Programme Managers at Mercy Corps Nigeria

Mercy Corps Nigeria’s humanitarian program aims to provide assistance to populations affected by the crisis in Northeast Nigeria. With funding from humanitarian donors including OFDA, FFP, and ECHO the humanitarian programs engage in several interventions including but not limited to food assistance, logistics and relief commodities, protection, livelihoods, WASH and capacity building of humanitarian response actors. Mercy Corps plans to scale up and expand its humanitarian response in Northeast Nigeria to reach more beneficiaries with additional and varied assistance in a wider geographic area. Mercy Corps plans to implement a program in 3 states “ISING” or Investing in the safety and integrity of Nigerian girls targeting adolescent girls and boys affected by the conflict in the Northeast.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Programme Manager

Locations: Gombe/Adamawa/Borno

General Position Summary

• The Programme Manager is overall responsible for the day to day implementation of the ISING programme in the 3 states of Northeast Nigeria (Gombe, Adamawa and Borno).
• The  Programme Manager will 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 Project Manager reports directly to the Director of Humanitarian Programs with written and oral activity and budget reports.
• The Programme Manager will assist the Field Manager  in outlining a strategic plan for the implementation of this program including identifying target areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results.

Essential Job Functions

• To manage all operations and activities related to the ISING programme 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 Field Manager as necessary. 
• In close collaboration with the Field Manager build the ISING team programme staff ensuring that there are fluent communication channels, that the reporting schedule is timely met and that  programmes 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.
• Design and conduct trainings in any areas related to the ISING activities for staff, communities and project beneficiaries.
• Ensure the close coordination and sharing of information between the various sectors of the ISING programme staff including gender and livelihoods and general program support with regular program meetings and activity plans.
• Coordinate closely with the Field Manager and relevant administrative and finance staff to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the programme are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the programme.
• Monitor and advise on staffing needs throughout the program. Ensure evaluations and disciplinary measures are made, as necessary according to MC policy.  
• Forecast expenditure surpluses and deficits to enable adjustments to be made to the programme in a timely fashion.
• Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, and local government in the target locations.
• Oversee the programme filing system for all ISING related activities and ensure that information is organized accordingly to the reporting and auditing needs of the programme. Ensure required levels of confidentiality.
• Mobilise 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 programme.
• Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all national programme staff.
• 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 5 years of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian program; specifically in gender or economic recovery.
• Prior experience implementing livelihoods programs or gender 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 programme.

Applications Closing Date
26th January, 2016.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV's and Cover Letters in one document, addressing the position requirements to: [email protected]

Note: 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.