Project Support Officer (Local Government Technical Support) at Concern Universal (CU) - 3 Positions

Concern Universal (CU) is an international development organisation that has been working through local partners and tackling poverty since 1976. We strive to Prove and improve every project to maximise value for money and ensure sustainability Our Theory of Change helps US to check that we are not only doing things right, but also whether we are doing the right things as we work to challenge poverty and inequality. We have three main aims focusing on achieving resilient lives and attaining better health while upholding the rights of individuals and people.

In Nigeria, we are improving the quality of health by increasing access to basic services including access to safe water, increased sanitation, and improved hygiene practices. We focus on Better Health because without health there can be no development. Good primary healthcare starts with the basics of access to clean water and sanitation.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Support Officer (Local Government Technical Support)

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

Main Purpose

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

Responsibilities

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

Specific Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

• Committed to Concern Universal’s Vision, Mission and Values
• At least a Diploma in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Sociology, Rural Development or field related to WASH
• Knowledge and understanding of working with LGAs and community-based organisations

Experience

• Two to three years’ relevant experience in sanitation projects, funded by international donors, including experience on technical reporting
• Relevant knowledge and experience in Community Led Total Sanitation programming. Experience of report writing
• Proven track record of capacity building/training for stakeholders including at community level and for local institutions
• Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development

Skills

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

Desirable

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

Application Closing Date
1st December, 2015.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their covering letter and complete the Application Form below with the appropriate information and send to: [email protected]

Click here to download the Application form (MS Word doc)