transportation needs of Tanzania staff.
Asset Management
Read and comply with Mercy Corps Field Asset Management Manual for asset management procedures.Ensure maintenance of proper inventory of all equipment and fittings belonging to Mercy Corps program in Tanzania.Monitor and implement asset tracking system including use of asset tags, movement of assets, disposal of assets and update asset registry both manually and electronically including proper registration of newly purchased assets.Coordinate with Administration and IT to ensure timely tracking of assets including those assigned to staff.
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.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: N/A
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Agrifin Accelerate Tanzania Director
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: All staff in Tanzania office, Director of Learning, Monitoring & Evaluation, Technical Managers, Communications Manager. Works closely and receives technical guidance from Operations Manager based in Nairobi Office.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree preferably in Economics, Microfinance, Business Administration, Marketing, IT or banking and finance;Minimum two years’ work experience preferably for a bank, MNO, financial institution, non-governmental organization or a reputable international or national organization;Excellent computer, verbal and written communication skills, including report development, writing and editing;Competent in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Visio and MS Project skills are advantageous;Experience with mobile money, financial services and project management preferred;Excellent inter-personal skills, highly pro-active and self-disciplined;Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members;Willingness to travel.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding. S/he will be an excellent communicator, multi-tasker, and able to work in ambiguous situations. S/he will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures. S/he will be a team-player with a positive attitude toward problem solving and conflict resolution. The successful candidate will be focused on team-building; be a analytical, have strong skills in project management and maintain a sense of humor.
Apply For This Job
Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae (CV) listing three professional referees (including a recent supervisor) to afa-hr@mercycorps.org on or before Monday 2nd October 2017 by 4.00pm.
The email subject line must clearly show the job title. Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified. Please do not attach any certificates.
(Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We will only get in touch with shortlisted candidates)
NB: Mercy Corps does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process
WE ENCOURAGE QUALIFIED CANDIDATES TO APPLY.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.