Job Vacancies at Mercy Corps Nigeria

Requisition Number: 0NGBA001799
Location: Yola, Adamawa
Employment Type: Full Time
Duration Of Internship: 12 Months
Job Category: Media & Communications

Program / Department Summary

• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls, empowerment, economic development and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency spilling over from the Northeast of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, mercy corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. With funding from institutional donors, foundations and private corporations, Mercy Corps continues to provide assistance to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation.
• With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria. Mercy Corps strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long-term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys. With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations.
• Mercy Corps programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.
• Mercy Corps is looking for a Communication Intern to support the Small Town WASH Activity across 9 Small Towns in 3 States namely Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. The intern will be directly under the supervision of the Chief of Party CoP and working closely with all MEL, programs and support (finance and operations) teams.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the internship period, the intern should have acquired the following skills and knowledge:

• Improved writing, presentation and verbal communications skills.
• Improved knowledge on communications’ best practices for documentation and record-keeping.
• Gain knowledge on developing creative communications materials, taking great photos and making short videos.
• Learn how to work with a diversified team of people and gain knowledge on a variety of humanitarian and development programs.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of project brochures, introductory videos, advocacy briefs and increased visibility on trusted media and familiar social media platforms
• Lead on sharing the Project content on Mercy Corps Global internal platforms (workplace pages, The Hub and the Globe) and frequent updates to the country office for dissemination to Mercy Corps Nigeria Internal Platforms.
• Support the development of high-quality project learning briefs, success stories for dissemination.
• Work closely with MCN’s communications Specialist to identify priorities and quick wins around external engagement for the project activity.
• Updating project documents to the program shared drive.
• Support country office visibility and communication initiatives, ensuring that project communication activities meet donor communication and visibility guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations, including security procedures and policies.
• Perform any other function assigned by the supervisor.

The Ideal Candidate

• A Degree in Communication, International Development, Gender or any related field with experience in communication, would be an advantage.
• Minimum of 1-year experience in volunteering or full-time role
• Experience in the development of program brochures, introductory videos, advocacy briefs.
• Knowledge of program development, implementation and reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good computer skills, including experience with communication software.
• Experience in producing films, documentaries, drama skits and other appropriate communication materials.
• Good interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Strong contextual knowledge of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe is required.
• Fluency in written and verbal English is required.
• Fluency in Hausa is required.

Behaviors:
Required:

• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity.

Motivations:
Required:

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization.

Working Conditions

• The intern will be expected to work 40 hours a week
• This internship engagement could include travel to field locations to collect images, success stories and other communication content.
• The internship engagement aims at creating learning opportunities and is not a guarantee for securing a full time working relationship with Mercy corps.

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

• Accommodation
• Living expenses.

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Locations: Markudi, Benue and Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi
Job Category: Programming
Duration of Assignment: 7 Months
Job Field: Agriculture / Agro-Allied

Program / Department Summary

• Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian NGO and has been operating in Nigeria since 2012 and is looking for Agricultural Specialists to be based in Kebbi state or Benue State, covering Benue/Ebonyi or Kebbi/Niger to support the implementation of a rapid COVID response program through Mercy Corps’ USAID - funded Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity.
• The rapid response program will support vulnerable populations and livelihoods through Cash for Work and strengthen supply chains through smart Cash Subsidies.

General Position Summary

• The Agricultural Specialist assists the State Manager in the daily smooth running of the agricultural component of the COVID Response Program.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Program Management:

• Oversee the implementation of all Feed The Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity programs in the state location supporting agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries and producers and vendor associations and businesses.
• Conduct surveys need assessments, data and information collection as and when required for the cash for business COVID response aspect of the program.
• Participate in agricultural and community meetings to identify priorities.
• Monitor and maintain coordination with the village and sub-district/district heads for all areas in which the COVID response program operates.
• Bring to the attention of the State Manager areas where formal agreements should be made e.g. MOUs with government partners around recovery.
• Participate in NGO and INGO meetings on agriculture and represent MC as requested in coordination forums related to agriculture.
• Ensure all agriculture programs activities are in line with government strategy.
• Maintain links to sources of technical assistance and information and disseminate technical information and assistance to program assistants where necessary.
• Coordinate closely with the Senior Officer - Cash Grants/Cash for Work, village liaison officers, other technical staff, Cash for Work project staff and operational staff to ensure project activities are integrated into an overall return plan.
• Maintain, monitor and measure project implementation data entry. Keep the State Manager informed at all times. Work with M&E to track project impact, standards, and operational compliance.
• Promote and adhere to the principles and objectives of the recovery programs, Rural Resilience Activity and Mercy Corps.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

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.

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.

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.
• 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.

Accountability:

• Reports Directly To: State Manager
• Works Directly With: Senior Officer - Cash Grants/Cash for Work and Operations Team.

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will provide effective support to the USAID Feed The Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity/Mercy Corps program teams in Benue/Ebonyi or Kebbi/Niger.
• S/he will be capable of multi-tasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, drive and a lot of energy, as well as high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring skills and proven experience with capacity building.
• S/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level.
• Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• Candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree / Master's Degree with a minimum of 5 years work experience.
• Must be able to work independently and show initiative; experience with NGOs a plus.
• Report writing experience.
• Ability to make recommendations for improvement.
• Strong computer (MS Office), filing, and organizational skills.
• Good spoken and written English, knowledge of local languages a plus.
• Willingness to travel throughout the project areas.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

• This position is based in Kebbi State or Benue State and requires frequent travel to field locations and across state travel.

Security:

• Security in the field locations requires additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services may be limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
• Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all locations.

Benue Application Link   Click here to apply online 

 Kebbi   Application Link   Click here to apply online

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Locations: Makurdi, Benue and Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi
Job Category: Programming
Duration of Assignment: 7 Months

Program / Department Summary

• Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian NGO and has been operating in Nigeria since 2012 and is looking for State Managers to be based in Benue state and Kebbi State, covering Benue/Ebonyi or Kebbi/Nigerto support the implementation of a rapid COVID response program through Mercy Corps’ USAID - funded Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity.
• The rapid response program will support vulnerable populations and livelihoods through Cash for Work and strengthen supply chains through smart Cash Subsidies.

General Position Summary

• The State Manager is responsible for leading and managing Rural Resilience Activity’s operations and multi-sectoral program of Humanitarian Assistance, early recovery and long term development in the Field Location.
• The State Manager will focus on providing leadership and representation of Rural Resilience Activity/Mercy Corps Nigeria in the respective field locations.
• The State Manager is responsible for project management and the implementation of program quality and accountability and ensuring Mercy Corps policies and procedures are adhered to by all staff all other contractors for Mercy Corps.
• She/he is responsible for enforcing strict ethical and integrity standards and ensures that those cases of violation of ethics such as fraud, corruption and breach of code of conduct are reported, documented and dealt with according to Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• As the most senior staff for Mercy Corps in the Field location, the State Manager is responsible for representing USAID Feed The Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity/Mercy Corps to partner organizations and local authorities and for coordination with other NGOs.
• The post holder will represent Mercy Corps on the local government level on all coordination platforms.

Essential Job Functions
Project Management:

• Oversee ongoing programs and startup of new programs in field locations (Benue/Kebbi).
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to achieve the desired impact.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities, authorities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
• Fulfil Mercy Corps Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
• Conduct monitoring visits to the field to ensure that all targeted program beneficiaries are rightly benefitting from USAID Nigeria Feed The Future interventions.
• Supervise and be responsible for all technical aspects of project implementation, ensure that all interventions are completed in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner according to standard engineering methods.
• Ensure a safe working environment for all people involved in project implementation.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to USAID/Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

Quality, Accountability and Compliance:

• Provide State Leadership in the rollout and implementation of Community Accountability and Response Mechanism according to established Standard Operating Procedures.
• Promote and encourage openness to welcoming feedback and complaints from beneficiaries and communities, and learning from staff.
• Ensure that those cases of violation of ethics such as fraud, corruption and breach of code of conduct are reported, documented and dealt with according to Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to established vulnerability criteria and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures for all program activities are developed and adopted, strictly followed in Benue/Kebbi.
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity, resilience approach and capacity building into all activities as appropriate.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources and timely, accurate and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures

Operations Management:

• With the support of the Chief of Party/Deputy Chief of Party and the Operations team, ensure operation systems (procurement, transport, storage, communications, estate/buildings management, asset management, etc.) are in accordance with Mercy Corps systems and policies.
• Ensure adequate operational systems are in place to provide adequate support to the field team.
• And that HR policies and procedures are understood by the project team and implemented.
• Provide leadership to the state team, ensuring clarity over project plans and priorities, encouraging effective teamwork and inclusiveness, and building a team spirit through regular meetings.
• Oversee the administrative functions for the project team, line managing staff where appointed.

Security Management:

• Responsible for security management for the state team, including providing inputs to the location-specific Security Plan, ensuring staff are fully briefed/trained on the agreed security measures appropriate to the area, staff understand individual and collective responsibilities for safety and security and ensuring incidents are reported, critical learning is recorded and corrective actions are taken.

External Representation:

• Develop and maintain good lines of communication and relationships with local authorities and the local community.
• Represent Mercy Corps to local authorities (whether formal governmental or informal
• Authorities), securing the necessary appointments for visitors and local authority approvals and attendance to Mercy Corps functions.
• Represent Mercy Corps to other NGOs, and visitors, ensuring coordination and constructive working relations and attendance at relevant inter-agency coordination meetings as delegated by the Chief of Party.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Yes

Reports Directly To: Chief of Party:

• Complete routine progress reports and submits reports as required by supervisor;
• Provide weekly progress reports on implementation to supervisor;
• Assist USAID/MC management with any requests for information or data regarding program expansion or development.

Works Directly With: Programs, Operation and Finance:

• Cooperate and coordinate with all project staff to ensure good internal coordination and subsequent high-quality project selection, implementation and management.
• Coordinate with MC staff of non-engineering projects that may be present in the assigned locations.

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will provide effective leadership to the USAID Feed The Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity/Mercy Corps program teams in Benue/Ebonyi or Kebbi/Niger.
• S/he will be capable of multi-tasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, drive and a lot of energy, as well as high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring skills and proven experience with capacity building.
• S/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 5 years field experience in Humanitarian and/or development programs, including demonstrable success in managing humanitarian programs in transitional environments
• Proven experience in managing programs in a relevant technical area(s) including E-Vouchers, Cash Transfers, Cash Grants, Livelihoods, Financial Services, and/or services for Internally Displaced Persons. A strong understanding of conflict-sensitive program mainstreaming would be a key advantage.
• Strong leadership skills and proven experience in managing diverse and multicultural teams the cooperate and deliver results.
• Must be a person of high morality and integrity standards both at a personal and professional levels.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Pro-active and able to work independently to complete project tasks/
• Attention to detail and ability to follow through on task assignments
• Experience working in humanitarian context projects is essential.
• Maintain effective communications with the local authorities and local community.
• Supervise and be responsible for all technical aspects of daily project implementation.
• Ensure regular field monitoring visits of the targeted area and provide on job support & monitoring.
• Good written English and spoken command of local languages.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

• This position is based in Benue State and Kebbi State Nigeria and require frequent travel to field locations and cross-state travel.

Security:

• Security in the field locations requires additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services may be limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
• Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all locations.

 Benue  Click here to apply online

 Kebbi   Click here to apply online