Program Quality Specialist at Mercy Corps

The Position

• The Program Quality Specialist is responsible for ensuring quality of MCN processes and products including reports, cases studies, communication materials etc.
• The position will also be engaging implementing partner organizations to record their outcomes and learnings and to produce high impact communications outputs.
• The PQS role will be divided into two; 50% time and effort will be dedicated to CIPP while the other 50% will be spent on other projects.
• The position reports to the CIPP’s Chief of Party and will work closely with the Director of Programs. 
• The position is based in Abuja and requires travel to field sites in North West, North East, North Central and South of Nigeria.

Essential Job Responsibilities
50% time and effort on CIPP

Communication

• Develop high impact documents including case studies, impact reports, factsheets, success stories, and other outputs as needed.
• Develop the Project Quarterly Newsletters for dissemination among stakeholders.
• Attend meetings with project partners on an ad hoc basis regarding communications, outreach, PR, and media related issues, program deliverables and reports, and USAID branding and marking guidelines.
• Ensure compliance of all MC and partner branded materials with USAID branding and marking guidelines. Lead process of reviewing branding materials for compliance and provide periodic refreshers to the team as needed.
• Support the planning of project events as requested by line manager.
• Provide technical editing and formatting assistance with program deliverables and reports.
• Utilize creative approaches to content development using graphic design to develop infographics and enhance reports.
• Assist technical staff with public outreach and awareness campaigns.
• With the M&E Team, the Senior Program Officers on Policy & Advocacy and Gender, develop strategic and targeted content and work with project partner organizations to assist them in engaging in public advocacy/public relations campaigns to raise public awareness.
• Travel to field locations to collect images, success stories based on program results, and other communications content to highlight programs successes, staff well-being, or any other topic as the need arises.
• Ensure compliance of all program communications with Mercy Corps and USAID guidelines.

Knowledge and quality assurance

• Support the management and dissemination of CIPP’s knowledge tools, internally and externally.
• Lead the coordination and compilation of the program’s annual workplan.
• Lead the process of preparing the quarterly and annual donor reports. Coordinate responses and feedback to HQ and Donor inquiries.
• Work with the CLA officer to review and strengthen quality of quarterly success stories for onward submission to USAID and other stakeholders.
• Develop and share content on Mercy Corps Global internal platforms (Workplace pages, The Hub and The Globe) and frequent updates to the country office communications for dissemination to Mercy Corps Nigeria external communications platforms.

50% Program Quality Support to the Country Office Portfolio

• Review quarterly and annual reports, including Annexes, from other projects as determined by the Director of Programs.
• Document quality case studies across the program portfolio.
• Lead dissemination of program products.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Communications and Infographics assistant/intern.

Accountability
Reports Directly To: COP.
Works Directly With: DOP, Program Performance and Quality Manager (PaQ Manager), Program Manager, Senior Program Officers, M&E Team, Program Officers, other Communication Officer.

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, publishing, or similar area required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• 3+ years of professional experience in similar responsibility required.
• Strong English communication, editing and documentation skills.
• Creative & Innovative mind with strong emphasis on visual graphic and content design skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe applications and good photography skills.
• Working knowledge of USAID policies, rules and regulations preferred.