Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations.

Program Summary

Mercy Corps Ethiopia currently secured USAID/BHA funded multisectoral response program entitled ‘Humanitarian Assistance for Conflict-Affected Populations (HACAP)” in Oromia and Afar regions. The goal of the proposed program is to increase access to Life-saving Services for Conflict-affected IDPs, Returnees, and Vulnerable Populations through provision of integrated Multi-Sectoral Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion (WASH), Nutrition and Protection support and, Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) in five Woredas of Oromia and Afar regions.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Community Mobilization:

• Conduct community sensitization and mobilization activities to raise awareness about CMAM and IYCF programs.
• Work closely with community leaders, health workers, and local authorities to ensure community engagement and support for the nutrition project.
• Facilitate the formation and strengthening of Mother-to-Mother support groups to promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
• Organize and participate in community meetings, focus group discussions, and other activities to engage and educate community members about nutrition and health services.

 Program Implementation:

• Support the identification and registration of project beneficiaries, ensuring they meet the selection criteria.
• Assist in the organization and delivery of nutrition education sessions, cooking demonstrations, and health promotion campaigns.
• Work with the project team to ensure the smooth operation of OTP (Outpatient Therapeutic Program) and SFP (Supplementary Feeding Program) distribution points.
• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of beneficiary data and program activities.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Foster strong relationships with community volunteers, health workers, and local authorities to enhance program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with other project team members to ensure the integration of nutrition activities with other health and livelihood interventions.
• Participate in regular team meetings and provide updates on community mobilization activities.

 Monitoring and Reporting:

• Collect and report data on community mobilization activities, including attendance at meetings, participation in support groups, and feedback from community members.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating the impact of the project on community health and nutrition outcomes.
• Provide regular reports to the project manager on community engagement and mobilization efforts.

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience:

• Diploma in a health-related field, social sciences, or community development.
• More than 3 years of experience working with NGOs, particularly in community mobilization and health promotion.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse ethnic groups in remote areas.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate community members.
• Proficiency in English and the local languages is mandatory.

 Success Factors:

• Willingness to travel frequently to villages and reside in rural areas.
• Flexibility and adaptability in challenging working conditions.
• Strong belief in teamwork and gender equality.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy Corps.