Project Officer at International Alert

Purpose of the Position

• The program officer under the general supervision of the Project Manager, contributes to, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• As this is a project implemented with several local partners in Maiduguri and other LGAs in Borno state, the program officer will need to have a good Knowledge and understanding of local conditions.
• To ensure good communication and coordination among the partners and assuring connections between the partners and other actors working in similar work in the Borno and the NE in general.
• Implementation will begin in May 2016 and will run through April 2019 with the possibility of extension. Therefore, the program officer is expected to provide proactive support to ensure the timely implementation of planned activities and to successfully achieve the project’s objectives.
• The program officer will perform tasks indicated below; thereby improve performance of the projects and achieve results.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The program officer will act as focal point for work plan related to project activities, responsible for the delivery of the project activity work plans.
• Undertakes ongoing visits to project sites, assesses local conditions and resources, and monitors projects inputs.
• Communicate with partners, on project viability and effectiveness including monitoring the flow of activity inputs and outcomes.
• Assist in preparation of project reports.
• Undertakes follow-up action on advocacy and programme implementation activities, contributes to teamwork building, and prepares relevant reports. Drafts changes in programme work plans as required.
• Attends technical cooperation meetings, prepares notes and undertakes follow-up action and coordination related to programme implementation and monitoring.
• Assist in development of documents, presentations and other appropriate means of communication.
• Support the Selection and compilation of training and orientation, as well as IEC materials for those involved in program implementation, including donor and media visits.
• Evaluates and analyzes program and financial reports to ensure appropriateness of documentation, expenditures are within allotments. Reports to the program manager the outcome of reviews.
• Ensure any follow-up actions are carried out appropriately.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Supporting the project manager in organization and project management questions.
• Assisting the project manager in carrying out preparatory activities for capacity development trainings and awareness workshops for target audiences in all project target communities.
• Assist the project manager in organizing strategy meetings, technical cooperation meetings, prepare activity reports, and undertake follow-up actions on implementation of recommendations and agreements on internal and external impact assessment and evaluation.
• Facilitating the regular and timely submission of activity and financial reports to international Alert.
• Assisting the project manager in organizing outreach and follow-up activities for the purpose of monitoring project activities in the target communities.
• In collaboration with the project manager, ensure maintenance of an overall good flow of communication and information between all involved institutions, mainly community stakeholders, international development partners and Government agencies.
• Assisting the project manager in coordinating and facilitating the implementation of various workshops, and sensitization trainings for target audiences.
• On as need arises-basis, participate in the preparation and conduct of new training curricula, materials, course, case studies etc. regarding the dissemination and application of best practices.
• Promote all project services and always insuring a synergy between and among all Alert projects in Borno.
• Go on field visits to the communities to follow up field activities, training impacts, and action plans of the project and reports to the project manager.

Essential Qualifications and Experience Required

• At least B.A or B.Sc Degree, preferably in Management or Social Sciences, or related technical fields.
• At least 1 year of progressively responsible experience in program design, administration, monitoring and evaluation or related field in the north east region.(experience working in Borno State is an added advantage)
• Fluency in spoken English and good command of written English is required. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is necessary (Hausa and Kanuri or other Local languages spoken in Borno).
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications, especially MS-Office applications and utilities.
• Shares knowledge and experience.
• Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of program, managing data, reporting.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Within Nigeria, regular travel between Abuja and Maiduguri may be necessary. Also, travel to target LGAs of Bama, Gwoza, Damboa and Dikwa may be necessary if security permits.

Time frame

• International Alert seeks to contract for a total of 154 working days over a period that runs between the 15 May and 31 December 2017 with the option to renew for FY2018 if satisfactory performance is observed and documented.