Multisector & Enhanced Due Diligence Officer - Jordan or Lebanon (Applications will only be accepted if submitted through the URL link provided below)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Department Summary

Mercy Corps has developed a Crisis Analytics function to support our programming in the most complex contexts. The Crisis Analysis-regional (CA-SYR) team supports Mercy Corps’ in-country programming as well as the wider humanitarian response in the region through the provision of quality, timely and relevant analytical products.

CA-SYR team aggregate and analyze data to improve decision-making and access in the region. The team directly contributes to data-driven decision-making by layering information from primary sources, open sources, and responders’ programmatic data, where it is analyzed by subject matter experts and data scientists. This analysis is grounded in Mercy Corps’ status as an operational NGO, keeping our products constructive and relevant for humanitarian responders and donors within the crisis in the region CA-SYR also serves as a real-time information hub; vets potential partners; assesses programmatic, partner, and operational risk; identifies and maps stakeholders; and works with internal partners to better enable data-driven decision making.  

Mercy Corps is committed to maintaining rigorous compliance measures and safeguarding our programs from challenges in the field that may compromise humanitarian principles. The Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) unit offers an additional layer of scrutiny to various external entities who are prospective partners in or suppliers to Mercy Corps’ regional programming. Key EDD products include due diligence assessments of Mercy Corps entities such actors deemed essential for programming and Program Area Assessment that include in-depth research on dynamics including but not limited to governance, service provision, economic dynamics, displacement patterns, and local politics. This research involves analysis of primary and secondary sources including coordination with field sources.

General Position Summary

The Multi-sector and Enhanced Due Diligence Officer will primarily support the Program Assessment  and EDD Manager by drafting multisector assessments including vetting/due diligence assessments, and Program Area Assessment (PAA), as well as contributing to the wider multisector research function of the CA-SYR team with emphasis on economics and politics. In addition, The Multi-sector and Enhanced Due Diligence Officer will seek new ways to tighten reporting, deliver timely information, and improve products and processes as required.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Research & Analysis

• Drafts EDD/PAA products, including research, writing, and editing, as required
• Provides detailed analysis and insights on key developments throughout the region using open source analysis;
• Conducts in-depth profiling on entities using social media research in Arabic and English; and
• Supports research and data collection around specific issues or projects, as requested.
• Conduct in-depth PAAs using open source and field research
• Assist in drafting periodical and ad-hoc reports discussing socio-economic, political, conflict, and geopolitical events.
• Actively consult the CA-SYR archive and utilize previous products to complement the research.
• Use open-source, partner data, statistical data, and academic reports to collect, process, clean, and analyze information.
• Conduct humanitarian access research, through the development of actor mapping, stakeholder analysis, and spatial analysis.
• Provides detailed analysis and insights on key developments using open-source analysis
• Supports research and data collection around specific issues or projects as requested.
• Follow media outlets, social media, and private networks in order to get as much detailed and reliable information as possible about conflict dynamics.
• Monitor military, political, and social developments on the ground and regionally.

Archiving & Support

• Records requests for EDD products and liaises with program staff as required
• Develops and maintain databases on the outcomes and processes of EDD products
• Coordinates check-ins and follow-ups on research requests with field staff
• Liaises as appropriate with other Mercy Corps staff engaged in programs and compliance
• Represents the EDD unit internally in program meetings and conducts briefing and presentations for program staff as required
• Supports development of due diligence policies and procedures

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Reports Directly to Program Assessment and Due Diligence Manager

Works Directly with CA-SYR staff, FR Coordinator, Program Teams

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree, preferably a Master’s Degree, in a Social Sciences discipline; preferably in political science, international affairs, or international development.
• At least two years of experience working in research covering Middle East politics.
• An in-depth understanding of the regional conflict.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing, analyzing and reporting.
• Computer skills – Word and Excel will be an asset
• Ability to work and interact with diverse staff from different ethnicities and backgrounds
• Ability to conduct oneself with sensitivity and respect toward others

Success Factors

The role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong sense of discretion and excellent research and writing skills preferably in Arabic and English. In addition to having a strong analytical background and research experience the role requires someone with a can-do attitude who is able to multitask, communicate effectively and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. Competitive candidates will showcase a willingness to creatively solve problems and work on multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Accountability To Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs, and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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. 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.