Deputy Program Manager (ISING) at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

• The Deputy Program Manager supports the ISING Program Manager in the day to day implementation of project activities in the Gombe and Borno states of Northeast Nigeria.
• S/he will work closely with the ISING project MEL officer, Gender & Protection officer and Livelihoods officer to ensure smooth project implementation and delivery of project objectives.
• In the absence of the Program Manager, the Deputy Program Manager will act on their behalf, managing the project and work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) in Northeast Nigeria to ensure the day to day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.
• The Deputy Project Manager reports directly to the ISING Program Manager.

Essential Job Functions

• Directly support the Program Manager in managing all operations and activities related to the ISING project in Northeast Nigeria according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy.
• Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities and liaise with Program Manager as necessary. 
• In close collaboration with the Program Manager build the ISING Program Officer & Assistant team ensuring that there are fluent communication channels that the reporting schedule is timely met and that projects objectives are achieved.
• Coordinate and share information to ensure overall projects targets and donor obligations are being achieved. Troubleshoot on reporting and programmatic needs. Advise supervisor on suggested improvements and necessities, as required.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of trainings in any areas related to the ISING activities for staff, communities and project beneficiaries.
• Closely coordinate and share information with the various sectors of the ISING project staff including gender and livelihoods and general program support with regular program meetings and activity plans.
• Coordinate closely with the Program Manager and relevant administrative and finance staff to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the project are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the project.
• Support the ISING Program Manager in forecasting expenditure surpluses and deficits to enable adjustments to be made to the project in a timely fashion.
• Build capacity of national staff under their supervision (program officers and assistants)
• Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, and local government in the target locations.
• Support the Program Manager in overseeing the project filing system for all ISING related activities and ensure that information is organized accordingly to the reporting and auditing needs of the project. Ensure required levels of confidentiality.
• Mobilize communities to participate in the design, implementation and maintenance of projects as well as design viable strategies which are both respectful with the local culture and are gender sensitive and effective in engaging women in the activities of the project.
• Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all national ISING program officers and assistants.
• 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 to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/MS/MBA in relevant field required.
• Minimum 4-5 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; specifically in economic recovery.
• Prior experience implementing livelihoods programs is essential, preferably in conflict settings.
• 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:

• Must be able to work independently and show initiatives.
• Strong leadership and management skills are essential. Understanding of humanitarian principles and application in program implementation.
• Community liaison skills necessary. Ability to supervise, mentor and coach a diverse team.
• Must be able to multi task on a diverse range of technical supervision issues as well as supervising the daily smooth running of the project.