Fresh Job Opportunities at Mercy Corps

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The program focuses on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic development, and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency in North East Nigeria, Mercy Corps initiated humanitarian programming in 2014 to support the conflict-affected population.  As a result of the wide-scale needs in 2016, Mercy Corps is scaling-up its humanitarian response to establish a dynamic multi-sector platform  in order to address emergency priorities including food security, non-food items, nutrition, protection, water sanitation, while preparing to address early recovery needs for displaced households and vulnerable host communities.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Program Development and Quality Advisor supports program development, program reporting, through the provision of guidance, tools, resources, capacity building and technology. S/he will be involved in a broad range of initiatives that require close coordination with Mercy Corps’ headquarters, Nigeria program teams and other departments, peer agencies and local partner organizations.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBLITIES

• Program Strategy and Development
• Support overall strategic and annual planning and reporting for Nigeria’s emergency response.
• Track and review calls for proposals and identify new funding opportunities that match Mercy Corps’ strategic interests.
• Support the conceptualization and design of cost effective, innovative and high quality programs, ensuring relevance to stakeholders and agency strategy.
• Coordinate development of concept notes, proposals and budgets, including coordinating closely with Mercy Corps’ Nigeria technical, finance and operational staff, as well as headquarters and regional Technical Support Unit to facilitate input, and ensuring donor compliance
• Apply the agency’s best practices in proposal development efforts for institutional donors.
• Maintain grant tracker that outlines previous, current, and future/ pipeline programming in coordination with headquarters.
• Program Quality and Implementation Support
• Lead on and oversee the application and integration of Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards (‘PM@MC’), to help ensure Program Advisors are meeting the requirements.
• Hold regular trainings and other capacity building events to increase understanding and application of PM@MC.
• Conduct regular audits of adherence to PM@MC.
• Oversee improvement, mainstreaming and implementation of MEL strategy, tools and resources across all programs, including promoting use of new methods and approaches.
• Support the creation of an evidence-based learning culture through consistent analysis of lessons learned and best practices to encourage adaptive management.
• Identify strategies and build/strengthen systems, processes and tools to facilitate greater efficiency between program/MEL, finance and operations teams, including information sharing internally and externally

Program Reporting, Communication and Information Management

• Ensure appropriate knowledge and information management systems are in place to support program quality, communication and reporting.
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes within the team to promote best practices and cultivate a culture of learning.
• Coordinate the identification of key communications and visibility needs with Program Managers, and lead design of materials and modalities of dissemination, including building relationships with local and national media outlets.
• Support programs to produce professional quality reports, meeting both internal and external reporting requirements.
• Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;
• Contribute to monthly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;
• Contribute to monthly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;

Coordination and Representation

• Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies, including attending relevant working group and coordination meetings;
• Host and ensure logistic support for donor or other stakeholders field visits.

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.
 
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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: none
 
ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  Director of Humanitarian Programs
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:Team Leaders, Heads of Office,  M&E Manager, Program Managers, and headquarters staff as appropriate.
 
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development, or other relevant field; MA/S in similar relevant fields preferred.
• 2 – 4 years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in international settings, ideally in conflict-affected countries.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with humanitarian and development programming.
• Demonstrated success with program development and design, including conceptualizing and articulating programming ideas in concept notes and proposals, and knowledge of major institutional donors regulations
• Solid experience of developing and managing monitoring and learning systems
• Previous experience from working with local partners, preferable focused on organizational development and sub-grants management
• Consistent flexibility and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances
• Resource management, training , capacity building, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Good analytical skills. Effective negotiator, with the ability to positively influence cross departmental and cross sector working
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Previous experience with Mercy Corps preferred, as well as the Middle East and in particular the Syria response crisis preferred
• Ability to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Proficiency in English is essential; Hausa is desirable 

SUCCESS FACTORS:
A successful candidate will have the ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment with a capacity to spark innovative approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results, with an ability and willingness to remain mobile for short-term and/or long-term as necessary within the region, based on programmatic needs. An ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor.
 
LIVING CONDITIONS:
The position will be initially based in Maiduguri, Borno state and it requires frequent travel (60%) between field locations in northeast Nigeria and Abuja country office. Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in terms of accommodation and logistics. Housing in the field will be in the guesthouse where available and hotels.  Security in the field locations requires additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously.Access to good medical services in north east is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic. The location is eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Given the nature of the humanitarian response, working hours require flexibility and working through weekends/evenings might be necessary.
 
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 at all times and in all locations.

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GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Team Leader will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the delivery of humanitarian response programming that includes livelihoods, cash, food, non-food items , wash and shelter interventions for families affected by conflict from both host and displaced communities. The position includes field leadership of humanitarian program, management of daily program activities and staffs, ensuring appropriate systems and support mechanisms are in place to track, analyze and report on results as well as engagement with senior management on the strategic direction of the overall emergency and recovery program. The post holder will represent Mercy Corps on state level humanitarian coordination platforms.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program Management

• Oversee program start-up and ongoing program management and administration of teams across various field locations
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities, authorities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan
• Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to established vulnerability criteria
• Develop and oversee program implementation strategies, including partnership frameworks, beneficiary targeting, distribution processes and capacity building of partners as needed
• Initiate needs assessments, surveys and other data gathering tools to ensure that Mercy Corps has continued access to updated information and is able to address emerging needs in timely manner
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to achieve the desired impact
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources and timely, accurate and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures
• Fulfill Mercy Corps Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.

Team Management

• Lead the program team in implementation of the humanitarian program.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect in which team members strive to achieve excellence
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews
• Hire, orient and supervise new team members as necessary
• 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.

Representation & Fundraising

• Identify, build and manage partnerships on state and local levels with different stakeholders such as state and local government, civil society, UN agencies, peer INGOs, businesses and program participants.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
• Host and ensure logistic support for donor or other stakeholders field visits

Strategy and Vision

• Recognize and bring forward opportunities for innovative action and create an environment of empowerment, inclusion and participation
• In coordination with management set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives and contribute to country-wide strategy development

Finance, Operations and Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to humanitarian programming and operations.
• With the support of the Operations Manager ensure adequate operational systems are in place to provide for programs
• Manage humanitarian program budget(s)

Security
Maintains ultimate responsibility for the security and safety of Mercy Corps staff and resources in the field.
Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership

Personal Leadership

• Consistently demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances
• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity
• Demonstrate an awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs

Accountability:  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.
 
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.
 
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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Humanitarian program & support team in Finance and Operations (field)
 
ACCOUNTABILITY
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Director of Humanitarian Programs
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Operations, Finance, Program Managers, TSU team members, and others.
 
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• MA or equivalent in relevant field
• 7 – 10 years of field experience in international relief and/or development programs, including demonstrable success in managing humanitarian programs in transitional environments
• Previous working experience in Africa required
• At least 5 years of management, capacity building and field management experience.
• Demonstrated success working effectively and respectfully with host country governments, private sector, INGO, NGO partners and other stakeholders in complex environments
• Proven skills in finance and grants management; prior experience with emergency response grant management for both private and institutional donors desired
• Knowledge of SPHERE and other humanitarian programming standards
• Successful and proven negotiation, communication and organization skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment
• Fluency in Hausa is a plus

SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful candidate will skillfully represent programmatic priorities of the agency to donors and regional partners while providing effective leadership to the Mercy Corps humanitarian program team. S/he will be capable of multi-tasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, drive and a lot of energy, as well as high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring skills and proven experience with capacity building. S/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.
 
LIVING CONDITIONS:
The position will be initially based in Maiduguri, Borno state and it requires frequent travel (60%) between field locations in northeast Nigeria and Abuja country office. Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in terms of accommodation and logistics. Housing in the field will be in the guesthouse where available and hotels.  Security in the field locations requires additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously.
Access to good medical services in north east is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
The location is eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Given the nature of the humanitarian response, working hours require flexibility and working through weekends/evenings might be necessary.
 
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 at all times and in all locations.

go to method of application »

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Head of Office provides general management and leadership for all program support functions at the field level for the humanitarian portfolio including operations, finance and security. The Head of Office proactively and informatively communicates and coordinates the program support functions with Mercy Corps staff in state office in Maiduguri ( Borno State) and other field locations ( to be confirmed) in Borno state and Abuja country office. S/he will be responsible for all aspects of operations: procurement, logistics, administration, human resources, and security.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Strategy and Vision

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to country-wide strategy development.
• Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.

Operations Management

• Oversee the smooth flow of routine program support functions (e.g., finance, administration, logistics) of the Mercy Corps state office and potentially field offices and compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Oversee management, supervision and training of all aspects of finance and operations ( procurement, administration, HR, security, logistics) in the state and field offices.
• Ensure that procurement is completed, documented, and delivered to end-user in a timely manner, ensuring that items procured meet the specifications of the end-user while adhering to donor and Mercy Corps procurement guidelines.
• Ensure all aspects of asset management including maintenance of asset register and investigation of missing assets.
• Supervise the management and maintenance of vehicle fleet, office facilities, and equipment, including power supply and internet.
• Oversee database and paper file management for finance and operations; ensure files are complete and in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with Mercy Corps’ Abuja and HQ offices on travel and logistics support as required.
• Support program start-up through the administration of support teams across various field locations.
• Create and maintain operations systems to ensure effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.

Team Management

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

Compliance Management

Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency operations.

Representation
With the supplier and local government on operational issues as required.

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.
• Develop and maintain the security management plans for the area of operation.
• Follow up any developments/changes in regards to the security situation.
• Ensure adequate security coordination with other humanitarian actors in the areas.
• Liaise with the Team Leader and Director of Humanitarian Programs on any degradation in security situation.

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:  State & field operations staff, field security staff.
 
ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Team Leader, Maiduguri
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Field Program staff
 
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Bsc or Master’s Degree in relevant field.
• At least 3-5 years of relevant project management experience.
• Sound understanding procurement, administration, and logistics management systems. Basic understanding of financial systems.
• Experience in security management in conflict areas;
• Commitment to local capacity building and team coordination.
• Experience working with host governments and INGOs; familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, and other NGOs.
• Good organizational and management skills and the ability to anticipate project needs.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment, and lead a diverse group of national and international staff.
• Must be able to strategically advise staff on program and office activities and security issues.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
• Fluent English; Hausa a plus.

SUCCESS FACTORS: 
The successful The Head of Office will have proven experience working effectively in emergency contexts. S/he will have strong leadership qualities and will have demonstrated previous experience in building team commitment toward the achievements of program objectives. It will be essential to have experience in setting up systems and procedures in difficult environments, as well as good understanding on what makes systems and procedures work. Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills are critical as are an ability to work in remote environments, an awareness of and sensitivity to multi-cultural international humanitarian work and ability to train and facilitate dialogue among a diverse group of individuals with various skill sets and working styles. S/he must have an ability to creatively problem-solve, to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected and sudden events impacting program operations with patience, tenacity, and a good sense of humor.
 
LIVING CONDITIONS:
The position will be initially based in Maiduguri, Borno state and it requires frequent travel (60%) between field locations in northeast Nigeria and Abuja country office. Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in terms of accommodation and logistics. Housing in the field will be in the guesthouse where available and hotels.  Security in the field locations requires additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously.
Access to good medical services in north east is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
The location is eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Given the nature of the humanitarian response, working hours require flexibility and working through weekends/evenings might be necessary.
 
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 at all times and in all locations.