Great work; poor HR, management and retention. - Anonymous employee Mercy Corps Employee Review

3.0
Aug 25, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people and the programming are fantastic. As with many organizations, the staff is highly dedicated. MC takes a greater strategic vision than most, and is more innovative than many. They put a lot of emphasis on program learning and being thought leaders in the development space. It's an inspiring place to work in terms of the actual work being done.

Cons

Staff retention and professional development are abysmal. Have seen numerous talented and committed staff members slip away because management and HR failed to put in effort to retain them -- there's a perpetual refrain of, "Submit your application online and we'll see if you're a good fit," for current staff looking for new assignments or at the end of contracts, and those are often overlooked in favor of a shiny, new person from outside the organization. Decentralized nature of the organization is valuable but means a lack of programmatic oversight and unified vision. Many small fiefdoms in the field and at HQ. Agree with other reviews citing cronyism -- if the CEO and senior leadership consider you a favorite, you can do whatever you want; everyone else is part of the machine. Easy to become jaded when you don't feel you're valued and that you're expendable. Salaries are abysmal.

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5.0
May 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Flexible environment surrounded by good people

Cons

Not in a good situation nowadays

4.0
May 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It’s a very tough time to be in ID but MC continues to stay afloat and is trying to pivot in this new landscape. I maintain the staff that’s still here is some of the best of the best, everyone really cares and continues to challenge me and push our programs to do better.

Cons

Outlook is uncertain given donor environment. No real opportunities for professional growth. Ongoing RIFs and loss of talented staff.

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