Program Assistant at Mercy Corps

Location: Damboa, Borno

Program / Department Summary

• Mercy Corps Nigeria’s humanitarian program aims to provide assistance to populations affected by the crisis in Northeast Nigeria.
• With funding from humanitarian donors including OFDA, FFP, EU, and ECHO the humanitarian programs engage in several interventions including but not limited to food assistance, non-food items (NFI), protection, livelihoods, cash transfers, WASH and capacity building of humanitarian response actors.
• Mercy Corps is scaling-up and expanding its humanitarian response in Northeast Nigeria to reach more beneficiaries with additional assistance in a wider geographic area.

General Position Summary

• The Cash Transfer Programming (CTP)/Cash for Work (CFW) Program Assistant will assist in the day to day implementation of all CTP/CFW program activities in the areas of intervention.
• The PA will work closely with CTP/CFW Program Officers to ensure smooth implementation of cash/voucher related activities.
• The CTP/CFW Program Assistant will report to the Cash & Vouchers Senior Program Officer and work collaboratively with fellow program and MEL staff.
• S/He may also support other livelihood sector interventions including unconditional cash transfers, livelihood grants and VSLAs.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Assist program officers to ensure cash transfer programming and cash for work activities progress according to the developed schedule and work plan.
• Assist in the coordination with program stakeholders in target geographical areas.
• Support in the process of beneficiary registration, community mobilization and sensitization.
• Assist in promoting community participation and inclusion so as to encourage community ownership over activities implemented.
• Ensure equal representation of various community groups in the implementation of activities.
• Assist in the facilitation of community meetings, focus group discussion and other as required by the program.
• Keep program officers and management updated with regards to security situation in the project implementation area.
• Provide weekly field reports, capturing activities progress, observed humanitarian needs, general situation and community updates.
• Support program officers in CTP/CFW activity planning and project related documentation.
• Document lessons learned and success stories related to CTP/CFW activities with the support and guidance of MEL team.
• Adherence 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 country of operation;
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• 1-2 years of working experience.
• Previous experience in community/social work is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain good relation with the local communities and project beneficiaries.
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing and reporting
• Bachelor Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience is highly recommended
• 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.

Success Factor

• 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.