Advisor at VSO Nigeria

VSO is the world's leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. Our high-impact approach brings people together to share skills, build capabilities, promote international understanding and action to change lives and make the world a fairer place.

VSO Nigeria is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and competent person to fill the position of:

Job Title: Advisor

Location: Kwara State

Role Overview

• To oversee the management of national graduate volunteers and national youth corpers in the implementation of VSO Nigeria program and projects in Kwara State

Responsibilities

• Work with VSO Nigeria and implementing partners to recruit national graduate volunteers and national youth corpers in support of VSO Nigeria programming
• Identify training needs of recruited volunteers in collaboration with implementing partners in accordance with the role the volunteers will be occupying
• Design and deliver, when appropriate, curriculum and training for recruited volunteers
• Develop, enhance and maintain relationships with organizations and institutions where volunteers are placed
• Develop and enhance volunteer management systems (electronic database and files) to track, record and manage information regarding volunteers and their placements
• Mediate and assist in resolving any issues that may arise amongst volunteers and between volunteers and placement organizations and institutions
• Assist in the planning and coordination of VSO Nigeria program and projects in which volunteers will be placed
• Act as a liaison between VSO Nigeria and implementing partners
• Attend and actively participate in VSO Nigeria learning events.
• Due to the nature of our volunteer placements, it is possible that the responsibilities of this role may differ in reality and therefore the postholder will need to be prepared to be flexible and adapt to their environment as necessary.

Key Performance Indicators:
Management of National Graduate Volunteers and Corper Volunteers to deliver on the VSON country strategy as indicated by:

1.) The number of NGVP Volunteers recruited, trained and deployed in support of VSO Nigeria programming
2.) Curriculum designed and training delivered in response to volunteers training needs
3.) Relationships developed, enhanced and maintained with partner organisations and institutions
4.) Volunteer management system developed
5.) Planning and coordination activities implemented
Objectives will be confirmed in a three way discussion between the volunteer, employer and VSO in the first three months of the placement.     

Skills and Knowledge
The Essential
1.) Relevant university degree with knowledge of Volunteer management and project management
2.) Previous working experience in a volunteer management role
3.) Good, clear communication skills; Good facilitation skills
4.) Resourcefulness and ability to solve problems
5.) Ability to adapt knowledge and experience to Nigeria
6.) Ability to support others to adapt ideas to  their own context

Desirable:
1.) Willingness to work in a difficult environment where basic amenities (electricity, internet etc) is a challenge
2.) Experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds
3.) Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, Power Point and/or Microsoft Project
4.) Good report writing skills
5.) Ability to work independently
6.) Ability to maintain good working relationship.

Competencies:

Building and Sustaining working relationships:

• The social skills to build and actively maintain working relationships that foster teamwork and collaboration with others for the benefit of a common goal.

Open Minded and Respectful:

• A non-judgemental approach that values other people and culture.

Seeking and Sharing Knowledge:

• Recognition that learning is a two-way and continuous process.

Facilitating Positive Change:

• The ability to analyse problems and develop lasting solutions in line with VSO approaches.

Adaptability:

• A flexible approach and the ability to adapt behaviour to different situations.

Resilience:

• The self-confidence to work with a variety of situations, diverse people and ambiguity.

Application Closing Date
25th August, 2014.

Interview/Assessment date(s)
TBC

Start Date
1st December, 2014.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Click here to download the job description in PDF format