Program Officer - Cash Transfer at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

• The Cash Transfer Program Officer will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of unconditional cash transfer and livelihood grant activities in the intervention communities (either S. Borno or Adamawa). With support from the Livelihoods Manager, s/he will plan and supervise all phases of activities including beneficiary registration, distribution, monitoring and reconciliation.
• The Cash Transfer Program Officer will report to the Livelihoods Manager and work collaboratively with fellow program and MEL staff. S/He may also support other livelihood sector interventions including cash for work and VSLAs.

Essential Job Functions

• Plan and ensure the effective implementation of cash transfer program activities (unconditional cash and livelihood grants).
• Contribute to all field work, including community mobilization, beneficiary identification/registration, distributions, and monitoring.
• Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to established vulnerability criteria.
• Report on any problems encountered in the field such as project participant complaints, local authority interference, and 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.
• Maintain all documentation relating directly to cash transfer activities required to ensure accountability.
• Oversee administrative matters relating directly to cash transfer activities including reconciliation with cash-out agents following distributions.
• Contribute to effective program reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use in coordination with the other program staff.
• Work with the Livelihoods Manager to prepare monthly cash requirement forecast for cash transfer activities.
• Provide information on cash transfer program activities as requested by the Team Leader, Livelihoods Manager or MEL team.
• 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.
• Prior experience implementing distributions is required, preferably in a non-camp setting. Experience with cash distributions strongly preferred.
• 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.