Fresh Jobs at Mercy Corps

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.  In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.  Now, and for the future.

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. With the financial assistance from OFDA and

FFP, Mercy Corps currently implementing a multisector intervention focusing on emergency WASH, Shelters,

NFI, Cash and food to displaced populations and host communities in several LGAs in the northeast. Mercy Corps Nigeria anticipates follow on funding from USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance under the ADAPT program. All Mercy Corps interventions in Nigeria are implemented in a conflict, protection and gender sensitive manner.

General Position Summary

The Program Quality Assurance Advisor will work closely with Mercy Corps’ ADAPT program leadership, technical managers and project support teams, such as operations and finance teams, as well as program partners to provide essential support and guidance to establish effective project management systems, ensure rapid and scaled implementation, enhance workflow planning, and other critical support as needed to ensure BHA funded ADAPT Activity meets its targets and deliverables on-time and within budget. The Program Quality Assurance Advisor will also take the lead in streamlining management and operations processes, while ensuring adherence to Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures as well as donor regulations. S/he will ensure that program operations are of the highest quality and standards and that day-to-day issues are being addressed timely and efficiently. S/he will work in close coordination with program leadership to build, maintain and track project management tools and documents, contributing to ADAPT’s ability to articulate program impact and facilitate quality reporting and communication deliverables. 

Essential Job Responsibilities 

PROJECT QUALITY

• Responsible for working closely with the ADAPT Program Director and Program Manager to coordinate development of and maintain and/or track project management and implementation tools, such as work plans, procurements, budgetary planning, on-line project document filing, quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) processes, and workflow integration between ADAPT program and support  teams.
• Provide training and ongoing refreshers to team members and partners on MC internal program management policies and procedures, including PM@MC.
• Work with the management team to identify and quickly resolve issues, bottlenecks and conflicts that affect any aspect of program operations and quality. 
• Oversee and ensure compliance and adherence with CARM minimum standards
• Work closely with PaQ Department to incorporate country level quality initiatives in to ADAPT programming.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

• Contribute to the development of the strategic direction of ADAPT through supporting the design and facilitation of strategic program review and work planning sessions, working closely with the MEL focal points and technical teams.
• Support managers’ ability to make informed decisions for effective and compliant allocation of resources towards meeting the program’s objectives, using program tracking tools and data
• Spearhead the development, implementation and monitoring of a process for new activity design and approval that facilitates program timely approvals, quality, integration and compliance
• Coordination and facilitate the Program Management Team and Program Implementation Unit regular meetings, and follow-up on action points
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving  options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making  processes
• Support the process to contract national and international consultants as needed to  accomplish objectives of selected components
• Act as a liaison with national and program Operations and Human Resources teams to facilitate workflows and troubleshoot bottlenecks
• Act as a quality check for technical aspects of implementation

TEAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

• Work with the ADAPT program leadership devevelop and oversee a capacity building strategy for the ADAPT team, leading themes related to PM@MC, People with Possibilities and mentorship initiatives
• Support ADAPT managers to conduct team members’ reviews in a timely manner. 
• Assist hiring managers to ensure rapid hiring of open positions and on-time contract renewals.
• Support with sourcing, selection and contracting of short term assignments.
• Maintain and share tracking tools to improve coordination between HR, operations, finance and program team members. 

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTING

• Develop, train team members and monitor the implementation of an internal coordination plan that enhances program management workflow within Mercy Corps’ team
• Lead the compilation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports, coordinating closely with ADAPT leadership, PaQ Grant focal points and technical team members
• Support Complex Board processes: updating Board documents etc.
• Help draft, review and edit success stories, publications and program documents. 
• Identify and submit program materials to Mercy Corps and other agencies for broader dissemination.
• Support the Adapt team to develop, update and abide by stakeholder management planning and communication
• Collaborate closely with PaQ Country Communications focal points to produce quality communication materials for donors, external stakeholders, and global audience.   

OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration, and human resources teams to   ensure operational processes support timely and high quality implementation of field activities. 

ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING

As part of our commitment to organisational learning and in support of our understanding that learning  organisations 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.

Supervisory Responsibility: None 

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Program Director ADAPT

Works Directly With: ADAPT Program Manager, PaQ Dept. team including Grant and Reporting Manager, ADAPT Technical Managers; Field Managers, Country MEL Manager, Support Dept. teams including Ops and Finance.

Knowledge and Experience 

• MA/S or equivalent experience in international development field.
• At least 4 years’ experience in program/grant management, with demonstrated experience related to supporting program quality processes, compliance and partnership management, with a proven ability to coordinate and manage diverse, complex initiatives
• Proven record of project management particularly including operations, finance and program  activities as well as trouble shooting skills. Preferably have a project management qualification such  as PMD Pro1 or PRINCE. 
• A high degree of organizational skills using computer-based tools/software with demonstrated  attention to details. 
• Experience implementing Humanitarian programming including general knowledge of technical sectors including NFI, Food Sec, Shelter, Protection, and CaSH as a modality.
• Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate frequently and effectively in both  verbal and written form.
• Excellent written and verbal English language skills, with demonstrated experience drafting program reports.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring,  and other formal and non-formal methods. 
• Proven ability to conduct him/herself professionally under pressure. 
• Understanding of CARM and MEL principles preferred.

Success Factors 

The successful candidate will demonstrate effective leadership skills towards facilitating action across a variety of stakeholders and complex processes to achieve results. S/he will have an ability to work independently, take initiative in tasks and self-learning. S/he is proactive, and identifies bottlenecks and solutions. S/he will be able to effectively work  across departments, and disciplines, often without direct supervisory authority. S/he will be goal-oriented  and able to identify synergies and opportunities for improved team interactions. S/he will be able to work  closely with a diverse team of individuals with varying backgrounds and objectives. Excellent team and  interpersonal relationship skills are essential for success.

The position will require up to 50% travel to program offices and locations.

go to method of application »

ABOUT MERCY CORPS

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action - helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since December 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic development and conflict mitigation.

PROGRAM / DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY

Mercy Corps Nigeria is looking for a Senior Safety & Security Officer to be based in Kebbi state, to support the implementation of a rapid COVID response program through Mercy Corps’ USAID Feed the Future-funded 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

Reporting to the Country Safety & Security Manager (CSSM), the Senior Safety & Security Officer (SSSO) will be responsible for the security analysis and strategic planning support required by the team within the geographical locale in which operations are situated. The SSSO is responsible for ensuring security protocols are in place at the responsible field sites, maintaining security information networks and assisting all the responsible personnel in operational, programming security and liaison activities. The post-holder will likewise be responsible for outreach and coordination to local NGO networks, as required, to support coordinated engagement work within the relevant geographical locale.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Security Analysis & Operational Security

• Work with the Country Safety & Security Manager (CSSM), Field Managers, Team Leader and field teams to monitor the security environment in the designated areas of Nigeria, with particular focus in the program areas of operations.        
• Stay informed (through media, social media, contacts, etc.) about the safety and security situation in areas of operations on daily basis.
• Liaise with security counterparts in other parts of the state and the country to understand how security situations in other areas affect.
• Verify acquired information through secondary sources.
• Maintain regular contact with field teams about the safety and security situation in their area.
• Produce advisories, incident reports, security updates and other work products as directed for CSSM review and dissemination to staff.
• Produce immediate security advisories to be put out on various security channels to ensure staff safety.
• Review staff movement to the field and give advice to mitigate risks as necessary. Produce road assessments, etc. for dissemination to staff.  
• In conjunction with the CSSM prepare and deliver relevant security trainings for relevant staff (i.e. guards, drivers, program staff, etc.)
• Vehicle & Staff Tracking: Track vehicle movements where and when required until the safe, arrival
• to destination. Give advice regarding road movement as needed prior to movement (i.e. identifying safe areas, sharing road assessment, etc.
• Provide initial analysis of relevant security development and communicate them to the CSSM.
• Update and disseminate Local Area Security Plans, Contingency Plans, Security Bulletin Boards, and other documents on a quarterly basis or as directed by the CSSM to relevant staff.

Coordination

• Daily check-ins and tracking with field teams on transit on mission in the field offices.
• Actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation in security.  
• Develop a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community in the field office (UN, NGO,  appropriate governmental offices, etc.).
• Pursue opportunities to engage others in our community in creative solutions to our security challenges through collaborative efforts.
• Any other duties which are not listed but are essential to the safety and security for MC staff members and properties.

Staff Management

• Mentor the SFPs to fulfill their safety and security responsibilities at the field-level.
• Work with Head of Office to include necessary safety and security information for staffs and visitors into the field office, including on arrival briefing for new and visiting staffs.
• Work with the CSSM to develop and implement security orientation for new staff (international and national) and visitors.
• Work with the CSSM to identify security training needs of team members and include security awareness as an essential part of program trainings and refresher workshops.
• Assess the training needs of drivers and guards in consultation with CSSM.

Liaison Activities

• Stay abreast of political developments and humanitarian trends in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the humanitarian crisis in the areas of operation, informing the CSSM.
• Ensuring sufficient capacity and knowledge to support policy analysis and strategic planning around the humanitarian architecture and operational issues.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager, Team Leader and CSSM to act as official representative at meetings with external engagement targets.
• Identify and liaise with external partners.
• Liaise with leads from relevant international coordination structures.
• Engage with peace building and resilience working groups, through calling for meetings, drafting action-oriented meeting notes, support in sourcing for presenters and developing agenda for the meetings.
• Ensure collaboration with other NGO Security Officers.

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.

Reports directly to: Country Safety & Security Manager (CSSM)

Works directly with: Security Focal Points, Field Managers, Operations Manager, Team Leader, Program Managers, Field Teams.

Supervisory Responsibility- Static guards where applicable.

Knowledge and Experience

• Advanced university degree in related field.
• Minimum 5 years of security management experience is desired. At least 3 years of security management experience with an INGO. 
• Relevant work experience in policy analysis, influence, strategic planning, communications, research, media, data gathering and/or information management
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and implement strategies with clear theories of change
• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills and ability to formulate well-targeted strategic documents
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment
• Fluency in English required, with demonstrated writing skills
• Computer literacy in using Microsoft Office and email/internet.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies. Good context analysis skills.
• Excellent negotiation and representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.
• Demonstrated attentions to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.
• Experience living and working in the Areas of Operation preferred.
• Knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures highly desirable.
• English proficiency required; excellent written and oral skills.
• Ability to speak Hausa or Kanuri and any other local languages (desired but not essential)