Job Vacancies at Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps works in fragile and conflict-affected environments to build secure, productive, and just communities. We believe that transitional environments - countries affected by civil wars, economic and political crisis, or natural disasters - offer tremendous opportunities for positive change. 

Mercy Corps started its operations in Nigeria in 2012, and since then has been providing humanitarian assistance in response to the crisis in the North East, helping adolescent girls’ in getting access to education and economic resources, ensuring vulnerable households have the skills needed to pursue economic activities, decreasing conflicts in the Middle Belt and other parts of the country.  

Mercy Corps is recruiting to fill the positions below:

1       Job Title: Project Manager - TARE
Location: Abuja

General Position Summary

• ·         The Project Manager will provide overall leadership, management and strategic vision to the implementation of the GHR-funded TARE program, managing staff, strategic relationships, partners and resources to ensure that the program meets performance-based targets on-time and within budget.
• ·         S/he will work with the Director of Conflict Management Programs to ensure high quality program implementation, staff management, identify new programming opportunities, and will serve as a liaison to external bodies, representing Mercy Corps with government, donors, foundations, and other organizations.
• ·         S/he will lead the implementation of the peacebuilding programming and provide overall management and supervisory guidance for current and future Inter-Religious Peacebuilding in Borno and Middle Belt states.
• ·         S/he will ensure effective coordination and information management across Mercy Corps programming in the project implementation states and will work to integrate best practices in conflict sensitivity across conflict management programs.
• ·         The Project Manager will coordinate with other donor funded programming to achieve cross cutting objectives. The Project Manager will supervise and build the capacity of program staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies, and donor rules and regulations.
• ·         The Project Manager will be responsible for the following activities across the three states:

Program Implementation: 

• ·         Ensure effective implementation of the GHR-funded TARE program, including meeting deliverables on time, scope and within budget, and according to Mercy Corps and donor quality standards.
• ·         Ensure TARE is responsive to community peacebuilding and conflict management needs. This includes managing relationships with partners and alignment with Mercy Corps principles, values and strategic plans.
• ·         Monitor and adhere to grant agreement, Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations.
• ·         Oversee performance of project implementation by partners, and conduct frequent field visits to project sites.
• ·         Ensure implementation of activities is on time, target and budget, using effective systems to reach desired impacts in order to assess program effectiveness, and propose recommendations for improvements.
• ·         In collaboration with the M&E staff, design and implement relevant surveys, data and information collection for on-going monitoring.
• ·         Maintain links and keep informing on up-to-date best practices around conflict management and peacebuilding strategies.

Leadership:

• ·         Demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure.
• ·         Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.

Representation: 

• ·         Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO, community meetings in close coordination with the Director of Conflict Management Programs.
• ·         Coordinate activities with implementing partners, local government representatives, religious leaders, other international and local organizations operating in the same geographic area, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs in Nigeria.

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 into relevant decision-making processes.

Program Support Operations: 

• ·         Coordinate with program, finance, HR, operations, and administration staff to ensure effective systems are in place to support program activities including logistics, procurement, security, administration, and human resources.

Knowledge and Experience

• ·         Excellent oral, written, presentation and communications skills in English are required.
• ·         Strong report development, writing and editing skills required.
• ·         Fluency in Hausa Language required.
• ·         MA/Sc or equivalent in management, social sciences, international development or other relevant field.
• ·         A minimum of 7 years of experience including 4 years in a senior management or technical advisory role, preferably on Conflict Management and Peacebuilding programs.
• ·         Experience engaging with State and Local Government authorities, ministries and relevant institutions.
• ·         Experience implementing programs in the Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Northeast regions.
• ·         Experience managing community-based inter-religious peacebuilding and conflict management interventions.
• ·         Strong training and capacity building experience.
• ·         Deep understanding of the conflict dynamics in Northern Nigeria.
• ·         High attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• ·         Ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

Success Factors: 

• ·         The successful Compliance Manager will show ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel.
• ·         A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
• ·         A high professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. 
• ·         The ability to take financial data and present it in meaningful financial reports is essential.

2         Job Title: Senior Project Officer - TARE
Location: Abuja

Program/Department Summary

• ·         Within the Conflict Management Programs portfolio Mercy Corps implemented a UKAID-funded program called Conciliation in Nigeria through Community-Based Conflict Management and Cooperative Use of Resources (CONCUR), the Ford Foundation-funded Future of Youth in Norther Nigeria project, and is currently implementing the GHR Foundation-funded Inter-Religious Peacebuilding in Northern Nigerian (IPNN) project, the USAID-funded Engaging Communities for Peace in Nigeria (ECPN) project, and the UKAID-funded Youth Stabilization Initiative for Borno (YOU-SB) project.
• ·         Supporting Harmonious Association, Religious Participation and Engagement for Northern Nigeria (TARE, which stands for “together” in Hausa), will be implemented in three Northern Nigerian states: Borno, Kaduna and Plateau. TARE will strategically build on the past four years of the IPNN Program to: Enhance the capacity of faith-based organizations and institutions to engage communities of different faiths in peacebuilding efforts.
• ·         Strengthen the capacity of religious leaders and create a platform for inter-faith negotiations across Christian, Sunni and Shia communities in Kaduna
• ·         Complement PVE programing in Borno through supporting religious leaders to prevent youth participation in extremist activities through community-level and formal governance activities.
• ·         Compare and disseminate analysis on the integration of religious leaders and faith-based organizations in peacebuilding.
• ·         TARE is designed for comparative analysis of three approaches to peacebuilding and will partner with religious leaders and faith-based organizations in three distinct ways to assess the:
• o    Role of faith-based organizations and institutions in peacebuilding.
• o    Role of religious leaders in countering violent extremism.
• o    Role of religious leaders in peacebuilding.

General Position Summary 

• ·         The Senior Project Officer will support the implementation of activities related to capacity building for religious leaders and religious institutions, facilitation and implementation of joint PVE plans, and the facilitation of events related to advocacy initiatives.
• ·         The Senior Project Officer will also provide support to all other activities related to the GHR-funded TARE program, and will ensure smooth, timely, and compliant implementation.
• ·         The Senior Project Officer will liaise frequently with implementing partners, community members, religious leaders, and represent Mercy Corps at relevant meetings.

Responsibilities

• The Senior Project Officer will be responsible for the following activities across the three states:

Program Support: 

• ·         Support technical aspects of inter-religious peacebuilding and conflict management program by assisting with the development of activities/agendas/curricula related to peacebuilding.
• ·         Facilitate and co-facilitate community meetings, events, and trainings as required.
• ·         Ensure implementation of activities is on time, target and budget.
• ·         Liaise with TARE partner organizations and potential resource persons as needed.
• ·         Support the Project Manager in overseeing the performance of project implementation by partners, and conduct frequent field visits to project sites.
• ·         Maintain links with religious leaders and faith-based organizations, and keep up-to-date records of best practices around conflict management and peacebuilding strategies.
• ·         In collaboration with M&E staff, implement relevant surveys, needs assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring.
• ·         Coordinate closely with other project staff to ensure all objectives of the proposal and activities are met.

Representation: 

• ·         Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO, community meetings in close coordination with the Project Manager.
• ·         Coordinate activities with implementing partners, local government representatives, religious leaders, other international and local organizations operating in the same geographic area, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs in Nigeria.

Knowledge and Experience 

• ·         Fluency in Hausa and English.
• ·         BA/S or equivalent in conflict management, social sciences, international development or other relevant field.
• ·         A minimum of 5 years of experience working in the non-profit sector preferably on conflict management/peacebuilding and community development.
• ·         Experience working in rural areas in Nigeria, particularly in target states of TARE.
• ·         Experience working in a multi-organizational team (international and national partners) is a plus.
• ·         Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development, writing and editing. Knowledge of Hausa is strongly preferred.
• ·         Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• ·         Experience engaging with State and Local Government authorities, religious leaders and local partners.
• ·         Experience managing community-based inter-religious peacebuilding and conflict management interventions.
• ·         Strong training and capacity building experience.
• ·         Deep understanding of the conflict dynamics in Northern Nigeria.

Success Factor: 

• ·         The successful Compliance Manager will show ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel. 
• ·         A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.  A high professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. 
• ·         The ability to take financial data and present it in meaningful financial reports is essential. 

3       Job Title: Program Coordinator - YES
Location: Lagos

General Position Summary

• ·         The Program Coordinator will support the partner organization in Lagos in the implementation of activities that transition vulnerable youth into employment.
• ·         This position will connect the partner to administrative functions in Mercy Corps as well as YES! leadership, coordinate monitoring, evaluation and learning, and support the program through development of relationships with government, NGOs, and private sector partners

Essential Job Functions
Strategy & Vision: 

• ·         Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• ·         Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.
• ·         Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.

Partner Support: 

• ·         Ensure implementation of activities is on time, target and budget. Manage sub-grantee activities including budget, implementation and reporting
• ·         Support partners to maintain compliance with Mercy Corps and donor systems, and coordinate closely with other YES! personnel to ensure smooth communications and all objectives of the proposal and activities are met.

Program Support: 

• ·         Leverage Mercy Corps’ relationships to identify Nigerian partners – government institutions, NGOs, vocational training/skills centers, or other replicators – to participate in YES! activities, and help to build those relationships.
• ·         Support advocacy to employers committed to competency-based hiring and educators committed to competency-based education
• ·         Provide backstopping support for partner activities as agreed with the partner.

Monitoring and Evaluation: 

• ·         In collaboration with partner, maintain YES! M&E Database, support deployment of baseline/endline surveys.
• ·         Support documentation of lessons learned, and coordinate learning activities in collaboration with the Results, Learning and Research Coordinator.

Program Management: 

• ·         Oversee program startup and ongoing program management and administration of teams across various field locations.
• ·         Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
• ·         Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to established vulnerability criteria.
• ·         Develop partners’ MoUs and contracts & oversee a training program for program partners.
• ·         Develop program implementation strategies, including partnership frameworks, beneficiary targeting and distribution process as well as WASH, psychosocial and capacity building of partners.
• ·         Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate.
• ·         Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
• ·         Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.

Team Management: 

• ·         Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• ·         Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• ·         Supervise, hire and orient new team members as necessary.
• ·         Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• ·         Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• ·         Finance & Compliance Management:
• ·         Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.
• ·         Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.

Influence & Representation: 

• ·         Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
• ·         Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
• ·         Security:
• ·         Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• ·         Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning : 

• ·         As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries: 

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

Knowledge and Experience

• ·         BA/S or equivalent in Education, Management, Business Studies, International Development or other relevant field. MBA or MA an advantage.
• ·         A minimum of 5 years of experience in skills building, employment, youth, and/or market development programs. Experience with private-sector led initiatives required. Experience working in the private sector preferred.
• ·         Experience in M&E data and/or databases.
• ·         Experience managing sub-grantees
• ·         Experience working in a multi-organizational team (international and national partners) is a plus.
• ·         Experience working with country-level ministries and government officials.
• ·         Ability to mobilize resources from private sector groups
• ·         Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required, including documenting learning, report development, writing and editing.
• ·         Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, develop reports, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

Success Factors

• ·         The successful Program Coordinator will combine exceptional management, communication, and relationship-building skills, with an ability to think creatively about employment programming. 
• ·         S/he will have an outstanding to supportively and diplomatically engage with partners. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.
• ·         Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours .
• ·         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.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit CV's and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: ng-recruitment.nigeria@mercycorps.org
Note

·         All applications must include the position title in the subject line and not more than 4 pages. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

·         We are an equal opportunity organization and we strongly encourage women to apply for this position.

Applications Deadline  22nd December, 2016.