JOBS: Field Technology Testing Advisor at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

The Field Technology Testing Advisor focuses on providing technical support and capacity building to Mercy Corps field teams currently piloting three applications of technology:

• Basic Needs Wallet: Testing conditional cash payments using cryptocurrency in Uganda.
• E-Cookers: Testing pay-as-you-cook solar cooker technology in Uganda.
• Borehole Sensors: Testing the use of microsensors for effective community-based water management in Kenya.

These three internal grants are implemented by country teams, however, the advisor is available to support with technical assistance, ranging from procurement and partner selection to monitoring and evaluation plans. At this stage in the lifecycle, all programs are underway but will need tracking progress and support on data collection and evaluation of the pilot’s aims. As part of the pilot wrap-up, the Advisor will also draft reports for internal and external audiences as well as other communications (i.e. conferences, donor presentations, etc.) to share learnings and results.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Program Management

• Support cross-functional teams in the implementation of pilot/experimental technology-based solutions.
• Ensure program/project implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
• Manage reporting process for completed and in-progress pilot projects in the field.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Program Management at Mercy Corps (PM@MC) and other relevant principles, values, quality standards, and strategies.
• Participate as an active, integrated member of the T4D team providing technical support to a portfolio of field programs including those in complex crisis environments.
• Take leadership in identifying and addressing program quality needs. Collaborate with field leaders to problem solve.

Finance & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.
• Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of the grant/funding status at the end of each month, making recommendations to adjust as necessary, but overall ensure Mercy Corps accurate budget compliance.

Reporting & Communications

• Consolidate results from each pilot– both challenges and successes– into final reports adjusted accordingly for internal and external audiences and in accordance with the Technology for Development communications strategy.
• Contribute to a paper on the learnings of innovation testing at Mercy Corps in consultation with key stakeholders from prior pilots funded by Technology for Development as well as other technology testing initiatives (i.e. FinX)
• Represent Mercy Corps technology testing program externally at conferences, workshops and other events as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To Alexa Schmidt, Director, Technology for Development

Works Directly With Mercy Corps country teams in Kenya and Uganda, technical teams, research teams, and technology partner organizations.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• BA required and Masters's Degree preferred in a related field.
• 4-5 years working in technology for development, international development, or related field OR 2-3 years experience were combined with an advanced degree.
• Experience in program measurement, data analysis, and recommendations/arguments.
• Experience working in collaboration with multicultural and remote teams.
• Experience in writing, especially reports and storytelling.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter who can work independently on ambiguous tasks.