Livelihood Program Officer at Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action - helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:   Job Title: Livelihood Program Officer Reference Number: ABV / PRO / 2020 / 0005 Location: Damboa - Borno Position Status: Full-time Reports Directly to: Program Manager

Program / Department Summary

• As the crisis has persisted, Mercy Corps’ strategy has also expanded to address the root causes of the conflict and seek to build the long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on governance, the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, youth empowerment, and local conflict management.
• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on humanitarian assistance, economic development, and conflict mitigation. With the ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria causing the displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs.

General Position Summary

• Livelihood Program Officer will work closely with the Program Manager, Team Leader, MEL team, and operations staff (including finance and operations) to ensure that activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.
• The Livelihood Program Officer is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of Borno Agricultural Development Initiative (BADI) livelihood interventions in Northeast Nigeria (Borno state).

Essential Job Functions Strategy and Vision:

• Contribute to country-wide strategy development.
• Recognize opportunities to evolve the current humanitarian portfolio into a more effective and impactful portfolio addressing the changing needs of conflict-affected populations.

Representation and Coordination:

• Ensure effective coordination with relevant working groups, UN, ICRC and colleagues I/NGO agencies.
• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with communities, local authorities and other stakeholders.

Program Management - Livelihood Interventions:

• Identify reliable and trusted members locally to be seed multipliers
• Build the capacity of the extension workers on areas of GAP, Farming as a business, Perma and sack gardening and climate-smart agriculture.
• Coordinate with MEL team to map, identify and register program participants.
• Lead in the selection of beneficiaries with support from MEL Team & LG Agriculture Extension workers.
• Lead in the identification and strengthening capacity of village agents on village savings and loan association (VSLA) methodology
• Coordinate the sensitization of beneficiaries.
• Facilitate training of seed multipliers on financial literacy, bookkeeping and smart saving practices.
• Ensure effective community engagement to create an enabling environment and ownership.
• Submit monthly program update including success stories to supervisor.
• Lead the market assessment to ascertain the most profitable skills in the intervention locations.
• Work with operations (procurement) to select a financial service provider (FSP) for cash / voucher disbursement.

Team Management:

• 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.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Identify any gaps or capacity needs within the team and ensure training and capacity building is incorporated into program planning.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.

Security:

• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

Other:

• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None

Works Directly with:

• Program Manager, MEL Team, Agric Market Systems Officer, Finance, Program and Operation teams

Knowledge and Experience

• Prior experience implementing livelihoods programs is essential, preferably in conflict settings.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
• Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, Social Sciences or relevant field required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; specifically, in economic recovery.
• Prior experience working with savings groups especially village saving and loan associations (VSLAs)
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
• Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.
• Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing

Success Factors

• Must be able to problem-solve and multi-task on a range of administrative and programmatic issues.
• The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required.
• Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are essential.
• Understanding of humanitarian principles and their application to program implementation is required.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and coach a diverse team.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
• 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.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

• The position is based in Damboa, Borno State and it requires frequent travel to field offices in and around Damboa and Biu.

 

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letters in one document, addressing the position requirements, reference number and location to: [email protected] Note

• All applications must include the position title and reference number in the subject line
• Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview
• We are an equal employment opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Borno State, Biu, Damboa