Mercy Corps Nigeria Job Recruitment

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 positions below:

Job Title: Safety and Security Officer Reference Number: ABV/OPS/2020/0014 Location: Gombe, Nigeria (With an estimated 75% travel to other program locations; Yola, Yobe and Borno)

Program & Department Summary

• In Nigeria, Mercy Corps is currently implementing several conflict management programs, focused on reducing violent conflict between farmer and pastoralist communities, preventing / countering violent extremism, and increasing peace between religious groups.а
• Mercy Corps has starting a five-year, $30 million USAID-funded Rural Resilience Activity in NigeriaТs northeast. The purpose of the Rural Resilience Activity is to sustainably move people out of chronic vulnerability and poverty. The Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) will enable individuals and communities to engage in strong and sustainable market systems rather than continuing to rely on humanitarian assistance and faltering with each new shock.
• Mercy Corps works in fragile and conflict-affected environments. While we recognize that these are difficult places to operate, we believe that transitional environments countries affected by civil wars, economic and political crisis, or natural disasters offer tremendous opportunities for positive change.
• Since the late 1990s, Mercy Corps has managed over 100 peacebuilding projects in over 30 countries and regions, making Mercy Corps a true leader in the field. We currently implement 34 peacebuilding programs globally.

General Position Summary

• Where joint messaging on behalf of the SMT is either unproductive or impossible, the post-holder will aim to facilitate and support joint works through Уcoalitions of the willing.
• The post-holder will likewise be responsible for outreach and coordination to local NGO networks to support coordinated engagement work within the relevant geographical locale.
• Reporting to the Country Safety & Security Manager (CSSM), the Safety & Security Officer will be responsible for the policy analysis and strategic planning support required by the team within the geographical locale of RR project.
• The Safety & Security Officer is responsible to assist COP/CSSM in managing the safety and security of Rural Resilience staff in RR program locations.
• The Safety & Security Officer is responsible for supporting the overall strategic planning with RR management and will deliver regular reports, briefing papers, key messages or position papers as required.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Track all staff movements when required until the safe arrival of staff/contract workers to their final destination.
• Provide initial analysis of relevant security development and communicate them to MC Senior Management Team.
• Be readily available at all times to the COP, DCOP and field staff to advice on security developments.
• Alongside the relevant operational focal people, ensure that relevant staff members understand and are able to use this equipment, including radios, satellite phones, fire extinguishers, etc through regular training and orientations for new staffs.
• Alongside with the relevant operational focal people, conduct comprehensive security/risk assessment in potential new program/field sites in Middle belt states and its field offices.
• Work with the relevant program and operational focal people as well as the COP/DCOP, on community acceptance messaging and other operational strategies in the area of operations in the North Central and North West regions of Nigeria.
• In conjunction with relevant internal focal persons, monitor the security environment within the designated geographical area with particular focus on program areas of operations. Work will include but not be limited to staying informed (through media, social media, contacts, etc.) about the safety and security situation in BAYG (Borno, Adamawa, Gombe and Yobe) states on daily basis.
• Verify acquired security information through secondary sources and update CSSM and management.
• Maintain regular contact with field staff about security situation in their respective assigned geographical area.
• Provide required periodic safety and security updates (daily reports, incident reports, meetings summary etc.) to relevant MCN Staff so they can better plan their work.
• Review the weekly/daily movement of staff in the field and provide on-time and real time advice for program and operational activities ongoing within the field
• Track vehicle movements where and when required until the safe arrival of staff/contract workers to their final destination.

Liaison Activities:

• Develop a calendar of upcoming lobby opportunities to be tapped into.
• Liaise with leads from relevant international coordination structures.
• Engage with peace building and resilience working groups, through calling for meetings, drafting action-oriented meeting notes, support in sourcing for presenters and developing agenda for the meetings.
• Ensure collaboration with the NGO security clusters and attend any security coordination meetings.
• Stay abreast of political developments and humanitarian trends in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the security situation in the BAYG states, informing project members where relevant.
• Ensuring sufficient capacity and knowledge to support policy analysis and strategic planning around the humanitarian architecture and operational issues.
• Collaborate with the COP/DCOP to act as official representative on behalf of Mercy Corps at meetings with external engagement targets.
• Identify and liaise with external partners.

Reporting Requirements:

• Risk Assessment quarterly minimum.
• Flash Reports immediate dissemination of critical incidents in our area of work.
• Weekly security brief to be shared with all RR staff, including COP, DCOP, operational leads, and security management team.
• Daily Risk Ratings per location.
• Monthly Go / No-Go for key roads, LGAs and States in RR program locations.
• Incident Reports and Incident Log always up to date.
• Ensure the Security Bulletin Boards (SBB) for all RR locations are updated.

Operational Security:

• Maintain regular contact with field staff about security situation in their respective areas.
• Request and Review the weekly/daily movement of staff in the field, and provide immediate advice in cases of staff planning to go to a dangerous area. Maintain a whiteboard of all staff movements.
• Conduct safety and road checks daily and prior to any movements. Will recommend approval for travel.
• Provide post-incident analysis for senior management.
• Conduct security assessments of RR sites and identify safe havens, checkpoints and other key factors critical to our safe operations and contingency plans in the North Central and North West. Will lead a Risk Assessment process that is inclusive and includes risk mitigation measures and strategies.аа
• Help with preparations of field visits.
• Advise and prepare documented SOPs for travel in all areas including routes, roads, weather, stopovers, check-in and turn-around timings.

Finance & Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.
• Ensure compliance with all Mercy Corps finance regulation in carrying out activities as a Safety & Security Officer.

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.

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:

• Reports directly to: Country Safety and Security Manager.
• Works directly with: Safety and Security Manager Abuja, Operations Manager, Operations Director, Director of Humanitarian Programs, Team Leader of Humanitarian Programs, Program Managers, and Finance Manager.
• 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.

Safeguarding:

• Mercy Corps has zero tolerance of every form of abuse and expects team members, operations and programs to do no harm to the people and communities with which we work or put anyone, especially vulnerable populations at risk of abuse or exploitation.

Accountability:

• Dotted reporting line to the DCOP
• Works Directly With: Deputy Safety & Security Manager Abuja, COP/DCOP, Field Security Management Team, Operations and program staff.
• Supervisory Responsibility- none
• Reports Directly to: Country Safety & Security manager

Knowledge and Experience

• Excellent negotiation and representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.
• Effective skills in coordination, organization and prioritization as well as in Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated attentions to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.
• Experience living and working in Nigeria, and experience in the Middle belt is preferred.
• Knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures highly desirable.
• English proficiency required; excellent written and oral skills.
• Ability to speak Hausa or Kanuri and any other Middle belt local languages (desired but not essential).
• Advanced university degree in a related field.
• 4 years of security management experience and a minimum of 2 years of security management experience with international NGO is required.
• Relevant work experience in policy analysis, influence, strategic planning, communications, research, media, data gathering and/or information management
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and implement strategies with clear theories of change
• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills and ability to formulate well-targeted strategic documents
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment
• Fluency in English required, with demonstrated writing skills
• Computer literacy in using Microsoft Office and email/internet.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies. Good context analysis skills.

Success Factors:

• The candidate will also have to be able to demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and must be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense environment.
• 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 Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
• Critical to this job is the ability to carry out liaison & networking activities, think critically, keep abreast of security situations within volatile terrains, work out methods to deliver successful programs, be able to comply with Mercy Corps and donor regulations while maintaining strong cooperative relationships with other departments.
• The successful candidate will have the ability to interact effectively with national and international staff members and demonstrate ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and provide relevant advice and support in a fluid security environment.

 

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

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

Job Title: Consultant, Stakeholder Analysis and Government Capacity Needs Assessment Location: Borno

• 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.
• 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.

The Northeast Conflict Management and Stabilization (NE-CMS) Program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to improve security and reduce support for violence in Borno State in Northeast Nigeria. Following two previous phases of the program starting in August 2016, the NE-CMS program entered Phase III in August 2019 for an additional two-year implementation period, which is expected to result in:

• Citizens are more civically engaged, and civilian government are more transparent and inclusive in addressing community needs around service delivery
• Communities demonstrate improved trust and social cohesion within and between actors at the local level
• Local decision-making spaces and peacebuilding processes are equitable and inclusive of marginalized social groups, especially youth and women.

The consortium aims to achieve these outcomes through a range of activities: engaging government in capacity building and mentorship, supporting traditional leaders and communities to conduct advocacy and accountability activities; encouraging dialogue and psychological trauma healing among diverse stakeholders to generate trusting relationships, nurture reconciliation, and mitigate potential future crises; and establishing parallel safe spaces for women and youth to ensure that they can effectively contribute to peacebuilding. NE-CMS operates in five targets LGAs, namely: Maiduguri Municipal Council (MMC), Jere, Dikwa, Dambo, Gwoza. A key output expected of Outcome one of NE-CMS as stated above is Capacity Building for Participatory Governance. This assessment will contribute significantly to delivering on this output, hence the actualization of Outcome 1 of the NE-CMS program. Consultancy Objectives The overall objective of this assignment is to:

• Explore the role of Local Government Councils (LGCs) representing the five target LGAs, their relationships with state-level MDAs, and how policy and planning processes move through these channels.
• Understand the capacity of the LGCs representing the five target LGAs to deliver services to local communities, by identifying gaps, interests, and needs that could improve their capacity in the future.
• Identify available key resource(s) within target LGCs as well as strategies for strengthening their institutional capacity, for the promotion and realization of the goals of NE-CMS in Borno State.

The specific objectives of this consulting assignment are to:

• Develop organizational profiles and performance assessments that will guide the selection and design of the government capacity building component of the NE-CMS Program
• Develop capacity building plans in collaboration with assessed organizations to support the capacity building activities to bridge identified gaps.
• S/N Government CNA Stakeholder Analysis
• Identify key civil society, government and private sector stakeholders within the five focal LGAs that impact on participatory governance efforts positively and negatively;
• Examine the different interventions being implemented by the LGCs and relevant MDAs and how the actual implementation happens in terms of the participation of community members and LGC officials;
• Assess the strengths, weaknesses and capacity-building needs of LGCs; relevant MDAs in the five LGAs and quasi-governmental organizations that are current and potential partners of the NE-CMS Program;

Develop tool for government CNA covering nine core domains, with a view to assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in participatory governance. The domains include:

• Background of agencies;
• Vision, mission, goals and objectives of each agency;
• The specific projects that the government is implementing in each of the 5 target LGAs, including the nature of the project, target beneficiaries, budget, etc.
• Source of financial support;
• Status of implementation; accomplishments; gaps and issues in implementation, and lessons learnt;
• Relationships with other MDAs, including challenges and gaps that impede service delivery
• Conduct the assessment with relevant agencies, including feedback from other INGOs who are closely engaging with LGCs and/or providing technical assistance. Conduct the mapping and analysis exercise, with analysis focusing on the following key elements:
• Adaptive management
• Social mobilization
• Institutionalization and sustainability.
• Governance and Leadership
• Finance Operations and Administration
• Resource Mobilization
• Human Resource Management
• Program Management
• Communication
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Knowledge Management
• Networking, Alliance Building, Coordination and Collaboration
• Service Delivery and Quality Assurance Develop tool for stakeholder analysis, tailored to elicit the following but not limited to:

Conduct a 1-day capacity building plan development workshop with the assessed organizations. Develop a report, including recommendations on:

• Strategic interventions and role of NE-CMS, INGOs, and Government to complement and support existing initiatives;
• Relevant pathways for effective citizen advocacy and community engagement for meaningful participatory governance

Develop a report, including clear programmatic recommendations for NE-CMS intervention Methodology:

• Interviews with key agency personnel and other relevant organizations
• Onsite organizational systems review.
• Any other creative methodology deemed appropriate by consultant for achieving task objectives is recommended. The assessment tools will be simplified such that it can either be self-administered or a designated facilitator can lead the process.
• The Stakeholder analysis and CNA process will be participatory and conducted through a triangulated approach combining
• Review of background documents (desk review),

Skills and Experience Required of the Consultant The consultant is expected to have the following skills and qualifications:

• An understanding of the socio-political and economic context of Borno State;
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English/
• Ability to speak Hausa; Kanuri language ability will be an added advantage;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and work well with diverse people.
• Be resident in Maiduguri, Borno State.
• Advanced degrees in Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences or related discipline;
• A minimum of ten (10) years experience in conducting organizational/government capacity needs assessments, experience with self-assessment processes will be an advantage;
• At least 5 years of experience working in organizational development, capacity building in the specified area;

Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications with the following documents below to: [email protected] using the "Job Title" as the subject of the email.

• Implementation plan with a clear timeline and milestones
• Financial Proposal / Cost to deliver the job.
• CV showing similar experience with 3 referees
• Area of coverage and proposed implementation plan

Job Title: Shelter Program Assistant Reference Number: MDG/HUMOPS/2020/00026 Location: Bama, Borno

Program / Department Summary

• With the insurgency affecting North East Nigeria and displacing millions of people, some of the LGAs are retaken by the Nigerian Military in last couple of months where return has begun. Mercy Corps is expanding its humanitarian programming to support the returnees in Bama LGAs of Borno state. As a result of the wide-scale needs, Mercy Corps has secured ECHO funding to respond to early recovery phase to support returns to help them resume their normal life again.

General Position Summary

• The Shelter Program Assistants to directly assist shelter program Officers based in Bama. This position has an interface with Mercy CorpsТ WASH, CASH, field management, protection & gender and MEL internally while other shelter actors, , local vendors and skilled unskilled laborers externally.

Essential Job Functions

• Support in carrying out shelter needs assessments taking into account the
• Support in the developments of shelter strategies which are framed by Mercy CorpsТs Global Strategy for Settlement and Shelter and take into consideration the local context, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities and existing infrastructure.
• Support in providing clear guidance on standards for shelter, including minimum emergency standards to meet basic and essential needs as well as guidance for phased improvement of shelter conditions that will be necessary as the duration of the displacement prolongs.
• Ensure that local communities and the community relief community have been consulted on all activities so as not to create unnecessary tension between the displaced and host populations.
• Support in monitoring of all shelter and infrastructure activities
• When identifying beneficiaries, ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable population of concern (POC) and host families are addressed. Mercy CorpsТ vulnerability indicators should be applied in a participatory manner during the beneficiary selection.
• When planning shelter works, ensure that the technical component reflects Sphere minimum standards for the provision of emergency and other types of shelter assistance and is within the budgetary requirements. Standards for other sectors such as water and sanitation should be taken into consideration also
• Any Other duties as assigned.
• Supervise the construction works under Shelter Officer's guidance
• Ensure project engineering estimates and design drawings are followed during implementation.
• Follow the team work plans and project implementation plans
• Ensure program activities are implemented within the set timeline and are delivering according to the work plan.
• Supervise the construction works, and administer the works execution as per the contractual provisions and the design specifications.
• Collect and share data according to evolving needs.
• Timely reports to immediate supervisor on potential delays and/or cost overruns that can either be prevented or mitigated
• Preparation of payment certificate and work progress record for the review of the contractors
• Works closely with contractors in the field with provision of technical support and guidance.
• Ensures that items procured meet specifications of the end-user while adhering to donor and Mercy Corps procurement guidelines and in a timely manner
• Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the shelter working group and related coordination platforms.
• Regularly monitor program sites in order to ensure that shelter programs are adapted to local needs, provide quality control assurance, and to conduct regular audits of program activities.
• He/she would assist to develop technical components to shelter and preparation of BOQ and Estimates, Planning, Technical Details, Drawings, improve development techniques for the safer building/shelter and other all Civil and Architectural related projects.

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.

Accountability:

• Reports Directly To: Shelter Program Officer
• Works Directly With: Program, MEL, Operations, and support team
• Supervisory Responsibility: None

Knowledge and Experience

• Ability to effectively represent the organization and its interests to a diverse range of stakeholders, including local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, donors, other international organizations, the media and the community.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required, with strong focus on Excel.
• Ability to analyze databases resulting from surveys
• Excellent oral and written English skills are an advantage, with local languages skills a bonus.
• Proven experience in working in insecure environment and through remote management.
• Fluency in English, Kanuri and Hausa languages
• Assistant must be local resident of target LGA
• Diploma or BA/S in Construction, Building, Civil Engineering, or other relevant fields.
• 1-2 years of experience implementing shelter programs/ activities
• Experience with emergency Shelter programs with a view on sustainable infrastructure, Cash-for-Work programming required
• Experience working with local stakeholders required
• Good organizational and program management skills and the ability to anticipate program needs.

Success Factors:

• 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.
• The successful candidate will be capable of multi-tasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, drive and a lot of energy, as well as high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring skills and proven experience with capacity building. S/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

 

How to Apply Interested candidates are encouraged to submit no more than 4 page CV and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: [email protected] Or Drop off application in a sealed envelope with "Shelter Program Assistant" boldly written to Mercy Corps Nigeria at Mercy Corps Office Bama, Borno State. Note

• All applications must include the Position Title on the envelope and should not be more than 4 pages.
• Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview and we are an equal opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
• All applications must include the position title and Reference Number on the envelope or in the subject line if sending via email.
• CV and cover letter and should not be more than 4 pages.

Borno State, Yobe State, Gombe State, Yola, Bama