Job Openings at Sightsavers Nigeria

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Contract: 2 years Fixed Term Contract
Reports to: Director of Programme Operations NCO with a functional line to the NCO Sightsavers Global Technical Lead Education Systems
Responsible for: Providing Technical support for the PLANE Window 1
Programme Job Holder:  Vacant
Department:  Operations, Planning and Finance 
Specific Hours: 35 hour per week

About the Programme

• PLANE Window 1 is a 7-year, £95m programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and represents one window of intervention in a broader package of investment intended to enable a more inclusive and effective basic education system in Nigeria.
• It seeks to do this through improvements in teaching and learning with a focus on foundational skills; through unlocking governance bottlenecks for better education service delivery; through improvements in the regulation of the non-state sector and through embedding the use of data and evidence within the education system.
• PLANE has four primary outputs:
  • Teaching & learning: evidence-based teaching and learning approaches & materials in use, in better managed performance focused schools and teaching colleges.
  • Governance of state systems: improved planning, personnel management and public financial management practices.
  • Governance of non-state systems: improved management and performance of the non-state sector; and
  • Use of evidence and communication: effective generation, communication and use of evidence to inform citizen engagement and improve service delivery.
• PLANE will be implemented in 3 States(Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa) by a consortium of 10 partners led by DAI. Sightsavers is part of the consortium and responsible for providing technical assistance for disability inclusion across PLANE outputs and activities.

About the Role (Inclusive Education Specialist)

• The Inclusive Education Specialist will work closely with the Sightsavers Global Technical Lead Education Systems to provide technical assistance on the PLANE Window 1 Programmeto ensure the PLANE Window 1 programme promotes an integrated approach to disability inclusion.
• This includes the development and/or adaptation of approaches,interventions, tools and activities to ensure accessibility and participation of children with disabilities, lead implementation, support monitoring and evaluation, and ensure alignment between the delivery of the programme and the overall Sightsavers Education Strategy.
• The Inclusive Education Specialist will work with the Programme Manager to ensure overall programme management.
• The Education Specialist will also liaise with the Director of Programme Operations and provide technical support to the Programme Officers in the project implementation States.

This Resource will be required to Provide
Technical Support (70%):

• Development and/or adaptation of approaches, interventions, tools and activities to ensure inclusion,accessibility and participation of children with disabilities within the PLANE programme.
• Facilitate the formulation of technically sound education strategies/principles which ensure children have access to, stay in and complete primary school education in safe and inclusive environments.
• Work closely and pro-actively with PLANE consortium partners who lead on the 4 programme output areas to ensure disability inclusion is embedded in all we do as outline in the PLANE GESI strategy.
• Ensuring best practice is evidenced and implemented and that quality and effectiveness is demonstrated throughout the delivery of the Programme.
• Ensuring education staff correctly use tools and through the strong analysis of project data, results, feedback and learning that the project is adapted and enhanced, to ensure project objectives are met.
• Engaging closely with the States of Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa and Federal Ministry of Education, and other relevant actors in the education sector in Nigeria to ensure disability inclusion is understood and supported.
• Providing hands-on support to the programme teams across all Programme implementation areas.
• Building the technical skills of relevant programme Staff and beneficiaries,particularly in relation to developing high quality education project and programmes.
• Contribute to consortium-wide efforts to promote GESI and support drafting of input for donor reporting as needed.
• Supervise, liaise closely withand provide the necessary technical advice and support to education project Officers and the NCO Social Inclusion programme Manager in all matters pertaining to the effective management and implementation of activities within the program implementing area.
• Provide thorough leadership and maintain strategic direction to the project on education-focused components, with a particular emphasis on ensuring project/programme objectives are met regarding improving access to quality education as expected bythe Donor.
• Work closely with partners and technical teams to develop, review and update activity plans and flag key implementation issues.
• Provide technical support to project and programme colleagues to ensure education project team have up-to-date and robust theories of change and reflect good practice, in line with trends in the wider education sector in Nigeria.
• Stay up to date with key sectoral trends in inclusive education in Nigeria to ensure that the PLANE programme remains in line with best practices and innovative approaches are reflected, with a specific focus on Sightsavers’ SMILE project in Kaduna State, which is funded by FCDO.

Capacity Building (15%):

• Provide technical support and/or capacity building on disability inclusion aspects to Programme staff to ensure effective approaches and good practices throughout the programme.
• Organise and lead trainings, develop training and teaching and learning materials and provide on-going support throughout the programme to ensure good practice and project adaptations are fully cascaded to school-level staff and Government partners.
• Building the technical skills of programme Staff, OPD and government partners and beneficiaries to develop high quality education programmes.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (10%):

• Ensure that designs and re/designs take place to a high standard and quality following the MEL process.
• Work with the PLANE programme’s MEL team to support agreement of indicators, data collection and analysis, and review of progress specifically as relates to disability inclusion. Advise as needed on use of disability disaggregated data within the programme.
• Work with the Sightsavers MEL team to ensure that standard MEL tools are understood and utilised as appropriate, for Sightsavers led activities, in a timely and correct manner by the programme implementation team and programme beneficiaries.
• Work with the Partners’ and Programme team to analyse information and data (e.g. project data, training reports, score-carding results, etc.) in order to identify core themes, key technical areas that need to be addressed, progress against the Theory of Change,as well as lessons learned.
• Support production of donor and internal reports and learning pieces, where required.

Representation, Coordination and Communication (5%):

• Participate in PLANE consortium technical coordination meetings and output-specific coordination and collaboration mechanisms.
• Hold regular coordination meetings with programme teams, including the identifying ways to improve coordination and programme delivery.
• Participate in inclusive education and education cluster coordination meetings at National level including those held/attended by the State/Federal Ministry of Education.

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience)
Education / Professional Background:

• Experience or a Master’s Degree in Education or relevant discipline.
• Significant experience of designing or providing technical advice to education programmes in Nigeria, ideally with a focus on disability inclusive education.
• Experience supporting programme implementation, primarily through advising, coaching and influencing.
• Experience of working in consortia, preferably in large-scale bilateral and multi-lateral donor funded education programmes.
• Strong understanding of gender equality and social inclusion programming and meaningful engagement of key stakeholders including beneficiaries.
• Knowledge of development challenges and contexts in Nigeria, particularly barriers to education, safeguarding and child protection.
• Independent and self-driven with demonstrated experience working collaboratively and supportively without the need for close supervision

Skills:

• Knowledge of the various donors’ strategic interests, priorities and requirements.
• Proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills.
• Proven strategic relationship management skills, including negotiation skills.
• Coaching, mentoring, training and facilitation skills.
• High level of computer proficiency.
• Experience working with people with disabilities and people from different cultures to embrace diversity and jointly deliver complex work tasks.
• Good communication skills.

Core Behaviours:

• Ability to maintain strategic vision and link with everyday work.
• Clear and effective communication that builds relationship to influence others.
• High degree of integrity.
• Active listener.
• Accountability and responsibility for own performance.
• Promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Confident in taking initiative and exploring new opportunities.
• Excellent people and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think and work proactively, creatively and strategically under pressure or when faced with competing demand.

General Accountability:

• This role may bring the post holder in close collaboration with Children, Persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups during programme implementation, it is therefore important that the post holder fully understand sand commits tothe safeguarding policies of Sightsavers and the PLANE programme and the respective codes of conduct.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity for people with disability will be required of the Post holder.

Key Relationships (Internal):

• Country Director.
• Director, Programme Operations.
• Programme Manager (Social Inclusion).
• State Programme teams (Education).
• Global Technical Lead Education Systems.

Key Relationships (External):

• Consortium Partners.
• Government agencies.
• Organisations of Persons with disability.
• Key stakeholders in education.
• Consultants

Salary

• Local Terms and Conditions apply.

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Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Contract: 2-year Fixed Term Contract
Reports to: Director, Programme Operations
Responsible for: Program and Financial Management of the NCO Inclusive Education and Inclusion Works Programmes
Job Holder: Vacant
Department: Operations, Planning and Finance
Specific Hours: 35 hour per week

About the Role (NCO Social Inclusion Manager)

• The NCO Social Inclusion Manager will report to the Director of Programme Operations based in the NCO.
• The NCO Social Inclusion Manager will be part of the NCO Core Programme team and provide Programme and Financial support for the delivery of the Social Inclusion programmes implemented by the NCO.
• The Social Inclusion Programme Manager will ensure that all Social Inclusion programmes and projects are planned, implemented, monitored,and evaluated to the highest possible standards.The Social Inclusion Programme Manager will be experienced in all aspects of the programme and project cycle, including planning, implementation, partner support,monitoring and evaluation. The Social Inclusion Programme Manager will work to ensure the equality of opportunities for people with disabilities, through both service delivery and advocacy.
• Thepost holder will be part of the overall Sightsavers DID team overseeing Education, EH and Inclusion Works projects in the country office. The post holder will also work in close collaboration with the related Social Inclusion Consortium and Country Inclusion Groups in-country.

This Resource will be Required To
Programme Management (50% of time):

• To provide effective management, coordination,and oversight for the social inclusion programme to ensure the delivery of the programme targets.
• Support the Global Social Inclusion teams to identify and develop innovative approaches for the implementation of social inclusion programmes in Nigeria.
• Support partners and stakeholders through all aspects of the project cycle and lead in certain programmatic areas to ensure the effective planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all social inclusion programmes and projects.
• Provide financial and resource management support for the project Officers in the preparation of budgets, monitoring expenditure and resources and liaising with partners regarding their financial returns and audits as well as compiling reports and developing strategic plans.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (30%):

• Support the development and testing of MEL tools across all the NCO Social Inclusion programmes.
• Ensure high-quality implementation consistent with standard M&E guidelines for all NCO Social Inclusion Programs, protocols, information and reporting systems and support project data collection, coordination,and analysis.
• Support and build capacity of Partners to analyse programme data to inform adaptations and modification of program implementation.
• Plan and facilitate project learning reviews and workshops,integrate lessons learned into project implementation, disseminate project successes and challenges to stakeholders including Donors.
• Support project staff and DID MEL officer and evaluation Consultants in conducting focus group discussions.

Advocacy (10% of time):

• Confidently communicate relevant information throughout the organisation and to partners,.
• Participate in Public Relation activities that will promote the visibility of the Nigeria   Social inclusion programmes.
• Represent Sight savers at various forums and advocate for Sight savers philosophy, policies and work.
• Support the Advocacy teams in the development of the Social Inclusion Advocacy Plan as well as support the implementation of the Social Inclusion advocacy plan.

Research (10% of time):

• Assist the programme teams and Partners to identify opportunities for operational research. Support the development and writing of high-quality research Manuscripts from learnings derived from the social inclusion Projects for publication in high impact peer reviewed Journals.

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience)

• Experience or Degree in a relevant Social Science subject (International Development, Sociology, Education), preferably at Master’s level.
• Proven experience implementing programmes in developing country contexts,including experience in social development, rights and empowerment.
• Experience of all aspects of project management in community development Programmes.
• Experience of designing/managing programmes designed to facilitate inclusion of marginalised groups and promote their empowerment at the local,national or international levels.
• Experience of policy and advocacy work in social inclusion, particularly inrelation to disability rights, UNCRPD, SDGs, inclusion,or social protection.
• Good knowledge of the key international networks and organisations working on social inclusion and disability.
• Experience of partner and stakeholders engagement and support.
• Familiarity with international legislation and policies in the field of disability and human rights - in particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Understanding of international development issues and a commitment to equality of opportunity for people with disabilities Experience in conducting learning reviews, possibly gained in education.
• Experience in managing evaluation consultants, participating in or conducting evaluations.
• Understanding and knowledge of adaptive management.
• Experience of working effectively within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams in multi country locations.
• Experience of liaising with, and managing relationships with external organisations, teams,and individuals.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity for persons with disability;
• Excellent people management skills, with a sound understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity;
• Ability to identify key risks and rapidly escalate critical issues (no surprise environment); Ability to build strong working relationships to enable effective management of partnerships and work collaboratively.
• Experience in operations research, reporting, data quality assessments, data analysis etc.
• Fluent written and spoken English and the ability to communicate in local languages.
• A demonstrated record of managing multiple projects.
• Experience of monitoring and evaluation.

Desirable:

• Experience in financial and resource management;
• Ability to deliver training sessions and facilitate workshops.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

• Excellent analytical skills.
• Ability to influence high-level government officials and NGO leaders.
• Ability to build strong working relationships to enable effective management of partnerships.
• Proven ability to think strategically and translate concepts into effective action plans.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to understand and work with project budgets, forecasts and reports.

Core Behaviours:

• Change and improvement - Seeks continuous improvement in own and team’s performance. Assists and encourages others to adapt to change and implement new ideas. Communicating and influencing - Identifies the needs of others, uses effective approaches and styles to persuade and communicates to groups in an interesting and effective way.
• Decision making  - Consults and listens to take clear and timely decisions in a flexible and adaptable approach.
• Team working - A team Player, encourages and supports team members to ensure contributions are recognised, delegates effectively and encourages working in collaboration.
• Planning and organising - Develops plans considering all the resources necessary to achieve objectives.  
• Monitors objectives and measurement systems on a regular basis, identifying trends and key messages in data.
• Delivery and implementation - Self-motivated, responsible and responsive, and continues to perform objectives positively in the face of pressures from various sources.  
• Ensure the team has a ‘can do’ attitude and customer service mentality.
• Interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity with a high degree of integrity.

Key Relationships (Internal):

• DID Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager.
• Senior Programme Manager Eye health.
• NCO Program Managers.

Key Relationships (External):

• Organisation of Persons with Disabilities.
• Consultants.
• Government agencies

Salary

• Local Terms and Conditions apply.

go to method of application »

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Reports to:  Inclusive EducationProgramme Officer
Department: Operation, Planning and Finance
Specific Hours: Standard Office hours

Job Purpose

• The  purpose  of  this role is to support the implementation of an Inclusive  Education Programme for children with disabilities in Northwest, Nigeria. TheProgramme Assistant (PA) will to be a memberof  the Support Mainstreaming Inclusion to all Learn Equally (SMILE) Programme team andwill report to the Programme Officer.
• Under the supervision of the Inclusive Education Programme Officer, the post holder will directly implement the programme with the support of other programme team and also document  lessons learnt, support  assessments,monitor  and  evaluate the DID FCDO funded SMILE project and also contribute towards the capacity building of implementing partners.
• The PA will be responsible for actively seeking and providing feedback on SMILE activities and submission of all required SMILE programme log frame indicators and deliverables to the programme officer and Sightsavers as required by donors.

Principal Accountabilities
Quality of Programme (60% of Time):

• Work with the programme team to facilitate the creation and implementation of a detailed  annual work-plan which identifies and sequences activities  needed  to successfully implement the project in the most cost-effective manner and ensure project objectives are met in line with state, national policies and that of the donor.
• In  collaboration with key stakeholders,support the  development  and  roll  out  of implementation plans.
• Review the project schedule with programme team and management and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise and regularly review the schedule as required.
• Support the Sightsavers programme Officer and Steering committee to develop a detailed programme monitoring plan (as  detailed in the SMILE Workplan)and jointly use it to guide programme management.
• Support the SMILE team to monitor and implement appropriate actions to improve efficiency and quality of project implementation.
• Support the submission  of  timely  programme  reports as  per agreed  format  and timelines.
• Support with the collection of content and Case studies related to the project.
• Support with the preparation of payment schedules and other related documentation associated with the project.

Management Quality (40%):

• Work with the programme officer to oversee the formulation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of the SMILE -FCDO funded project to ensure consistency with the project priorities, deliverables and outcomes.
• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of international standards as set by the donor.
• Internally and when requested support external evaluations on the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase and as required and to implement monitoring and evaluation tools according Sightsavers and donor standards.
• Disseminate  findings  from  evaluations  to  support  organizational  learning  and contribute to policy processing or development.
• Work with key stakeholders and undertake regular visits to LGAs and communities to oversee and ensure quality and efficiency of monitoring activities.

Advocacy and Networking (10%):

• Represent the programme officer/Sightsavers towards local partners and at other appropriate forums.
• Build  and  maintain  meaningful working  relationships  with both Government and Organizations of PWDs at  all levels  in order  to strengthen  opportunities  for advocacy and higher visibility.

Key Roles and Responsibilities
In collaboration with the Programme Officer and Programme team:

• Support in documenting lessons learnt and best practices of the pilot project.
• With support from MEL team design a monitoring plan and simple data collection tools to ensure monitoring and data collection of key project indicators.
• Support assessment of Education sector in the state of implementation.
• Review, assess and update the education situation in pilot schools.
• Technical knowledge of inclusive education.
• Provide regular updates to  Programme  Officer on priorities and constraints - verbally and in writing on an agreed frequency.
• Brief updates and reports on activities/strategies to donors and other stakeholders.
• Perform any other project related duties as specified by the Programme Officer.

Core Behaviour and Skills

• Experience or a First  Degree in Education, Social Science, Social Work, Psychology, or related fields.
• Experience in inclusive education programs is desirable but not essential.
• Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility.
• Flexibility to work both in a team and independently.
• Good knowledge and understanding of DO NO HARM principles and established international child protection standards (especially UNCRC).
• Strong  ability  to  work  independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Very strong commitment to continuous learning.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility.
• Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well.
• Ability to read and write in both English and Hausa languages appropriately.
• Creates strong sense of purpose and commitment within own part of operations and with stakeholders.
• Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism/integrity.
• Actively seeks for support in addressing difficulties in execution of duties.
• Strategic  thinking  and  effective  contribution  to  own  work  and Organizational development.
• Sound judgement and decision-making in complex situations.
• Good knowledge of excel micro-soft word and power point.
• Ability to develop budget and work plan.

Key Relationships (Internal):

• Inclusive Education Program Officer
• Program Manager Social Inclusion.
• Director of Programme Operations.

Key Relationships (External):

• Partners
• Consultants

Salary

• Local Terms and Conditions apply.