CIPP Program Officer at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

• The CIPP State Program Officer is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the program in the assigned state.
• S/he will support the implementation of activities related to peacebuilding and conflict management with key actors such as farmers, herders, religious leaders, religious institutions, government institutions and other appropriate actors.
• The Officer will support the facilitation and implementation of joint conflict prevention and PVE plans, and the facilitation of events related to advocacy and relationship-building initiatives.
• S/he will also provide support to all other activities related to the USAID-funded CIPP Program and will ensure smooth, timely, and compliant implementation in the respective states.
• The Program Officer will liaise frequently with implementing partners, community members, conflict actors, religious leaders, and represent Mercy Corps at relevant meetings in the assigned state.
• The Program Officer will be directly supervised by the Program Manager, and work closely with other State-based Program teams, the Communications team, MEL team, GESI teams, Finance and Sub-awards teams, Operations team, Safety/Security teams to ensure that activities implementation are according to plan, schedule, budget and required quality.

Essential Job Responsibilities

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

• Support technical aspects of the peacebuilding and conflict management program by assisting with the development of activities concept notes, budget and agendas, and curricula as appropriate.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate community meetings, events, and training as required.
• Ensure implementation of activities is on time, target, budget and right quality.
• Liaise with CIPP partner organizations and potential resource persons as needed.
• Support the Program Manager in overseeing the performance of program implementation by partners and conduct frequent field visits to program sites.
• Build strong relationships with key actors such as government MDAs, I/NGOs, CSOs, the private sector and the communities at large.
• In collaboration with the MEL team, coordinate the implementation of relevant surveys, needs assessments, data and information collection for ongoing monitoring.
• Develop activity work plans and manage day-to-day activity implementation in the state.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to community needs, meets targets, and is carried out in line with best practices.
• Establish and maintain effective program reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems (to track, analyze and report on results) for both internal and external use.
• Integrate community approaches, protection mainstreaming, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate.
• Ensure effective community engagement to create enabling environment and ownership.
• Submit weekly program updates including success stories to supervisor.
• Update Program Issue Log, Risk Register and Incident Tracker as appropriate.
• Ensure program filing system is in place, adheres to internal and donor regulations and filing is regularly maintained.
• Adhere to all MC policies related to security, operations and transport/ logistics information related to programming.
• Undertake all the required training by Mercy Corps, and other professional advancement courses.
• Undertakes other assigned responsibilities that support all CIPP’s teams.

REPRESENTATION AND COORDINATION

• Intentionally engage with government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to sustain acceptance and promote collaboration with CIPP’s interventions.
• Represent Mercy Corps in the state at government, donor, NGO, and community meetings in close coordination with the Project Manager.
• Coordinate activities with implementing partners, local government representatives, religious leaders, and other international and local organizations operating in the same state/geographic area, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs in Nigeria

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.

FINANCE AND OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE

• Ensure compliance with all Mercy Corps’ and Donor regulations.

SAFETY/SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ Safety/Security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that teams and program participants/recipients are aware of policies and operate in a safe/secure environment.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/B.Sc degree and above in Social Sciences such as Peace and Conflict Management, International Law, or related fields.
• 4 years and above relevant experience in implementing multifaceted conflict management and peacebuilding interventions in conflict and transitional contexts.
• Experience working with local and state government authorities, I/NGOs, traditional leadership, and community groups.
• Demonstrated and progressive ability for creative and flexible program design and implementation.
• Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps to key stakeholders.
• Effective oral, and written communication and reporting skills in English language.
• Medium to high level of communication and facilitation skills in Hausa language (and other appropriate local dialects) will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with socially, ethnically, and religiously diverse teams and groups in sensitive environments.
• Possess internationally recognized professional certifications in project or program management, or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Experience managing community-based peacebuilding and conflict management interventions.
• Strong training and capacity-building experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of the conflict dynamics in Northcentral Nigeria.