Job Opportunities at Mercy Corps

PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) Activity is a 60-month Cooperative Agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and aims to strengthen skills and relationships that will empower communities to prevent and/or respond to violence and violent extremism, and foster enabling environments for peace through policy advocacy, media outreach, and linkages to development programs.

The CIPP Activity is implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in partnership with the African Radio Drama Association (ARDA), Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Pastoral Resolve (PARE), Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy and Development (SCDDD), and the Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative (JDPC).  The CIPP Activity is implemented in six states: Kano, Kaduna and Katsina (North-west), Benue, Kogi and Plateau States (North-central). 

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

Based in Kaduna and reporting to the CIPP Program Manager, the Conflict Management Specialist will play a key role in increasing the number of people and institutions with the skills to manage conflict situations, the ability to apply conflict-sensitive approaches to professional activities, coach and mentor trained Mediators in CIPP’s North-west locations (and other locations as required). S/he will oversee CIPP’s accountability mechanism, provide technical oversight to the assigned implementing partner, and support the CIPP Program Manager as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

• The position holder will serve as CIPP’s Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CARM) focal person to increase coordination and mainstreaming throughout CIPP’s interventions.
• Jointly facilitates different training cycles such as, Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm approaches, Interest-based Negotiation and Mediation (IBNM), Conflict Sensitive Reportage to carefully mapped stakeholders in CIPP’s North-west states.
• Supports CIPP program officers and interventions in Kano and Katsina states.
• Serves as a desk officer and provides technical oversight to the assigned implementing partner.
• Responsible for the day-to-day implementation of program interventions and scale-up of horizontal and vertical linkages of CIPP’s structures in the duty station state.
• Tracks and supports the application of acquired knowledge from all training cycles.
• Conducts coaching and mentoring sessions for the trained Mediators.
• Tracks and reports on disputes resolved in the duty station state.
• Supports the design and implementation of CIPP’s cross-cutting interventions (Communications, GESI, MEL) in the duty station state.
• Undertakes other assigned responsibilities that support all CIPP’s teams.

STRATEGY AND 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 AND 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.
• Provide team members and sub-awardees with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

FINANCE AND OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE

• Ensure compliance with all Mercy Corps’ and Donor’s regulations.

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.

REPRESENTATION AND COORDINATION

• Intentionally engage with government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to sustain acceptance and promote collaboration with CIPP’s interventions.

INFLUENCE AND REPRESENTATION

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

SAFETY/SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ Safety/Security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that teams and program participants/recipients are aware of policies and operate in a safe/secure environment.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS/RECIPIENTS

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to apply international standards of accountability, specifically to our program participants/recipients and to guide international relief and development work, while actively engaging the program participants/recipients (government, communities, etc) as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of field interventions.

OTHER(S)

• 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 always, in all country locations/venues, and not jeopardize its peacebuilding interventions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports directly to - CIPP Program Manager

Works directly with - Conflict Technical Advisor, State Program Officers and Programs and Operational teams in Abuja and across CIPP’s states of implementation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in Social Sciences such as Peace and Conflict Management, International Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Policy/Political Science, Development Studies, or related fields.
• Five years and above relevant experience in implementing multifaceted conflict management and peacebuilding interventions in conflict and transitional contexts.
• Experience with designing training plans and facilitating training sessions on Interest-based Negotiation and Mediation (IBNM), Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm principles/approaches, and Conflict Sensitive Reportage to carefully mapped stakeholders.
• Experience with conducting stakeholders’ and resource mapping, needs assessment, etc that resulted in successful and sustainably implemented quick impact projects.
• Experience with collaborating and supporting smooth operations of the Program’s sub-grantee(s).
• Experience working with local and state government authorities, I/NGOs, traditional leadership, and community groups.
• Demonstrated and progressive ability for creative and flexible program design and implementation.
• Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps to key stakeholders.
• Effective oral, written communication and reporting skills in English language
• Medium to high level of communication and facilitation skills in Hausa language (and other appropriate local dialects) will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with socially, ethnically, and religiously diverse teams and groups in sensitive environments.
• Possess internationally recognized professional certifications in project or program management, or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.

BEHAVIORS

• Charismatic and inspires confidence from team members.
• Pays attention to detail and capable of carrying out given tasks as effectively as possible.

MOTIVATIONS

• Inspired to perform well and able to contribute to the success and impact of the program and the organization.
• Inspired to complete assigned tasks within authorization.
• Inspired to research extensively and perform with little help.

SUCCESS FACTORS

• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have strong commitments to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are essential. Understands peacebuilding principles and their application to program implementation. Must be able to solve problems and multi-task on a range of administrative and programmatic issues. Able to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required.

TRAVELS

• The post holder will be based in Kaduna state, with up to 50% travel to other assigned states for program implementation.

go to method of application »

PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) Activity is a 60-month Cooperative Agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and aims to strengthen skills and relationships that will empower communities to prevent and/or respond to violence and violent extremism, and foster enabling environments for peace through policy advocacy, media outreach, and linkages to development programs.

The CIPP Activity is implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in partnership with the African Radio Drama Association (ARDA), Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Pastoral Resolve (PARE), Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy and Development (SCDDD), and the Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative (JDPC).  The CIPP Activity is implemented in six states: Kano, Kaduna and Katsina (North-west), Benue, Kogi and Plateau States (North-central). 

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

Based in Abuja and reporting the CIPP Program Manager, the Senior Program Officer will collaborate with the state-based officers and lead the process of identifying and coordinating the implementation of all the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) and ensure compliance with USAID’s EMMP measures.  S/he is also responsible for collaborating with all CIPP teams to design and implement community trust-building events. S/he will also be expected to facilitate some training on Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm approaches, Interest-based Negotiations and Mediation.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

• The position holder will jointly facilitate different training cycles such as Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm approaches, and Interest-based Negotiation and Mediation (IBNM) to carefully mapped stakeholders.
• Responsible for all programmatic processes that will lead to the identification and implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the six states.
• Serves as CIPP’s focal person to ensure compliance with the USAID’s Environmental Mitigation and Management Plan (EMMP) before, during and after implementation of all the QIPs.
• Actively coordinate the design, implementation and reporting of all community trust-building events, in collaboration with all CIPP teams and implementing partners across the six states.
• Supports the process of tracking the application of acquired knowledge from all training cycles.
• Undertakes other assigned responsibilities that support all CIPP’s teams.

STRATEGY AND 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.
• Provide team members and sub-awardees with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

FINANCE AND OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE

• Ensure compliance with all Mercy Corps’ and Donor’s regulations.

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.

REPRESENTATION AND COORDINATION

• Intentionally engage with government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to sustain acceptance and promote collaboration with CIPP’s interventions.

INFLUENCE AND REPRESENTATION

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

SAFETY/SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ Safety/Security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that teams and program participants/recipients are aware of policies and operate in a safe/secure environment.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS/RECIPIENTS

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to apply international standards of accountability, specifically to our program participants/recipients and to guide international relief and development work, while actively engaging the program participants/recipients (government, communities, etc) as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of field interventions.

OTHER(S)

• 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 always, in all country locations/venues, and not jeopardize its peacebuilding interventions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports directly to - CIPP Program Manager

Works directly with - Conflict Technical Advisor, State Program Officers, Programs and Operational teams in Abuja and across CIPP’s states of implementation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• BA/B.Sc degree and above in Social Sciences such as Peace and Conflict Management, International Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Policy/Political Science, Development Studies, or related fields.
• Four years and above relevant experience in implementing multifaceted conflict management and peacebuilding interventions in conflict and transitional contexts.
• Experience with designing USAID-guided environmental compliance mitigation and monitoring plans.
• Experience with conducting stakeholders’ and resource mapping, needs assessment, etc that resulted in successful and sustainably implemented quick impact projects.
• Experience with designing training plans and facilitating training sessions on Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm principles/approaches for different categories of participants.
• Experience with collaborating and supporting smooth operations of the Program’s sub-grantee(s).
• Experience with working with local and state government authorities, I/NGOs, traditional leadership, and community groups.
• Demonstrated and progressive ability for creative and flexible program design and implementation.
• Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps to key stakeholders.
• Effective oral, written communication and reporting skills in English language
• Medium to high level of communication and facilitation skills in Hausa language (and other appropriate local dialects) will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with socially, ethnically, and religiously diverse teams and groups in sensitive environments.
• Possess internationally recognized professional certifications in project or program management, or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.

BEHAVIORS

• Charismatic and inspires confidence from team members.
• Pays attention to detail and capable of carrying out given tasks as effectively as possible.

MOTIVATIONS

• Inspired to perform well and able to contribute to the success and impact of the program and the organization.
• Inspired to complete assigned tasks within authorization.
• Inspired to research extensively and perform with little help.

SUCCESS FACTORS

• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have strong commitments to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Good leadership, communication, and management skills are essential. Understands peacebuilding principles and their application to program implementation. Must be able to solve problems and multi-task on a range of administrative and programmatic issues. Able to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required.

TRAVELS

• The post holder will be based in Abuja state, with up to 60% travel to all CIPP states for program implementation.

go to method of application »

PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) Activity is a 60-month Cooperative Agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and aims to strengthen skills and relationships that will empower communities to prevent and/or respond to violence and violent extremism, and foster enabling environments for peace through policy advocacy, media outreach, and linkages to development programs.

The CIPP Activity is implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in partnership with the African Radio Drama Association (ARDA), Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Pastoral Resolve (PARE), Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy and Development (SCDDD), and the Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative (JDPC).  The CIPP Activity is implemented in six states: Kano, Kaduna and Katsina (North-west), Benue, Kogi and Plateau States (North-central). 

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

Based in Jos, Plateau state and reporting the CIPP Program Manager, the Senior Program Officer will be instrumental in increasing the number of people and institutions with the skills to manage conflict situations, the ability to apply conflict-sensitive approaches to professional activities, coach and mentor trained Mediators in CIPP’s North-central locations. S/he will provide technical oversight to the assigned implementing partner and support the CIPP Program Manager as assigned.  

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

• The position holder is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of program interventions and scale-up of horizontal and vertical linkages of CIPP’s structures in the duty station state.
• Jointly facilitates different training cycles such as, Interest-based Negotiation and Mediation (IBNM), Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm approaches, and Conflict Sensitive Reportage to carefully mapped stakeholders in CIPP’s North-central states.
• Tracks and supports the application of acquired knowledge from all training cycles.
• Serves as a desk officer and provides technical oversight to the assigned implementing partner.
• Supports CIPP program officers and interventions in Benue and Kogi states.
• Conducts coaching and mentoring sessions for the trained Mediators.
• Tracks and reports on disputes resolved in the duty station state.
• Supports the design and implementation of CIPP’s cross-cutting interventions (Communications, GEDSI, MEL) in the duty station state.
• Undertakes other assigned responsibilities that support all CIPP’s teams.

STRATEGY AND 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.
• Provide team members and sub-awardees with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

FINANCE AND OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE

• Ensure compliance with all Mercy Corps’ and Donor’s regulations.

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.

REPRESENTATION AND COORDINATION

• Intentionally engage with government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to sustain acceptance and promote collaboration with CIPP’s interventions.

INFLUENCE AND REPRESETATION

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

SAFETY/SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ Safety/Security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that teams and program participants/recipients are aware of policies and operate in a safe/secure environment.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS/RECIPIENTS

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to apply international standards of accountability, specifically to our program participants/recipients and to guide international relief and development work, while actively engaging the program participants/recipients (government, communities, etc) as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of field interventions.

OTHER(S)

• 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 always, in all country locations/venues, and not jeopardize its peacebuilding interventions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports directly to - CIPP Program Manager

Works directly with - State Program Officers, Programs and Operational teams in Abuja and across CIPP’s states of implementation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• BA/B.Sc degree and above in Social Sciences such as Peace and Conflict Management, International Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Policy/Political Science, Development Studies, or related fields.
• Four years and above relevant experience in implementing multifaceted conflict management and peacebuilding interventions in conflict and transitional contexts.
• Experience with designing training plans and facilitating training sessions on Interest-based Negotiation and Mediation (IBNM), Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm principles/approaches, and Conflict Sensitive Reportage to carefully mapped stakeholders.
• Experience with conducting stakeholders’ and resource mapping, needs assessment, etc that resulted in successful and sustainably implemented quick impact projects.
• Experience with collaborating and supporting smooth operations of the Program’s sub-grantee(s).
• Experience working with local and state government authorities, I/NGOs, traditional leadership, and community groups.
• Demonstrated and progressive ability for creative and flexible program design and implementation.
• Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps to key stakeholders.
• Effective oral, written communication and reporting skills in English language
• Medium to high level of communication and facilitation skills in Hausa language (and other appropriate local dialects) will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with socially, ethnically, and religiously diverse teams and groups in sensitive environments.
• Possess internationally recognized professional certifications in project or program management, or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.

BEHAVIORS

• Charismatic and inspires confidence from team members.
• Pays attention to detail and capable of carrying out given tasks as effectively as possible.

MOTIVATIONS

• Inspired to perform well and able to contribute to the success and impact of the program and the organization.
• Inspired to complete assigned tasks within authorization.
• Inspired to research extensively and perform with little help.

SUCCESS FACTORS

• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have strong commitments to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Good leadership, communication, and management skills are essential. Understands peacebuilding principles and their application to program implementation. Must be able to solve problems and multi-task on a range of administrative and programmatic issues. Able to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required.

TRAVELS

• The post holder will be based in Jos, Plateau state, with up to 50% travel to other assigned states for program implementation.

go to method of application »

Program / Department Summary

This is a five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP). The CIPP program aims to strengthen conflict prevention, mediation, and early warning by facilitating community-led analysis and action to prevent, manage, and mitigate conflict and violent extremism. The program will work in twenty-four (24) high-risk local government areas in Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi and Plateau states.

 GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will be responsible for setting up the online filing systems for partners, the operationalization of RCT findings in NC and NW, and for supporting the operationalization of Youth-Led Action research findings across the project locations. S/he will work closely with the Senior MEL Manager in supporting the program with technical oversight and direction on all monitoring and evaluation needs across implementing area.

S/he will be responsible for the management of research assistants/enumerators during all data collection exercises. S/he will support the MEL team in collecting, collating, computing, and analyzing data from program activities that measure outputs and outcomes against milestones and indicators with the objective of monitoring program progress, evaluating impact and learning from challenges faced, strategies resorted to surmount these challenges and to successes achieved in the CIPP program. S/he will upload CIPP performance data into USAID performance Reporting System/ database (Monitor) and USAID DIS.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Support the existing M&E systems to monitor and evaluate project activities and impact, in accordance with existing Mercy Corps guidelines.
• Capture data across program interventions and analyze data collected during monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Conduct data indicator tracking and analysis, linking it with evidence on a regular basis and ensuring that data and metrics in field reports are accurate.
• Play a supporting role in the development and leading in the review of result chains, sector intervention strategies and M&E frameworks and document changes to generate learnings and ideas for programs
• Write and develop quality and informative M &E monthly field reports for donors and internal teams.
• Support in tracking and documenting of key aspects of projects for iterative adaptive learning and scale of proven models
• Coordinate assessments, evaluations and monitoring surveys in area of operation.
• Provide support on the design and implementation of baseline studies, mid-term evaluations and final evaluations.
• Visit project sites and partners to collect supplementary data, verification, and conduct qualitative research both independently and in teams to ensure regular and accurate information.
• Management of enumerators and research assistants in all data collection activities.
• Support the M&E, ICT, Database Officer to understand, maintain and innovate an M&E system database (MIS) that improves Mercy Corps’ ability to inform program implementation, analyze data, and represent impact to USAID, Government, colleague agencies, and communities themselves
• Support all partners to have an online filing system and to ensure record retention for partners.
• Work with the CLA officer to review and strengthen the quality of quarterly success stories for onward submission to USAID and other stakeholders
• Manages the distribution of quarterly and annual reports to relevant stakeholders across the program locations

IMPLEMENT THE M&E SYSTEM AND TOOLS

• Work as part of a team to facilitate and support M&E operations including baseline, annual, and end-line surveys, regular monitoring, data collection and analysis, feedback and reporting according to the MEL work plan
• Generate data (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff when required.
• Facilitate data analysis with the program implementation team as requested  

STAFF TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

• Work closely with the Senior MEL Manager to develop and deliver staff/partner training, improving capacities in monitoring and evaluation and database management: data collection, entry, verification and analysis; and other identified needs

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.
• Provide team members and M&E, ICT, Database Officer with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

LINK M&E RESULTS TO REPORTING

• Support the review or edit of data in reports as requested and required
• Work closely with the CLA Officer to ensure that all learnings are documented and can be visualized
• Other duties as assigned and agreed upon

FINANCE AND COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to peace and conflict programming.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

M&E, ICT, Database Officer

Accountability

Reports Directly to: Senior MEL Manager

• Works Directly with: Partner staff, M&E, ICT, Database Officer Program Manager, Program Officers, Gender team, CLA Officer, Senior Communications/Program Mgt Officer

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY

All Mercy Corps staff member are expected to behave ethically and demonstrate highest integrity in their professional and personal life. Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to any form of fraud, corruption, abuse, harassment or exploitation. Any breach of our policies or misconduct will lead to disciplinary action or may lead to termination.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• BA/S or Masters from a recognized institution, preferably in Statistics, Economics, administration or any Social Science.
• 3-6 years experience supporting the management or design of M&E systems, data collection, knowledge management and data analysis
• Excellent quantitative skills and power users with Excel; Experience with Microsoft packages
• Demonstrated skills in training, capacity building, and mentoring
• Good basic math and analytical skills as well as a general knowledge of statistical or monitoring and evaluation principles
• Former experience in field survey/data collection techniques, data entry, data verification, and analysis beneficial
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Computer literacy in MS Access and other MS Office packages including Excel, and PowerPoint is essential
• Willingness to travel to all CIPP field offices regularly
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

Success Factors

The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding and working effectively within the complex cultural, political, security and social environment of Nigeria. S/he will be an excellent communicator, multi-tasker, and able to work in ambiguous situations. S/he will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.  The successful candidate will be a design thinker, have strong skills in design monitoring and evaluation of development programs and maintain a sense of humor.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/STA to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs and MC's 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.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Abuja with about 40 – 50% travels to project locations

go to method of application »

Program / Department Summary

This is a five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP). The CIPP program aims to strengthen conflict prevention, mediation and early warning by facilitating community-led analysis and action to prevent, manage, and mitigate conflict and violent extremism. The program will work in twenty-four (24) high-risk local government areas in Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi and Plateau states. Mercy Corps is seeking to recruit an experienced and exceptional individual to support the engagement of women, gender and social inclusion in the implementation of the Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP).

General Position Summary

The senior gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) officer will ensure an intentional approach to engaging women in peacebuilding work through the program’s multi-level women-led peace structures and enable women and vulnerable groups to participate fully in peace-building activities, including negotiation mediation and community dialogues. She will oversee the activities of Women Peace Councils (including the newly formed WPCs in 17 LGAs in Kogi state) and support the integration of Women Critical Discussion Group and women playing substantive roles into the councils across the six CIPP states.  She/he will work closely with the Gender and Social Inclusion Manager, advocacy coordinator and implementing partners in drafting advocacy and policy briefs and facilitating the meaningful engagement of a critical mass of women in peacebuilding work.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Engages in planning and implementation of women-led conflict mitigation and peacebuilding activities/interventions in line with CIPP’s GESI approach and USAID’s Gender Equality and Female Empowerment policy.
• Works closely with the women peace councils and other peace structures to support young and adult women to become active drivers of change and demonstrate commitment towards more equitable and inclusive peacemaking across CIPP states
• Provides regular updates on women-led activities, and timely reports of activities, outputs and outcomes including contributions to quarterly progress and semi-annual donor reports.
• Provision of technical advice and guidance to women peace councils and ARDA-led women’s critical discussion group to enhance the meaningful participation of a critical mass of women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding
• Present regular updates on women-led activities to the GEDSI Manager to ensure coordination, linkages and synergies amongst program, MEL, and communication teams
• Provide support on project-related procurement/administration procedures for GEDSI-related activities
• Ensure effective management of program files, specifically ensuring proper documentation (filing), & maintenance of up-to-date project folders
• Facilitate capacity-building training and activities to strengthen the capacity of the Women Peacebuilding Councils across the six states
• Foster multi-level and interstate learning by facilitating joint activities specifically for the councils across the six states
• Support the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team in establishing and implementing gender-sensitive monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting systems
• Ensure active and full participation of members of Women Peacebuilding Councils in program activities, including consultation, dialogues, monitoring & evaluation and GEDSI initiatives
• Work as part of GEDSI team to support the Communications Officer in the documentation of successes, lessons learned and best practices and contribute to the production of resource materials addressing the issues of women in peacebuilding
• Support the inclusion and representation of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations across all CIPP program components, including as staff members, project participants, trainers, facilitators, speakers, evaluators, and so forth
• Facilitate community and state-level policy dialogue on women and conflicts, gender and social inclusion, sexual and gender-based violence with government through the Councils and other relevant stakeholders; and
• Support the capacity strengthening of CSOs and government partners towards planning and implementation of project activities on women peacebuilding, gender and social inclusion in conflict management initiatives

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.
• Contribute to agency-wide GESI integration efforts and communities of practice as appropriate 
• 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. Supports and liaise with the project team and women peace councils and provides capacity building including training and coaching on GESI 

Influence & Representation

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, development partners, women-led organizations, Ministry of Women Affairs across the six CIPP states
• Communicate effectively and ensure coordination with community peace structures on GEDSI-related issues

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly to: GESI Manager

Works Directly with: GESI Manager, Program Manager, Senior Monitoring, evaluation and learning Manager, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, state officers, subgrant and finance department, etc.

Knowledge and Experience

• University degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, conflicts, International Development or related field required.
• Minimum of Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working on gender and social inclusion issues within community and civil society development programs, preferably with USAID or other U.S. Government programs.
• Excellent knowledge of gender and social inclusion issues in Nigeria including social, political, and cultural gender norms and challenges.
• Excellent knowledge of the status of vulnerable and marginalized populations within Nigeria and their engagement in social, political, and cultural realms.
• Experience in integrating GESI into program activities.
• Experience integrating social inclusion in community participatory engagement or advocacy preferred.
• Experience engaging local stakeholders, including Women groups, CSOs, political leaders, and other local and national government leaders in gender and social inclusion initiatives.
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, as well as work effectively with civil society organizations, donors, project staff, and other beneficiaries.

Success Factors

• The successful Gender and Inclusion Officer will combine exceptional implementation skills and technical skills with a focus on innovative interventions to bring communities together.
• An ideal candidate will be conversant with the challenges inherent in peacebuilding, gender inclusion and will be a self-starter who has led grassroots development efforts.
• The candidate must have ability to mobilize a critical mass of women to participate in peace-building activities
• The candidate must have excellent attention to detail.

In particular, the successful candidate will be willing to travel to locations within North West and North West States according to the needs of the Mercy Corps program. This 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.

go to method of application »

Program / Department Summary

This is a five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP). The CIPP program aims to strengthen conflict prevention, mediation and early warning by facilitating community-led analysis and action to prevent, manage, and mitigate conflict and violent extremism. The program will work in twenty-four (24) high-risk local government areas in Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi and Plateau states. Mercy Corps is seeking to recruit an experienced and exceptional individual to support the engagement of women, gender and social inclusion in the implementation of the Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP).

General Position Summary

The Gender, Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Manager will work closely with relevant program and technical leads to ensure the collective delivery of a gender transformative program.  She will oversee the development and implementation of targeted youth and GESI activities and integration effort across CIPP. She will work closely with program teams to ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ GESI integration minimum standards and ensure that the principles of USAID’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment policy across CIPP

The post holder will ensure that Mercy Corps’ gender transformative and inclusive approach is embedded in CIPP interventions and activities, and the partners generate and use learning to inform necessary adaptation to inform the development of strategies and activities to maximize the impact of intervention. She/he will provide training and technical support to civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector, academics, government institutions and partners towards advancing gender, peace and security, specifically the integration of GESI perspectives and women’s meaningful participation and influence in peace processes and peacebuilding. 

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Provide technical inputs on GESI to ensure that its principles are consistently applied throughout the project cycle and strengthen the impact of GESI mainstreaming in CIPP programming on women and youth groups, CSOs, government and target communities.
• Provides technical advice and capacity building in integrating GESI and women, peace and security priorities across CIPP and ensures GESI responsive budgeting that reflects relevant commitments at the agency and country-level for partners
• Facilitate policy change and act as a technical liaison on GESI and Women, Peace and Security issues with internal and external stakeholders to maximize the impact of CIPP programming in target states
• Works closely with CIPP partners and advocacy coordinator to draft strategy documents, policy briefs, reports and other learning resource materials related to GESI and women, peace and security in Nigeria
• Manage GESI grants focused on institutional capacity building and learning and expenditure of funds to ensure activities are implemented on time, scope and budget
• Lead on quarterly, semi-annual and annual reporting of GESI progress timely report of activities, outputs and outcomes including contributions to quarterly progress and semi-annual donor reports
• Ensures documentation of relevant success stories, best practices, lesson learned and challenges and prepare technical briefs for internal and external audiences, including Mercy Corps country office and HQ and donors to contribute to global knowledge on gender and social inclusion in relation to conflict mitigation and peacebuilding
• Recommend, support the design of, or conduct research and analysis on GESI issues, particularly in relation to conflict management and peacebuilding
• Provide technical inputs on GESI in data collection exercises such as midterm and end-line evaluation and ensure program data is disaggregated (e.g sex, age, ethnicity, disability, location and social status)
• Develop relevant gender & social inclusion programming guidance and tools in collaboration with PAQ team to enable the design and implementation of GESI responsive conflict mitigation and peacebuilding programming that align with both Mercy Corps’ GESI strategy and USAID’s Gender Equality and Female Empowerment policy.
• Participate in and contribute to internal and external working groups on issues related to Gender, Peace and Security
• Provide input to manuals, guidelines and any other CIPP’s document to ensure that they adequately address GESI concerns.
• Work with TSU on operationalization of various research conducted by CIPP 

Strategy & Vision

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed to facilitate gender transformative programming
• Support team members to roll out and adhere to Mercy Corps’ GESI integration minimum standards across CIPP
• Support internal and external communication efforts (articles, case studies, conferences and forums) to highlight Mercy Corps’ GESI work in Nigeria. 
• Contribute to agency-wide GESI integration efforts and communities of practice as appropriate 
• 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.
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach GESI objectives 

Influence & Representation

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
• Ensure effective coordination with other development and humanitarian actors in program implementation states to promote gender equality and social inclusion
• Represent Mercy Corps’ CIPP in various platforms, networks and coordination forums that promote GESI workstream

Finance & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to peace and conflict programming.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Women Peace Council senior program officer, Youth program officer, and short-term consultants. The GEDSI Manager is responsible to provide technical support to CIPP team members to be able to properly integrate GEDSI concerns during day-to-day activity implementation. 

Accountability

Reports Directly to: Deputy Chief of Party

Works Directly with: Program Manager, Senior Monitoring, evaluation and learning Manager, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, state officers, subgrant and finance department, etc.

Knowledge and Experience

• Master’s degree in International Development, Women’s Studies, Gender or a comparable area of study preferred. Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of experience is also acceptable. 
• 7 years of experience in international development work, with a minimum of 3 years of experience in GESI technical work 
• Excellent knowledge of the status of vulnerable and marginalized populations within Nigeria and their engagement in social, political, and cultural realms
• Experience building capacity of local stakeholders, including CSOs, political leaders, and other local and national government leaders in gender and social inclusion initiatives
• Experience directly implementing programs is required
• Substantial background in GESI and development work including experience conducting GESI analyses, capacity sharing/training, gender and inclusion outcomes 
• Experience working in Nigeria and any other country in West Africa is an asset
• Strong facilitation skills are required 
• Fluency in English and Hausa is required 
• Demonstrated competency with computerized general ledger software
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
• Prior management experience and strong organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills

Success Factors

The GESI manager will have the ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals and will be conversant with the challenges inherent in peacebuilding and has an outstanding ability to support innovative programs. 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. She will have a strong commitment to championing innovative gender transformative and resilient approaches that suit the cultural context.

In particular, the successful candidate will be willing to travel to locations within states located in the North West and North Central region of Nigeria and according to the needs of the Mercy Corps program. This 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.

go to method of application »

Program / Department Summary

This is a five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP). The CIPP program aims to strengthen conflict prevention, mediation and early warning by facilitating community-led analysis and action to prevent, manage, and mitigate conflict and violent extremism. The program will work in twenty-four (24) high-risk local government areas in Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi and Plateau states. Mercy Corps is seeking to recruit an experienced and exceptional individual to support the engagement of women, gender and social inclusion in the implementation of the Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP).

General Position Summary

The youth engagement program officer will lead the coordination of youth groups and the established youth peace network to enhance the role of youths in addressing root causes and drivers of conflict and operationalize the youth-led research recommendations at the community and state levels across the six CIPP states. She/he will focus on facilitating the inclusion of youth in peace and security to address more effectively the problems of young women and young men and to increase opportunities for their meaningful participation in peace processes and peacebuilding in target communities. She/he will support gender team as a focal point in mobilizing youth to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and engage constructively in peace and security effort.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the community and state-level peace structures to promote the participation of youth peace network members in CIPP interventions/activities, particularly the youth-focused events and community governance process
• Worked with MEL team to conduct youth-led Action Research and ensure the operationalization of the research recommendations at the community and state levels
• Prepare documents, reports and other material in support of youth engagement in CIPP’s peacebuilding intervention
• Supports the coordination and monitoring of coherent and integrated youth inclusion in peacebuilding initiatives
• Provide mentorship to CIPP Youth Peace network to develop and implement youth-led conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives
• Oversee the activities CIPP Youth Peace network, consisting of representatives of both formal and informal youth groups and youth-focused organizations and networks to facilitate the inclusion of youth in peace processes and peacebuilding across CIPP states
• Provide input into the development of knowledge products related with youth engagement and participation in conflict mitigation and peacebuilding interventions at the community and state level
• Ensures that the youth-led Action research conducted in the North-West and North Central informs the development of youth-led initiatives and follow-up as required
• Provide guidance to the youth peace network to ensure collaboration with other peace structures and the integration of GESI in youth-ed initiatives 
• Support the development and implementation of capacity building plan for the youth peace network towards strengthening their advocacy skills in promoting youth leadership and ensuring the inclusion of their voices and perspectives in peace processes in target communities
• Provide input and support for developing Information, Education & Communication (IEC) materials for awareness-raising in the community
• Share success stories and best practices on youth engagement in peacebuilding in CIPP target states;

Strategy & Vision

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Contribute to agency-wide GESI integration efforts and communities of practice as appropriate  

Team Management

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

Supports and liaise with project team and women peace councils and provides capacity building including training and coaching on GESI 

Influence & Representation

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, development partners, women-led organizations, Ministry of Women Affairs across the six CIPP states
• Communicate effectively and ensure coordination with community peace structures on GEDSI-related issues

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership. 

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly to: GESI Manager

Works Directly with: GESI Manager, Program Manager, Senior Monitoring, evaluation and learning Manager, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, state officers, subgrant and finance department, etc.

Knowledge and Experience

• University degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Conflicts, International Development or related field required.
• Minimum of Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working on youth development initiatives, and  gender and social inclusion issues within community and civil society development programs, preferably with USAID or other U.S. Government programs.
• Experience in conducting youth-led action research and implementing the research recommendations
• Knowledge of gender and social inclusion issues in Nigeria including social, political, and cultural gender norms and challenges.
• Excellent knowledge of the status of vulnerable and marginalized populations within Nigeria and their engagement in social, political, and cultural realms.
• Experience integrating social inclusion in community participatory engagement or advocacy preferred.
• Experience engaging local stakeholders, including youth groups, political leaders, and other local and national government leaders in gender and social inclusion initiatives.
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, as well as work effectively with civil society organizations, donors, project staff, and other beneficiaries.

Success Factors

• The successful youth program Officer will combine exceptional implementation skills and technical skills with a focus on innovative interventions to bring communities together.
• An ideal candidate will be conversant with the challenges inherent in youth peace and security, gender and social inclusion and will be a self-starter who has led grassroots youth development efforts.
• He/she will have an outstanding ability to support innovative programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in Nigeria. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem-solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.
• The candidate must have excellent attention to detail.

In particular, the successful candidate will be willing to travel to locations within North West and North West States according to the needs of the Mercy Corps program. This 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.