Innovations and Investments Fund Manager, Durban

Position:

Innovations and Investments Fund Manager

Location:

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Position Status:

Full Time

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, working to drive bold and transformative ideas through collaboration with government, private sector, and civil society.

Position Summary The Innovations and Investments Fund Manager leads the management of a USD 9 million fund, fostering public and private sector investment to support PSNP households. Responsibilities include designing funding mechanisms, ensuring compliance with USAID regulations, monitoring performance, and facilitating partnership development across the Highlands Resilience Activity.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Take overall technical lead on the management of the Innovations and investment fund.

Lead design and development of processes, guidelines, and manuals for fund management in compliance with USAID rules.

Develop tactical and strategic plans to leverage co-investments and support key result areas.

Participate in the development of overall project implementation plans.

Design and support development of processes for innovations in close coordination with program technical leads.

Lead design of NOFOs, Annual program statements, EOI’s, and manage awards.

Review applicant budgets for completeness, cost realism, and compliance.

Conduct pre‑award financial review and due diligence in coordination with finance and compliance teams.

Coordinate selection of sub‑award agreements, draft and negotiate agreements.

Organize and conduct multi‑stakeholder platforms to disseminate fund opportunities.

Develop tracking systems for documentation and data management.

Provide partner skills support in financial management and program reporting.

Monitor and track financial and program reports for fund management.

Propose resilience strategies and inclusive business approaches to reach PSNP households.

Develop a learning platform related to innovation and investment for use throughout the program.

Compliance

Execute fund in alignment with the prime award agreement and USAID regulations.

Identify and communicate compliance risks and facilitate compliant program design.

Prepare compliance requests and assist sub‑recipients with USAID compliance.

Accountability Reports directly to the Technical and Implementation Director. Works directly with HRA Technical teams, regional teams, and finance and compliance teams.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or Bachelor’s degree with significant additional experience.

5‑7 years of experience in enterprise development, investment management, and partnership with private sector actors across fields such as on‑farm, off‑farm, wage and employment, nutrition, governance, and commercialization.

Strong understanding of market systems development approach and facilitation.

Proven skills in strategic planning, business development, and private sector investment cycles.

Excellent communication skills; able to engage private sector actors and attract investment.

Experience developing proposals from conception to submission.

Ability to represent the organization, negotiate, and defend interests with diverse partners.

Understanding of complex developmental and transitional contexts, preferably resilience.

Excellent verbal and written communication, organization, prioritization, and multitasking skills.

Attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, work independently and collaboratively.

Experience with USAID programs preferred.

Fluency in English; knowledge of local Ethiopian languages preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. All qualified individuals are invited to apply.

#J-18808-Ljbffr