Alumni Talent Pool: Operations Lead Roles
Description
The Alumni Talent Pool is open exclusively to former Mercy Corps team members who were employed within the past 4 years and completed at least 1 year of service.
You do not need to submit a cover letter, a CV/Resume is sufficient.
Application Deadline: 1 May 2026.
You do not need to submit a cover letter, a CV/Resume is sufficient.
Application Deadline: 1 May 2026.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.
The Program
Mercy Corps has created an Alumni Talent Pool to support emergency response, transitions and complex program start-up, by fast-tracking Mercy Corps alumni into temporary Senior Operations roles. The initiative focuses on matching qualified team members with urgent country-based needs, for short-term placements (3 months on average). This is an opportunity for senior program leaders that offers more professional and personal flexibility and access to diverse experiences.
The Role
The Role
Mercy Corps alumni who were employed within the last four years qualified to fill Senior Operations Roles (Emergency Operations Lead, Operations Manager, Operations Director, Procurement Manager, or Startup Operations Lead) will be eligible to join the Alumni Talent Pool. Once selected into the Pool, members will have access to short-term opportunities in countries where Mercy Corps operates. Responsibilities and supervisory structures will vary depending on the type of assignment.
When on assignment, members will be eligible for competitive salary and benefits. The eligible salary ranges and a description of all benefits associated with these short-term positions will depend on the type of employment they are hired under and may vary if this is an expat position, consultancy or if the work is done remotely.
Emergency Operations Lead
- Develop and implement a strategy for operational startup to support a rapid, high quality emergency response.
- Develop, set-up & manage supply chain lines for the timely delivery, transport, storage, and distribution of relief items in emergency response planning and during assignments.
- Work closely with Program, Administration, Security and Finance on the set up of new offices, partnerships and systems.
- Assess the operating environment in the emergency and adapt ways of working in compliance with Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures.
- Set up systems for supply chain operations to support rapid program delivery.
- Recruit, onboard and train national team members to fill operations support functions.
Operations Manager
- Guide and oversee the overall operations strategy in the country, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps policies.
- Work collaboratively with program, HR and finance teams to maintain efficient support services and proactively address challenges.
- Supervise a diverse team, proactively coaching and training team members for high performance.
- Oversee application of procurement policies and procedures and compliance with donor regulations.
- Oversee logistics, travel and transport services aligned with programmatic needs.
- Manage custom clearance-related activities during the emergency response phase.
- Oversee maintenance of Mercy Corps’ assets and effective management of warehouses and goods.
- Ensure that country and field office specific policies are up to date and communicate them to the teams. Develop new policies and guidelines as needed.
Procurement Manager
- Oversee procurement activities according to the Field Procurement Policies and Procedures, SOPs and donor rules & regulations.
- Work collaboratively with program and finance teams to move processes forward swiftly and to troubleshoot issues.
- Facilitate competitive processes to identify, select and negotiate with contractors to ensure that standards for quality and timeliness are achieved.
- Coordinate with logistics and program teams on supply chain operations, storage, and transfer of goods to field sites.
- Supervise procurement team members; hire, onboard and train team members as necessary.
Start-up Operations Lead
- Work collaboratively to develop a start-up strategy and plan for program start up, devising appropriate operations systems.
- Work closely with Program, Administration, Security and Finance on the set up of new offices, partnerships and systems.
- Recruit, onboard and train national team members to fill operations support functions.
- Ensure tools and tracking mechanisms are in place to accurately assess and communicate progress against the start-up work plan, resources (budget and personnel), and issues.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Works to ensure Mercy Corps’ Safeguarding Standards are integrated and upheld in all areas of HR work.
- Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
- Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
- Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.
The Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview process and to provide professional references; through which we will assess each candidate’s competency in four priority areas - inclusive people management, results-oriented program management, problem solving, and communication. Those meeting the minimum qualifications and demonstrating competency in the priority areas will be invited to join the Pool.
Once selected into the Alumni Talent Pool, members will provide information about their professional experience, qualifications, availability, and preferences. Pool members will then be matched to specific temporary employment opportunities (on average 3 months) as hiring managers request support from the Talent Pool. Pool members will manage their own time and availability and will have the option to accept or decline any particular assignment.
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.
Successful Talent Pool members are self-starters who are ready to dive into an assignment on short notice. They have a positive attitude, are adaptable to changing circumstances, and are focused on problem solving. They have good self-awareness and understand their personal strengths and development needs, which they continuously work on between assignments. Talent Pool members understand it is a privilege to work in this sector and bring this enthusiasm to all their Mercy Corps assignments.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
- BA/S or equivalent in a relevant field required.
- At least 5 years of field experience in international relief and development operations overseeing procurement and logistics support functions.
- Prior experience with Mercy Corps within the last four years, as an employee and/or consultant (Should have worked with Mercy Corps for at least one year.)
- Experience leading teams, managing performance of supervisees, and coaching/ mentoring staff.
- Experience and understanding of institutional donors is preferred.
- Ability to influence, handle negotiations and make fast and effective decisions and plans in emergency contexts. Personal passion for and commitment to working in a diverse array of emergencies.
- Willing and able to deploy internationally at short notice for assignments.
- Able to work effectively in a highly stressed and potentially physically challenging emergency response set up in early and later stages of responses.
- Availability to work non-standard hours as needed, especially when supporting an active emergency or critical incident response.
- Professional level proficiency in at least one of Mercy Corps’ working languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic); proficiency in multiple languages is strongly preferred.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
Living conditions will depend on the location of assignment but may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing will depend on the assigned post and will be specified in the position description.
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.
Team Engagement and Effectiveness
Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
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.
As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline ([email protected]).