Program Manager, Market Systems for Employment

About this role

Mercy Corps is seeking a Program Manager to lead the in-country implementation of PROPEL, a market systems programme targeting employment outcomes for vulnerable populations in Tanzania. The role, formally titled Program Manager Market Systems for Employment (MS4E), provides overall strategic and operational leadership, ensuring that programme delivery is adaptive, results-oriented, and responsive to local market dynamics. The incumbent is responsible for translating regional strategy into context-specific programming while embedding Political Economy Analysis throughout implementation cycles and championing private sector-led approaches. Core responsibilities include managing and growing the MS4E portfolio, maintaining productive relationships with government counterparts and private sector actors, leading technical implementation across multiple work streams, supervising a multidisciplinary team, and representing Mercy Corps in high-level forums and donor engagements.

The role demands fluency in market systems methodology, with a particular emphasis on applying targeted youth segmentation approaches that prioritise NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) populations. While the source does not list specific academic credentials, it implies senior-level programme management experience and familiarity with political economy-informed approaches to economic development. Preferred qualifications include prior experience implementing market systems or employment programmes in East African contexts, demonstrated ability to engage diverse private sector stakeholders, and a track record of managing donor-funded development initiatives at scale. Mercy Corps is a global team of humanitarians united by a mission to assist people experiencing hardship, supporting communities through economic opportunity, governance reform, market systems strengthening, and humanitarian response.

The role is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with travel requirements across programme locations, and operates within the broader PROPEL initiative. Applications close on 28 December 2026.