Job Opportunities in an International Humanitarian Organization (Mercy Corps)

⏲ Jun 2, 2016, 11:22 AM
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Mercy Corps, An International Humanitarian Organization is looking for a suitable candidate to fill a very strategic position within ENGINE team in Abuja. We are looking for motivated individuals, who are enthusiastic about the work we do and are looking to work within a dynamic team in the
capacities below:

Job Title: Graduate Program Assistant (ENGINE)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Project Description

The ENGINE Program Assistant will support the implementation of a 3-year project to reduce financial and education barriers for marginalized Nigerian adolescent girls and young women.
The goals of the ENGINE program are to increase girls’ and young women’s access to (1) financial education and life skills; (2) peer-to-peer networks and mentors; and (3) direct assets (materials and savings).
ENGINE will integrate young women into value chains as well as conduct other market-driven employment opportunities.
ENGINE will also work with girls in formal and informal education to increase their learning opportunities and outcomes to prepare them for future economic activities.
ENGINE will be implemented in FCT/Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna States. Mercy Corps serves is the lead implementing partner for ENGINE.

General Position Summary

The Program Assistant will support for implementation of ENGINE activities in FCT.
This position will ensure ENGINE program implementation is responsive to marginalized Nigerian girls, their communities and skill-based centers, and coordinate activities that transition marginalized girls into economic activities.

Deliverables:

Support the implementation of program activities listed in FCT program work plan to ensure they are implemented on time, target and budget.
Work with ENGINE Community/School volunteers to deploy training on safe space curricula
Develop programmatic reports and provide report feedbacks to schools and communities promptly
Advocate for the inclusion of marginalized girls and for girls to be active in non-traditional sectors at the household and community level and within Nigerian vocational and skills-based education.
In collaboration with M&E staff, implement relevant need assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring.
Support direct implementation of community level activities to targeted stakeholders to showcase progress and learnings so as to acquire more support from the gate-keepers
Achieve consistent advocacy to gatekeepers and stakeholders to ensure that marginalized girls enroll and complete their education cycle across implementation states.
Support technical aspects of school to work programming for ENGINE program including increasing economic assets for marginalized girls through savings clubs and links to financial institutions.
Monitor Girls fora and Savings group activities and other project sustainability structures in the designated schools and communities.

Knowledge and Experience

A relevant degree in Education, Management, Social Sciences, International Development or other relevant field.
A minimum of 1 year of experience in education, gender- focused, skills building program.
Experience managing secondary education or school to work and especially targeting marginalized girls or young women programs required.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development, writing and editing.
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

Success Factors

A clear understanding of program implementation as well as willingness and ability to comply with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
Personal integrity, honesty and transparency is essential.
Ability to interact effectively with community stakeholders and staff members is required.
A demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and develop quality reports is necessary.

Job Title: Project Manager - Girls Opportunities for Advancing Literacy 2 (GOAL 2)
Location: Kano
Job Description

We are looking for a motivated individual, who is enthusiastic about the work we do and is looking to work within a dynamic team. Girls’ Opportunities for Advancing Literacy 2 (GOAL 2) will ensure that Adolescent girls (15-19) across Kano state are better equipped for the school-to-work transition as a result of improved financial literacy, vocational choices and life skills. GOAL 1 successfully identified methods to improve girls’ confidence and knowledge around employment and financial literacy with 1,800 girls in 13 schools. Girls who received counselling and training on financial literacy and work force preparedness improved their confidence in education and entering the workforce. They were also better able to articulate their life goals and manage their money.
GOAL 2 will scale key activities from phase one across Kano state, with potential to reach up to 253,712 girls in 969 government junior and senior secondary schools. Activities will focus on embedding quality financial literacy education and counselling within key local institutions including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), the Kano State Secondary School Management Board (KSSSMB) and the Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD). GOAL 2 will focus on two objectives:

1.) Pillar One (Financial Literacy): Secondary school teachers provide systemic and quality instruction on financial literacy to girls across Kano state.

2.) Pillar Two (Quality Guidance Counselling Services): Ministry of Education in Kano recognizes and systematically supports professional guidance counselling services as valuable resources for girls.

General Position Summary

The Project Manager will provide overall leadership, management and strategic vision to the implementation of the GOAL 2 program, managing staff, strategic relationships, partners and resources to ensure that the program meets performance-based targets on-time and within budget.
The Project Manager will coordinate with other donor funded programming to link adolescent girls with GOAL activities. The Project Manager will supervise and build the capacity of program staff and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor rules and regulations.
S/he will be the representative to donors, relevant government entities, and public and private sector partners.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the following activities in Kano:
Financial Literacy Pillar:

Dissemination of financial literacy manuals to teachers via principals
Implementation of training of trainers by Mercy Corps for KERD staff (who will replicate training to teachers)
Embedding Mercy Corps’ Senior Project Officer on Financial Literacy in KERD structure to enable close collaboration and mentoring
Further delivery of training directly to 1,250 teachers (of business, economics and commerce courses) by KERD staff
Developing mechanisms to monitor staff and student performance on financial literacy. This activity will focus both on collection and use of data to enable efficient policy making and advocacy for resources that supports the empowerment of marginalized girls.
Communications strategies to share Kano’s successes and lessons learned in improving financial literacy at a national level (with a focus on syncing with the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy)
Support from Mercy Corps to KERD staff to implement M&E tools and Management Information System (MIS).

Pillar Two: Guidance Counselling

Sign a MoU with the deputy governor of Kano state to endorse work on guidance counselling through GOAL 2.
Embed Mercy Corps’ Senior Project Officer on Guidance Counselling in KSSMB structure to enable close collaboration and mentoring.
Develop a dissemination plan to share the “Practical Instruction and Training Guide for Secondary School Guidance Counsellors” (developed in GOAL 1), to offer counsellors an overview of their role and responsibilities.
Conduct dialogue to identify remaining gaps in resources and support for counselling, with a focus on adolescent girl educational, personal-social and financial/vocational needs, and incorporation of successful approaches used in the “safe space” model.
Strategic planning for roll out of support materials for guidance counsellors, and technical support from the ministry (in close coordination with KSSMB zonal desk officers).
Development of monitoring and evaluation tools and systems to monitor the quality of counselling.
Support from Mercy Corps to KSSMB staff to implement M&E tools and Management Information System (MIS).

Essential Job Functions
Program Implementation:

Ensure effective implementation of the GOAL 2 program, including meeting deliverables on time, within budget, and according to Mercy Corps and client standards.
Ensure GOAL 2 is responsive to Nigerian girls and education sector needs. This includes implementation partners and aligned with Mercy Corps principles, values and strategic plan.
Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Mercy Corps and client policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations.
Oversee performance of any project partners and conduct frequent field visits to project activities. Problem-solve with partners when needed.
Ensure implementation of activities is on time, target and budget, using effective systems to reach desired impacts in order to assess program effectiveness and impact and propose recommendations for improvements.
Implement and model Mercy Corps’ philosophy of social entrepreneurship and leverage Mercy Corps’ best practices.
Advocate for the inclusion of marginalized girls and for girls to be active in non-traditional sectors at the household and community level.
In collaboration with the M&E staff, design and implement relevant surveys, need assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring.
Maintains links and keep current on up-to-date best practices around innovative strategies of Savings Groups and promoting girl’s school to work transition; disseminate technical information and assistance where necessary.

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.
Oversee the production of high-quality program reports in a timely and efficient manner.
Ensure that M&E team members focus on assisting programs to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing program decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level.

Representation:

Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events in the field, in close coordination with the Mercy Corps’ Nigeria Country Representative.
Coordinate activities with implementing partners, local government 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, operations, and administration staff to ensure effective systems are in place to support field activities including logistics, procurement, security, administration and human resources.
Help design operational policies and practices as needed and in accordance with Mercy Corps regulations.

Required Skills and Experience

Excellent oral, written, presentation and communications skills in English are required
MA/MSc or equivalent in Education, Management, Social Sciences, International Development or other relevant field.
A minimum of 7 years of experience including 3 years in a senior management or technical advisory role on large, education, gender- focused, skills building program.
Experience successfully engaging with Nigerian education authorities, ministries and institutions essential.
Experience in Northern Nigeria strongly essential.
Experience managing interventions in gender-related programming, with focus on girls.
Experience of training and building capacity on girl-centered programming. Prefer expertise in at least one of the following areas: financial literacy/inclusion or counselling.
Deep understanding of the challenges facing girls in Nigeria.
High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development, writing and editing. Hausa language skills essential.
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

Success Factors

The successful applicant will combine exceptional management skills and technical skills with a focus on successful engagement and support to educational institutions 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.
Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
This position will be based in Kano, 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: Senior Project Officer (Financial Literacy) - Girls Opportunities for Advancing Literacy 2 (GOAL 2)
Location: Kano State - Nigeria
Job Description

We are looking for a motivated individual, who is enthusiastic about the work we do and is looking to work within a dynamic team.
Girls’ Opportunities for Advancing Literacy 2 (GOAL 2) focus on institutionalizing and scaling the successes from GOAL 1, to ensure that Adolescent girls (15-19) across Kano state are better equipped for the school-to-work transition as a result of improved financial literacy, vocational choices and life skills. GOAL 1 successfully identified methods to improve girls’ confidence and knowledge around employment and financial literacy with 1,800 girls in 13 schools. Girls who received counselling and training on financial literacy and work force preparedness improved their confidence in education and entering the workforce. They were also better able to articulate their life goals and manage their money.
GOAL 2 will scale key activities from phase one across Kano state, with potential to reach up to 253,712 girls in 969 government junior and senior secondary schools. Activities will focus on embedding quality financial literacy education and counselling within key local institutions including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), the Kano State Secondary School Management Board (KSSSMB) and the Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD). Mercy Corps’ implementation will take advantage of two key opportunities:

1.) Institutionalizing financial literacy education in Kano offers an opportunity to improve financial independence among girls throughout Nigeria’s most populous state. Achievements with financial literacy in GOAL 1, such as dramatically boosting girls’ savings and improving their financial literacy, means that Kano can take this proven model to scale. In addition, a window of opportunity exists to bring the experiences from Kano to the national stage through collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the National Financial Inclusion Strategy is operationalized.

2.) High quality guidance counselling offers girls sound, targeted advice as they navigate the transition to adulthood. As we’ve seen through the “safe space” model tested in GOAL 1 (and elsewhere), trusted adult advisors can improve adolescent girls’ economic, financial and social assets, and expand opportunities for a healthy life.

General Position Summary

The Senior Project Officer (Financial Literacy) will provide technical support and advocate to relevant government agencies in Kano state to incorporate financial literacy into relevant subjects in schools by making sure that financial literacy is a permanent and routine piece of secondary school curriculum across Kano state.
This position will focus on institutionalization of financial literacy materials within the Kano education system and building capacity of government agencies to coordinate trainings and offer technical support both during and beyond the implementation of the project.

Essential Job Functions

Support technical aspects of the project in institutionalizing and delivering financial literacy into secondary education through the support of relevant government staff
Advocate to the government of Kano state through the ministry of education to roll out Mercy Corps financial literacy training guide in secondary schools
Support government officials to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) and capacity strengthening trainings to teachers to deliver financial literacy in schools
Coordinate links with ministry of education and its agencies to ensure the implementation of activities on time, target and budget
Identify relevant resources within government, donor organizations, private sector organizations that supports and promote financial literacy teaching in schools
In collaboration with M&E staff, implement relevant need assessments, data and information collection for on-going project monitoring
Support in setting up and strengthening government management information system, communication and knowledge management
Facilitate relationship and coordination with government to ensure that project activities are geared toward institutionalization and sustainability
Coordinate closely with other GOAL 2 personnel to ensure all objectives of the proposal and activities are met.

Representation:

Represent the project at government relevant meetings in the field, in close coordination with the Project Manager
Collaborate and build relationships with government, NGOs to complement donor funding.

Accountability:

Reports Directly To: Project Manager
Works Directly with: Deputy Director Curriculum at KERD, other staff of ministry of education and its agencies, project staff and Mercy Corps gender programs team in the field and at HQ.

Success Factors

The successful applicant will combine exceptional management skills and technical skills with a focus on successful engagement and support to educational institutions 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. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.
The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
This position will be based in Kano, 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.

Knowledge and Experience

BA/S or equivalent in Education, Management, Social Sciences, Development Studies or other relevant field. A relevant second degree desired.
Expertise in financial literacy, with a preference for candidates that demonstrate experience increasing financial literacy of marginalized girls.
Experience designing, organizing and/or delivering trainings, ideally to teachers within the public education sector.
A minimum of 4 years of experience in programme design and implementation, education, financial inclusion, gender- focused, skills building program.
Demonstrated experience working with government ministries officials, Ministry of Education and its agencies, and /Central Bank of Nigeria experience preferred.
Experience in project sustainability and institutional capacity strengthening
Experience managing secondary education or school to work and especially targeting marginalized girls required. Prefer expertise in at least one of the following areas: accelerated learning programs, savings group, and financial education.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development, writing and editing. Hausa language skills strongly preferred
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
Strong interpersonal, communication and coordination skills and a demonstrated ability to multi-task.
Experience in Northern Nigeria strongly essential.

Job Title: Senior Project Officer (Guidance and Counseling) - Girls Opportunities for Advancing Literacy 2 (GOAL 2)
Location: Kano State - Nigeria
Job Description

We are looking for a motivated individual, who is enthusiastic about the work we do and is looking to work within a dynamic team.
Girls’ Opportunities for Advancing Literacy 2 (GOAL 2) focus on institutionalizing and scaling the successes from GOAL 1, to ensure that Adolescent girls (15-19) across Kano state are better equipped for the school-to-work transition as a result of improved financial literacy, vocational choices and life skills. GOAL 1 successfully identified methods to improve girls’ confidence and knowledge around employment and financial literacy with 1,800 girls in 13 schools. Girls who received counselling and training on financial literacy and work force preparedness improved their confidence in education and entering the workforce. They were also better able to articulate their life goals and manage their money.
GOAL 2 will scale key activities from phase one across Kano state, with potential to reach up to 253,712 girls in 969 government junior and senior secondary schools. Activities will focus on embedding quality financial literacy education and counselling within key local institutions including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), the Kano State Secondary School Management Board (KSSSMB) and the Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD). Mercy Corps’ implementation will take advantage of two key opportunities:

The Senior Project Officer (Guidance and Counselling) will support the implementation of activities that provide high quality guidance and counseling for marginalized girls in Kano state secondary education.
This position will ensure that Ministry of Education and its agencies in Kano recognizes and systematically supports professional guidance counselling services as valuable resources for girls in schools.

Essential Job Functions

Support technical aspect of the project in delivery of quality guidance and counseling services for girls in schools through the support of professional guidance and counselors
Advocate to the government of Kano state through the ministry of education to roll out guidance and counseling resources developed by Mercy Corps for schools counselors
Support government coordinators of guidance and counselors to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) and capacity strengthening trainings to address the needs of school counselors
In collaboration with M&E staff, implement relevant need assessments, data and information collection for on-going project monitoring
Support in setting up and strengthening government management information system, communication and knowledge management
Identify relevant resources within government, donor organizations, education institutions that support quality guidance and counseling in schools
Facilitate relationship and coordination with government to ensure that project activities are geared toward institutionalization and sustainability
Coordinate links with government coordinators of guidance and counselors, project staff to ensure the implementation of activities on time, target and budget

Representation:

Represent the project at government relevant meetings in the field, in close coordination with the Project Manager
Collaborate and build relationships with government, NGOs to complement donor funding

Accountability:

Reports Directly To: Project Manager
Works Directly with: Coordinators of Guidance and Counseling in the state ministry of education and its agencies, project staff and Mercy Corps gender programs team in the field and at HQ.

Success Factors

The successful applicant will combine exceptional management skills and technical skills with a focus on successful engagement and support to educational institutions 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. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.
The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
This position will be based in Kano, 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.

Knowledge and Experience

Have BA/BSc or equivalent in Education, Management, Social Sciences, Development Studies or other relevant field. A relevant second degree desired.
2-3 years’ experience with guidance counseling and/or mentoring required. Experience delivering counseling services to marginalized girls and/or training guidance counselors desired.
Experience designing, organizing and/or delivering trainings, ideally within the public education sector.
A minimum of 4 years of experience in programme design and implementation, education, guidance and counseling, gender- focused, skills building program.
Demonstrated experience working with government ministries and officials, Ministry of Education and its agencies experience preferred.
Experience in project sustainability and institutional capacity strengthening
Experience managing secondary education or school to work and especially targeting marginalized girls or young women programs required. Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development, writing and editing. Hausa language skills strongly preferred
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members
Strong interpersonal, communication and coordination skills and a demonstrated ability to multi-task.
Experience in Northern Nigeria strongly essential.

Job Title: Senior Program Officer (ENGINE)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Project Description

The ENGINE Senior Project Officer will provide technical assistance for the implementation of a 3-year project to reduce financial and education barriers for marginalized Nigerian adolescent girls and young women.
The goals of the ENGINE program are to increase girls’ and young women's access to (1) financial education and life skills; (2) peer-to-peer networks and mentors; and (3) direct assets (materials and savings).
ENGINE will integrate young women into value chains as well as conduct other market-driven employment opportunities.
ENGINE will also work with girls in formal and informal education to increase their learning opportunities and outcomes to prepare them for future economic activities.
ENGINE will be implemented in FCT/Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna States.
Mercy Corps serves as a sub-awardee to a large international company and will collaborate with other stakeholders for the implementation of the ENGINE program, including the Nigerian Ministry of Education and Central Bank, as well as private sector actors.

General Position Summary

The senior project officer will be responsible for implementation of ENGINE activities in FCT.
This position will ensure ENGINE program implementation is responsive to marginalized Nigerian girls, their communities and skill-based centers, and coordinate activities that transition marginalized girls into economic activities.
The senior programme officer is responsible for project deliverables in Abuja Municipal Area council to cover 7 schools and 5 Communities.

Essential Job Functions
Program Support:

Support technical aspects of school to work programming for ENGINE including developing incentives for girls to enter into skills building, coordinating links to female mentors, identify existing peer to peer networks and identify opportunities for additional networks within schools, link girls with Islamic and/or community-based education, increasing economic assets through savings clubs and links to financial institutions.
Ensure implementation of activities is on time, target and budget.
Harmonizing and sharing all reports for FCT team(Program reports, security/crisis report, M&E Report, Program progress reports, child safeguarding reports)
State level engagements with stakeholders and facilitating all approvals required for implementation
FCT focal person for all external engagement and MC HQ correspondence
Perform any other duties assigned
Coordinate links with existing and planned donor interventions that target adolescent girls to identify girls on an on-going basis to participate in ENGINE activities.
Identify Nigerian partners - NGOs as well as vocational training/skills centers - to participate in ENGINE activities.
Advocate for the inclusion of marginalized girls and for girls to be active in non-traditional sectors at the household and community level and within Nigerian vocational and skills-based education.
In collaboration with M&E staff, implement relevant surveys, need assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring.

Community Intervention:

Lead implementation of all programme activities based on project milestone in 5 communities (Peshe, Jikwoyi, Nyanya 2, Orozo and Kurudu)
Lead the information and strengthen of savings group in 5 ENGINE communities based on target (Peshe, Jikwoyi, Nyanya 2, Orozo and Kurudu)
Ensure implementation of activities is on time, target and budget in 5 communities
Support the integration and transition of girls into economic value chains.
Facilitate access to financial inclusion services to marginalised girls.
Creating enabling environment and sustainability
Ensure the formation or strengthening of girls fora in each of the five (5) communities
Identify other opportunity for value chain for the girls
Ensure the strengthening or formation of SBMC/PTA in schools
Ensure the formation or strengthening of community action committee in each of the five (5) ENGINE communities
Support the activities of State Advisory Group(SAG) in conducting quarterly meetings and documenting all proceedings of meetings
Budget Management
To develop and manage budget, and liquidate funds expended in line with donor regulations

Representation:

Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
Participate in education coordination meetings as requested by the ENGINE Project Coordinator.

Supervisory Responsibility: Program Officers and M&E Officer
Reports Directly To: Program Coordinator, ENGINE
Works Directly With: Other ENGINE technical and program staff and Mercy Corps’ implementation partners.
Knowledge and Experience

A degree in Education, Management, Social Sciences, International Development or other relevant field.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in education, gender- focused, skills building program.
Experience managing large-scale secondary education or school to work and especially targeting marginalized girls or young women programs required. Prefer expertise in at least one of the following areas: accelerated learning programs, Islamic and/or community-based education targeting community acceptance of girl’s education, increasing economic assets through savings clubs and links to financial institutions. Experience using SMS for training or messaging preferred.
Experience working in a multi-organizational team (international and national partners) is a plus.
Experience with private-sector led initiatives and DfID strongly preferred.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development, writing and editing.
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
Experience working with country-level, ministries and government officials. Ministry of Education experience preferred.

Success Factors

A clear understanding of program implementation as well as willingness and ability to comply with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
A high level of personal integrity, honesty and transparency is essential.
The ability to interact effectively with community stakeholders and staff members is required.
A demonstrated ability to manage budget accurately, meet deadlines and develop high quality reports is necessary.

Job Title: Operations Officer (Humanitarian)
Location: Biu (Borno) or Yola (Adamawa)
Program/Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since December 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic development and conflict mitigation. In mid-2014 Mercy Corps has decided to address the rising humanitarian needs among displaced households and vulnerable host communities by in the north east Nigeria and started its humanitarian program.
With funding from humanitarian donors including OFDA, FFP, EU and ECHO the humanitarian program has been focusing on food assistance, non-food items distribution, protection, livelihoods support, WASH and capacity building of humanitarian response actors.
All Mercy Corps interventions in Nigeria are implemented in a conflict and gender sensitive manner.

General Position Summary

The Operations Officer provides day-to-day support to the program operations in the north - east, under the direct supervision of the Head of Office based in As part of his/her responsibilities the Operations Officer will undertake tasks under procurement, administration and logistics, working in close collaboration with the finance and program teams based out of Yola or Biu.
S/he will promptly and effectively provide all required support to programs so to deliver the assistance to beneficiaries in a timely, compliant and transparent manner.

Essential Job Functions
Procurement:

Coordinates daily Mercy Corps (MC) procurement activities, with respect to internal procedures.
Possesses a full understanding of MC procurement policies and formats. Provide training to new staff on these policies and provided refresher training as gap in staff knowledge are identified;
Assists staff as needed on creating clear and understandable purchase requests (PR) and other documentation;
Collects quotations and bids from the market for PR-s with support from Senior Procurement & Logistics Officer in Abuja - as per Mercy Corps standards and formats;
Maintains PR Master Lists and shares with staff on weekly bases.
Interact with vendors during collection of quotations - explain Mercy Corps formats and ensure that vendors will use the provided forms.
Ensures fair competition and strictly adhere to Mercy Corps procurement rules regarding vendor relations as described by Mercy Corps
Interacts with contractors, in coordination with the Senior Procurement & Logistics Officer, Operations Manager and Program Coordinator
Ensures that the required documentation of supplies and transactions are completed to Mercy Corps standards. Maintains and updates the procurement files
Raise payment request for vendor’s payments and monitor the status of each payment.

During procurement the Operations Officer will:

Always accord prompt and courteous reception and fair and equal treatment to all vendors/suppliers and their representatives.
Provide equal opportunity for vendors/suppliers to make price and specification quotations.
Guarantee the confidentiality of all specifications and price quotations made by vendors/suppliers.
Decline to take advantage of vendors/suppliers’ errors, and show consideration for vendors/suppliers’ difficulties by co-operating with them whenever possible.
Avoid subjecting vendors/suppliers to needless expense or inconvenience when requesting quotations or returning goods.
Explain as clearly and fully as possible to vendors/suppliers the reason(s) for the rejection of their bids/proposals.
Remain scrupulously free of obligations to any vendor/supplier.
Remain informed about sources of supply, methods, services and materials and encourage vendors/suppliers to test and develop improved or expanded products and services.
Inform vendors/suppliers about current and anticipated requirements.

Logistics, Assets:

Assists the Asset Controller with asset management. Identify assets during the course of procurement and notify the Asset Controller on receipts of assets; maintain assets registry.
Participates in regular assets inventory and checks.
Ensures that all the assets are maintained and in good condition. Check assets stickers regularly.
Oversees the vehicles movement plans;
Ensures that Mercy Corps vehicles are maintained and fully operational all the time
Maintains vehicles documentation, including log sheets, repairs logs and schedules
Monitors vehicles and generator fuel consumption
Oversees the generator and inverter operation, monitoring the servicing schedule

Administration & Other:

Liaises with country office on renewal of office rental agreements.
Establishes and maintain appropriate filing systems for office correspondence. Receive and dispatch mail.
Ensures that the office is run in a professional and responsible manner including hosting guests, cleaning, receptionist duties and general contact and liaison with outside agencies.
Ensures that office has sufficient office supplies.
Co-ordinates any other necessary administrative and office management details.
Makes all necessary travel and logging arrangements for Gombe visitors
Oversee the management of office consumable (office materials like: stationary, cleaning & hygiene,): that will include: collecting the requests on monthly bases, maintaining the stock, monitoring the use.
Facility management ( cleaning, equipment repairs, utilities, water supply,green office considerations, facility keys management ect)
Administrating communication, ensuring internet, printers are working, staff has enough phone credit.
Collect HR related documentation and liaise with the country office on HR tasks

Operations Management - Security:

To act as the office Security Focal Point.
Conduct security risk assessments of core operational features and record and report findings;
To ensure that compound guards remain an effective and credible deterrent;
To ensure through comprehensive briefings, that all staff and visitors to are fully appraised of the risks, the prevailing security situation and any security procedures.
To manage and maintain all security communications equipment;
Carries out other duties as assigned.
The Operations Officer will 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.

Supervision Responsibility:

Drivers, cleaners and security company.

Accountability

Accountable for following Mercy Corps Field Procurement Manual, the Mercy Corps Code of conduct regarding procurement activities and MC Conflict of Interest policy.

Reports Directly to: Head of Office
Works Directly with: Program and finance staff in north - east and operations staff in Abuja

Knowlwdge and Experience:

A relevant first Degree in Business or Arts is desired.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in operations (logistics, procurement), preferably within an NGO; international business or related field. Strong organizational skills; ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel.
Excellent oral and written English skills;
Knowledge of Gombe local languages is required;
Strong computer skills on MS Office programs, especially in MS Excel.
A demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action as to not delay program activities. A clear understanding of procurement ethics and donor compliance is essential.

Success Factors:

Conscientious with an excellent sense of judgement ;
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks;
Demonstrated attention to details;
Ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines;
Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people;
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work comfortably with ethnically diversified team members ;
Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel;
Excellent spoken and written English, strong computer skills are a must ;
Proved organizational skills.

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

Note

Application 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

Application Deadline 22nd June, 2016.

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