Facilitator - Northern Nigeria Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA) at Mercy Corps

Primary Location: Zamfara, Katsina, Borno or Yobe
Position Status: Field-based, full-time, regular, exempt
Position Level: Level X
Duration: 2 to 4 weeks
Current Employee: N/A
 
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Working in a team, the Facilitator will collect high quality primary data from communities in one or more states of Northern Nigeria. The Facilitator will be expected to facilitate group discussions and use other data collection techniques, as required (possibly including but not limited to hazard mapping, vulnerability matrices and historical timelines). The Facilitator will document all data received accurately and work with her/his supervisor to ensure that it is clearly reported.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
 
Assessment Implementation

•     Facilitate focus groups in an inclusive and respectful manner that encourages honest feedback and open participation.
•     Ensure deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and according to Mercy Corps and DFID standards.
•     In collaboration with colleagues, implement relevant focus group discussions, data and information collection for on-going monitoring.

•      Ensure strong communication with the Field Coordinator. Inform Field Coordinator in a timely manner of all field needs and challenges and reports all security concerns in a timely manner.
•      Arrive punctually for all engagements.
•      May manage relationships with local authorities, local CSOs, and other local organizations.

Personal Leadership

• ·   Demonstrate flexibility, organization, 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

•     Accurately record all data collected in a timely and efficient manner.
•     Acknowledge and report out areas of bias and limitations of data collection.

Representation

•     Represent Mercy Corps in communities where data collection is being conducted.
•     Coordinate assessment activities (key informant interviews, focus groups) with local government, traditional leaders and private sector actors.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
·         Excellent oral, written, presentation and communications skills in English and Hausa are required
·         Fluency in other northern languages and dialects an asset
·         BA/S or equivalent in education, management, social sciences, international development or other relevant field.
·         Familiarity with participatory data collection methods.
·         Must be based in one of the four states where the study takes place.
·         Deep understanding of the challenges in Northern Nigeria.
·         Understanding of a systems approach and resilience highly desired.
·         High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
·         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 facilitation skills with a focus on qualitative data collection in conflict zones.  S/he will have an outstanding ability to develop trust, elicit honest answers in conversation and a willingness to pry past surface-level answers. Excellent listening skills, the ability to ask insightful questions and attention to detail 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.
 
LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position will be based in Northern Nigeria with some travel to other states, possibly including Borno and Yobe, 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.