Program Assistant, NE - CMS at Mercy Corps

Reference Number: MDG/PRO/2019/00076
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Works Directly With: Program, Finance, and Operation Teams

Program Summary

The Northeast Conflict Management and Stabilization (NE-CMS) Program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to reduce violence and insecurity in Borno State. The program seeks to achieve the following outcomes:

• Citizens are more civically engaged, and civilian government and security forces are more transparent and inclusive in addressing community needs around service delivery and protection;
• 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 program is implemented in a consortium with multiple partners both international and national with Mercy Corps being the lead.

General Position Summary

• The program assistant will support the program teams in the day-to-day implementation of all program activities in the areas of intervention, focusing on administrative support and implementation of programmatic work plans.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist team to ensure program progress according to the developed work plan.
• Conduct all program administration, including submission and follow-up of all documentation related to procurements and finances, in close coordination with program officers and operations team.
• Conduct notetaking related to internal meetings and programmatic activities.
• Support preparation and smooth implementation of events and activities.
• Support the writing and submission of activity reports and program monitoring data into established systems and databases.
• Assist in the coordination with local partners in target geographical areas.
• Assist in promoting community participation and inclusion to encourage community ownership.
• Ensure equal representation of various community groups in the implementation of activities.
• Assist the facilitation of workshops, meetings, focus group discussions and other program activities.
• Document and share lessons learned and success stories on the project.
• Adhere to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals.
• 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 in the country of operation;
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements, Knowledge and Experience

• 1-2 years of working experience, with previous experience in community work highly preferred
• Proven ability to develop and maintain good relations with the local communities, partners, and project participants
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing and reporting
• 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 is required, ability to speak Kanuri and Shuwa highly desired.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience is highly recommended.

Success Factors

• The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, with dedication towards community work, commitment to work long hours in the field conditions with limited access to resources.
• S/He will be highly motivated, with initiative and capable to work without direct supervision.
• S/he will be willing to conduct field travels and work in ethnically and culturally diversified and fast-growing team.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

• The position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State and it requires up to 20% travel to field offices in Northeast Nigeria and Abuja.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside 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.