Career Opportunities at Concern Universal

Unit:    CHISPIN Project
Sub-Unit:    WASH Programme
Reports To:    Project Officer (State Technical Officer)
Location:    Biase, Ikom, and Yala LGAs, Cross River State
Status:    Fulltime, Contract

Main Purpose:
The Project Support Officer will specifically support the non-state partners (sub-grantees) at LGA and community levels with a view to improve sanitation coverage and hygiene behaviour through a demand-led process, empowering sub-grantees (non-state partners) to deliver on the CHISPIN  project objectives and CLTS roll out in the LGA. The Project Support Officer will contribute to sustainable service delivery in the LGA-wide Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS). S/he will specifically support the non-state implementing partners at LGA level. A significant level of effort will be providing direct support at the field-level to LGAs and non-state partners (sub- grantees). Executing this function will mean extensive travel to field locations, and excellent coordination and management based upon the detailed implementation plan and in consultation with the Project Officer and Project Manager.

The Project Support Officer is a member of the CHISPIN project team and provides technical assistance in overall LGA and non-state partner (sub- grantee) staff implementation. As part of the project team s/he works closely with the CU Finance and Accounting Team, sub-grantees and LGA support staff.

Responsibilities:

• Liaise/coordinate with and between all bodies and institutions involved in the CHISPIN project activities at the LGA level, particularly LGA WASH units, other non-state actors, and NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) volunteers, and ensure the effective implementation of activities in achieving project results based on the results-based LFA.
• Participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the Local Government leve, ensuring there is common understanding of the project objectives with reference to the LFA.
• The Project Support Officer is expected to ensure there is full commitment to the project including cost sharing by all partners. This will include providing support towards timely delivery of human and material resources in the participating LGAs.
• Provide weekly updates and monthly reports as per approved format summarising progress made in implementation of activities, lessons learnt, and recommendations for improvement including ad hoc reports and human interest stories that may be needed. In addition, support  the update of the results-based framework in-line with project indicators on a quarterly basis with more detailed inputs provided towards the preparation of annual reports.
• As part of the project team fully adopt the PCM (project cycle management), including use of the LFA and a results-based performance management approach.
• Work closely with State Technical Officers on the project and WASH structures at LGA level towards identification of capacity building needs for effective delivery of the CLTS intervention towards ODF in all communities. Assist in efforts to build a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation.
• Support the State Technical Officer (Project Officer) to review the LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in the formulation of strategies, plans, and budgets to achieve Total Sanitation and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and people) in the project LGA.
• Provide technical input for the preparation/design of surveys and studies and play an active role in data collection, dissemination of findings under the project among various LGA stakeholders (to increase their understanding of sector issues and emerging approaches) and thereby facilitate the scale-up of successful approaches to non-targeted LGAs.
• Provide regular supportive supervision and monitoring of project activities in the LGAs of sub-grantees against agreed plans, targets, technical design, and specifications and standards.
• Conduct field visits to monitor progress and quality of implementation  of sanitation facilities (latrines, urinals, and hand-washing facilities) constructed by communities. Support the physical verification (by independent state verification team or third party) of completed facilities to ensure that quality of construction is adhered to agreed designs and specifications before certification and payment to the contractors.
• Liaise closely with other key stakeholders in the participating LGAs and ensure synergies in the area of development of sector-wide plans, coordination, and scaling up/replication of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), WASH interventions, WASH in Schools, Capacity building, Citizen’s Voice and Accountability, and M&E.

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Unit: CHISPIN Project
Sub-Unit: WASH Programme 
Reports To: Project Manager
Status: Full-time, Contract

Main Purpose

• The Project Officer will contribute to sustainable service delivery in the LGA-wide Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS).
• S/he will specifically support the three LGA Project Officers, and non-state implementing partners at state level.
• The aim is to improve sanitation coverage and hygiene behaviour through a demand-led process, empowering state-level stakeholders to deliver on the UKAID project objectives and CLTS roll out in three LGAs.
• A significant level of effort will be undertaken at the CU head office in Calabar, while providing direct support at the field-level to LGAs and non-state partners (sub-grantees).
• Executing this function will mean extensive travel to field locations, and excellent coordination and management based upon the detailed implementation plan (DIP) and in consultation with the Project Manager.
• The Project Officer is a member of the CHISPIN project team and provides technical assistance in overall LGA and non-state partner (sub-grantee) staff implementation.
• As part of the project team s/he works closely with the CU Finance and Accounting Team, sub-grantees and LGA support staff.

Responsibilities

• Liaise/coordinate with and between all bodies and institutions involved in the CHISPIN Project activities at state level, particularly RUWASSA, State Tasks Groups on Sanitation and WASH Management Teams, and ensure effective implementation of activities for the delivery of GSF project outputs and outcomes
• Participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the State level, ensuring there is common understanding of the project objectives, with reference to the LFA. You are expected to ensure there is full commitment to the project including cost sharing by all partners. This will include providing support towards timely delivery of human and material resources in the participating LGAs
• Work closely with LGA Technical Support Officers on the Project, WASH structures in the State and LGA level to development capacity needs assessments, and training requirements in order to achieve effective CLTS delivery and ODF (Open Defecation Free) in all communities. Assist in efforts to build a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation. In addition, identify needed support from State Agency for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation to assist participating LGAs’ WASH Department/ Units on community mobilisation, establishment and training of tasks groups on sanitation, advocacy and participatory planning.
• Support the Project Manager to review the State & LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in the formulation of strategies, plans and budgets to achieve Total Sanitation and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and human resource) in the project targeted state.
• Ensure that annual budget preparations at State level include budget lines for Total Sanitation.
• Provide technical inputs in the preparation and design of surveys, studies, and play an active role in the dissemination of survey results and study findings under the project among stakeholders; as part of increasing their understanding of sector issues and emerging approaches, and thereby facilitate scaling up of successful approaches to LGAs not in the project catchment area
• Provide regular supportive supervision and monitoring of the project activities of the State RUWASSA, STGS, NGOs/CBOs and Private Service Providers on the basis of agreed plans, targets, and technical design, specifications and standards
• Carry out field visits to monitor progress and quality of implementation of sanitation facilities (latrines, urinals, hand-washing stations etc.) constructed by community participants. Facilitate/support the quality control (by third party/state verification team) of completed facilities
• Support the State Authority to maintain a regular flow of information to relevant stakeholders at all levels that also includes monitoring counterpart funds contribution.
• Assist the State Authority to implement monitoring system for improved decision-making based on the project M&E framework.
• Network closely with other implementing agencies/entities, in the three LGAs and ensure maximizing synergies in the health and education for opportunities for replication and of scaling up CLTS and WASH more widely
• Provide weekly updates and monthly reports as per approved format summarising progress made in implementation of activities, lessons learnt and recommendations for improvement including ad hoc reports and human interest stories that may be needed. In addition, contribute to updating the results-based framework in-line with project indicators on a quarterly basis with more detailed inputs provided towards the preparation of annual reports
• As part of the project team fully adopt the PCM (project cycle management), including use of the LFA and a results-based performance management approach.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide feedback to partners and project team on projects’ performance based on data collected and findings
• Assist the project team in building capacity of CSOs
• Assist the project team in developing human stories for publication
• Assist Project Manager in conducting annual and quarterly planning and review processes
• Support to the eventual design and dissemination of research studies by providing relevant input
• Assist the MERO and Project Manager in developing quarterly and annual reports
• Develop and share field visit reports with relevant project staff
• Assist the Project Manager to develop annual and quarterly work plans and budgets for CHISPIN
• Assist Project Manager in reviewing project plans as part of the learning and sharing process
• Share learning from CHISPIN with the wider CU country programme team
• Support partners in improving learning and sharing mechanisms in their projects
• Promote culture of two way learning in CU more widely
• Work collaboratively with the RUSHPIN state Project Officers and project team for strengthening integration and cross-learning in the country programme
• Proactively volunteer for various team activities
• Show an eagerness to take on any other tasks assigned by the line-manager

Qualifications

• A University Degree in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Sociology, Rural Development or field related to WASH development assistance.
• Knowledge and understanding of working with the State and LGAs

Experience

• Five years’ relevant experience in successfully managing developing projects, funded by international donors, including experience of grant management and reporting experience in monitoring and evaluating WASH projects
• Relevant knowledge and experience in Community Led Total Sanitation programming experience of report writing
• Proven track record of capacity building/training for stakeholders including at community level and for local institutions
• Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development

Skills

• Excellent planning, co-ordination and prioritisation skills
• Strong facilitation, diplomatic and interpersonal skills
• Good command of writing in English
• Excellent communication and team-working skills, with the ability to build good relations, both internally and externally
• Excellent computer knowledge with command on MS Excel among other packages of MS Office
• Ability to facilitate training to community-based organisations and government stakeholders
• Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse and performance related environment
• Proactive approach to problem solving
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction

Desirable

• Gender and intercultural sensitivity
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times
• Positive outlook and stand-alone disposition
• Adaptable and responsive disposition relative to the demands and development of the project.

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Unit: CHISPIN Project
Sub-Unit: Accounting
Reports To: Finance Manager
Status: Full-time, Contract

Main Purpose

• The Grant Accountant is a key member of the CHISPIN project and member of the Finance and Accounting Department.
• S/he shall manage the Accounts Receivable (A/R) and cash receipts process to ensure timely and accurate billing practices, analyse and monitor reports, and ensure grant compliance.
• S/he will also work closely with the CU Finance and Accounting Team, CHISPIN project staff, sub-grantees, and LGA support staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise A/R and ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Update A/R and Cash Receipts on an ongoing basis in close coordination with the Finance Manager, CHISPIN Programme Manager, and Country Director.
• Provide support to performing reconciliation between international and local accounting records for A/R and Cash Receipts.
• Oversee and monitor A/R aging balances.
• Work with all Country Programme Departments to ensure timely billing and cash receipt processing.
• Oversight of project cash flow.
• Oversight of project bank account.
• Process project activity advances/floats and funds request from sub-grantees.
• Communicate relevant information both internally and externally.
• Support the analysis of pertinent ledger accounts.

Day-to-Day Duties

Financial Operations of Concern Universal:

• You will administer the provision of transaction processing services for the UK Aid CHISPIN Project, ensuring that all related payments (vendors, staff, contractors, consultants, etc.) are made accurately and within the agreed payment terms.

Cash:

• You will administer all cash handling arrangements for the UK Aid CHISPIN Project:
• Ensure that payment vouchers are correctly coded, authorised, and receipts are attached.
• Disburse cash (as appropriate) to staff from the cash facility.
• Daily cash reconciliation and counts.
• Maintain adequate level of cash and arrange for replenishment as required.
• Maintain up-to-date cash book.
• Daily update of the ledger.

Bank

• Act as key contact person for financial queries relating to the operation of the UK Aid CHISPIN bank account. This will include:
• Maintaining the bank account as necessary.
• Maintaining up-to-date bank mandates and record of all forms relating to the project bank account.
• Monitor the bank balance of the project bank account and update the ‘Bills & Payments’ spreadsheet immediately upon receipt of funds into the project account.
• Collate Project cash flow requirements/forecast and feed to the Finance Manager for monthly funds drawdown from the UK.
• Undertake month end bank reconciliation for the project account.

Floats & Advances

• Administer the project activity advances and flag any overdue retirements to the Finance Manager.
• Administer sub-grantees’ floats, retirements, and balances, ensuring proper records are maintained and balances are agreed with partners periodically (while ensuring overdue retirements are flagged to the Finance Manager).

Month End

• Administer the month end project process in relation to all programme transactions ensuring all postings and reconciliations are completed to allow for timely reporting.
• Prepare the monthly project monitoring reports as may be allocated by the Finance Manager.
• Prepare the monthly budget tracking and preparation of budget variance analysis.
• Prepare the monthly review of debtor accounts ensuring appropriate repayments on debtor balances are no more than one month old.

Project/Programme Audits:

• Liaise with auditors and provide them with required information during field work of project audits.

Year End:

• Prepare year-end reconciliations and schedules required for the annual audit and submit to the Finance Manager within agreed deadlines.
• To liaise with external auditors and provide required information during field work of annual statutory audit.

Collaboration

• With the Finance Manager.
• Working closely with the Finance Manager on:
  • Developing and implementing improved Grant/Finance management Systems.
  • Preparation of monthly and annual budgets; and periodic forecasts.
  • Budget management and donor reporting (as may be required by the Finance Manager).
  • Preparation of timely donor report.
• Other Project Staff/Sub-Grantees to:
• Consolidate and post on the ledger, financial information/reports provided by sub-grantees and other field staff.
• Periodic field visits for:
  • Training needs assessment and capacity building of sub-grantees.
  • Ensuring proper records are being kept and adequate financial management systems are in place.
  • Supporting field staff and sub-grantees in understanding and adhering to UK Aid CHISPIN grant compliance and CU financial management procedures and compliance.

Othe:

• To support and work with staff and sub-grantees and other external stakeholders, in understanding CU and UK Aid’s financial requirements.
• To undertake other duties that may be assigned by the Finance Manager and/or the Country Director.

Qualifications

• First Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, and techniques.
• Minimum five years’ experience.Experience in the non-profit sector is a plus.
• Demonstrated proficiency in accounting system software and expertise in Microsoft Excel and report writing.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse, and performance related environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction, handle large amounts of data, and to meet deadlines

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Unit: CHISPIN Project
Sub-Unit: Monitoring & Evaluation
Reports To: Project Manager
Status: Full-time, Contract

Main Purpose

• The Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Officer (MERO) is a member of the CHISPIN project team and provides technical assistance in general project monitoring and evaluation to sub-grantee partner staff;
• Monitors project progress against logical framework indicators for monitoring CHISPIN performance;
• Develops and maintains the CHISPIN Performance Management Plan and project-level monitoring and evaluation plans;
• Supports project design;
• Produces annual reports on CHISPIN performance; and
• Supports the project team to learn from and make decisions based on monitoring and evaluation data.
• S/he works closely with the CU Finance and Accounting Team, sub-grantees, and LGA support staff.

Responsibilities

• To supervise regular data collection through implementing partners and ensure quality of the data by random verifications and validations.
• To record, manage, and preserve monitoring and evaluation data in a safe and accessible way.
• To analyse and discuss findings based on regular monitoring data.
• Provide technical support on M&E and evidence-based recommendations to the Project Manager and Partners.
• Ensure that implementation of field activities adheres to Concern Universal’s (CU) monitoring and evaluation system.
• Provide support in conducting the baseline survey and KAP survey.
• Participate actively in project planning processes and budgeting of the project quality.
• Support the project team in developing the annual and quarterly project reports.
• Support project team with any other tasks and assignments as may be required.

Skills and Competencies

Monitoring:

• Develop project monitoring plan (PMP) for CHISPIN in line with project LFA while consulting with project team and partners (CSOs).
• Coordinate with implementing partners for the collection data against agreed indicators.
• Engage with partners to collect and manage essential data of their respective supportive interventions.
• Ensure quality of data collected by CSOs.
• Provide feedback to partners and project team on the projects’ performance based on monitoring data findings.
• Assist the project team in building capacity of CSOs on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E).

Evaluation:

• Assist the Project Manager and team in drafting Terms of Reference for project evaluations (mid-term and end of project).
• Assist the project team in developing human stories for publication.
• Assist Project Manager in conducting Project Data Review.
• Support to the eventual design and dissemination of research studies by providing relevant input. 

Reporting and Documentation:

• Assist Project Manager in developing quarterly and annual reports.
• Develop and share field visit reports with relevant project staff.
• Facilitate upload of key reports to the CU intranet.

Planning:

• Assist the Project Manager to develop annual and quarterly work plans and budgets for CHISPIN.
• Assist Project Manager in reviewing project plans as part of the learning and sharing process.
• Ensure quality of data/ statistics in project plans.
• Upload relevant project cycle management, annual, and quarterly plans to the intranet.

Learning and Sharing:

• Share learning from M&E process with the wider team.
• Support partners in improving learning and sharing mechanisms in their projects.
• Promote culture of two-way learning in CU more widely.
• Upload documented lessons learned and ‘best practices’ to the intranet

Contribution to Effectiveness of the Project and Country Programme:

• Work collaboratively with the RUSHPIN MERO and programme team to strengthen integration and cross-learning in the country programme.
• Proactively volunteer for various team activities.
• Show eagerness to take on any other tasks assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications

• Masters' Degree in Social or Natural Science discipline.
• Knowledge and understanding of project monitoring and evaluation.
• Understanding of the current M&E trends and especially M&E systems in development organisations.

Experience

• Minimum three years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation with at least 2 years with ainternational organisation.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating WASH projects,
• Experience of field data collection,
• Experience of report writing,

Skills

• Monitoring and evaluation techniques and processes.
• Data collection and management.
• Analytical and research skills.
• Good command over report writing in English.
• Good interpersonal skills and oral communication.
• Excellent computer knowledge with command on MS Excel aand other MS Office applications.
• Ability to facilitate training of community based organisations and government stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse, and performance related environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction, handle large amounts of data, and to meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience of conducting research.
• Experience of organising lesson-learning sessions.
• Handling data through SPSS.
• Communication skills for presenting monitoring findings.
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times

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Unit: CHISPIN Project
Sub-Unit: WASH Programme
Reports To: Programme Manager
Status: Full-time, Contract

Main Purpose

• The CLTS Project Manager (PM) is responsible for running and supervising CHISPIN project at all stages of the project management cycle.
• He/she is also responsible for accomplishing the project objectives and outcomes within the contextual constraints.
• The PM ensures the overall success of the project by making sure the CHISPIN team completes the defined activities while adhering to internal standards and contractual obligations and that the project is completed on time, within budget, and with acceptable quality.
• S/he will lead the CHISPIN project team and work closely with the CU Finance and Accounting Team, sub-grantees, and LGA support staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop project annual, quarterly, and monthly plans, ensure the project’s smooth implementation, and manage the team’s performance of project tasks and activities that may include, but are not limited to:
• Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)
• Develop and ensure the use of appropriate CLTS techniques and materials for sanitation and hygiene promotion
• Working closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting officer (MERO) to track the progress of activities, ensure the collection of project indicators, and provide on-time internal status reports and external donor reports
• Identify and monitor risks, constraints or escalating issues, and inform the hierarchy accordingly
• Ensure that all data and information is updated, well organised, and easily accessible and that lessons learnt and best practice are capitalized
• Coordinate with the GSF RUSHPIN programme to ensure a common approach, synergy, and sharing of information
• Represent CU externally and collaborate/coordinate with state and local authorities, sub-grantee partners, and stakeholders
• Analyse and report on the evolving needs and provide clear recommendations for interventions
• Periodically participate in the development of new proposals
• Assess sub-grantee capacity building needs of partners and communicate recommendations to the hierarchy

Skills and Competencies

Organisation Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling CU’s values and ethical standards
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism
• Integrates risk management in all aspects of programmatic work and operations

Functional Competencies:

• Well-developed skills and demonstrated experience in facilitation, consensus-building, multi-stakeholder processes, and negotiation
• Excellent analytical skills. Experience and knowledge in building local government and CSO capacities in good governance
• Demonstrable ability to engage with sensitivity and strategic foresight in situations involving multiple actors and stakeholders
• Understanding of the CU system and good knowledge of CU rules, regulations, strategy, and programming modalities
• Builds strong relationships with communities and traditional leaders, focuses on impact and results for the community, and responds positively to feedback
• Proven facilitation, training, networking, coordination, team-building, consensus-building, and organisational skills
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to lead strategic planning and results-based management and reporting
• Ability to advise and oversee formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects
• Sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of CHISPIN partners

Leadership:

• Focuses on impact and result for UK Aid and responds positively to feedback
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Ability to build strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Team player, self-motivated, shows initiative, dedicated, creative, resourceful, flexible, energetic, and demonstrates sound judgment
• Capacity to work under pressure, manage stress, and adapt to rapidly evolving situations
• Sound time management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks.

Qualifications

• University Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, or other related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five or more years of experience in the field of Environmental Sanitation, Water, and Hygiene. Extensive knowledge and practical experience of the CLTS approach and in Hygiene Promotion as well as linkages between public health and WASH
• Proven ability to coordinate programmatic issues and work effectively to deliver high-quality results within expected time frames
• Ability to facilitate training, technical working groups, document results, and maintain momentum through effective documentation, communication, and dissemination
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to organize and effectively facilitate group discussions and processes and guide them to constructive and positive outcomes and conclusions
• Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse, and performance related environment
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction, handle large amounts of data/information and to meet deadlines