Fresh Vacancies at Mercy Corps

Reference Number: MDG/HUMOPS/2019/00079
Location: Maiduguri, Borno State with 25% travels to deep field locations within North East Nigeria.

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.
• The Nigeria country program has grown considerably over the last few years, and is now the fifth largest Mercy Corps country program, with a mixed grant and programming portfolio.
• The Northeast Conflict Management and Stabilization (NE-CMS) Program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to improve security and reduce support for violence in Borno State in Northeast Nigeria. Following two previous phases of the program starting in August 2016, the NE-CMS program entered Phase III in August 2019 for an additional two-year implementation period, which is expected to result in:
  • Improved engagement of citizens and willingness of civilian government and security forces to meet community needs around service delivery and protection
  • Improved protection of communities from intentional and unintentional harm caused by armed opposition groups and militias
  • Enhanced trust and social cohesion within and between actors at the community-level
  • Enhanced equity and inclusion of marginalized social groups, especially women and youth, in spaces for decision making and peacebuilding

General Position Summary

• The Governance Coordinator will manage critical relationships with local and state government-level actors, provide technical guidance on the governance and advocacy components of the program, and manage the implementation of activities in close coordination with national partners.
• S/he will directly support NE-CMS advocacy efforts for peacebuilding in Borno as well as those of local communities in an effort to address service delivery and protection needs.

Essential Job Functions
Program Management:

• Provide recommendations on the strategic direction of the governance and advocacy programing to ensure that overall impact and outcome-level results of the program are achieved
• Develop an activity plan and regular monthly work plans for the governance and advocacy programming, in alignment with the overall program work plan
• Review local partner work plans to ensure that activities adhere to strategic objectives
• Provide technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and management of innovative governance and advocacy initiatives aligned to the NE-CMS program
• Provide training and mentorship to the NE-CMS national partners and other implementers on governance and advocacy tools and approaches
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure the quality and integrity of activity implementation, including adherence to technical guidelines, administrative systems, and established deadlines
• Compile and submit evidence-based activity reports and contribute to relevant monitoring systems
• Ensure that lessons learned from activity reporting and monitoring are integrated into further design and implementation of programming
• Ensure integration and coordination with other components of the program for the achievement of holistic program impact

Team Management:

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect in which all team members strive to achieve excellence
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback on a consistent basis within the team
• Provide relevant team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach collective objectives
• 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.

Finance and Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to the program implementation
• Draft and/or review scopes of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budgets

Influence & Representation:

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with local and state-level government officials, national civil society organizations, INGOs, and other key stakeholders
• Facilitate networks between local community groups and state-level stakeholders for effective advocacy initiatives
• Communicate effectively with all relevant stakeholders to feature NE-CMS programming and results and nurture local ownership and accountability
• Proactively form relationships with relevant implementing partners to complement NE-CMS programming
• Represent NE-CMS on governance and advocacy issues at technical and strategic planning meetings, or as requested by the Program Manager

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.

Accountability:

• Supervisory Responsibility: None
• Reports Directly To: NE-CMS Program Manager
• Works Directly With: Senior Program Officers, MEL Team, Program Assistants

Knowledge and Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent in Political Science, International Studies, Social Sciences, Economics or other relevant field
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive work experience, with at least 2 years focusing on governance and/or advocacy
• Strong experience working in Borno State
• Demonstrated ability to foster strong relationships with local authorities, state-level ministries, and local government officials
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
• Experience working with national and international NGOs
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills
• Excellent oral and written English and Hausa skills required
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members

Success Factors

• The successful Governance Coordinator will combine exceptional leadership, coordination and representation skills.
• S/He will have strong management skills and experience in building and maintaining donor and partner relationships.
• S/he will have an ability to approach complex challenges through a systems-thinking lens and have an ability to think creatively about solutions.
• S/he will possess high level of adaptability and be able to adjust to a constantly changing working environment.
• S/he will have previous experience in implementing programs in insecure and conflict context. Prioritizing, problem solving, ability to seize opportunities, attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.
• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. 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.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

• The position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria and will require travel within the state about 25% of the time. Security in the field locations require additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services in the field is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on short-term assignments. 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 in-country venues.
• Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

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Reference Number: MDG/HUMOPS/2019/00077
Location: Bama, Borno

Program / Department Summary

• The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Nigeria, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance.
• The Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures. In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.

General Position Summary

• Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Senior Finance Officer, the Finance Officer will assist the Bama office to ensure the accuracy and completeness of accounting records and will have primary responsibility for managing the monthly accounting cycle and the routine daily accounting tasks and payment.
• The Finance Officer will assist in review and analyze records, reports, financial statements and management practices to ensure adequate internal controls are in place to mitigate risks in compliance with laws, regulations, donor requirements and Mercy Corps policies and procedures

Essential Job Functions
Strategy & Vision:

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.
• Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.

Team Management:

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Supervise, hire and orient new team members as necessary.
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

Finance And Accounting Managent:

• Assist in the financial review of purchase requests, purchase orders and payment requests to ensure compliance with MC policies and procedures and project .
• Maintain the bank file, ensuring that all bank information is properly filed and updated
• Ensure the on-time submission of the monthly/quarterly/year-end reporting packages to Maiduguri, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the ledgers, and all supporting documentation.
• Ensure all staff advances are tracked and cleared on time.
• Manage the archiving of all financial documents and follow up with staff for any missing documents.
• Assist in the training and support of the finance assistant, including answering daily questions,
• Ensure the petty cash count performed on time (weekly and monthly).
• Oversee the maintenance of all accounting records, ensuring that records are complete, accurate and safeguarded.
• Assist in the training of support staff on Finance related matters and give any financial operational support needed.
• Make sure that all supporting documentation is prepared and filed according to MC procedures.
• Deploy to the other field when needs gaps are arise.
• Assist the Finance Manager in responding to audit inquiries.
• Assist the Finance department to enhance the efficient of existing control systems.

Reporting:

• Submit accurate and timely financial reports to Maiduguri on weekly and monthly basis, and follow up with other departments for any corrective actions required.
• Prepare Voucher Reconciliation Activities Reports on weekly and monthly basis.
• Influence & Representation
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

Other:

• Carries out other duties as assigned.
• The Finance Officer will 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.

Accountability:

• Supervisory Responsibility: Finance Assistant
• Reports Directly To: Senior Finance Officer
• Works Directly With: Operations, MEL, Programs, Compliance and Finance teams in Northeast Nigeria.

Knowledge and Experience

• Four or more years of compliance and finance experience are required.
• A university degree in finance, accounting or equivalent is required.
• Three years’ experience in the compliance Department of an international NGO is preferred.
• Demonstrated competency with computerized general ledger software
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Prior management experience and strong organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills.
• Advance Accounting skills are required to support the department of accounting.
• Fluency in Hausa and local languages is preferred.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Success Factors

• The successful candidate 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.
• In particular, the successful candidate will be willing to travel to other deep field locations and LGAs of Northeast Nigeria based on program needs. That will mean sometimes staying and working in stressful environments with very basic living conditions, strictly following security protocols at all times and sometimes working long and irregular hours).
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. 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.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

• The position is based in Bama, Borno State and it requires travel between field offices in Northeast Nigeria.