Mercy Corps Nigeria (Graduate and Exp) Recruitment [8 Positions]

Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic development and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency spilling over from the North East of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps has decided to address the rising humanitarian needs among displaced households and vulnerable host communities by starting its humanitarian program in July 2014. The Human resources function is discharged by the operation support. The Operations department functions to ensure effective systems that support strategy for healthy, robust and integrated functions of local team members.

We are recruiting to fill the following vacant positions below:

Job Title: Program Officer – Gender and Protection (ISING)
Location: Biu – Borno State

General Position Summary

• The Gender and Protection Program Officer is responsible for assisting in the implementation of Protection sector activities including the mobilization of women’s groups, training on topics such as psychological first aid, and sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), and the validation of referral pathways in Borno & Gombe state, Northeast Nigeria.
• With the support of the ISING Program Manager, s/he will also advise and build capacity of other ISING team members on gender, protection mainstreaming in addition to overseeing project gender and protection related activities.
• S/he will report directly to the ISING Program Manager and will work closely with other sectors of the project.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversee the implementation of ISING protection activities and ensured adequate gender mainstreaming across project field locations;
• Develop activity work plans and manage day-to-day activity implementation related to gender and protection;
• Ensure that program implementation mainstreams gender and protection in coordination with other sectors in line with best practices;
• Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to vulnerability criteria;
• Lead where necessary ISING project community meetings to identify gender related priorities and protection concerns.
• Establish and maintain effective ISING project 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 ISING 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.
• Support orientation for all new staff on MC guidelines on gender and protection mainstreaming. If necessary organize capacity building sessions for other sector staff on gender and protection.
• Report on any problems encountered in the field such as project participant complaints, local authority interference, and security threats to MC staff and activities.  Coordinate with MC Security Officer and Gender & Protection Senior Program Officer on any threats to MC staff and activities.
• 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

• BA/S in relevant field required;
• 3 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; general gender and protection mainstreaming experience & knowledge required.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
• Experience with conducting gender analysis, protection 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 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 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, including remote management and capacity development.
• S/he is a problem solver, who is adept in successfully dealing with issues of complexity.
• S/he is an active listener and contributor, working to create a strong team share ideas and learn

 

Job Title:  Livelihoods Program Officer (ISING)
Location: Biu – Borno State

General Position Summary

• The Livelihood program officer will be responsible for supporting activities in the intervention communities of ISING program. S/He will be responsible for supporting the implementation of strategic, impactful, and high-quality programming.
• The project officer will report to the ISING Program Manager and work collaboratively with fellow program staff.
• S/he will work extensively with other sectors of the project to ensure that all activities are implemented successfully and timely.

Essential Job Functions

• Support ISING project management and administration of livelihood related activities including beneficiary identification, distribution site selection, planning and implementing the distributions, working with partners and facilitating monitoring.
• Contribute to all ISING project field work, including identifying target locations, beneficiaries and vendors, participating in distributions, monitoring and supporting beneficiaries during the shopping periods, coordinating with community leaders and other stakeholders and other field-based tasks as assigned.
• Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to established vulnerability criteria.
• Contribute to effective program reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use in coordination with the other program staff.
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity, protection and capacity building into all livelihood activities as appropriate.
• Conduct monitoring and data collection as directed by the ISING Program Manager, assisting with specific surveys or assessments as needed.
• Contribute to providing the ISING Program Manager with up-to-date information on the affected and targeted community and coordinates beneficiary lists and numbers with different stakeholders.
• Ensure the cohesion of the overall livelihoods approach through a close working relationship with the livelihoods SPO and the protection/gender team.
• Contribute to applying well researched and thought out interventions to restart livelihood activities.
• Lead where necessary community meetings to identify Livelihoods priorities related to ISING project.
• Mitigation where necessary maintaining a clear impartial profile for Mercy Corps in confusions or disputes between community/association/group members.
• 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 required; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred.
• 3 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; general program management experience required.
• Prior experience implementing distributions is required, preferably in a non-camp setting. Experience with cash distributions strongly preferred.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
• Experience with conducting 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:

• 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, including remote management and capacity development.
• S/he is a problem solver, who is adept in successfully dealing with issues of complexity.
• S/he is an active listener and contributor, working to create a strong team share ideas and learn

 

Job Title: Senior Project Officer (Guidance and Counseling) – Girls Opportunities for Advancing Literacy 2 (GOAL 2)
Location: Kano State – Nigeria

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:

1.) 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.

2.) 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.

 

Job Title: Driver (YOU SB)
Location: Maiduguri, with significant travel to field locations, including Northeast Nigeria

Job Summary

• The Driver will work within Mercy Corps Ltd/Gte operational support structure which is committed to provide reliable and compliant support to program activities in order to achieve efficient service to program beneficiaries.
• The driver will provide safe, transport services for YOU-SB program and support staff in relations to Mercy Corps Ltd/Gte activities. The driver will adhere to all traffic and Mercy Corps Ltd/Gte safety rules and transport guidelines.

Essential Job Functions

• Operate YOU-SB program vehicle as assigned by supervisor;
• Maintain vehicle log-sheets in accordance with MC policies/regulations;
• Check the vehicle conditions after each trip/routinely – report needs and problems to Operations Officer;
• Adhere to Mercy Corps Ltd/Gte safety and communication protocols as advised by Operations Officer;
• Responsible for the safekeeping of all vehicle equipment, tools, first aid kits, spares etc.;
• Keep the vehicle ready, clean and on standby – ready for  use at all times;
• Assist, as required, with logistics in the office and guesthouse daily workloads;
• Cooperate and be of assistance to staff and visitors – assist in troubleshooting potential problems during daily business;
• Report all maintenance needs of the vehicle to on a regular basis;
• Undertake field assignments as assigned;
• Adherence to Mercy Corps Ltd/Gte policies and procedures as outlined in the policies and procedure manuals;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Ltd/Gte and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Reports Directly To:

• Operations Officer

Works Directly With:

• Mercy Corp Ltd/Gte Finance, Program and Operation Teams.

Knowledge and Experience

• Valid driver’s license and experience driving 4×4 vehicles.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and application of all safety and traffic rules.
• Basic understanding of English and fluency in Kanuri and Hausa will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of routes, duty stations, project areas, the NGO and diplomatic community is required.

 

Job Title: Finance Assistant (YOU SB)
Location: Maiduguri, with significant travel to field locations, including Northeast Nigeria

Job Summary

• The Finance Assistant  under the direction of the YOU SB Deputy Program Manager and Finance Manager in Abuja will assist in the processing and recording of payment transactions in timely and accurate manner.

Essential Job Functions

• Facilitate review of documentation submitted for review, approval and payment for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain office petty cash account and process payments as required by policy.
• Prepare documentation for financial processing and facilitate submission to main office for payment.
• Contribute to an efficient filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded
• Identify and resolve invoicing issues, accounting discrepancies and other financial related issues.
• 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

• Minimum 1 year of bookkeeping, accounting and finance. Experience in development sector is desirable.
• A degree in Accounting or a relevant business field is desirable.
• Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel is a must.
• Accuracy in the processing of cash transactions, mathematical aptitude and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Fluency in Hausa language is needed

 

Job Title: Finance and Compliance Officer
Location: Abuja, with significant travel to field locations, including Northeast Nigeria

Job Summary

• The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Nigeria country including accounting, banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting and grant financial management and compliance.
• The Finance department  ensures compliance with donors regular as well Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures.

General Positions Summary:

• Working in the finance department under the direction of the Deputy Finance Manager, the Finance and compliance Officer will ensure accuracy and completeness of Mercy Corps accounting roles and will support the monthly accounting cycle and sub award management.

Essential Job Functions

• Set up and maintain the finance department
• Approve in the preparation of monthly cash flow projections.
• Prepare the month end accounting close process
• Support documentation in all country offices
• Prepare  subjournals and upload data  to the general ledger
• Follow up with maintaining  the general ledger software
• Assist in the training and support of all finance officer in field offices prepare the accounting documentations as directed
• Monitor cash and bank balance and accounts consolidation
• Participate conduct sub grantee assessment and preparation of sub grantee agreement
• Other duties assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years field experience of general ledger accounting ( at least 3 years’ experience in NGO setting).
• 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.
• Prior management experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of USG, DFID, ECHO, EU and other donor regulations
• English proficiency required: excellent written and oral skills.
• Ability to speak hausa is desirable

 

Job Title: Deputy Finance Manager
Location: Abuja, with significant travel to field locations, including Northeast Nigeria

Job Summary

• The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Nigeria country including accounting, banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting and grant financial management and compliance.
• The Finance department  ensures compliance with donors regular as well Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures.

General Positions Summary:

• Working in the finance department under the direction of the Finance Manager, the Deputy Finance Manager will ensure accuracy and completeness of Mercy Corps accounting roles and will  have primary responsibility for managing the monthly accounting cycle and sub award management.

Essential Job Functions

• Daily management of the senior Finance Officer, Finance Officer, Finance Assistants and interns.
• Manage the month end accounting close process
• Support documentation in all country offices
• Review sub journals and upload data to the general ledger
• Primary responsibility for maintaining the general ledger software
• Assist in the training and support of all finance officer in field offices
• Oversee the accounting of all accounting
• Monitor cash and bank balance and accounts consolidation
• Conduct sub grantee assessment and preparation of sub grantee agreement
• Other duties assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years field experience of general ledger accounting ( at least 3 years experience in NGO setting).
• 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.
• Prior management experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of USG, DFID, ECHO, EU and other donor regulations
• English proficiency required: excellent written and oral skills.
• Ability to speak hausa is desirable

 

Job Title: Operations Officer (YOU SB)
Location: Maiduguri, Borno State,

Job Summary

• With funding from the Department for International Development (DfID), Mercy Corps will implement the “Youth Stabilization Initiative for Borno (YOU-SB)”, which seeks to address the grievances and unequal economic opportunities that leave youth vulnerable to recruitment and radicalization by violent extremist groups
• The Operations Officer provides day-to-day support to the program operations in Borno ( north – east of Nigeria), under the direct supervision of the Program Manager based in  Maiduguri .
• As part of his/her responsibilities the Operations Officer will undertake tasks under procurement, administration and logistics, working in close collaboration with the finance and program teams.
• S/he will promptly and effectively provide all required support to programs so to deliver the assistance to beneficiaries in a timely, compliant and transparent manner.

Knowledge and Experience
Procurement:

• Coordinates daily Mercy Corps (MC) procurement activities, with respect to internal procedures.
• Possesses a full understanding of MC procurement policies and formats. Provide training to new staff on these policies and provided refresher training as gap in staff knowledge are identified;
• Assists staff  as needed on creating clear and understandable purchase requests (PR)  and other documentation;
• Collects quotations and bids from the market for PR-s with support from Senior Procurement & Logistics Officer in Abuja – as per Mercy Corps standards and formats;
• Maintains PR Master Lists and shares with staff on weekly bases.
• Interact with vendors during collection of quotations – explain Mercy Corps formats and ensure that vendors will use the provided forms.
• Ensures fair competition and strictly adhere to  Mercy Corps procurement rules regarding vendor relations as described by Mercy Corps
• Interacts with contractors, in coordination with the Senior Procurement & Logistics Officer, Operations Manager and Program Coordinator
• Ensures that the required documentation of supplies and transactions are completed to Mercy Corps standards. Maintains and updates the procurement files
• Raise payment request for vendor’s payments and monitor the status of each payment.

During procurement the Operations Officer will:

• Always accord prompt and courteous reception and fair and equal treatment to all vendors/suppliers and their representatives.
• Provide equal opportunity for vendors/suppliers to make price and specification quotations.
• Guarantee the confidentiality of all specifications and price quotations made by vendors/suppliers.
• Decline to take advantage of vendors/suppliers’ errors, and show consideration for vendors/suppliers’ difficulties by co-operating with them whenever possible.
• Avoid subjecting vendors/suppliers to needless expense or inconvenience when requesting quotations or returning goods.
• Explain as clearly and fully as possible to vendors/suppliers the reason(s) for the rejection of their bids/proposals.
• Remain scrupulously free of obligations to any vendor/supplier.
• Remain informed about sources of supply, methods, services and materials and encourage vendors/suppliers to test and develop improved or expanded products and services.
• Inform vendors/suppliers about current and anticipated requirements.

Logistics, Assets:

• Assists the Asset Controller with asset management. Identify assets during the course of procurement and notify the Asset Controller on receipts of assets; maintain assets registry.
• Participates in regular assets inventory and checks.
• Ensures that all the assets are maintained and in good condition. Check assets stickers regularly.
• Oversees the vehicles movement plans;
• Ensures that Mercy Corps vehicles are maintained and fully operational all the time
• Maintains vehicles documentation, including log sheets, repairs logs and schedules
• Monitors vehicles and generator fuel consumption
• Oversees the generator and inverter operation, monitoring the servicing schedule

Administration & Other:

• Liaises with country office on renewal of office rental agreements.
• Establishes and maintain appropriate filing systems for office correspondence.  Receive and dispatch mail.
• Ensures 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 that office has sufficient office supplies.
• Co-ordinates any other necessary administrative and office management details.
• Makes all necessary travel and logging arrangements for Gombe visitors
• Oversee the management of office consumable (office materials like: stationary, cleaning & hygiene,): that will include: collecting the requests on monthly bases, maintaining the stock, monitoring the use.
• Facility management ( cleaning, equipment repairs, utilities, water supply,green office considerations, facility keys management ect)
• Administrating communication, ensuring internet, printers are working, staff has enough phone credit.
• Collect HR related documentation and liaise with the country office on HR tasks

Operations Management – Security:

• To act as the office Security Focal Point.
• Conduct security risk assessments of core operational features and record and report findings;
• To ensure that compound guards remain an effective and credible deterrent;
• To ensure through comprehensive briefings, that all staff and visitors to are fully appraised of the risks, the prevailing security situation and any security procedures.
• To manage and maintain all security communications equipment;
• Carries out other duties as assigned.

Application Closing Date
31st August, 2016.

How To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV’s and Cover Letter, addressing the position requirements to: [email protected]

Note

• All applications must include the position title in the subject line.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• We are an equal opportunity organization and we encourage women to apply to this position.