Job Openings at Mercy Corps

Purpose / Project Description:

The purpose of this activity is to conduct a high-quality SLMA in MMC & Jere LGA, with a focus on a market-based approach to the development of income-generating activities. We anticipate the SLMA will focus on (the attached sectors). The consultant is expected to follow Mercy Corps’ SLMA guidance and processes.

Consultant Objectives:

The objectives and activities for this contract for services include:
 

1. Develop profiling of the target population through reviewing available data, workshops to analyze population data with the team, and designing primary research tools to validate identified population segments and clusters.

2. Develop a labor market scan by leading a literature review and producing a long list of high-potential sectors in cooperation with the program team.

3. In coordination with the Mercy Corps, CRS, and other consortium teams develop a sector selection criterion and facilitate the selection of the highest potential sectors, and support in developing preliminary market actor lists and market donuts for these sectors.

4. Develop a research plan and tools, including interview guides and other research tools. Prepare Mercy Corps staff and enumerators for field research through pre-research training workshops.

5. Compile and jointly analyze primary research assessment data with Mercy Corps team members, identifying key market underperformance factors and root causes of the underperformance.

6. Develop a theory of change for each selected sector including preliminary intervention ideas and business models.

7. Draft the final SLMA report, including:

   1. Profile of target group: Identify the key characteristics and segments following Mercy Corps’ SLMA profiling guidance.

   2. Description of macroeconomic environment and trends, and summary of process and criteria used for sector selection

   3. Market mapping: Develop market system maps of the target systems, including core value chains, primary market system donuts, and secondary market system donuts of key functions or rules.

   4. Capacities, constraints, and incentives: This analysis should include for each market system an analysis of core functions, relevant supporting functions, and the relevant rules and norms. Across these elements, an analysis should be provided of the existing capacities, constraints, and incentives of key market actors.

   5. Inclusion analysis: An assessment of potential barriers that target population segments may face in accessing jobs in the targeted market systems.

   6. Opportunities for market system change: Using the market assessment analysis above, identify opportunities for systemic change in the target market system that will benefit our target group.

   7. Recommendations for intervention areas/portfolios: Identify intervention areas and approaches that will achieve the desired market system changes, including intervention plans and preliminary business models.

8. Review the final findings and report in a workshop with program team members and revise the draft according to team member feedback.

9. Build the assessment and analysis capacity of the Mercy Corps teams through coaching, targeted training, and technical advising.

Further activity notes

• Throughout this process, the consultant will follow recognized MSD methodologies and refer to Mercy Corps’ internal Youth Employment and MSD resources and templates.

• The consultant will review previous assessments conducted by Mercy and partners that align to the context/scope across THRIVE program locations  

Consultant Activities:

The Consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:

• Target group profiling report

• Labor Market Scan report (includes a long list of potential sectors)

• Sector Selection matrix

• Detailed market assessment plans for the target market systems (including sampling process)

• Final market assessment tools (e.g., interview guides tailored to the local context)

• Preliminary assessment findings (presentation with market donuts, root cause analysis, and proposed intervention design to discuss with Mercy Corps team)

• A market assessment report with final market donuts, root cause analysis, and sector selection recommendations

• Team Capacity Building Plan 

Consultant Deliverables:

The Consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:

• Target group profiling report

• Labor Market Scan report (includes a long list of potential sectors)

• Sector Selection matrix

• Detailed market assessment plans for the target market systems (including the sampling process)

• Final market assessment tools (e.g., interview guides tailored to the local context)

• Preliminary assessment findings (presentation with market donuts, root cause analysis, and proposed intervention design to discuss with the Mercy Corps team)

• A market assessment report with final market donuts, root cause analysis, and sector selection recommendations

• Team Capacity Building Plan

Timeframe / Schedule: 

The following table identifies the key activities and estimated timeframe for the contract:

Phase one: 3 Days- labor market scan – this should be done through desk research and a few key informant interviews – the output can be in slides, plus a long list of sectors

Phase two: 2 Days - sector selection phase – this should include primary research and review of sector selection criteria

Phase two: 3 Days - The external consultant will prepare the research plans with the team and develop data collection instruments

Phase two: 5 Days - The external consultant with support from the MC MEL team, will train enumerators/surveyors; pre-test data collection instruments

Phase two: 10 Days - Primary research, overseen by the consultant

Phase two: 5 Days - Analyses of data, including hosting an analysis workshop by the external consultant

Phase Three - Market assessment and root cause analysis phase led by the external consultant

Phase Three – 5 days – The external consultant will lead the Preparation of research plans with the team and develop data collection instruments

Phase Three – 14 days – The consultant will oversee the Primary research

Phase Three – 6 days - The external consultant will do an Analysis of findings, including hosting an analysis workshop

Phase Three – 7 days Finalize the report, produce a presentation of findings, and share it back with MC (not more than 40 pages – all other additions can be included as annexes)

The consultant will deliver this service across the phases for a maximum of 60 Days and will be supported by the MEL team/lead and sector leads.

The Consultant will report to:

Mercy Corps Country MEL Manager

The Consultant will work closely with:

Mercy Corps THRIVE Associate Director, Country MEL Manager, MEL Team, Mercy Corps Sector Leads, the Social Protection and Research Specialist.

Required Experience & Skills:

• 5-10 years of ex-pat experience in the relevant technical field (required)

• Strong experience conducting major research exercises in support of major development programs – preferably in early recovery and resilience – in challenging operational environments, previous experience in northeast Nigeria is desirable.

• A strong approach to assuring quality assurance of data collected.

• A strong ethical approach to data collection – while still being able to meet the objectives of the consultancy.

• Demonstrable experience in leading evaluations of humanitarian programs responding to major disasters, with a specific emphasis on agriculture, youth empowerment, conflict management, and social protection in emergencies.

• Knowledge of strategic and operational management of humanitarian operations and proven ability to provide strategic recommendations to key stakeholders.

• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions, make recommendations, and prepare well-written reports on time.

• Demonstrated experience in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and data analysis techniques, especially in emergency operations.

• Data visualization skills are highly desirable.

• The firm is expected to have strong skills in survey form design for mobile data collection (ODK, Ona, or CommCare)

• Experience, knowledge, and clear understanding of Nigeria’s humanitarian context.

• Good people skills and understanding of cultural sensitivities.

• Readiness to travel to northeast Nigeria and conduct direct standard assessment activities as well as field visits to program sites. Having a presence in West Africa or Nigeria is desirable but not essential.

• Fluency in English is required.

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Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on humanitarian assistance, economic development, and conflict mitigation. With the ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria causing the displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs.

As the crisis has persisted, Mercy Corps’ strategy has also expanded to address the root causes of the conflict and seek to build the long-term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on governance, the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, youth empowerment, and local conflict management.

Operations Department provides key support to the entire country program in procurement, asset management, warehouse management, fleet management and facilities & office management for successful program implementation. 

General Position Summary
The driver will provide safe transport services for Mercy Corps staff in the described area of responsibility. The driver will adhere to all country-specific traffic regulations and Mercy Corps safety rules and follow the Field Fleet Management Policy

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Operate MC vehicles as assigned by the supervisor.
• Maintain vehicle log sheets in accordance with Field Fleet Management Policy.
• Check the vehicle conditions after each trip/routinely – report needs and problems to the Fleet Manager/Officer.
• Adhere to all safety and communication protocols as advised by Mercy Corps and supervisor.
• Responsible for the safekeeping of all vehicle equipment, tools, first aid kits, spares etc.
• Keep the vehicle ready, clean and on standby – ready for use always.
• Assist, as required, with logistics in the office and guesthouse daily workloads.
• Report all maintenance needs of the vehicle to the Fleet Manager/Officer on a regular basis.
• Undertake field assignments as assigned.
• 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 in the country of operation

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 PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS

• 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

Supervisory Responsibility
None applicable

Accountability
Reports Directly To: Head Driver
Works Directly With: Assistant Operations Officer, other drivers. Co-ordinates with Mercy Corps program and operations staff in the office

Knowledge and Experience

• Valid driver's license and experience driving 4x4 vehicles.
• Minimum 2 years experience as a driver
• Must respect and adhere to all safety and traffic rules.
• SSCE / GCE / NECO Certificate
• Basic understanding of English and fluency in all local languages is required.
• Knowledge of routes, duty stations, project areas, the NGO and diplomatic community is required.

Success Factors

The successful Driver will assist fleet and transport tasks in delivering successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with Mercy Corps and donor regulations. They will maintain strong cooperative relationships with other departments and interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial and training capacity while demonstrating the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a solid commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Equal Employment Opportunity  

Mercy Corps is an equal-opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have a sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, this is a relatively insecure location where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Note

• Applicants should have their CVs and Cover Letters in one document not more than four (4) pages long, addressing the position requirements.
• Female candidates who are qualified are strongly encouraged to apply.

go to method of application »

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on humanitarian assistance, economic development, and conflict mitigation. With the ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria causing the displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. As the crisis has persisted, Mercy Corps’ strategy has also expanded to address the root causes of the conflict and seek to build the long-term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on governance, the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, youth empowerment, and local conflict management.

Operations Department provides key support to the entire country program in procurement, asset management, warehouse management, fleet management and facilities & office management for successful program implementation. 

Learning Objectives

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

• Learn to manage relationships with the Program team & external stakeholders
• Demonstrate understanding of discharging administrative functions
• Understand the Mercy Corps process

Deliverables

• Attend to all walk-ins and expected guests of Mercy Corps.
• Always maintain a presence at the front desk and maintain the reception area clean.
• Responsible for maintaining and booking meeting rooms.
• Answer all incoming correspondence and dispatch them to recipients.
• Receiving monthly packages from Portland HQ and other MC Nigeria field offices in coordination with Admin Officer.
• Support in getting signatures from SMT members on behalf of departments and field teams.
• Scanning, photocopies and mail services for the Admin department. Organize a filing system for important and confidential documents.
• Support in making travel arrangements for both national and expatriate staff.
• Collate monthly office supply (stationaries) requisition and distribute items to departments.
• Prepare payment requests and raise PR when necessary.
• Assist the Administrative Officer and Senior Administrative to prepare required paperwork within the department.
• Carry out other duties as may be assigned.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Knowledge and Experience

• A BSc or HND in the Business related field is essential.
• Computer literacy – excel and word.
• A demonstrated ability to multitask and process information into action in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, including emails.
• Fluency in English language and local languages.

Internship Conditions:

• The intern will be expected to put in 40 hours weekly.
• The intern will be paid a monthly allowance of NGN 100,000 ( 5% WHT Inclusive)

Mercy Corps interns and volunteers represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values always and in all in-country venues.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal-opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have a sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Note

• Applicants should have their CVs and Cover Letters in one document not more than four (4) pages long, addressing the position requirements.
• Female candidates who are qualified are strongly encouraged to apply.