Current Job Vacancies at United Purpose, 18th July, 2019
United Purpose (UP) is an international development organisation that works to sustainably reduce poverty and improve the lives of some of the world's poorest communities. Established in 1976, the organisation has nine country programmes in Africa, Asia & South America.
In Nigeria, UP has been working for almost two decades with local partners and rural communities in the country’s South East. We implement projects funded by major international donors that aim to address gender inequalities and rights abuses, improve sanitation and access to water, foster accountability, preserve vital ecosystems and develop sustainable livelihoods.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Project Support Officer - State Government Level
Location: Designated LGAs in Benue State (with regular travel to Makurdi)
Reporting to: Project Support Officer – State Government Level
Purpose
- The purpose of this post is to support implementation of the Rural Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) Programme funded by the UN/WSSCC Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) and the Nigerian Government. United Purpose is the Executing Agency for the Programme that aims to significantly increase sanitation coverage and sustained hygiene behavioural change in Cross River and Benue States, and to serve as a model towards state-wide sanitation coverage that can be replicated in other states.
- The post-holder will lead Programme activities in a designated LGA in Cross River State by supporting partner staff at the Local Government level to achieve LGA-wide Open Defecation Free (ODF) status using the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach. This involves providing direct support at the community level to staff of LGAs and CSOs through extensive travel to field locations, coordination of activities in line with detailed implementation plans, communicating effectively with partners and other stakeholders, identifying and sharing project impacts, and liaising closely with UP’s Offices in Calabar.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Liaise/coordinate with and between all entities involved in the Programme at the LGA level, particularly LGA WASH Unit, LGA Tasks Group on Sanitation (LTGS) and Civil Society Organisations, and ensure effective implementation of Programme activities for the delivery of intended outputs and outcomes.
- Actively participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the LGA level, ensuring there is common understanding of Programme objectives.
- Specifically, you are responsible for ensuring compliance with Programme commitments, including: Providing feedback to partners and programme team on performance; building capacity of CSOs; developing human stories for publication; support planning and review processes; support the LGA M&E team in report writing, documentation and data collection; ensure that the LGA finance team adhere to UP’s finance management procedures; support partners in improving learning & sharing
- Work closely with other Project Support Officers at the LGA level to identify and address capacity gaps in the WASH structures at the LGA level in order to achieve effective CLTS delivery and ODF in all communities. This includes identifying the support required from RUWASSA to assist LGA WASH Units for effective community mobilisation, establishment and training of tasks groups on sanitation, and conduct advocacy and participatory planning activities.
- Support the Programme Manager to review the LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in the formulation of strategies, plans and budgets to achieve Total Sanitation and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and human resource) in the programme targeted LGA
- Ensure that annual budget preparations at LGA level include budget lines for Total Sanitation.
- Provide technical inputs in the preparation and design of surveys and studies, and play an active role in the dissemination of survey results and study findings under the programme among stakeholders; as part of increasing their understanding of sector issues and emerging approaches, and thereby facilitate scaling up of successful approaches to other LGAs.
- Provide regular supportive supervision and monitoring of programme activities of the LGA WASH Unit, LTGS, and CSOs on the basis of agreed plans, targets, and technical design, specifications and standards
- Carry out field visits to monitor progress and quality of implementation of sanitation facilities (latrines, urinals, hand-washing stations etc.) constructed by community participants. Facilitate/support the quality control (by third party/state verification team) of completed facilities
- Support LGA authorities to implement monitoring systems for improved decision-making based on the Programme M&E framework, and maintain a regular flow of information to relevant stakeholders.
- Assist in efforts to build a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation. This includes by networking with other implementing agencies in the target LGAs in order to maximize synergies in the health and education sectors for opportunities for replication and of scaling up CLTS and WASH more widely.
- Provide weekly updates and monthly reports in approved formats summarising progress made in implementation of activities, lessons learnt and recommendations for improvement including ad hoc reports and human-interest stories that may be needed. In addition, contribute to updating the results-based framework in-line with programme indicators on a quarterly basis with more detailed inputs provided towards the preparation of semi-annual and annual reports.
- Undertake other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time contributing to the overall organisations’ objective.
Person Specification
Required:
- University Degree in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Sociology, Rural Development or a field related to WASH development assistance
- 2-3 years professional experience in a similar position
- Experience of leading capacity building and training for local institutions and communities
- Knowledge of and experience in Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programming
- Good planning, co-ordination and prioritisation skills, with ability to maintain quality on multiple tasks
- Good communication and facilitation skills
- Ability to work under pressure with little supervision to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
- Working knowledge of basic computer software (Word, Excel, E-mail operations)
- Gender and intercultural sensitivity
- Fluency in English and pidgin languages
Desirable:
- Masters Degree in a relevant discipline
- Experience in managing donor-funded projects, including grant management and reporting
- Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development
- Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development
- Experience of team leadership and clear examples of supervisory skills and line-management
- Knowledge of participatory research methods, results-based monitoring and action learning
- Positive outlook and proactive problem solving skills
- Experience and skills of using audio/visual equipment to capture development impacts
- Knowledge and experience of best practice approaches to gender and disability issues
- Knowledge and understanding of contextual diversity of Cross River State and its major languages
What we offer
This position offers the right candidate the opportunity to gain senior-level experience with an international NGO. We provide a competitive remuneration, high-quality training and support, and, above all, a respectful and empowering working environment and the opportunity to make a real impact.
Remuneration
Commensurate with position and experience
Job Title: Partnership Coordinator
Location: Calabar (with travel to Abuja and field sites in Cross River State)
Reporting to: RUSHPIN Programme Manager
Purpose
- The purpose of this post is to support implementation of the Rural Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) Programme funded by the UN/WSSCC Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) and the Nigerian Government. United Purpose is the Executing Agency for the Programme that aims to significantly increase sanitation coverage and sustained hygiene behavioural change in Cross River and Benue States, and to serve as a model towards state-wide sanitation coverage that can be replicated in other states.
- The Partnership Coordinator will provide technical assistance in linking and fostering coordination and collaboration between State, LGA and non-state partners (sub-grantees). Specifically, the post-holder will work within UP to support the stated agenda of the Federal Government to achieve an Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025, with particular focus on developing state ODF road maps, systems strengthening, and inclusion of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and Leave No-one Behind (LNOB) approaches.
- Initially, the position will support the Cross River State Government to develop a road map for the attainment of State-level Open Defecation Free status. Working closely with relevant WASH stakeholders to support all activities towards the attainment of an ODF State, the role will involve extensive engagement with government, private sector and partners in the development sector. This support may then transfer to Benue or other States as required.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Support a movement towards state-wide ODF status for Cross River State through societal engagement, harnessing the ‘Clean and Green Cross River’ initiative launched by the State Government with high-level support from the Government of Cross River and key influencers and champions.
- Work within the RUSHPIN programme to play an important role as proof of concept and catalyst both at state level but also as technical support to the State and national level ODF strategy.
- Support the strengthening of inter-ministerial collaboration and partnership that will improve WASH governance (under the leadership of MoWR).
- Support Ministry of Water Resources in the implementation and the effective coordination of the ODF road map for Benue and Cross River States
- Support partners like Global Interfaith Alliance (GIWA) and faith leaders in Cross River to promote messaging around the importance of sanitation and hygiene nation-wide.
- Support to linking Nigeria success stories on ODF (programmatic, policy and financing progress) in National and state fora to promote RUSHPIN as a role model towards achieving ODF on a National level
- To engage civil society, WSSCC members, partners, youth, high Social influencers, media, and religious and traditional leaders (cross-sectoral with strong support from NEWSAN).
- Support the Programme Manager to review the State & LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in the formulation of strategies, plans and budgets to achieve Total Sanitation and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and human resource) in the programme targeted state.
- Undertake other responsibilities which may be assigned from time to time contributing to the overall organisations’ objective.
Person Specification
Required:
- University Degree in Social Science, Development Assistance, Gender or any field related to WASH, Development, or Communication
- 2-3 years professional experience managing projects funded by international donors, including experience of grant management and reporting, monitoring and evaluating
- Experience of working in partnership with multiple stakeholders, including Government, CSOs and the private sector
- Knowledge of WASH issues, especially sanitation and hygiene challenges and relating to MHM & EQND
- Excellent planning, co-ordination and prioritisation skills, with ability to maintain quality on multiple tasks
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Ability to work under pressure with little supervision to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
- Working knowledge of basic computer software (Word, Excel, E-mail operations)
- Gender and intercultural sensitivity
- Fluency in English and pidgin languages
Desirable:
- Masters Degree in a relevant discipline
- 5 years’ experience in successfully managing development projects, funded by international donors, including experience of grant management and reporting experience in monitoring and evaluating WASH projects
- Track record of building partnerships effectively with Government, civil society organisations, donors, private sector, and influencers/celebrities
- Knowledge of and experience in Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programming
- Experience of team leadership and clear examples of supervisory skills and line-management
- Knowledge of participatory research methods, results-based monitoring and action learning
- Positive outlook and proactive problem solving skills
- Experience and skills of using audio/visual equipment to capture development impacts
- Knowledge and experience of best practice approaches to gender and disability issues
- Knowledge and understanding of contextual diversity of Cross River State and its languages
What we offer
This position offers the right candidate the opportunity to gain senior-level experience with an international NGO. We provide a competitive remuneration, high-quality training and support, and, above all, a respectful and empowering working environment and the opportunity to make a real impact.
Remuneration
Commensurate with position and experience
Job Title: Project Support Officer - State Government Level
Location: Designated LGAs in Cross River State (with regular travel to Calabar)
Reporting to: Project Support Officer – State Government Level
Purpose
- The purpose of this post is to support implementation of the Rural Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) Programme funded by the UN/WSSCC Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) and the Nigerian Government. United Purpose is the Executing Agency for the Programme that aims to significantly increase sanitation coverage and sustained hygiene behavioural change in Cross River and Benue States, and to serve as a model towards state-wide sanitation coverage that can be replicated in other states.
- The post-holder will lead Programme activities in a designated LGA in Cross River State by supporting partner staff at the Local Government level to achieve LGA-wide Open Defecation Free (ODF) status using the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach. This involves providing direct support at the community level to staff of LGAs and CSOs through extensive travel to field locations, coordination of activities in line with detailed implementation plans, communicating effectively with partners and other stakeholders, identifying and sharing project impacts, and liaising closely with UP’s Offices in Calabar.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Liaise/coordinate with and between all entities involved in the Programme at the LGA level, particularly LGA WASH Unit, LGA Tasks Group on Sanitation (LTGS) and Civil Society Organisations, and ensure effective implementation of Programme activities for the delivery of intended outputs and outcomes.
- Actively participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the LGA level, ensuring there is common understanding of Programme objectives.
- Specifically, you are responsible for ensuring compliance with Programme commitments, including: Providing feedback to partners and programme team on performance; building capacity of CSOs; developing human stories for publication; support planning and review processes; support the LGA M&E team in report writing, documentation and data collection; ensure that the LGA finance team adhere to UP’s finance management procedures; support partners in improving learning & sharing
- Work closely with other Project Support Officers at the LGA level to identify and address capacity gaps in the WASH structures at the LGA level in order to achieve effective CLTS delivery and ODF in all communities. This includes identifying the support required from RUWASSA to assist LGA WASH Units for effective community mobilisation, establishment and training of tasks groups on sanitation, and conduct advocacy and participatory planning activities.
- Support the Programme Manager to review the LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in the formulation of strategies, plans and budgets to achieve Total Sanitation and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and human resource) in the programme targeted LGA
- Ensure that annual budget preparations at LGA level include budget lines for Total Sanitation.
- Provide technical inputs in the preparation and design of surveys and studies, and play an active role in the dissemination of survey results and study findings under the programme among stakeholders; as part of increasing their understanding of sector issues and emerging approaches, and thereby facilitate scaling up of successful approaches to other LGAs.
- Provide regular supportive supervision and monitoring of programme activities of the LGA WASH Unit, LTGS, and CSOs on the basis of agreed plans, targets, and technical design, specifications and standards
- Carry out field visits to monitor progress and quality of implementation of sanitation facilities (latrines, urinals, hand-washing stations etc.) constructed by community participants. Facilitate/support the quality control (by third party/state verification team) of completed facilities
- Support LGA authorities to implement monitoring systems for improved decision-making based on the Programme M&E framework, and maintain a regular flow of information to relevant stakeholders.
- Assist in efforts to build a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation. This includes by networking with other implementing agencies in the target LGAs in order to maximize synergies in the health and education sectors for opportunities for replication and of scaling up CLTS and WASH more widely.
- Provide weekly updates and monthly reports in approved formats summarising progress made in implementation of activities, lessons learnt and recommendations for improvement including ad hoc reports and human-interest stories that may be needed. In addition, contribute to updating the results-based framework in-line with programme indicators on a quarterly basis with more detailed inputs provided towards the preparation of semi-annual and annual reports.
- Undertake other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time contributing to the overall organisations’ objective.
Person Specification
Required:
- University Degree in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Sociology, Rural Development or a field related to WASH development assistance
- 2-3 years professional experience in a similar position
- Experience of leading capacity building and training for local institutions and communities
- Knowledge of and experience in Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programming
- Good planning, co-ordination and prioritisation skills, with ability to maintain quality on multiple tasks
- Good communication and facilitation skills
- Ability to work under pressure with little supervision to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
- Working knowledge of basic computer software (Word, Excel, E-mail operations)
- Gender and intercultural sensitivity
- Fluency in English and pidgin languages
Desirable:
- Masters Degree in a relevant discipline
- Experience in managing donor-funded projects, including grant management and reporting
- Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development
- Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development
- Experience of team leadership and clear examples of supervisory skills and line-management
- Knowledge of participatory research methods, results-based monitoring and action learning
- Positive outlook and proactive problem solving skills
- Experience and skills of using audio/visual equipment to capture development impacts
- Knowledge and experience of best practice approaches to gender and disability issues
- Knowledge and understanding of contextual diversity of Cross River State and its major languages
What we offer
This position offers the right candidate the opportunity to gain senior-level experience with an international NGO. We provide a competitive remuneration, high-quality training and support, and, above all, a respectful and empowering working environment and the opportunity to make a real impact.
Remuneration
Commensurate with position and experience
Job Title: Project Support Officer - State Government Level
Location: Makurdi (with regular travel to field sites in Benue State)
Reporting to: RUSHPIN Programme Manager
Purpose
- The purpose of this post is to support implementation of the Rural Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) Programme funded by the UN/WSSCC Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) and the Nigerian Government. United Purpose is the Executing Agency for the Programme that aims to significantly increase sanitation coverage and sustained hygiene behavioural change in Cross River and Benue States, and to serve as a model towards state-wide sanitation coverage that can be replicated in other states.
- The post-holder will lead Programme activities in Benue State by supporting staff at the Local Government level to achieve LGA-wide Open Defecation Free (ODF) status using the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach. This will involve regularly visiting field sites, communicating effectively with partners and other stakeholders, identifying and sharing project impacts, and liaising closely with UP’s Office in Calabar, Cross River State, to ensure effective communication.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Liaise/coordinate with and between all entities involved in the Programme at state level, particularly RUWASSA, State Tasks Group on Sanitation (STGS) and State WASH Management Committee, and ensure effective implementation of Programme activities for delivery of intended outputs & outcomes.
- Actively participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the State level, ensuring there is common understanding of Programme objectives. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with Programme commitments, including cost sharing by partners, and providing support towards timely delivery of human and material resources in the participating LGAs.
- Work closely with Project Support Officers at the LGA level to identify and address capacity gaps in the WASH structures at both State and LGA level in order to achieve effective CLTS delivery and ODF in all communities. This includes identifying the support required from RUWASSA to assist LGA WASH Units for effective community mobilisation, establishment and training of tasks groups on sanitation, and conduct advocacy and participatory planning activities.
- Support the Programme Manager to review the State & LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in the formulation of strategies, plans and budgets to achieve Total Sanitation and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and human resource) in the programme targeted state.
- Ensure that annual budget preparations at State level include budget lines for Total Sanitation.
- Provide technical inputs in the preparation and design of surveys, studies, and play an active role in the dissemination of survey results and study findings under the programme among stakeholders; as part of increasing their understanding of sector issues and emerging approaches, and thereby facilitate scaling up of successful approaches to LGAs not in the project catchment area
- Provide regular supportive supervision and monitoring of the programme activities of the State RUWASSA, STGS, NGOs/CBOs and Private Service Providers on the basis of agreed plans, targets, and technical design, specifications and standards
- Carry out field visits to monitor progress and quality of implementation of sanitation facilities (latrines, urinals, hand-washing stations etc.) constructed by community participants. Facilitate/support the quality control (by third party/state verification team) of completed facilities
- Support State authorities to implement monitoring systems for improved decision-making based on the Programme M&E framework, and maintain a regular flow of information to relevant stakeholders at all levels that also includes monitoring counterpart funds contribution.
- Assist in efforts to build a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation. This includes by networking with other implementing agencies in the target LGAs in order to maximize synergies in the health and education sectors for opportunities for replication and of scaling up CLTS and WASH more widely.
- Provide weekly updates and monthly reports in approved formats summarising progress made in implementation of activities, lessons learnt and recommendations for improvement including ad hoc reports and human-interest stories that may be needed. In addition, contribute to updating the results-based framework in-line with programme indicators on a quarterly basis with more detailed inputs provided towards the preparation of semi-annual and annual reports.
- Undertake other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time contributing to the overall organizations’ objective.
Person Specification
Required:
- University Degree in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Sociology, Rural Development or a field related to WASH Development Assistance
- 3-5 years professional experience in a similar position
- Proven track record of leading capacity building and training for local institutions and communities
- Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development
- Excellent planning, co-ordination and prioritisation skills, with ability to maintain quality on multiple tasks
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Ability to work under pressure with little supervision to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
- Working knowledge of basic computer software (Word, Excel, E-mail operations)
- Gender and intercultural sensitivity
- Fluency in English and pidgin languages
Desirable:
- Masters Degree in a relevant discipline
- Experience in international NGO / donor sector
- Experience in managing donor-funded projects, including grant management and reporting
- Knowledge of, and experience in, Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programming
- Experience of team leadership and clear examples of supervisory skills and line-management
- Knowledge of participatory research methods, results-based monitoring and action learning
- Positive outlook and proactive problem solving skills
- Experience and skills of using audio/visual equipment to capture development impacts
- Knowledge and experience of best practice approaches to gender and disability issues
- Knowledge and understanding of contextual diversity of Benue State and its major languages
What we offer
This position offers the right candidate the opportunity to gain senior-level experience with an international NGO. We provide a competitive remuneration, high-quality training and support, and, above all, a respectful and empowering working environment and the opportunity to make a real impact.
Remuneration
Commensurate with position and experience
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send a CV and a Cover Letter to:
[email protected] In the cover letter, please ensure to explain the following:
- Why you are applying for the position
- How your skills and experience meet the person specification
- When you would be able to take up the position if it were offered to you
Application Deadline 1st August, 2019.
Note
- You are recommended to apply early, as applications will be assessed as they are received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- United Purpose is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against applicants on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, religion or sexual orientation. United Purpose also has a Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy, which reflects our commitment to protecting the people with whom we work. All candidates will be expected to comply with this policy and its procedures.