Recruitment 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.

  Job Title: Senior Program Officer - Food For Peace Reference No.: MDG / HUMOPS / 2020 / 00025 Location: Damboa, Borno Position Status: Full Time

Program / Department Summary

• The position will monitor the context and implementation environment as well as the program quality to ensure it remains conducive for expansion.
• The position will also contribute in exploring local partnerships for both immediate programming with an eye to long-term development and create those linkages along with senior management.
• The senior program coordinator position will be based in Damboa with travel to Maiduguri Borno State on a regular basis.
• The responsibilities of the position will include providing support to program implementation of food assistance, nutrition and energy access, mentoring and guidance for staff working on FFP, support in set-up of program activities, and capacity building to field level team members within Mercy Corps programs and locations.

General Position Summary

• In the absence of the Program Manager, the Senior program officer with support from Humanitarian Director will act on their behalf, managing the project and work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) in Damboa and Maiduguri to ensure the day to day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.
• The senior program officer reports directly to the Humanitarian Program Manager- FFP
• The senior program officer supports the humanitarian Program Manager- FFP, in the day-to-day implementation of REACH 4 project activities of Mercy Corps Northeast Nigeria.
• S/he will work closely with Nutrition, Cash, livelihood and Protection in their field level implementation with aim of ensuring smooth project implementation and delivery of project objectives.

Essential Job Responsibilities Strategy & Vision:

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.

Program Management:

• Closely coordinate and share information with MEL/PAQ and the various sectors, participate in general program support with regular program meetings and activity plans as required.
• Coordinate closely with the Program Manager and relevant administrative and finance staff to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the projects are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the projects.
• Support the Program Manager in forecasting expenditure surpluses and deficits to enable adjustments to the different projects in a timely fashion.
• Ensures beneficiary complaints mechanisms and Accountability to the Affected Population is addressed in the appropriate way that does not discredit the image of Mercy Corps.
• Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities and local government in the target location.
• Mobilize communities to participate in the design, implementation and maintenance of projects as well as design viable strategies that are both respectful with the local culture and are gender-sensitive and effective in engaging women in the activities of the project.
• Provide written and oral translation and report writing for program staff, as necessary;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Directly support the Program Manager in managing all operations and activities in northeast of Nigeria according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy.
• Follow up on compliance with contractual commitments within the Food security, Nutrition and livelihood unit, ensuring high technical quality and synergies in program implementation
• Provide technical inputs on the execution of the implementation of Food security activities in a timely manner.
• Maintain filing of all Mercy Corps beneficiaries, and ensure all lists are well captured electronically and manually.
• Assist in Monitoring of all program activities.
• Ensure that key learning’s are extracted from Food Security implementation, and incorporate them in Food Security implementation and staff development processes
• In close collaboration with the Program Manager build the team members capacity ensuring that there are fluent communication channels that the reporting schedule is timely met and that projects objectives are achieved.
• Work with all program teams, M&E on food security monitoring including baselines, end-lines, midterm reviews, lesson learning exercises and evaluations and ensure learning informs programming
• Participate and facilitate coordination and collaboration with other agencies.
• Provide inputs to the design and implementation of trainings in any areas related to the program activities for staff, communities and program beneficiaries.

Finance & Compliance Management:

• Responsible for expenditure tracking of activities carried out in the field.
• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency cash transfer interventions.

Influence & Representation:

• Communicate effectively to ensure overall program targets are met.
• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with the community, government and other stakeholders.

Security:

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• The senior program officer will supervise a Program Officer who in turn will supervise program assistant.

Accountability:

• Reports Directly To: the Program Manager-FFP
• Works Directly With: Senior nutrition officer, Senior Cash officer and livelihood officer

Knowledge and Experience

• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa, Kanuri and other local languages is highly recommended
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing and reporting
• At least three years of Food security and nutrition program implementation in the northeast part of Nigeria.
• 3-4 years of experience in project implementation, or work with local partners or in any role that included training and capacity building of staff or partners.
• Bachelor degree in relevant field or equivalent

Success Factors:

• Adaptability, being adaptable and maintaining flexibility in completing tasks in an ever-changing workplace.
• 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.
• Strong Work Ethic, having the ability to learn the most efficient way of learning the most efficient way to complete tasks and finding ways to save time while completing daily assignments.
• Dependability and Responsibility, having the ability to come to work on time, are there when they are supposed to be, and are responsible for their actions and behavior.

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit not more than 4 pages CV and Cover Letter in one document to: [email protected] using the "Job Title" as the subject of the email. Note

• CV and cover letter and should not be more than 4 pages.
• 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.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited.
• All applications must include the position title and Reference Number on the envelope or in the subject line if sending via email.

Job Title: Program Officer - Livelihood Reference Number: MDG / HUMOPS / 2020 / 00019 Location: Damboa, Borno Position Status: Full-time regular employee Supervisory Responsibility: Livelihood assistant Reports Directly To: Senior Program Officer - Nutrition Works Directly With: Nutrition Team, MEL Team, Cash Team, Finance and Operation teams

Program / Department Summary

• 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.

General Position Summary

• The Livelihood Program Officer is responsible for the day to day implementation of the back yard gardening and poultry production activities planned in the Responsive Economic Assistance to Conflict-affected Households (REACH) project implemented in Damboa LGA.
• The Livelihood Program Officer will work closely with the Program Manager, Nutrition Team, MEL team, and operations staff (including finance and operations) to ensure that activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.

Specific Objectives

• Participate in planned food and nutrition security assessments/ surveys.
• Participate in periodic program monitoring and evaluation activities including baselines, end lines, midterm reviews, lesson learning exercises and compilation of success stories.
• Closely collaborate with other sector teams to ensure an integrated approach internally with MC sectors and externally with complementary activities implemented by other nutrition actors.
• Actively participate in area level nutrition, food security and livelihood sector meetings.
• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with communities, local authorities and other stakeholders to create enabling environment and ownership.
• Ensure timely submission of quality weekly and monthly activity reports.
• Serve as technical focal person for all field level engagements.
• Responsible for monitoring and supervision of the day-to-day implementation of backyard gardening and poultry production and ensure it is in accordance to agreed work plan.
• Coordinate with MEL team to map, identify and register program participants.
• Train targeted beneficiaries on best agronomy practices, climate smart agriculture and poultry production through formal trainings, on-job mentorship and supportive supervision.
• Identify any gaps or capacity needs within the team and ensure training and capacity building is incorporated into program planning.
• Coordinate and or supervise community mobilization and nutrition sensitization activities that promote increased consumption of nutritious diets

Requirements, Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated skill in training and facilitation.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Willing and able to be based within remote areas, where services are limited.
• Familiarity of the intervention areas
• Fluency in Hausa, Kanuri, Marghi and English.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture or relevant field required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience focused on food security, livelihood or Nutrition, including community mobilization, participatory planning and rural/community development.
• Prior experience implementing agriculture or livestock support programs is essential, preferably in conflict settings.
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing

Success Factors:

• Ability to supervise, mentor and coach a diverse team. 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. 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.
• 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.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

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

Job Title: Program Officer, Food for Peace Reference Number: MDG/HUMOPS/2020/00024 Location: Damboa, Borno State, Nigeria Position Status: Full-time regular employee

• With the insurgency affecting North East Nigeria and displacing millions of people, Mercy Corps is expanding its humanitarian programming to support the conflict-affected population.
• As a result of the wide-scale needs, Mercy Corps is scaling-up food security, nutrition, protection, livelihoods, and energy access activities in Damboa Local Government Area in Borno State to address emergency needs.

General Position Summary

• USAID/food for peace, REACH 4 program while providing support to food assistance implementation.
• The Program Officer will work closely with the Program Manager, Senior Program Officers, , MEL team and Operations staff to ensure that activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality. S/he will be responsible for the implementation of Energy access component of

Essential Job Functions

• Facilitate and co-facilitate community meetings, events, and training as required
• Maintain proper file management for all beneficiary registration and distribution documentation.
• Coordinate with other technical departments (nutrition, water and sanitation) and support departments (log-admin, human resources).
• Liaise with local authorities, partner organizations, NGOs, government bodies and clusters at base level.
• Carry out regular monitoring and supervision during redemptions, registration, etc
• Document and report all lessons learnt during energy access intervention activities.
• 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 14. Any Other duties as assigned
• Participate in the development of appropriate targeting criteria and mechanisms to ensure the needs of identified vulnerable groups are met.
• Support technical aspects of Energy Access component of the program by assisting with the development of activities as appropriate
• Participate in registration of Mercy Corps beneficiaries both manually and electronically and ensure the registration process is up and running.
• Conduct community mobilization of Mercy Corps Beneficiaries in preparation for the field activities taking place.
• In collaboration with M&E staff, coordinate the implementation of relevant surveys, needs assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring
• Develop activity work plans and manage day-to-day activity implementation

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 the 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.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• 1 Program Assistant

Accountability:

• Reports Directly to: Senior Program Officer, FFP
• Works Directly with: All Mercy Corps team, partners, MC Beneficiaries.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience using Excel
• Experience creating basic graphs and tables a plus
• Fluency in English, Kanuri and Hausa languages
• Attention to detail and quality of delivery
• Preferably, a degree or HND in Agronomy, Veterinary, Socio-economic, Rural Development, Anthropology, Geography, International Development or any related disciplines.
• Minimum of 2 -3 years’ experience in food security, Energy access or any related humanitarian program
• Multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will be capable of multitasking, 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.
• 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 Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements, reference number and location to: [email protected] using the "Job title" as the subject of the email. 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, Damboa