Program Manager – Market Systems for Employment (MS4E) Job at Mercy Corps

This role is responsible for leading the implementation of the Market Systems for Employment (MS4E) component of the PROPEL program in Tanzania. The Program Manager ensures that all program interventions are market-driven, adaptive, and focused on creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people, especially NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) populations. The position translates regional program strategies into practical country-level actions while strengthening labor market systems and promoting private sector-led employment solutions.

The role works closely with government institutions, private sector companies, development partners, financial institutions, training providers, and community stakeholders to improve youth employment outcomes. The Program Manager also oversees program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, risk management, partnership development, and team leadership while ensuring compliance with donor and organizational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of annual and quarterly program work plans
• Ensure alignment of country activities with the PROPEL regional strategy and local labor market needs
• Conduct and regularly update Political Economy Analysis (PEA) to identify opportunities, constraints, and incentives affecting youth employment systems
• Integrate PEA findings into program design, implementation, and adaptive management processes
• Align interventions with labor market demand and private sector workforce requirements
• Ensure consistency between employment pathways, market systems development, and overall program objectives
• Manage day-to-day implementation of all MS4E and PROPEL activities within the country
• Ensure timely delivery of program outputs, outcomes, and targets
• Identify, engage, and manage strategic partnerships with private sector firms and employers
• Facilitate apprenticeships, internships, job placements, and business service initiatives
• Promote private sector co-investment and long-term ownership of employment interventions
• Support the transition from training-focused approaches to demand-driven employment solutions
• Apply youth segmentation approaches to target different groups according to employability and vulnerability levels
• Design and implement tailored interventions for NEET youth
• Support job readiness training, foundational skills development, entrepreneurship, and enterprise growth opportunities
• Promote inclusion of women, marginalized groups, and vulnerable populations
• Establish systems to track youth progression, participation, and employment outcomes
• Address barriers to employment such as skills gaps, mobility constraints, and limited market access
• Serve as the primary representative of the program within Tanzania
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, private sector organizations, training institutions, and financial service providers
• Strengthen labor market systems, skills development ecosystems, market information systems, and access to finance mechanisms
• Coordinate implementation activities among partners and stakeholders
• Ensure alignment with national development priorities and employment strategies
• Oversee Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems
• Monitor program performance, employment outcomes, and systemic changes within labor markets
• Integrate lessons learned and adaptive management approaches into program delivery
• Prepare high-quality reports for donors, regional management, and stakeholders
• Promote organizational learning, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Manage program budgets, procurement activities, grants, and sub-awards
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations and Mercy Corps policies
• Monitor financial performance and ensure efficient use of resources
• Identify implementation risks and develop appropriate mitigation measures
• Integrate safeguarding principles into all program activities
• Ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of participants, staff, and stakeholders
• Supervise program staff, including Program Officers and MEL Officers
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management support

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of market systems development and employment creation approaches
• Understanding of labor market systems, workforce development, and youth employment challenges
• Knowledge of Political Economy Analysis (PEA) and adaptive programming methodologies
• Familiarity with donor-funded project management and compliance requirements
• Understanding of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks

General Requirements

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in market systems development, youth employment, livelihoods, or economic development programming
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing market-driven interventions
• Proven experience engaging and partnering with private sector organizations
• Experience managing large donor-funded and multi-partner programs
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities
• Strong strategic thinking and systems-thinking skills
• Ability to work effectively in complex and changing environments
• Strong project management and coordination skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Strong financial management and budget oversight capabilities
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Ability to adapt interventions based on evidence and emerging opportunities
• Results-oriented approach focused on sustainable impact
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and integrity
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and youth empowerment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Conclusion

The Program Manager – Market Systems for Employment (MS4E) position is a senior leadership role suited for professionals passionate about economic development, youth employment, private sector engagement, and systems change. The role provides extensive experience in strategic program leadership, policy engagement, partnership development, donor management, and labor market transformation. With strong performance and continued professional growth, career advancement opportunities may include Senior Program Manager, Chief of Party, Country Program Director, Economic Development Director, Regional Program Manager, Country Director, Regional Director, or senior leadership positions within international development organizations, NGOs, donor agencies, and economic development institutions.