Senior Program Officer at the MENTOR Initiative

The MENTOR Initiative is a UK registered charitable, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization working globally to relieve human suffering from tropical diseases. With support from BHA-PUI, The MENTOR Initiative is implementing Emergency Control of Malaria amongst high malaria areas in Borno state. The MENTOR Initiative works in close partnership with the MoH in Nigeria to build technical capacity and effective planning and responses to malaria and other VBDs.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Program Officer

Location: Monguno, Borno
Duration: Projected contract duration is up to June 2023
Reporting to: Prevention Coordinator & Country SMT
Start Date: 01st March 2023

Overall Job Purpose

• Under the direct supervision of the Prevention Coordinator, the Senior Program Officer is responsible for managing Field Prevention Officers, oversee implementation of all IRS & IEC/BCC Campaigns, prevention and VBD control Activities at field level, and managing other tasks of MENTOR-Initiative in Monguno.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Programmes:

• To manage rapid assessment visits to the sites selected for the IRS & IEC/BCC Campaign, and monitor Campaign activities using M&E check-list and data tools.
• To train teams on and conduct population sampling and surveys as required.
• To arrange/conduct base line and end line surveys in all the designated areas and data compilation.
• To maintain records of all the campaign equipment’s in the MENTOR office and prepositioning at target sites.
• Ensure M&E plans are in place for all indicators and review their relevance and effectiveness at capturing key program data.
• To organize, assist, and facilitate trainings of daily worker and to the MENTOR Prevention team.
• To organize the development of standard IEC materials and also to organize and facilitate trainings for community Mobilizers on proper IRS & IEC/BCC.
• Ensure that mechanisms are in place and effectively used to measure effectiveness and impact of IRS & IEC/BCC interventions.
• To ensure the accurately compilation of daily program data received from the Prevention officers, submit it to Prevention Coordinator on timely basis.
• In coordination with the logistician, to ensure that all equipment and materials are properly maintained and stored under good conditions.
• With close liaison with Prevention Coordinator fully participate in the quarterly and final reports writing in reference to the expected indicators of the prevention activities log-frames.
• To provide timely prevention monthly work-plan that shall be evaluated with the corresponding activities at the end of the relevant month.
• Collect malaria/diarrhoeal data from MOH/WHO when required, cross check databases and ensure the data is properly organized and secured.
• Any other related tasks assigned by the line manager or the Country Director

Liaison:

• Develop MENTORs relations with ministries and authorities in Borno state (Monguno LGA) to ensure smooth roll out of programme activities.
• Monitor, coordinate, and communicate the strategic objectives of the MENTOR with government ministries.
• Regular liaison with the MENTOR Senior Management Team (SMT) and the relevant key stakeholders; ministries, partners and community members for the effective implementation of all the planned prevention activities in the target locations.
• To keep relevant ministries and stakeholders informed about the Campaign and other activities and ensure that relevant documents are signed by The MENTOR Initiative and Community Focal Persons.
• To keep the SMT informed of necessary permissions, documentation, and procedure that is required with authorities in order to ensure the implementation of programme activities.

Base Management:

• With support from the Logistics Coordinator, the Finance Coordinator and the Prevention Coordinator, ensure that the MENTOR base operates on the basis of MENTOR’s existing procedures.
• Ensure the weekly reporting of expenses and weekly cash count of the cash boxes in NGN with the Fin & Admin Officer in order to ensure that the balances are corrects and submit to Finance Coordinator for review.
• Collaborate with the Fin & Admin officer to recruitment of Daily Workers (as necessary) and provide training to relevant staff on MENTOR’s systems and policies and ensure standards of transparency and accountability.
• Ensure the strict respect of organizational security guidelines and annexes (vehicle usage, curfew, appropriate behavior etc.) by all MENTOR team members working from the base, and any people visiting or being hosted at the base. Any lack of respect of these rules must be reported immediately to the Country Director.
• Ensure any security incidents and infringements of security guidelines and annexes are appropriately investigated with the guidance of Logistics Coordinator and CD where necessary.

Project Support:

• Assist the Prevention Coordinator in day-to-day activity implementation of the project.
• Act as the organisations focal point for external representation to authorities and partners in Monguno.
• Provide logistics and administrative support where needed.
• Participate in training sessions and stakeholder meetings on regular basis.

Reporting:

• Provide regular updates to Prevention Coordinator on the progress of all field activities and data analysis.
• Weekly/Biweekly reporting of the program activities.
• Assist in the reporting of the monthly, quarterly, semi-annual through the Prevention Officers and M&E Officer
• Participate in the health, WASH or other related meetings when dedicated by the Prevention Coordinator
• Ensure a transparent and efficient exchange of data, context reports etc with relevant stakeholders.

Others:

• Work as part of an established team with excellent communication skills, team builder, flexible, adaptable and willing to work and travel to other field locations when required.
• All other tasks asked by the Prevention Coordinator/SMT if needed.
• Adhere to the agreed MENTOR Code of conduct on Ethics and Integrity and safeguarding including Whistle blowing policy.

External:

• Work and collaborate with local government stakeholders and partners on ground (these can be MoH authorities, commissioners and other NGO correspondents). Liaise with the Prevention Coordinator on critical or sensitive matters.
• Specific external communication such as interview by media groups, other agencies, donors or government high level authorities should be referred to the Prevention Coordinator at all times.
• The tasks and responsibilities defined in this job description are non-exhaustive and can evolve depending on the organization’s needs.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences / Public Health or Environmental Sciences / Program Management.
• 3 to 4 years of Program & Base Management experience in INGO work related to health at community level.
• Good Management Skills; Autonomy, rigor, analytical skills and sense of initiative.
• Excellent Computer Skills; Proficiency Microsoft package (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Reporting skills and use of KOBO Software
• Familiarity with INGO working environments and standard procedures preferred
• Transparency and integrity
• Monguno indigene and resident preferred

What We Offer

• Salary + Transport & National housing fund contributions + Social benefits (medical coverage, 24 days of Annual leaves per year, compassionate leaves, public holidays as announced by government).

Application Closing Date
3rd March, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV including three (3) References (not more than 4 pages) and a Letter of Motivation to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note

• As position is required as soon as possible, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. MENTOR reserves the right to select a candidate and finalize the recruitment before the application close date.
• The Mentor Initiative applies a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, mistreatment or harassment, and other types of unethical behaviour including fraud.
• The Mentor Initiative will contact previous employers of applicants to determine if they have any history of violating international standards and codes of conduct relating to such matters.