Mercy Corps Seeks Deputy Regional Director for Programs in Asia

Mercy Corps is seeking a Deputy Regional Director, Programs (DRD-P) too oversee its growing multi-million dollar portfolio across Asia. The role is based in a preferred location within the Asia region where Mercy Corps has an office or a location within a relevant time zone. The employee type is full-time, reporting to the Regional Director MENA/Europe & Asia.

Position Overview

The DRD-P will provide strategic direction and support to regional and country teams to build an impactful portfolio that strengthens community resilience to conflict and climate shocks,aligning with Mercy Corps’ four P2P outcome areas: Food Security,Water Security,Economic Possibility,and Peace and Good Governance. The DRD-P is responsible for the successful delivery of high-impact programming that is responsive to donor commitments and adheres to Mercy Corps’ programme management standards.

The individual will lead the Technical Resources & Quality, Evidence & Learning, Awards Management, and business Development teams within the region. This role oversees a regional budget of approximately $250 million (USD),along with country programs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction across the regional portfolio,supporting the development of compelling country-level strategies and annual implementation plans.
• Oversee program performance across the portfolio, ensuring that all programs achieve the highest possible impact through a focus on strong technical quality and sound program management systems.
• Lead the development and execution of a Regional Evidence and Learning Agenda.

Team Management

• Supervise the Awards Management Team and ensure that strong systems and processes are in place for the effective administration of donor awards.
• Supervise the Regional Technical Resources & Quality team.
• Manage the regional Evidence & Learning team.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback via regular meetings and performance reviews.

Program Development & Portfolio Growth

• Oversee business Development functions in the region to ensure the submission of high-quality, strategically aligned proposals.
• Support country and regional teams to identify, explore, and pursue funding opportunities.
• Oversee the development of concept notes, proposals, and other funding requests.

Influence & Representation

• develop and maintain strong relationships with global and regional donors and partners.
• Develop and nurture strong external relationships and networks to support program success.
• serve as a respected representative for Mercy Corps in the region, promoting the organization’s capabilities, expertise, innovation, strategic vision and values.

Essential Responsibilities

The Deputy Regional Director, Programs will support the accountable actors within the region and country programs with the operationalization and advancement of Mercy Corps’ five commitments in their region – climate smart, evidence-driven, innovative and creative, locally-led, and safe, diverse and inclusive.

According to Mercy Corps, team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to program participants, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• BA/S in international development, social science, public or business administration (MA/S preferred).
• At least 10 years of field experience in senior management and direct program implementation, with experience in complex/fragile environments.
• Direct experience managing and supervising large teams.
• Proficiency and experience with US, UK, EU, UN, and other public and private donors.

Confident communication and facilitation skills are required for donor relations and inter-agency coordination. The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to think strategically and solve complex problems at an organizational level. The position requires up to 30% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations.

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in an additional language of the portfolio is considered advantageous.

mercy Corps’ Commitment

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals they come into contact with through their work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. “We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members,” stated Mercy Corps.

How to apply

For more facts and to apply, please visit Mercy Corps’ careers page.

this senior leadership role presents a significant opportunity to contribute to Mercy Corps’ mission of alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities.

Given the article’s focus on Mercy Corps’ regional expansion and integration of evidence-based practices,what strategies will anya Sharma implement to ensure that newly funded programs effectively scale up while upholding Mercy Corps’ commitment to local ownership and community resilience?

Navigating Challenges: An Interview with Deputy Regional Director,Anya Sharma on Mercy Corps’ Asia programs

Today,we’re speaking with Anya Sharma,a seasoned international development professional who recently stepped into the role of Deputy Regional Director for Programs in Asia at Mercy Corps.Anya brings a wealth of experience to the table,focusing on building community resilience in complex and fragile environments. Let’s delve into her vision for Mercy Corps’ impactful work across the region.

Strategic Vision for Asia Programs

Archyde News: Anya, welcome! Mercy Corps’ portfolio in Asia is substantial. What are your initial priorities in providing strategic direction across the regional programs?

Anya sharma: Thank you! it’s a privilege to be here. My frist priority is ensuring that our country-level strategies are not only compelling but are effectively translated into annual implementation plans that are data-driven and locally-led.Building on our work in Food security, Water Security, Economic Possibility, and Peace and Good Governance. We need to leverage our Evidence & Learning Agenda to understand what interventions have the highest impact and adapt as needed.

team Management and Impact

Archyde News: You’re overseeing a significant team, including Awards Management, Technical Resources & Quality, and Evidence & Learning. How do you plan to promote accountability and ensure the delivery of high-impact programming?

Anya Sharma: Transparency and clear dialogue are paramount. I plan to meet regularly with each team, providing constructive feedback and setting clear expectations. It’s important to work collaboratively with country programs. For example, in Program Management, ensuring robust Award Management and efficient business development processes will allow the country program managers to focus on what they do best.

business Development and Growth Opportunities

Archyde News: With a regional budget of approximately $250 million USD, how will you approach business development and seek funding opportunities to expand Mercy Corps’ reach in Asia?

Anya Sharma: Business development must be strategically aligned with our mission and the specific needs of the communities we serve. We will work closely with country teams to proactively identify funding opportunities,develop high-quality proposals,and foster strong relationships with our diverse range of donors,including US,UK,EU,and UN entities,as well as relevant private donors.

Influence and External Representation

Archyde News: Representing Mercy Corps in the region is a key obligation. How will you nurture external relationships to support program success?

Anya Sharma: Building trust and fostering collaboration is critical. I aim to develop strong relationships with global and regional donors, partner organizations, and relevant stakeholders.By actively participating in industry events,sharing our expertise,and promoting mercy corps’ values,we can amplify our impact and reach more communities in need.

The Future of International Development in Asia

archyde News: considering the challenges of climate change, conflict, and economic inequality, what’s one thing you believe needs to fundamentally shift in the approach to international development in Asia?

Anya Sharma: That’s a profound question. I believe we need a more radical commitment to locally-led solutions. we must empower communities to drive their own development agendas, providing the resources and support they need to build resilience from the ground up. Mercy Corps’ firm stance on accountability and a commitment to climate-smart, evidence-driven, safe and inclusive initiatives should support this commitment to a radical shift.

Archyde News: Thank you, Anya, for sharing your insights. It’s clear you’re committed to driving meaningful change across Asia. What pressing questions remain for our readers regarding the challenges and opportunities mercy Corps faces in Asia? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!