Accountability Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Reference Number: ACOFF2017
Location: Damaturu, Yobe

Project Background

• The Accountability Officer will implement newly developed Beneficiary Feedback and Response Mechanism (BFRM) in Northeast (NE) Nigeria but not limited to MEAL activities, as described in the job responsibilities.
• S/he will ensure that NE BFRM is aligned with Country Level Accountability Framework.
• S/he will be based in Damaturu with frequent visits in the project area.
• S/he will report to the MEAL Coordinator but work closely with Program Managers and MEAL Officers in NE.

Job Responsibilities
Accountability (80%):

• Provide technical assistance to ensure that accountability framework is integrated throughout the project cycle (design, implementation, and M&E) across NE.
• Provide training and guidance for project staff on relevant BFRM.
• Review accountability framework periodically and update any changes if deemed necessary in consultation with NE MEAL Coordinator.
• Build staff capacity to mainstream and develop accountability practices and mechanisms into programming.
• Maintain and update the BFRM database; and provide timely update to program staff based on the nature of feedback.
• Lead and support the development of communication materials for beneficiaries on BFRM.
• Design and provide feedback to the proposal development process on strengthening accountability measures.
• Liaise with Country Program (CP) MEAL Team on strengthening accountability measures and CP framework.
• Act as content expert on donor accountability requirements.
• Incorporate, where necessary, cross cutting themes such as protection, gender and disability in designing, implementing and reporting accountability.
• Develop standard talking point and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) align to nature of feedback in collaboration with MEAL Coordinator and Program Managers.
• Support and mentor/coach Accountability Assistance and Hotline Assistance in BFRM and database management/reporting.
• Ensure that feedback is routinely recorded, reviewed and responded timely align with feedback mechanism guidelines.
• Generate periodic reports and share with programs and MEAL department.
• Participate in internal and external meetings related to humanitarian accountability.
• Conduct periodic field visit to ensure that the accountability system is in place and necessary supports are provided as needed.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (20%):

• Conduct regular on-site and post-activity monitoring to measure the project progress.
• Conduct Market Price Monitoring in collaboration with the Programs.
• Provide timely analyzed data and report on the monitoring activities and feedback to the programs; and write reports.
• Identify, document, store and share lessons learned (this includes success story too) that have implications for refinement of best programmatic practice.
• Conduct and document end of project learning reviews and share learning with partners/stakeholders.
• Ensure ethical and safe collection and storage of data.

Qualifications and Skills

• University Degree, preferably in Statistics, Information Management, Management, Social Sciences or related fields.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with NGOs or government agencies in planning and implementation of accountability programming in humanitarian or development programs.
• Strong knowledge and proven experience on project monitoring and evaluation.
• Ability to train partners and staff on developing and maintaining the Accountability Feedback and Response Mechanism.
• Knowledge of English, Hausa and Kanuri mandatory. Shuwa and Fulani would be an advantage.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse team and manage complex and sensitive organizational relationships.
• Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to promoting gender equity and the interests of vulnerable people.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to CRS’s values and guiding principles.
• Ability to manage complex workloads and deliver work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to travel frequently and stay in difficult environments