Program Manager - NE CMS at Mercy Corps

Location Maiduguri, with frequent travel to project locations in NE Nigeria
 
Program / Department Summary
The Northeast Conflict Management and Stabilization (NE CMS) Program is an expansion from a pilot phase implemented from August 2016 to March 2017. The program is implemented in a consortium with Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, Center for Civilians in Conflict and Okapi Consulting with Mercy Corps being the lead. The program will result in increased peace within and between communities, and increased confidence in government and security institutions to address the root causes of conflict and violent extremism in Borno State. The consortium will strengthen protection of civilians, support social cohesion, address the root causes of violent extremism and contribute to conflict management in Northeast Nigeria by: a) strengthening government and civil-society efforts to address key grievances; b) increasing economic and social engagement opportunities for youth; c) promoting reconciliation and transitional justice at a community level; d) supporting civilian protection and improving civil-military relations; e) laying the groundwork for successful reintegration of former members of violent groups, their victims and IDPs; and f) promoting positive alternative narratives through radio.

General Position Summary[Describe overview of job missioGener
The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for overall day-to-day management and coordination of the NE CMS program at field level. S/he will manage, coordinate, supervise and evaluate program staff in all target LGAs and communities. S/he will also provide technical and strategic management support to the program. The Program Manager will promote a culture of constant program improvement, mentor the program team, integrate monitoring and evaluation into program activities and ensure the delivery of high-quality program that delivers impact.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Provide leadership and strategic vision in all aspects of the program’s development, implementation and management.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the program in Borno State.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcome.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives and impact.
• Support evaluation assessments and analysis to identify areas for program improvement.

Program Management

• Coordinate the implementation of program activities in each of the ten target LGAs and 30 communities; ensure implementation of activities is on-time, on-scope and on-budget using effective management systems to reach desired impacts.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely reporting according to Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Identify and manage links with existing and planned donor interventions that promote countering violent extremisms and peacebuilding in target communities in Borno State.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners, and aligned with Mercy Corps principles, values and strategic plan.
• Work closely with local NGO partners and identify new ones to implement some of NE CMS activities.
• In collaboration with the M&E team, ensure monitoring, evaluation and analysis are integrated into program implementation to promote adaptive management and a culture of constant program improvement.
• Support the design and implementation of relevant surveys, need assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring and learning.
• Organize and conduct monitoring visits to the project sites and host visitors and donors, as needed.

Team Management

• Sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• With the Program Director, supervise, hire and orient new team members as necessary.
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• Implement performance planning and management systems.
• Consolidate work plans for each target LGA into one program-level work plan. Ensure timely delivery of activities.

Finance & Compliance Management
Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to planning an managing program budgets.

Organizational Learning
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
• Work closely with Mercy Corps Nigeria country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its implementation process

Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: Senior Program Officers

Reports Directly to: Program Director

Knowledge and Experience

• Master’s Degree or its equivalent in management, social sciences, international development or other relevant field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive work experience including at least 3 years in a senior management or technical advisory role on large, peacebuilding or CVE program.
• Experience managing large-scale programs required. Expertise in at least one of the following areas preferred: conflict management, peacebuilding, governance and/or economic development.
• Strong understanding of UkAid compliance is preferred.
• Strong management skills. Experience managing a multi-cultural team preferred.
• Experience working in North East Nigeria preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development.
• Ability to speak fluently in Hausa is essential while the ability to speak fluently in Kanuri is preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Demonstrated experience working with State-level ministries and government officials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop strong, collaborative relationships. Able to represent the organization to a broad range of stakeholders.

Success Factors
The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.