Mercy Corps Nigeria Recruitment [5 Positions]

Mercy Corps, An International Humanitarian Organization is looking for a suitable candidate to fill a very strategic position within our Conflict Management team in Borno State. We are looking for a motivated individual, who is enthusiastic about the work we do and is looking to work within a dynamic team.

We are  recruiting to fill the following positions below:

Job Title: Program Assistant -YOU-SB
Location: Abuja, Nigeria (With frequent travels to other project locations in Borno State)
Start Date: 1 August 2016 (8 months)

Project Description

• With funding from the Department for International Development (DfID), Mercy Corps will implement the “Youth Stabilization Initiative for Borno (YOU-SB)”, which seeks to address the grievances and unequal economic opportunities that leave youth vulnerable to recruitment and radicalization by violent extremist groups.


• YOU-SB will support civil society, government actors, community and religious leaders, and youth to increase community resilience to prevent the spread of violent extremism in Borno State.


• By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among the stakeholders to prevent violence, the program’s goals are aligned with the objectives outlined by UK DfID 2014-2016 Operational Strategy, which aims to support progress in Northern Nigeria in order to promote regional stability in the Sahel.


• The proposed program will focus on both “push” and “pull” factors that drive youth to participate in violence, including governance grievances, unequal economic opportunities and vulnerability to extremist messaging.


• YOU-SB puts emphasis on evidence generation and program learning, and the key program components have the potential for smart, significant scale-up beyond the life of this initial eight-month program.

General Position Summary

• This position will provide technical support from the country head office in Abuja to members of the program team, mainly based in Maiduguri, Borno State.


• S/he will provide linkages and logistical support to the team.


• S/he will coordinate project activities, manage data from the field, and develop timely reports and communication materials.

Essential Job Functions
Program Support:

• Coordinate all activities and update on the progress of You-SB presence at the country head office.


• Work with the Communication and Reporting Officer to design, develop, and deploy Information, Education, and Communication materials including newsletters and bulletins for effective visibility of the program donor and Mercy Corps.


• Develop monthly forecasts and track the budget of supplies and equipment to ensure timely/prompt implementation of all You-SB activities.


• Will represent Mercy Corps at official functions and occasionally update a range of stakeholders on the goals and activities of the You-SB.

Data Collation, Analysis and Finance Processes:

• Collate beneficiary data from the field, including following up to ensure documentation from the field office in Maiduguri is processed on time.


• Ensure that the payments that will guarantee the smooth implementation of the program.


• Analyze feedback from partners, employees, and beneficiaries and ensure that potential complaints are resolved promptly.

Report Writing, Documentation and Office Administration:

• Provide timely feedback to the department’s leadership on agreed landmarks through monthly, quarterly, and periodic reports as necessary.


• Maintain and continually update documentation for the You-SB project (Google Drive and physical files).


• Act as the procurement focal person, ensuring all You-SB procurements are made appropriately and on time, and follow up to ensure delivery to the requesting source.


• Other duties as assigned by the team.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our participants 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 field projects.

Knowledge and Experience:

• The successful candidate must be able to work independently and show initiative; experience in an NGO setting; report writing; Ability to make improvements to preexisting systems;


• Strong computer (MS Office), filing, and organizational skills;


• Advance knowledge of written and spoken English and Hausa is essential;


• Willingness to sometimes travel to the project areas in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) (Maiduguri, Biu, and Damboa) in Borno State.

Requirements
The ideal candidate should also possess the following;

• Qualifications in any of the Social Sciences, or relevant field, with a strong foundation in development and CVE programming preferred.


• Minimum 1-2 years of work experience in a related role.


• Fluency in English and Hausa are required. Knowledge of Kanuri is a plus.


• Knowledge of program development, implementation, and reporting.


• Familiarity and experience working in conflict zones and fragile communities is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibility: N/A Reports directly to: the Project Officer
Works directly with: The You-SB program team

Success Factors:

• The successful Program Assistant should have the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work under tight deadlines within a complex team.


• S/he will demonstrate strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and be committed to the values and mission of Mercy Corps.


• S/he will take initiative and contribute to team efforts, as well as demonstrate an ability to communicate, assume leadership, and make solid decisions.

Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions:

• The Program Assistant will be based in Abuja with occasional visits to all program locations in Borno State, where security may be particularly difficult at times.


• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting.


• 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.

 

Job Title: Program Officer – YOU-SB
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria (With frequent travels to other project locations in Borno State)
Start Date: 1 August 2016 (8 months).

Project Description

• With funding from the Department for International Development (DFID), Mercy Corps will implement the “Youth Stabilization Initiative for Borno (YOU-SB)”, which seeks to address the grievances and unequal economic opportunities that leave youth vulnerable to recruitment and radicalization by violent extremist groups.


• YOU-SB will support civil society, government actors, community and religious leaders, and youth to increase community resilience to prevent the spread of violent extremism in Borno State.


• By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among the stakeholders to prevent violence, the program’s goals are aligned with the objectives outlined by UK DfID 2014-2016 Operational Strategy, which aims to support progress in Northern Nigeria in order to promote regional stability in the Sahel.


• The proposed program will focus on both “push” and “pull” factors that drive youth to participate in violence, including governance grievances, unequal economic opportunities and vulnerability to extremist messaging.


• YOU-SB puts emphasis on evidence generation and program learning, and the key program components have the potential for smart, significant scale-up beyond the life of this initial eight-month program.

General Position Summary

• The Program Officer will support the implementation of activities related to capacity building of local leaders and key government stakeholders in Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and de-radicalization of youth, and the facilitation of events related to CVE initiatives.


• The Program Officer will also provide support to all other activities related to the You-SB program and will ensure smooth, timely, and compliant implementation.


• The Program Officer will liaise frequently with community members and represent Mercy Corps at meetings and forums.

Essential Job Functions
Program Implementation:

• Ensure effective implementation of the You-SB program, including meeting deliverables on time, within budget, and according to MC and DFID standards.


• Ensure that You-SB is responsive in strengthening local capacities to implement evidence-based, community- led projects that address the drivers of instability in the region.


• Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites in the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) (Maiduguri, Damboa, and Biu).


• Support technical aspects of the program by assisting with the development of activities/agendas/curriculum related to CVE.


• Facilitate and co-facilitate community meetings, events, and trainings as required.


• Liaise with partner organizations, government officials, and potential resource persons as needed.

Personal Leadership:

• Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure.


• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.


• Demonstrate an awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting:

• Facilitate the achievement of performance-based targets and outcomes and lead efforts to design effective, proactive, and iterative M&E systems following DfID’s logical framework.


• Produce draft reports and updates on all aspects of the DfID program in a timely and efficient manner.


• Support M&E staff to implement relevant surveys, needs assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring.


• Coordinate closely with other personnel to ensure all objectives of the proposal and activities are met.

Representation:

• Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO, and other relevant events in the field, in close coordination as assigned.

Program Support Operations:

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the program assistant based in Abuja, with program, finance, operations, and administration staff to ensure effective systems are in place to support field activities including logistics (transport, warehousing and asset management), procurement, security, administration, and human resources.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.

Accountability:

• To be accountable for ensuring all allocated project plans, risk plans and project documentation and files are accurate and up to date.


• Also Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards 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.

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct supervision of: N/A. Reports directly to: Deputy Project Manager
Works directly with: All field team members

Knowledge and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Education, Management, International Development or other relevant field;


• A minimum of 2 to 4 years of experience, with experience working in rural communities in North-East Nigeria strongly preferred;


• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Hausa required. Kanuri (or other major local language) language skills strongly preferred.


• Experience operating large, complex programs in an insecure environment is required.


• Experience working in programs related to stabilization, conflict mitigation, and CVE


• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.


• Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues in a high security environment.


• Experience working in a multi-organizational team (international and national partners) is a plus.


• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.


• Experience working with International NGOs and donors like the UN, development organizations, country-level ministries and government officials, e.g. Ministry of Youth or Ministry of Women Affairs.

Success Factors:

• The successful Program Officer will combine exceptional management skills and technical skills with a focus on innovative interventions to bring communities together.


• An ideal candidate will be conversant with the challenges inherent in CVE work and will be a self-starter who has led grassroots development efforts.


• S/he will have an outstanding ability to support innovative and complex programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region.


• Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential

Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions:

• The PO will be based in Maiduguri, Borno state. The PO will travel frequently to program locations, where security may be particularly difficult at times.


• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting.


• 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.

 

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer – YOU-SB
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria (With frequent travels to other project locations in Borno State)
Start Date: 1 August 2016 ( 8 months).

Project Description

• With funding from the Department for International Development (DfID), Mercy Corps will implement the “Youth Stabilization Initiative for Borno (YOU-SB)”, which seeks to address the grievances and unequal economic opportunities that leave youth vulnerable to recruitment and radicalization by violent extremist groups.


• YOU-SB will support civil society, government actors, community and religious leaders, and youth to increase community resilience to prevent the spread of violent extremism in Borno State.


• By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among the stakeholders to prevent violence, the program’s goals are aligned with the objectives outlined by UK DfID 2014-2016 Operational Strategy, which aims to support progress in Northern Nigeria in order to promote regional stability in the Sahel.


• The proposed program will focus on both “push” and “pull” factors that drive youth to participate in violence, including governance grievances, unequal economic opportunities and vulnerability to extremist messaging.


• YOU-SB puts emphasis on evidence generation and program learning, and the key program components have the potential for smart, significant scale-up beyond the life of this initial eight-month program.

General Position Summary

• The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will be responsible for supporting the MEL Manager and You-SB staff to ensure that MEL systems, procedures, performance monitoring and results reporting are in place, effectively implemented and well synchronized.


• The MEL Officer should expect to travel frequently to the project implementation sites in Biu, Damboa, and Maiduguri LGAs in Borno State.

Essential Job Functions

• MEL System Development and Maintenance – Collaborate closely with colleagues and partners in developing and establishing the MEL system serving the needs of the overall program. The system must be designed and maintained to harmonize MC Nigeria and partner project approaches with utility and program quality in mind, providing managers and their team’s real time information that can steer program implementation as well as improves our ability to analyze and represent impact to donors, government, colleague agencies, and communities themselves.


• Staff Training and Capacity Building-Build the capacity of all relevant team members to develop and maintain an excellent MEL system and enable them to develop excellent reports and other documents.


• Monitoring and Evaluation Assessments – Assist in designing programs that incorporate Mercy Corps’ and MC Nigeria’s standards on design, monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Ensure that monitoring systems meet donor requirements.


• Grants and Reports Management


• Developing appropriate documentation to track grants to local partners.


• Assist to conduct assessments of local capacity.


• Provide training and support to local partners in administering and reporting.


• Regularly conduct project site visits in order to maintain current information for accurate documentation and reporting.


• Assist in training colleagues and partner teams, as necessary.


• Any other duties related to grants and program reports.


• Assist the program implementation team in timely and accurate reporting to donors.


• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.


• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager

Organizational Learning:

• As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards 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.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Accountability:

• Reports Directly to: MEL Manager


• Works Directly with: You-SB program staff and MEL Manager

Knowledge and Experience

• University degree in Social Science or equivalent work experience in monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL) through direct program implementation.


• Minimum 4 years direct work experience in project implementation and/or MEL systems. Work experience in relevant field is required.


• Prior experience of carrying out surveys, conducting interviews, and undertaking assessments are essential.


• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative indicators.


• Creative and ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking. Analytical and report writing skills are necessary.


• Computers skills – word-processing and spreadsheets experience required.  Computer database experience preferred.


• Experience in the development of Logical Framework Analyses and in the conducting of Participatory Rural Appraisal is extremely desirable.

Success Factors

• Conscientious, with excellent judgment.


• Display an entrepreneurial spirit that is both creative and flexible. S/he will combine strong communication skills, creativity, initiative, participatory leadership and tactful decisiveness to assist in the development and implementation of MC Nigeria’s programming strategy.


• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Hausa required. Kanuri (or other major local language) language skills strongly preferred.


• Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.


• S/he must have the confidence, and humility, to work effectively with a large variety of people who will be diverse culturally, economically and in social status.


• S/he must be sensitive to political and cultural nuance and able to consistently apply excellent judgment to a variety of demanding and fast-changing situations.


• Ability to foster solid working relationships with government counterparts, teammates, local partners, and others.


• Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel.


• Strong organizational skills.


• S/he will have the ability to comfortably adapt to a quickly changing environment with a sense of urgency, humor, and curiosity.

Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions:

• The MEL Officer will be based in Maiduguri, Borno state. The PO will travel frequently to program locations, where security may be particularly difficult at times.


• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. 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.

 

Job Title: Deputy Program Manager -YOU-SB
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria ( With frequent travels to other project locations in Borno State)
Start Date: 1 August 2016 ( 8 months).

Project Description

• With funding from the Department for International Development (DfID), Mercy Corps will implement the “Youth Stabilization Initiative for Borno (YOU-SB)”, which seeks to address the grievances and unequal economic opportunities that leave youth vulnerable to recruitment and radicalization by violent extremist groups.


• YOU-SB will support civil society, government actors, community and religious leaders, and youth to increase community resilience to prevent the spread of violent extremism in Borno State.


• By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among the stakeholders to prevent violence, the program’s goals are aligned with the objectives outlined by UK DfID 2014-2016 Operational Strategy, which aims to support progress in Northern Nigeria in order to promote regional stability in the Sahel.


• The proposed program will focus on both “push” and “pull” factors that drive youth to participate in violence, including governance grievances, unequal economic opportunities and vulnerability to extremist messaging.


• YOU-SB puts emphasis on evidence generation and program learning, and the key program components have the potential for smart, significant scale-up beyond the life of this initial eight-month program.

Position Responsibilities

• The Deputy Project Manager (DPM) will provide technical, management, and strategic vision to the implementation of the You-SB program by managing staff, national partners, and resources to ensure that the program meets performance-based targets on-time and within budget, as per DfID requirements.


• The DPM will coordinate and mobilize civil society, youth, government, traditional, and religious leaders to collaborate in identifying the root causes of youth participation in violence in Borno.


• The DPM will also support civil society to engage the government on planning for reconciliation and reconstruction.


• S/he will ensure program funds are spent efficiently and maximize Value for Money (VfM), as per DFID requirements.


• The DPM will supervise and build the capacity of key program staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor rules and regulations.


• S/he will support the Project Manager in liaising with donors, relevant government entities, public and private sector partners, and external stakeholders.

General Position Summary

• The DPM will provide technical, management, and strategic vision to the implementation of the You-SB program by managing staff, partners and resources to ensure that the program meets performance-based targets on-time and within budget, as per DFID requirements.


• The DPM will supervise and build the capacity of key program staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor rules and regulations.


• S/he will support the Project Manager in liaising with donors, relevant government entities, implementing partners, and external stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions
Vision and Strategy:

• Review and revise the strategic plan, in the light of new opportunities (particularly for innovative action) and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.


• Play an active role in identifying new initiatives that foster and/or improve strategic objectives of the country office, whether utilizing existing resources or requiring program/project development, in coordination with the Project Manager.

Program Implementation:

• Ensure effective implementation of the You-SB program, including meeting deliverables on time, within budget, and according to Mercy Corps and DFID standards.


• Ensure that You-SB is responsive in strengthening local capacities to implement evidence-based, community- led projects that address the drivers of instability in the region. This also includes working with implementation partners that are aligned with Mercy Corps principles, values, and strategic plan.


• Ensure the You-SB team adheres to DFID’s VfM principles (i.e. economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity).


• Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Mercy Corps and DFID policies and procedures, and relevant external rules and regulations.


• Oversee performance of partners and stakeholders and conduct frequent field visits to all project sites in the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) (Maiduguri, Biu and Damboa) in Borno State.


• Resolve partners’ problems as needs arise.


• Prepare specific conflict analysis reports on a periodic basis, either thematic or geographic in focus, based on the specific need and relevance.


• Serve as a hub for reporting of incidents from staff and partners.


• Meet with the government, civil society, security, donor, media, and private sector on a regular basis to collect necessary information.


• Provide advice to the Country Director/Project Manager on unfolding conflict dynamics.


• Contribute to the proposal and report writing processes by writing contextual analyses.

Personal Leadership:

• Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure.


• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.


• Demonstrate an awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting:

• Facilitate the achievement of performance-based targets and outcomes and lead efforts to design effective, proactive, and iterative M&E systems following DFID’s logical framework.


• Oversee the production of high-quality reports on all aspects of the You-SB program in a timely and efficient manner.


• Ensure that M&E team members focus on assisting the program to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing program decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level.

Representation:

• In close coordination with the Mercy Corps Nigeria Country Director and the Project Manager,  represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO, and other relevant events in the field,


• Coordinate activities with partners, civil society, government officials, traditional institutions, private sector actors, as well as with other Mercy Corps conflict programs in Nigeria.


• Proactively form strategic relationships with private sector actors who have the potential to complement DfID funding.

Team Management:

• Implement performance planning and management systems, establish performance expectations with team members, and regularly provide constructive feedback on team members’ performance.


• Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews and ensure that supervisory staff does the same.


• Contribute to country team-building efforts and ensure the integration of all team members in the relevant decision-making processes.

Program Support Operations:

• Coordinate with program, finance, operations, and administration staff to ensure effective systems are in place to support field activities including logistics (transport, warehousing and asset management), procurement, security, administration, and human resources.


• Help design operational policies and practices as needed and in accordance with DfID and Mercy Corps regulations.

Security:

• Work closely with Mercy Corps Nigeria country team’s security focal person to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of their work.


• Ensure that You-SB activities are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security management priorities for Mercy Corps staff, You-SB participants, and implementing partners, ensuring Do No Harm principles are strictly adhered to.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.

Accountability:

• To be accountable for ensuring all allocated project plans, risk plans and project documentation and files are accurate and up to date. Also, Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards 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.


• Supervisory Responsibility: Direct supervision of: Officers, Assistants. Reports directly to: Project Manager


• Works directly with: Mercy Corps Nigeria operations and finance team, as well as staff of other Mercy Corps Nigeria conflict management programs.

Knowledge and Experience

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Education, Management, International Development or other relevant field;


• A minimum of 4 to 5 years of experience, including 2 years in a senior management position, with experience working in in North-East Nigeria strongly preferred;


• Experience working in conflict mitigation, stabilization or similar programming;


• Experience managing and mentoring staff;


• Experience operating large, complex programs in an insecure environment is required;


• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members;


• Strong understanding of DfID compliance issues; experience managing contracts and performance based payments is desired;


• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Hausa required, including report development, writing and editing. Kanuri language skills is a plus.


• Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues in a high security environment. Experience managing a multi-organizational team (international and national partners) is a plus.


• Experience coordinating with government partners to ensure program effectiveness and impact.

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will combine exceptional management skills and experience in maintaining DFID and partner relationships with a focus on innovative interventions to engage adolescent girls in informal education and skills building linked with private sector entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in a culturally and religiously conservative environment.


• S/he will have an outstanding ability to develop, implement and manage innovative and complex programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region.


• S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams and capacity building, individual staff development, and strong mentoring skills. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.

Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions:

• The DPM will be based in Maiduguri with regular travel to Biu and Damboa LGAs in central and southern Borno.


• The DPM will travel frequently to program locations, where security may be particularly difficult at times.

 

Job Title: Communication and Reporting Officer -YOU-SB
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria (With frequent travels to other project locations in Borno State)
Start Date: 1st August, 2016. ( 8 months)

Project Descriptions

• With funding from the Department for International Development (DfID), Mercy Corps will implement the “Youth Stabilization Initiative for Borno (YOU-SB)”, which seeks to address the grievances and unequal economic opportunities that leave youth vulnerable to recruitment and radicalization by violent extremist groups.


• YOU-SB will support civil society, government actors, community and religious leaders, and youth to increase community resilience to prevent the spread of violent extremism in Borno State.


• By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among the stakeholders to prevent violence, the program’s goals are aligned with the objectives outlined by UK DfID 2014-2016 Operational Strategy, which aims to support progress in Northern Nigeria in order to promote regional stability in the Sahel.


• The proposed program will focus on both “push” and “pull” factors that drive youth to participate in violence, including governance grievances, unequal economic opportunities and vulnerability to extremist messaging.


• YOU-SB puts emphasis on evidence generation and program learning, and the key program components have the potential for smart, significant scale-up beyond the life of this initial eight-month program.

Position Responsibilities

• The Communications and Reporting Officer will provide leadership in all aspects of knowledge management, communications, and learning.


• S/he will report to the Deputy Program Manager and implement activities that ensure adherence to Mercy Corps and DFID standards, including the use of standardized indicators and documentation methodologies.


• S/he will support communications, documenting project impact and key lessons learned, and coordinating with Mercy Corps’ partner staff.


• She/he will also lead information campaigns, media engagement and the development of all donor program reports.

General Position Summary

• The Communication and Reports Officer will assist the Deputy Program Manager and the entire program team in the daily smooth running of the program in the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) (Maiduguri, Biu, and Damboa) in Borno State.


• Specifically, the Communications and Reporting Officer will compile and prepare reports for the program in line with internal reporting requirements.

Essential Job Functions
Technical Leadership – Information and Media Campaigns:

• Develop strategies for managing knowledge generated from implementation of the You-SB program under each output.


• Make recommendations to enable smooth management of information.


• Facilitate orientation sessions to acquaint staff on agreed strategies and on how to do proper documentation.


• Regularly review You-SB data collection and reporting procedure and provide technical assistance.


• Coordinate internal and external reviews of information collected and lead the analysis of findings, with a strong emphasis on learning.


• Participate in the preparation of high-quality quarterly and annual reports.


• Lead advocacy campaigns to increase the ability of CSOs to lead assessments and engage with state actors, community leaders, and at-risk groups to ensure sustainability.


• Work closely with religious leaders to support campaigns to sensitize communities in preparedness for reintegration of former members of violent extremist groups.

Capacity Building to CSO Partners:

• Actively participate in meetings and processes to promote effective program management for partners and staff.


• In close collaboration with MEL Manager and program teams, define customized learning and capacity development plans according to You-SB staff and project needs.


• Problem-solve with others to address shortfalls in MEL and information management that affect program implementation.


• Participate in M&E-related working groups and maintain close working relationships with MEL counterparts in other relevant international NGOs, local NGOs, and associations in Nigeria.


• Will work to strengthen civil society’s capacity to collect, analyze, and disseminate data to track and promote public discourse on drivers of instability and potential threats to stability.

Reporting and Collaboration:

• Update and manage electronic and hardcopy filing system of reports, in close cooperation with program team.


• On a bi-weekly basis, compile activity reports and share them with the team. This includes standardizing format and vocabulary. Ensure a high quality of reports in terms of format and English.


• Assist the Project Manager in written correspondence to officials, NGOs, and other organizations. Maintain a file of all official correspondence.


• Visit all program sites at least twice a month. Stay up to date on activities in all communities and on any problems and initiatives. Should have a strong, working knowledge of all program activities and beneficiaries.


• Monitor daily program activity to provide weekly overviews to the MEL Manager/PM on progress, challenges, and suggestions.


• Take comprehensive minutes at meetings.


• Data-entry of program information, as assigned. Develop charts, statistical reports, and data-bases as required by MEL/Program Manager.


• Track project development throughout the target locations.


• Coordinate training plans with partner staff, identify training needs, and develop, implement, and maintain a training plan.

Information Management and Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop donor reports and design a system that will ensure project documentation is consistent, accessible, and available.


• Make recommendations on dissemination of information about the organization’s best practices to internal and external audiences.


• Lead development of appropriate knowledge products and develop dissemination plan in collaboration with the MEL Manager.


• Utilize internal Mercy Corps global online information-sharing resources to enhance organizational learning.


• Support the collection, alignment, and reporting of relevant program indicators as part of Mercy Corps’ global Mission Metrics initiative.


• Make performance results available to relevant program teams so that they can be used for continuous improvement.


• Advise the MEL team on areas of improvement.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our participants 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 field projects.

Knowledge and Experience

• The successful candidate must be able to work independently and show initiative;


• experience in an NGO setting; report writing; ability to make recommendations for improvement; strong computer (MS Office), filing, and organizational skills;


• Advanced knowledge of written and spoken English and Hausa is essential and knowledge of Kanuri strongly preferred;


• Ability to translate letters, reports and meetings as required;


• Proven ability to provide oral and written translation from Hausa to English and vice versa;


• Willingness to travel throughout the project areas in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) (Maiduguri, Biu and Damboa)  in Borno State.

Requirements
The ideal candidate should also possess the following;

• Postgraduate degree in Development Studies, Communications, Social Sciences, or other relevant field, with a strong foundation in Knowledge Management, Communication, and Research.


• Minimum 3-5 years of communications, media and media relations experience with private sector, NGOs, UN and/or government; particular experience working with radio outlets, messaging campaigns and advocacy is preferred.


• Experience in reporting and editing.


• Experience working with/for UK Department for International Development (DFID) or other donors.


• Fluency in English and Hausa required. Kanuri strongly preferred.


• Familiarity and experience working in conflict zones and fragile communities is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• N/A. Reports directly to Deputy Project Manager

Works directly with:

• The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer

Success Factors:

• The successful Communications and Reporting Officer should have the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work under tight deadlines within a complex team.


• S/he will demonstrate strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and be committed to the values and mission of Mercy Corps.


• S/he will take initiative and contribute to team efforts, as well as demonstrate an ability to communicate, assume leadership, and make solid decisions while working remotely from country leadership.


• The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, with dedication towards community work, commitment to work long hours in the field conditions with limited access to resources.


• S/He will be highly motivated, with initiative and capable to work without direct supervision.


• S/he will be willing to conduct field travels and work in ethnically and culturally diversified and fast growing team.

Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions:

• The Communications and Reporting Officer will be based in Maiduguri, Borno State with regular travel to all project sites in Borno State.


• S/he will travel frequently to locations where security may be particularly difficult at times.

How To Apply
Interested qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their CV and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: [email protected]

Applications Deadline: 28th July, 2016.

Note

• All applications must include the position title in the subject line.


• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.


• We are an equal opportunity organization and we strongly  encourage residents in Adamawa and surroundings to apply for this position.

Mercy Corps Nigeria Recruitment [5 Positions]