Job Openings at Mercy Corps

Program / Department Summary

• Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and its influence spreads across the continent. Yet, inequality and insecurity have consistently undermined Nigeria's development. Mercy Corps Nigeria was established in 2012 to respond to these challenges. The Nigeria team is headquartered in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with offices throughout Nigeria. With a strong and growing team, Mercy Corps works to achieve the vision of a Nigeria in which all people are empowered, engaged, resilient and secure.
• The Empowering Resilient Ginger Farmers Program (Ginger Program) is a multi-year program funded by the Tazo tea company. The program aims to support ginger farmers and their families in Kaduna State, with a focus on female farmers, to increase ginger productivity, increase incomes, and build longer-term financial stability and resilience.
• Over roughly a two-year timeframe, we will connect farmers to resources, training, and inputs to improve ginger yields, foster improved linkages between ginger farmers and financial institutions and markets, and set up and support savings groups to build longer-term financial capacity and resiliency.

General Position Summary

• The Ginger Program Manager provides overall leadership, technical oversight, management and strategic vision for the program while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program meets its targets and deliverables on time, on scope, and within budget. The Manager will supervise key program staff and ensure high program quality.
• The Manager will be responsible for ensuring strict adherence to internal Mercy Corps policies and procedures as well as donor rules and regulations. The Manager will have the ultimate accountability for all aspects of the program, including but not limited to infrastructure, governance, and measurement of impact.
• The Manager will be responsible for the successful integration of Activity objectives, ensuring close collaboration with any partner entities. The Manager will also have representation duties to donors, relevant government entities, partners, and other implementers and external stakeholders

Essential Job Responsibilities
Program Leadership:

• Drive a culture of collaboration, learning and adaptation and prosecute continuous improvement
• Drive quality and accountability across all facets of the program, ensuring teams meet and exceed program minimum standards in infrastructure, MEL, Gender and Inclusion, among other areas
• Maintain focus and promote attention throughout the team of the overarching program goal, consistently ensuring alignment throughout all activities.
• Lead overall cross-team coordination efforts, bringing together different stakeholders to proactively find a collective and innovative solution for challenges.
• Contribute to country-wide team-building efforts through collaboration with the Mercy Corps Nigeria team and influencing the development and strengthening of the organization, with a particular focus on driving forward country-level leadership in climate-resilient agriculture and gender-inclusive MSD.

Technical Oversight:

• Provide direction for innovations in the scale-up of impact from ginger program activities, keeping always in mind the focus on benefits to the farmer. Constructively analyze and provide feedback on the proposed plans, ensuring integration and synergy between program components and partnerships
• Environment– ensure program drives forward best practices in climate-sensitive agriculture with a continuous focus on high-quality delivery of technical interventions, measurement, and integration and dissemination of strategy adjustments. Liaise with technical teams at HQ and Regional level to drive forward progress
• Resilience–ensure cross-cutting resilience strategies are purposefully introduced to ensure the program is implemented in a sustainable way with a focus on expanding innovation in climate-sensitive agriculture in line with Mercy Corps’ Pathways to Possibility organizational strategy.

Strategy and Vision:

• Ensure programs are running in alignment with Mercy Corps’ principles, values and the program’s strategic plan, particularly in regard to maintaining a focus on gender equality and social inclusion across the program.
• Recognize, promote and act on opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where this is regularly encouraged.
• Set the direction and provide hands-on oversight of the development of annual, integrated strategic work-plans for the program.

Team Management:

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where accountability is promoted, alternative viewpoints welcomed, the team strives to achieve excellence, and is conducive to professional growth.Ensure a culture of accountability within the team and with partners
• Supervise a team of 2+. Clearly establish and communicate performance expectations and regularly provide constructive feedback with direct supervises and relevant partner staff to support a growth journey
• Promote a team culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion and work closely to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team composition
• Actively manage and promote professional development and ongoing training of staff to ensure they are of the quality and technical capacity necessary to ensure the successful implementation of activities.
• Liaise with support structures within Mercy Corps Nigeria, including the Program and Quality Unit to ensure smooth coordination with portfolio initiatives and support to the program.

Program Management:

• Work closely with the PAQ team to ensure oversight and implementation of the highest standard of program management tools. This includes risk management, updated and timely work-plans and accurate budgeting.
• Manage any partnership sub-awards, ensuring sound coordination in the context of overall program delivery. Liaise with the sub-award team for effective monitoring and support.
• Provide oversight of all component implementation,including ensuring that each component has a detailed implementation plan aligned and coordinated with others.
• Supervise and manage all program staff to ensure day-to-day activities are implemented in a coordinated fashion according to schedule, budget and quality.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Act as program lead on relevant incident management responses, in coordination with country-level leadership, as they arise.

Operations, Finance and Compliance Management

• Ensure a culture of adherence to all security protocols among team members with an active information flow and relationship with the security team
• Ensure positive coordination with operations, finance and other support departments, ensuring open and transparent communication and coordination between both parties and knowledge and adherence to processes and policies.
• Ensure effective systems and structures (including finance,logistics, procurement, security, administration and human resources) are implemented to maximize support to field activities whilst ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.
• Hold ultimate accountability for budgetary oversight and management, whilst building the team’s capacity to understand budgeting and financial management.
• Promote compliance with all regulations, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and ensure all activities are implemented accordingly.
• Confirm that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security management priorities.

Coordination and Representation:

• Primary program representative for liaising with the Corporate and Foundations team and other cooperating sponsors, donors and high-level stakeholders, including private sector entities,NGOs, etc. Responsible for building strong relationships in the sector and ensuring proactive and continuous engagement to promote the program and maintain abreast of sector-specific news and events.
• Ensure timely submission of all deliverables to the donor and government partners, collaborating closely with country and desk support structures.
• Actively drive a communications strategy with outputs that are frequent and well branded.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Program staff (MEL and Agriculture)

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work.
• We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• BA in Gender Studies, International Development or Agriculture, with an Advanced Degree preferred
• 2+ years of management experience in comparable programs
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, private sector entities, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations, and partners.
• Familiarity with MSD principles and proven track record with private sector partners
• Demonstrated ability to assess inclusion issues and design responsive interventions, with a focus on gender.
• Certified in program management or commitment to achieve certification within first 3 months of position.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Fluency in oral/written English is required. Hausa language fluency is preferred
• Previous experience working in the North Central on agricultural or gender programs is preferred.

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will have an outstanding ability to ensure technical excellence, whilst holding team members accountable to the highest standards of program management and pushing for continuous adaptation and innovative improvements.
• Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem-solving and simultaneous attention to detail whilst maintaining strategic vision is 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.
• Due to the nature of this program, and the operating environment, the successful candidate must have a high level of internal resilience.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

• The position is based in Kaduna. Amenities are available however the security situation is dynamic and staff must adapt as needed to security guidance.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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

Safeguarding & Ethics:

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

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Program / Department Summary

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

General Position Summary

• The Ethics & Assurance Director will serve as the Mercy Corps Nigeria focal point for ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps’ Code of Ethics and ethics policies and procedures.
• He/she will examine, review, and analyze records, reports, financial information, and management practices to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures and will investigate potential violations of the Code of Ethics.
• The Ethics & Assurance Director will assist the country management team in developing, implementing, and monitoring effective financial and operational controls over activities and offices to mitigate risk. In addition, the person will be the focal person for legal and regulatory compliance, host country compliance, serve on relevant taskforces and committees, and provide other strategic support and advisory for the CD's office. The Ethics and Assurance Director may also serve as secretary to the SMT.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Code of Ethics IncidentResponse:

• Following Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures, serve as the country's focal point for the internalreporting ofany allegations ofCode of Ethics violations, including fraud, corruption, bribery or human trafficking.
• Maintain the country Corruption Incident Register and liaise with the Headquarters Ethics team, and other teams as needed, in the resolution of all reported incidents.
• As agreed with the Headquarters Ethics department, conduct inquiries and investigations to determine the facts, circumstances and scope of any allegations raised.
• Collect,analyzeand document the results of investigations and communicate observations and recommendations with the collaboration of the Country Director and senior management team, as appropriate.
• In coordination with the Headquarters Ethics team and the country management team, assist in the preparation of any final reports to fully document the investigation and resolution of incidents.
• Liaise with program teams in implementing the country ComplaintsResponse Mechanism(CARM). Respond to Code of Ethics violation referrals received through the CARM.

Code of Ethics Training and Awareness:

• Assist the country management team with the implementation of new Headquarters or Country Code of Ethics policies and procedures, acting as a catalyst for change and acceptance and supporting smooth implementation.
• In coordination with established on-boarding processes, assist with the on-boarding of new country team members to ensure awareness and understanding of Code of Ethics policies. Conduct and/or coordinate regular anti-corruption, fraud prevention and other Code of Ethics trainings for country staff and partners.

Internal Controls:

• Assist the country management team in determining effective and efficient solutions to operational issues that ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ policies and donor regulations, mitigate the risk of fraud or corruption, and facilitate the achievement of program objectives.
• Assist program, operations and finance teams with implementing standard procedures or, as necessary, developing and documenting enhanced procedures for high-risk program activities, in particular those providing a direct financial benefit to participants (e.g. vouchers, cash distributions), requiring high-value procurement, or the distribution of in-kind goods.
• In coordination with the country management team and program managers, maintain the country-level Risk Register to identify key risks and document strategies to mitigate these risks. Manage the quarterly update process and ensure communication of action plans.
• In coordination with relevant teams, perform periodic internal control reviews of in-country financial, procurement, human resource, and logistics procedures in both the main country office and field offices. In coordination with program and monitoring and evaluation staff, conduct field reviews of program activities to ensure that adequate controls are in place and are functioning properly. Communicate findings and work with the relevant departments to correct weaknesses and improve controls as needed.
• As agreed with the program and finance teams, advise on the development of monitoring plans for partners, including sub-recipients, key vendors and other partners that must adhere to ethics policies. In coordination with relevant teams, perform periodic compliance reviews of partners.
• In coordination with the country management team and HQ Finance, assist with the follow-up and resolution of external audit or Mercy Corps Internal Audit findings.
• Perform other related special projects and duties as determined and assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Safeguarding Manager & Ethics and Assurance Officer

Accountability:

• Reports Directly To: Country Director
• Works Directly With: The headquarters Ethics team (with authority for Code of Ethics reporting and investigation matters), country SMT, Program Directors/Managers, Finance and Operations teams, HR Managers and all MC Nigeria staff.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work.
• We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills

• Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
• A B.Sc. University Degree in Finance, Accounting, Law or a related business field is required; and an advanced degree is a plus.
• Requires at least 10 years of related work experience with 5 years in a not-for-profit organization implementing international programs and in management position.
• Strong background in compliance, systems, and internal controls.
• Relevant experience in fraud investigation or auditing. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designations are strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of a wide range of ethics violations, including fraud, corruption, and human trafficking in humanitarian and/or development settings; Understanding of best practices in ethics management and accountability within INGOs, including best practices for investigations of ethical violations.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully working with administrative and program staff at all organizational levels;
• Solid organizational and research skills with a broad understanding of various program sectors and activities.
• Demonstrated experience in financial and operational data analysis.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel.
• Fluent written and oral communication in English. Fluency in Hausa is a plus.

Success Factors

• The successful Ethics & Assurance Director will possess an exemplary professional standard of ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corpsinternal policies and procedures and external regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders on sensitive and confidential matters is necessary along with the ability to navigate difficult circumstances with a calm demeanor, in an analytical and methodical manner.
• A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
• A broad understanding of humanitarian and development programs coupled with the ability to analyze financial operational data and clearly present conclusions and recommendations is essential.
• The humanitarian objectives of Mercy Corps’ programs may require flexibility in working hours and frequent travel to field offices, program sites and sub recipient locations.
• Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values always and in all locations.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

• The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Ongoing Learning:

• In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective,efficientand relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

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

Safeguarding & Ethics

• Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all
• times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conducte-learningcourses upon hire and on an annual basis.
• As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment.
• Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated.We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.