Latest Job Vacancies at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

• The Safety & Security Manager (SSM) is responsible for managing all safety & security systems in country, but with a majority focus on the humanitarian response in Northeast Nigeria.
• The SSM will work closely with the Country Director and Senior Management Team (SMT) in developing and implementing procedures and policies specific to each situation including security management plans.
• The SSM will provide support and advice to the Country Director, relevant program directors, including the Director of Humanitarian Programs, on safety and security issues and is a member of the Senior Management Team and Security Management Team.
• The SSM will provide training, mentoring, support and guidance to security focal points (SFPs) appointed in each field office and Security Officer (SO) for humanitarian team based in Gombe/Biu. g.
• Moreover, the SSM will provide (or arrange for) necessary training of all Mercy Corps staff and partners, as needed.
• He/she is expected to assist program teams in incorporating security planning and awareness into program planning. It is expected that SSM will provide extensive support with frequent dialogue and field visits.
• Reporting instruments and tactical guidance will be standard with the Nigeria team. In addition, the SSM will work closely with the Global Director of Field Security and Regional Security Adviser.
• The SSM will also coordinate with the Nigeria Security forums including UNDSS, other INGOs, embassies, etc. This engagement will be of particular importance as the UN scales up its humanitarian response/security infrastructure.

Essential Job Functions
Security information & analysis:

• Work with SFPs, SO, Heads of Office and the SMT to monitor the security environment in the designated areas of Nigeria, with particular focus on the Northeast.
• Prepare analytical reports, based on information from internal and external sources, to support policy and procedure reviews as well as to mitigate risks to programming.
• Prepare weekly security brief and share with all relevant staff, including program managers, SFPs and security management team.
• Be readily available at all times to the Country Director and field staff to advise on security developments.

Security system management:

• Develop, review and ensure effective implementation of the MC Nigeria Security Management Plans including a security plan in assigned offices, together with key actors.
• Develop, review and ensure the effective implementation of hibernation and evacuation SOPs.
• Actively participate in SMT meetings and support members in sharpening their skills in risk and vulnerability assessments, evaluating information and developing security protocols and strategies that work for the team and allow to progress safely and with the lowest risk possible.
• Conduct security assessments in all offices and international staff residences, with recommendations to the Country Director for any necessary improvements.
• Ensure adequate supply of necessary safety and security-related equipment at all offices and international staff residences.
• Ensure that relevant staff members understand and are able to use this equipment, including radios, satellite phones, fire extinguishers, etc.
• Conduct comprehensive security/risk assessment in potential new program/field sites, as necessary.
• Implement and ensure effective monitoring of a vehicle tracking system in each office.
• Ensure implementation of incident tracking and reporting protocols, with key stakeholders.
• Prepare and update as necessary the “constant companion”, both full and pocket-sized versions.
• Review and revise security telephone tree for all locations as necessary, with key stakeholders.
• Conduct routine crisis management exercises for all staff and management.
• Conduct mock drills in all MC offices (e.g. fire drill, evacuation drill etc.).
• Promote and support efforts by field offices to meet the Inter Action Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) through effective planning and budgeting for security.
• Work with SFPs, Program Managers, Heads of Offices, Directors of Programs and CD on community acceptance messaging and other operational strategies.

Staff management and technical support:

• Participate in the identification of SFPs and recruitment of Security Officers as necessary. Lead the onboarding and training of these staff.
• Supervise the SO in NE Nigeria, including setting objectives, developing quarterly work plans, performance evaluation, etc. Assist SFPs in developing a monthly/quarterly work plan that can be monitored by the Head of Office, and remotely by SSM and Country Director.
• Mentor the SFPs to fulfill their safety and security responsibilities at the field-level.
• Work with CD to include necessary safety and security information in pre-departure information packages for new international staff and visitors.
• Work with the Human Resources Officer (HRO) to develop and implement security orientation for new staff (international and national) and visitors.
• Work with the HRO to identify security training needs of team members and include security awareness as an essential part of program trainings and refresher workshops.
• Assess the training needs of drivers and guards in consultation with SFPs and Logistics staff.
• Significant technical support provided to partner agencies – particularly in tactical skills and them defining their own risk thresholds.

Coordination:

• Place high value on inter-agency coordination in security. Actively participate in security coordination activities in the Northeast and encourage SFP and Heads of Office to participate in coordination activities at the field-level.
• Daily check-ins with humanitarian teams posted in the Northeast.
• Actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation in security.
• Develop a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community (UN, NGO, ICRC, appropriate governmental offices, etc.).
• Develop and engage Mercy Corps’ internal network of SFPs, SO and Heads of Office, and encourage inter-communications between them.
• Pursue opportunities to engage others in our community in creative solutions to our security challenges through collaborative efforts.
• Any other duties which are not listed but are essential to the safety and security for MC staff members and properties.

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 towards 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:

• Security Officer Gombe/Bui.

Works directly with:

• SFPs, Director of Humanitarian Programs, Team Leader of Humanitarian Programs, Directors of Conflict Management and Gender Programs, Operations Manager, Head of Offices, Program Managers, and Finance Manager.
• S/He will work very closely with Mercy Corps’ Regional Security Advisor.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, Master’s degree preferred.
• 3-5 years field experience in safety and security with a humanitarian or development non-governmental organization.
• Extensive experience in setting up and managing safety and security systems and protocols and provide training to staff and partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies. Good context analysis skills.
• Excellent negotiation and representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.
• Effective skills in coordination, organization and prioritization as well as in Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.
• Proven ability to work and solve problems independently without direct supervision.
• Experience living and working in Nigeria, and experience in the Northeast preferred.
• Knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures highly desirable.
• English proficiency required: excellent written and oral skills.
• Ability to speak Housa or Kanuri.

Success Factors

• The Safety and Security Manager is responsible for the implementation of security policies, procedures and systems that are appropriate for the conditions in Nigeria. It is crucial that strategies and tactics are consistent with regional practices.
• Critical to this job is problem solving, and the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations. Maintaining strong cooperative relationships with other departments is crucial.
• The successful candidate will have the ability to interact effectively with national and international staff members and demonstrate ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and provide relevant advice and support in a fluid security environment.
• The candidate will have a high degree of professionalism and must be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense environment.
• Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to 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 at all times and in all in-country venues.

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Job Description

• We are looking for a motivated individual, who is enthusiastic about the work we do and is looking to work within a dynamic team.
• Girls’ Opportunities for Advancing Literacy 2 (GOAL 2) focus on institutionalizing and scaling the successes from GOAL 1, to ensure that Adolescent girls (15-19) across Kano state are better equipped for the school-to-work transition as a result of improved financial literacy, vocational choices and life skills. GOAL 1 successfully identified methods to improve girls’ confidence and knowledge around employment and financial literacy with 1,800 girls in 13 schools. Girls who received counselling and training on financial literacy and work force preparedness improved their confidence in education and entering the workforce. They were also better able to articulate their life goals and manage their money.
• GOAL 2 will scale key activities from phase one across Kano state, with potential to reach up to 253,712 girls in 969 government junior and senior secondary schools. Activities will focus on embedding quality financial literacy education and counselling within key local institutions including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), the Kano State Secondary School Management Board (KSSSMB) and the Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD). Mercy Corps’ implementation will take advantage of two key opportunities:
• Institutionalizing financial literacy education in Kano offers an opportunity to improve financial independence among girls throughout Nigeria’s most populous state. Achievements with financial literacy in GOAL 1, such as dramatically boosting girls’ savings and improving their financial literacy, means that Kano can take this proven model to scale. In addition, a window of opportunity exists to bring the experiences from Kano to the national stage through collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the National Financial Inclusion Strategy is operationalized.
• High quality guidance counselling offers girls sound, targeted advice as they navigate the transition to adulthood. As we’ve seen through the “safe space” model tested in GOAL 1 (and elsewhere), trusted adult advisors can improve adolescent girls’ economic, financial and social assets, and expand opportunities for a healthy life.

General Position Summary

• The Senior Project Officer (Guidance and Counselling) will support the implementation of activities that provide high quality guidance and counseling for marginalized girls in Kano state secondary education.
• This position will ensure that Ministry of Education  and its agencies in Kano recognizes and systematically supports professional guidance counselling services as valuable resources for girls in schools.

Essential Job Functions

• Support technical aspect of the project in delivery of quality guidance and counseling services for girls in schools through the support of professional guidance and counselors
• Advocate to the government of Kano state through the ministry of education to roll out guidance and counseling resources developed by Mercy Corps for schools counselors
• Support government coordinators of guidance and counselors to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) and capacity strengthening trainings to address the needs of school counselors
• In collaboration with M&E staff, implement relevant need assessments, data and information collection for on-going project monitoring
• Support in setting up and strengthening government management information system, communication and knowledge management
• Identify relevant resources within government, donor organizations, education institutions that support quality guidance and counseling in schools
• Facilitate relationship and coordination with government to ensure that project activities are geared toward institutionalization and sustainability
• Coordinate links with government coordinators of guidance and counselors, project staff to ensure the implementation of activities on time, target and budget

Representation:

• Represent the project at government relevant meetings in the field, in close coordination with the Project Manager
• Collaborate and build relationships with government, NGOs to complement donor funding

Accountability:

• Reports Directly To: Project Manager
• Works Directly with: Coordinators of Guidance and Counseling in the state ministry of education and its agencies, project staff and Mercy Corps gender programs team in the field and at HQ.

Success Factors

• The successful applicant will combine exceptional management skills and technical skills with a focus on successful engagement and support to educational institutions in a culturally and religiously conservative environment.
• S/he will have an outstanding ability to develop, implement and manage innovative and complex programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the region. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.
• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• This position will be based in Kano, where security may be particularly difficult at times.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting.
• 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.

Knowledge and Experience

• Have BA/BSc or equivalent in Education, Management, Social Sciences, Development Studies or other relevant field. A relevant second degree desired.
• 2-3 years’ experience with guidance counseling and/or mentoring required. Experience delivering counseling services to marginalized girls and/or training guidance counselors desired.
• Experience designing, organizing and/or delivering trainings, ideally within the public education sector.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in programme design and implementation, education, guidance and counseling, gender- focused, skills building program.
• Demonstrated experience working with government ministries and officials, Ministry of Education and its agencies experience preferred.
• Experience in project sustainability and institutional capacity strengthening
• Experience managing secondary education or school to work and especially targeting marginalized girls or young women programs required. Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development, writing and editing. Hausa language skills strongly preferred
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members
• Strong interpersonal, communication and coordination skills and a demonstrated ability to multi-task.
• Experience in Northern Nigeria strongly essential.

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General Position Summary

• The ISING Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Officer will support other ISING project sectors with technical oversight and direction on all monitoring and evaluation needs across implementing area.
• S/he will support the ISING Program Manager in ensuring timely and quality reporting.
• The ISING MEL Officer will provide program staff with the information and training to capture monitoring metrics regularly and efficiently.
• S/he will support data collection, analysis activities and regularly providing technical oversight, problem-solving and support. S/he will report to the ISING Program Manager.

Essential Job Functions

• In coordination with ISING program staff, adapt existing M&E systems to monitor and evaluate project activities and impact, in accordance with existing Mercy Corps DM&E guidelines.
• Manage capturing data across ISING program interventions and analyze data collected during monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Oversee data tracking and analysis on regular basis and ensure that data and metrics in field reports are accurate.
• Write, edit, and summarize field reports to develop quality and informative monthly and quarterly reports for donors and internal teams.
• Work with the ISING program team to identify opportunities to innovate M&E systems.
• In partnership with ISING program team document lessons learned and best practices for dissemination within Mercy Corps, to donors, other agencies and interested parties
• Support pre and post monitoring, need assessments, survey, focus groups and evaluation or verification as well as other studies at the project level.
• Utilize standard Mercy Corps assessment tools and help in developing new tools.
• Provide input on the design and implementation of baseline studies, mid-term evaluations and final evaluations.
• Conduct regular field visits to meet the beneficiaries, coordinate with project officers, to capture data correctly and efficiently to ensure regular and accurate information.
• Track and report lessons learned, prepare success stories about the ISING program and share with management for wider circulation.
• Work closely with ISING program teams for filing/archiving documentation both softcopies and hardcopies.
• Maintain relevant ISING program and correspondence files related with DM&E.
• Manage M&E tasks related to closing out projects and checking final project evaluation documents.
• Adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/S in relevant field or other similar field; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation or other learning efforts is required.
• Experience developing and disseminating regular communication materials and updates
• Experience conducting rapid needs assessments.
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
• Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with social media and other multi-media tools preferred.
• Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software such as SPSS, EPI Info and mobile data collection platforms preferable
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors:

• Skilled writer and synthesizer of diverse and complex information, helping teams generate new insights into their work, the needs of their countries and the region, and how program impact can be scaled.
• Talent for organizing and cataloguing information essential
• Sense of creativity essential
• Positive attitude and ability to work well on a team is essential
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required
• Ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Conscientious, with an excellent sense of judgment

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General Position Summary

• The operations assistant will provide support to the operations officer for facilitating and executing different aspects of procurement, logistics and administration responsibilities.
• S/he will work extensively with other departments to ensure that all program support activities are implemented successfully and timely.

Essential Job Functions
Procurement:

• Possesses a full understanding of MC procurement policies and formats to undertake procurement responsibilities.
• Assists staff as needed on creating clear and understandable purchase requests and other procurement documentation.
• Collects quotations and bids from the market for requests as per Mercy Corps standard policies.
• Ensures that required documentation of supplies and transactions are completed and filled correctly.
• Maintains and updates procurement files as often as required
• Assists with payment requests and follows up with status to ensure vendor payment is done in a timely manner.

Logistics and Assets:

• Ensure that all assets in Biu office are tagged and transferred from one user to the other through proper documentations
• Participates in regular assets inventory and checks at minimum on a quarterly basis
• Ensures all assets are maintained and in good condition, through proper documentation
• Assists in the operation of generator, inverter other office equipment as well as monitors the servicing schedule.
• Support in the preparation of monthly assets, inventory report as required

Administration:

• Maintains appropriate filing systems for office correspondence, ensure proper tracking of office correspondence.
• Supports operations officer to ensure that the office is run in a professional and responsible manner including hosting guests, cleaning, receptionist duties and general contact and liaison with outside agencies.
• Ensures office has sufficient office supplies, such as stationary, cleaning supplies, office supplies.
• Makes all necessary travel and lodging arrangements for visitors, and follow up on documentation as well as prompt payment
• Be the focal person for guest houses cleaning maintenance and follow up on supplies

General:

• Adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
• Other duties as will be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/S in relevant field preferred
• Minimum 1 year of experience working in operations (logistics or procurement), preferably within an NGO, international business or related field.
• Good organization skills.
• A demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action to avoid delays in program implementation.
• A clear understanding of procurement ethics and donor compliance is essential.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Good oral and written skills and computer skills
• Strong computer skills on MS office programs
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will have a can-do attitude. Ideally s/he will have previous experience in working in large-scale emergency programs in insecure and conflict-affected contexts. Conscientious with high work ethics.
• All applications must include the position title in the subject line and not more than 4 pages. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• We are an equal opportunity organization and we strongly encourage women to apply for this position.

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General Position Summary

• Under the direction of the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, the M&E Assistant will be responsible for the monitoring of project activities at project sites.
• These activities include: beneficiaries verification, monitoring of project activities, collecting data through surveys and interviews, participating in the assessments and submitting routine reports.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist in data collection, illustrating project activities progress and impact
• Conduct beneficiary names verification, ensuring they meet agreed project target criteria
• Assist in monitoring of program activities, including distributions, trainings, to ensure that intended assistance is delivered to registered beneficiaries as scheduled,
• Ensure all the activities are conducted in full respect to the humanitarian principles and in organized and dignified way
• Participate in surveys, assessments, Focus Groups Discussions
• Ensure proper filing, handling and movement of project files
• Assist in data entry into the project databases
• Assist in designing data entry tools and monitoring tools, as required
• Share and document lessons learned
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals;
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• Preferably a Bachelor's degree in a related field: Social Sciences, Development Studies, Education, etc. or at least one year of work experience in a related discipline.
• Experience in community work with previous experience in project monitoring, preferably with an NGO within Borno States.
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing, analyzing and reporting.
• Ability to interact effectively with various community members, conducting him/herself with sensitivity and respect towards others
•  Willingness, ability to perform field work and work under pressure.
• Excellent computer skills - Word and Excel are required;
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Fluency in English and Hausa is a must

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, with dedication towards evidence based community work, commitment to work long hours in the field conditions with limited access to resources.
• S/He will be highly motivated, with initiative and capable to work without direct supervision.
• S/he will be willing to conduct field travels and work in ethnically and culturally diversified and fast growing team.

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General Position Summary

• The Deputy Program Manager supports the ISING Program Manager in the day to day implementation of project activities in the Gombe and Borno states of Northeast Nigeria.
• S/he will work closely with the ISING project MEL officer, Gender & Protection officer and Livelihoods officer to ensure smooth project implementation and delivery of project objectives.
• In the absence of the Program Manager, the Deputy Program Manager will act on their behalf, managing the project and work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) in Northeast Nigeria to ensure the day to day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.
• The Deputy Project Manager reports directly to the ISING Program Manager.

Essential Job Functions

• Directly support the Program Manager in managing all operations and activities related to the ISING project in Northeast Nigeria according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy.
• Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities and liaise with Program Manager as necessary. 
• In close collaboration with the Program Manager build the ISING Program Officer & Assistant team ensuring that there are fluent communication channels that the reporting schedule is timely met and that projects objectives are achieved.
• Coordinate and share information to ensure overall projects targets and donor obligations are being achieved. Troubleshoot on reporting and programmatic needs. Advise supervisor on suggested improvements and necessities, as required.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of trainings in any areas related to the ISING activities for staff, communities and project beneficiaries.
• Closely coordinate and share information with the various sectors of the ISING project staff including gender and livelihoods and general program support with regular program meetings and activity plans.
• Coordinate closely with the Program Manager and relevant administrative and finance staff to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the project are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the project.
• Support the ISING Program Manager in forecasting expenditure surpluses and deficits to enable adjustments to be made to the project in a timely fashion.
• Build capacity of national staff under their supervision (program officers and assistants)
• Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, and local government in the target locations.
• Support the Program Manager in overseeing the project filing system for all ISING related activities and ensure that information is organized accordingly to the reporting and auditing needs of the project. Ensure required levels of confidentiality.
• Mobilize communities to participate in the design, implementation and maintenance of projects as well as design viable strategies which are both respectful with the local culture and are gender sensitive and effective in engaging women in the activities of the project.
• Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all national ISING program officers and assistants.
• Provide written and oral translation and report writing for program staff, as necessary;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/MS/MBA in relevant field required.
• Minimum 4-5 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; specifically in economic recovery.
• Prior experience implementing livelihoods programs is essential, preferably in conflict settings.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
• Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
• Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
• Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors:

• Must be able to work independently and show initiatives.
• Strong leadership and management skills are essential. Understanding of humanitarian principles and application in program implementation.
• Community liaison skills necessary. Ability to supervise, mentor and coach a diverse team.
• Must be able to multi task on a diverse range of technical supervision issues as well as supervising the daily smooth running of the project.

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General Position Summary

• The Wash Officer is responsible for both the soft and hardware components of the sanitation infrastructure activities of the Wash program in targeted implementation area.
• The Wash officer will assist in supervision of the all works related to implementing infrastructure improvement; and provide input on monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Essential Job Functions

• Under the guidance of WASH Program Manager, supervise the implementation of the program in the field, and provide input into design and improvement of WASH infrastructure in targeted areas.
• Perform the planning of –and organize and ensure quality performance of- monitoring of WASH projects.
• Ensure and promote appropriate health messages related to water, sanitation and hygiene behaviors in targeted communities
• Promote community involvement and ownership in all water and sanitation activities and infrastructure projects
• Organize and Supervise processes like borehole drilling and well constructions at the program site level.
• Organize Supervises water treatment activities in general, at the program site level and makes sure that the consumables are timely replenished
• Organize and supervise the latrine construction process at the program site level.
• Organize the mobilization of families or communities to participate in the WASH program activities.
• Ensures inclusion of protection principles like gender segregation, adaptation to meet the gender-specific and disablement needs, in the design and implementation of the program.
• Perform regular progress visits of the projects sites, and final inspection of completed water and sanitation infrastructure projects, and ensure that technical, safety and environmental standards have been met.
• Conduct regular quality control and activities’ monitoring to the water and sanitation infrastructure project conducted by contractor.
• Provide regular capacity building and mentoring to Community Water Groups (CWG) on water and sanitation issues, and monitor their evolution.
• Organize and conduct focus group discussion on WASH related topics, including the importance of WASH in Nutrition programming.
• Prepare project designs, estimates and drawings as required, including a list of materials & labor, technical specifications needed, contract documents and project implementation plans.
• Based on the complexity of design or magnitude of the project, advise if the project should be managed by a qualified contractor or through a community managed process.
• Provide training to the program teams for the preparation of construction, supervision check-list or each engineering design.
• Review and finalize each construction supervision check-list prepared by the program teams.
• Assist the procurement manager by providing all technical specifications needed for preparing tenders, in addition to assisting the procurement team by reviewing the technical profiles from contractors.
• Provide advice on the official handing over of projects to communities/beneficiaries.
• Security savvy, s/he Complies to -and sets the good example for the respect of- security measures and regulations in place.
• Adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/S or higher in Water and/or Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Public Health or other relevant background and/or relevant experience in water and sanitation that related to slum upgrading program.
• 3-4+ years in community based water and sanitation project preferably in urban context
• Experience in water supply systems: boreholes, pumping, basic hydraulics, etc.
• Fluency in both verbal and written English highly preferred.
• Multi-tasking, coordination, organization, prioritization skills essential.
• Highly-developed computers skills, with strong familiarity with MS Office, Power point, Outlook, Excel, Word, and infrastructure design software
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with team members required.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will combine curiosity and strong technical skills, experience in WASH programs, and a want-to-do attitude. S/he will be an effective communicator, with dedication towards community work, commitment to work long hours in the field conditions with limited access to resources.
• S/He will be highly motivated, with initiative and capable to work with limited direct supervision.
• Ideally s/he will have previous experience in working in large-scale emergency programs in insecure and conflict-affected contexts, including remote management and capacity development.
• S/he will be willing to conduct several days-long field travels and work in ethnically and culturally diversified and fast growing team
  

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General Position Summary

• The Cash and Vouchers Senior Program Officer is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of unconditional cash (UCT), cash for work (CFW) and using systems are in place to support cash transfer programming in Northeast Nigeria (Borno state).
• The Senior Program Officer will work closely with the Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, MEL team, Head of Office, and support staff (including finance, operations, and administration) to ensure that activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality. The position includes the daily management of program staff.
• The Cash and Vouchers Senior Program Officer reports directly to the Deputy Team Leader and will work closely and coordinate with other sectors.

Essential Job Functions
Strategy and Vision:

• Recognize opportunities to evolve the current humanitarian portfolio into a more effective and impactful portfolio addressing the changing needs of conflict-affected populations.
• Contribute to country-wide strategy development.

Representation and Coordination:

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with communities, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective coordination with relevant working groups, UN, ICRC and colleagues I/NGO agencies.

Program Management:

• Oversee the implementation of UCT and CFW activities and administration of the teams across program field locations;
• Develop activity work plans and manage day-to-day activity implementation;
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to community needs, meets targets, and is carried out in line with best practices;
• Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to vulnerability criteria;
• Establish and maintain effective program reporting, and monitoring and evaluation systems (to track, analyze and report on results) for both internal and external use;
• Integrate community approaches, protection mainstreaming, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate;
• Ensure program filing system is in place, adheres to internal and donor regulation and filing is regularly maintained;
• Adhere to all MC policies related to security, operations and transport/ logistics information related to programming.
• Team Management
• Supervise, hire and orient team members, as necessary;
• 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 objectives;
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• Identify any gaps or capacity needs within the team and ensure training and capacity building is incorporated into program planning.

Finance & Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with all donor and Mercy Corps regulations;
• Oversee the UCT and CFW activity budgets and project monthly cash flow.

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.

Other:

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/MS/MBA in relevant field required.
• Minimum 4-5 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; specifically in economic recovery.
• Prior experience implementing livelihoods programs is essential, preferably in conflict settings.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
• Experience with running assessments, monitoring and evaluation and other learning efforts required.
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public.
• Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
• Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors:

• Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are essential.
• Understanding of humanitarian principles and their application to program implementation is required.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and coach a diverse team.
• Must be able to problem solve and multi-task on a range of administrative and programmatic issues.