Fresh Jobs at Mercy Corps

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Shelter Program Manager is a key management position for Mercy Corps Nigeria's emergency response to the humanitarian crisis in North East Nigeria. The position has supervisory and managerial responsibilities, including directly managing all emergency shelter programs and activities implemented by Mercy Corps and funded by OFDA. The Shelter Program Manager provides technical leadership and supervision to shelter program staff. S/he is responsible for overseeing program implementation and ensuring achievement of program objectives in compliance with Mercy Corps, donor requirements and international standards.

S/he actively participates in relevant humanitarian coordination in Biu and ensures field staff participates in coordination meetings at sub-office level. S/he plays a key role in program development, proposal writing, and shaping Mercy Corps' overall program strategy for emergency and transitional programming in shelter as well as other sectors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Operations

In close collaboration with Deputy Team Leader and Head of Office in Biu, (and potentially other sub-offices in case of extension):

• Oversee and ensure that procurement is completed, documented and delivered to end-user in a timely manner, ensuring that items procured meet specifications of the end-user while adhering to donor and Mercy Corps procurement guidelines.
• Oversee all aspects of asset as well as stock management for the shelter items, including ensuring sound transfers between sub-offices or to the program implementation sites
• Ensure quality and accuracy of the BoQs and Contracts, Cost estimates and any other project-related documentation needed for procurement.Managing the tendering process and monitoring contractors progress and quality of work. Ability to resolve field and construction issues
• Create a master plan for shelter clusters to ensure safety of residents, functionality, and protection of the natural environment
• Ensuring that land ownership is cleared and no shelter or other related infrastructure are constructed on disputed land.

Program Management and Implementation

• Provide leadership and management of all aspects of shelter program design, planning, implementation, quality and accountability.
• Participate to the elaboration of technical design on shelter interventions for program proposals and budgets as requested.
• Build the capacity of all national shelter team members with special focus to more senior positions, in program management,
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities needs for shelter and consistent with Mercy Corps' relevant program guidelines.
• Integrate community approaches, gender and disablement sensitivity, Do No Harm/protection mainstreaming, environmental sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate.
• Establish, manage and coordinate work plans for all program activities, including making adjustments in response to any changes in the security situation in close coordination with the Head of Office Biu, Deputy Team Leader, and the Director Humanitarian Programs.
• Manage the shelter program budget, including: approval of appropriate program expenses (within approval limit), tracking of program spending and financial obligations, verification of monthly budget-vs-actual reports, estimation of projected spending and submission of monthly cash forecasts, etc.
• Manage the monitoring and evaluation system for all shelter program activities, including the planning and execution of any required evaluations, to ensure that accurate and timely information is available. Document lessons learned and best practices and integrate into program activities as appropriate.
• Conduct regular field visits to all program sites in order to ensure that shelter programs are adapted to local needs, provide quality control assurance, and to conduct regular audits of program activities.
• Provide regular internal and external reports on program status, as required.

Coordination and Representation:
Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the shelter working group and related coordination platforms.
Document and communicate program implementation experience and lessons learned to support coordination and learning efforts.

Other
Other duties as assigned.
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:
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:
This position requires supervision of a team of approximately 5 national staff. The Shelter Program Manager is responsible for the direct supervision of emergency shelter program staff in field locations in North East Nigeria.

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Deputy Team Leader

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Shelter Program Staff.

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: The Shelter Program Manager works directly with the humanitarian program and operations staff in the field.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• BA/S in engineering, management, international development or other relevant field. Related MSc or MAs is a key asset.
• 5-7 yearsexperience successfully managing programs and teams in the field, preferably in Africa. Program experience should include program implementation, M&E, needs assessments, reporting and proposal development and budget monitoring required
• Experience with emergency Shelter programs with a view on sustainable infrastructure, Cash-for-Work programming required
• Experience working with local stakeholders required
• Good organizational and program management skills and the ability to anticipate program needs.
• Ability to effectively represent the organization and its interests to a diverse range of stakeholders, including local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, donors, other international organizations, the media and the community.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required, with strong focus on Excel.
• Ability to analyze databases resulting from surveys
• Excellent oral and written English skills are an advantage, with local languages skills a bonus.
• Proven experience in working in insecure environment and through remote management.

SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Shelter Program Manager will be conscientious, with an excellent sense of judgment and commitment to integrity. S/he will have strong understanding of the long-term implications of humanitarian work and the importance of incorporating the development of civil society and local partners into activities.

S/he will be able to interact productively with partner and peer agencies, and demonstrate effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills.

Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required. S/he will have interest and ability to travel and work in remote environments and awareness of and sensitivity to multi-cultural international development work and ability to train and facilitate dialogue among a diverse group of individuals with various skill sets and working styles.

Finally, s/he will be able to creatively problem-solve, juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected and sudden events impacting program operations. Patience, tenacity, dedication to improving aid delivery and a good sense of humor are key for this role.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The position will be initially based in Biu LGA, 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.

PI95890848

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GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Compliance Manager will assist the Country Office Management in reviewing, documenting and establishing effective financial and operational controls over the “north – east” program's administrative and programmatic activities in its field offices and programs sites. The Compliance Manager will examine, review and analyze records, reports, financial statements and management practices to ensure adequate internal controls are in place to mitigate risks in compliance with laws, regulations, donor requirements and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Compliance:

• Help identify efficient and effective solutions to operational issues which ensure compliance with Mercy Corps' policies and donor regulations, mitigate the risk of fraud and corruption, yet also facilitate the achievement of program objectives.
• Assist Programs and Finance with adapting established procedures or, as necessary, designing and documenting new procedures for program activities which involve providing a direct financial benefit to beneficiaries (i.e. Vouchers or Cash For Work).
• On a sample basis, regularly perform reviews of procurement and program transactions and supporting documents to ensure transactions are in compliance with Mercy Corps policies and procedures and grant agreements and regulations;
• For both the country and field offices, perform internal control reviews of in-country processes including cash management, procurement, logistics, and stock management including food commodities, assets management and coordinate with the relevant departments to correct weaknesses and improve controls as needed; prepare action plans to address findings and monitor the status of action plan implementation;
• Prepare a Country Office Risk Register in conjunction with program managers and ensure quarterly updates;
• In coordination with country management and HQ finance, assist with the follow-up and resolution of external audit or Mercy Corps Internal Audit findings;
• Conduct regular anti-corruption and fraud prevention trainings to all staff.
• Stay current on the active programs and grants of Mercy Corps Nigeria as well as their specific regulations and requirements. In coordination with Finance and Programs, develop and/or monitor grant-specific compliance trackers.
• As needed, draft prior approval, waiver and other compliance requests to the donor on behalf of Mercy Corps in coordination with HQ Compliance, the country Finance Manager and individual program managers/directors.
• Perform other related special projects and duties as determined and assigned by management.

Corruption and Incident Response

• Following Mercy Corps procedures, serve as country focal point for the internal reporting of any incidents of fraud, corruption or bribery.
• Prepare and maintain the Country Office Fraud Register and Dashboard and liaise with Headquarters legal, compliance and ethics teams in the resolution of all reported incidents.
• As agreed with the Headquarters Legal department, perform corruption enquiries and investigations to determine the facts, circumstances and scope of any allegations raised.
• Collect, analyze and document results of investigations and communicate observations and recommendations with the collaboration of the Country Director and senior management team, as appropriate;
• Lead and support program teams in implementing and managing the country Complaints Response Mechanism;

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: none

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: All Department Directors, Program Directors/Program Managers, Heads of Field Offices, all MC Nigeria staff and headquarters staff as appropriate.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Sc. university degree in finance, accounting or a related business field is required; Certified Public Accountant is a plus;
• 5 years+ related work experience with a not-for-profit organization;
• Strong background in compliance accounting and internal controls; experience in auditing strongly preferred.
• Ability to work with various administrative and program levels in the organization;
• Strong organizational and research skills with a broad understanding of various program sectors and activities;
• Extensive knowledge of donor rules and regulations including USAID, ECHO, DFID, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in financial and operational data analysis;
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel;
• Fluent written and oral communication in English. Fluency in Housa is welcomed.

SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Compliance Manager will show ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. A high professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The ability to take financial data and present it in meaningful financial reports is essential.

LIVING CONDITIONS:
The position will be based in Abuja, but will require frequent travel (60%) between field locations, including insecure north –east.

Security in Abuja is generally good, although there are times when security is an issue. Housing, health care, water, electricity and consumer goods are all reasonably accessible and there are good international and domestic travel options from Abuja Airport.

Abuja is an accompanied location suitable for spouse/partner or dependents.

Air travel is necessary to get to some field locations. Mobile phones services are widely available. Internet is available in all Mercy Corps offices, although might be inconsistent. Travel to field sites will be required where living conditions are clean and secure, but basic. There's reasonable access to most consumer goods, although they can be expensive. There is good number of school with different education philosophies and curriculum ( British, American, French, German to name the few)

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 ( in Biu) and hotels/guesthouse as applicable in each location. Security in the field locations require additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously.

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.

PI95890845