Program Officer - Village Savings & Loans Association (VSLA) at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

• The VSLA Program Officer will be responsible for assisting in the formation and oversight of village savings and loans associations (VSLAs) in the intervention communities within southern Borno and Gombe States.
• With support from the Livelihoods Manager, s/he will be responsible for establishing new VSLAs, as well as assessing the capacity of existing VSLAs including their training needs and propose actions to build their management capacities.
• The Program Officer will report to the Livelihoods Manager and work collaboratively with fellow program and MEL staff.
• S/He will also contribute significant time to other planned interventions including cash transfers, livelihood grants, and cash for work.

Essential Job Functions

• Work closely with the Livelihoods Manager and other team members in planning and implementation of financial access components of the projects according to the approved work plan and budgets, project document and implementation strategies.
• Identify the capacity gaps of VSLAs, design and implement most feasible capacity building activities based on identified gaps.
• Provide continuous support and oversee activities of the local financial institutions identified for capacity building support.
• Prepare periodic work plans and progress reports.
• Maintain proper filling system as needed.
• Report on any problems encountered in the field such as project participant complaints, local authority interference, security threats to MC staff and activities.  Coordinate with MC Security Officer and Livelihoods Manager on any threats to MC staff and activities; follow up on incidents/security threats in areas of operation.
• Contribute to effective program reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use in coordination with the other program staff.
• Adhere to all MC policies and procedures;
• 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 country of operation;
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/BSc in relevant field required;
• 3 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; general program management experience required.
• Solid experience in mobilization and organization of saving and lending groups.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
• Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
• 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.
• Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
• Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors

• The successful candidate will have a can-do attitude. Ideally s/he will have previous experience in working in large-scale emergency programs in insecure and conflict-affected contexts.
• S/he is a problem solver, who is adept in successfully dealing with issues of complexity.
• S/he is an active listener and contributor, working to create a strong team share ideas and learn.