Palladium Group Job Recruitment

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Ref Id: req7859
Location: Yobe

Project Overview and Role

• The UK Department of International Development (DFID) appointed Palladium as the Supplier to deliver the UK Support for Health in Nigeria – Lafiya contract. Lafiya will be delivered at federal level, as well as with a focus on targeted states (Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Yobe) with activities tailored for each specific state instead of a “one size fits all” approach. The programme will run for an initial term of up to 7 years from February 2020 to finish by January 2027 (subject to availability of funding and other approvals by the Client).
• The objective of the Lafiya contract is to improve health outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable in Nigeria through the following interlinked outcomes (1) increased resources invested in health, and prioritisation of health by Government of Nigeria (through civil society advocacy on human capital, community accountability for health; and use of data to inform government prioritisation of health); (2) improving effectiveness and efficiency of public and private basic health services (through health system strengthening, and working with the private sector to improve delivery of affordable health services for the poorest populations); and (3) reducing total fertility rate (through addressing social norms, demographic impact analysis, and support to family planning demand creation and delivery of services).
• These outcomes will be achieved through a “joined-up, One-Team” delivery of the following outputs:
  • Output 1 “Advocacy & Accountability”: Increased demand for affordable basic health services through community accountability, and increased prioritisation of human capital (health, education, nutrition, WASH) through civil society advocacy
  • Output 2 “Data for delivery / health prioritisation”: Improved awareness and prioritisation by senior leadership in Government of Nigeria, using data in line with a “delivery-type” approach
  • Output 3 “Technical Assistance to maximise Government of Nigeria resources and efficiency”: Improved efficiency of existing resources for delivery of health services
  • Output 4 “Private sector”: Improved effectiveness of private sector in delivering affordable basic health services
  • Output 5 “Demographics and Family Planning”: Supporting family planning services through demand creation and addressing social norms/behaviour change including analysis and communication of the wider impact of demographics.
• Lafiya will be delivered at federal level, as well as with a focus on targeted states (Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Yobe) with activities tailored for each specific state instead of a “one size fits all” approach.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reporting to the State Finance and Administration Coordinator (FACO), the Administrative Assistant will assist in the office administration managing logistics and financial management of the Lafiya programme at the State level.
• The Administrative Assistant will support the administrative and facility functions of Lafiya for timely and effective implementation of project’s work. S/he will support the coordination of Lafiya transport and logistics services for all project activities at the state level. S/he will be responsible for booking accommodation for all staff and consultants visiting their state for project activities.

Primary responsibilities
The Administrative Assistant shall be responsible for:

Office Administration:

• Follow Lafiya administrative guidelines and support smooth operations at the state office in liaison with the Lafiya Programme head office.
• Support the review of existing administrative systems and procedures.
• Supervise and provide guidance/ support to ancillary office staff such as drivers, cleaners and security guards. Where the function is outsourced, provide operational support to the FACO to ensure agreed deliverables are satisfactorily met.
• Support in preparing monthly progress report which seeks to point out closed, outstanding and new issues for all field offices.
• Proactively identify and communicate exceptional issues to supervisor for technical assistance and further directives.
• Contribute to promoting a respectful workplace culture within the state team.
• Supervise the office administration and logistics in the absence of the FACO.
• Act as the Safety & Security Focal Person (SSFP) for the state office. Ensure that temporary duty visitors are received/accompanied at/to the airport, have safe and adequate transportation and accommodation during their stay.
• Under the guidance of the FACO, lead on the provision of required administrative support for all Lafiya events and programme implementation activities in the state.

Managing Logistics:

• Ensure office equipment and facilities are in good working condition at all times.
• Ensure optimum inventory quantities, by coordinating regular inventory checks, avoiding stock-outs and timely ordering of supplies.
• Support the FACO to carry out Quarterly assets’ verification and monthly reporting of assets condition.
• Assist in maintenance of fixed assets register by updating asset register in line with Lafiya Programme Operations Manual.
• Support the FACO with monthly Vehicle and Generator Utilisation reporting.
• Alongside the FACO, maintain an up-to-date register of preferred vendors and conduct periodic performance evaluation of same.
• Contribute to ensuring full compliance with established logistics guidance and processes for delivery of items to facilities as the case may be.
• Assist in the state team’s procurement processes in line with the Lafiya Programme Operations Manual.
• Assist in vendor contract management processes, including but not limited to monitoring deliverables, custody of related documentation, timely renewals etc.
• Ensure the proper use, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment, such as generators, vehicles, communication, computer units and peripherals, video and audio equipment, other office equipment, and air conditioners and heaters.
• Recharges for prior approved personal and other unofficial usage of Programme assets based on established rates.

Finance And Accounting Support:

• Assist the FACO in preparation of monthly forecasts and expenditure variance reporting.
• Provide initial review of all invoices/payment requests and initiate timely action in line with Project procedures/processes towards processing such payments.
• Preparation of weekly Field Vouchers for review and final submission by the FACO.
• Manage the State Team’s Petty Cash ensuring cash is safely stored, discrepancies corrected and reconciled at all times, make bank deposits.
• Support the FACO in administering project activity/staff travel advances.
• Provide effective cover in the event of the absence of the FACO from duty.

Reporting Requirements:
The role will report directly to the FACO on all matters; related reporting requirements include:

• Support the FACO in the preparation of monthly Ops/KPI management reports of the following:
  • Supply Chain Efficiency
  • Purchasing Efficiency
  • Procurement Efficiency and documentation
  • Asset Management and Verification
  • Fraud detection and reporting
  • Weekly Finance Field Vouchers.
  • Monthly Assets Condition Report
  • Monthly Vehicle and Generator Analysis Report

Relationships:

• The role liaises with the FACO, State Technical Teams, the broader Lafiya Administration team, vendors, service providers, and other project staff and stakeholders as required.

Required Qualifications

• University Degree or its equivalent in Business Administration, Accounting, Project Management or Social Sciences.
• Two years’ office management and administration experience.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated by ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff, clients and consultants.
• Ability to prioritise and manage a variety of activities with attention to detail.
• Basic level skills in Microsoft Office Suite, and comfortable in a Windows PC environment.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Admin Officer

Ref Id: req7858
Location: Benin City, Edo

Project Overview and Role

• Stamping out Slavery in Nigeria (SoSiN) is a 4 year DFID Nigeria programme which aims to change or reduce the behaviours, attitudes, and social norms in Edo State that drive or enable human trafficking.
• The project seeks to achieve the impact that more effective Government and non-Government institutions reduce the drivers and enablers of unsafe migration and trafficking through three components:
  • Strengthened Edo State Government response to preventing unsafe migration and human trafficking: more effective and innovative use of resources – human, financial, physical, political and network assets – supports a ‘whole of government’ approach to preventing unsafe migration and human trafficking through social and attitudinal change;
  • Improved coordination, innovation and quality of NGO response to preventing unsafe migration and human trafficking: better coordinated and more effective civil society tackling the drivers and enablers of human trafficking;
  • A stronger evidence base for action in anti-slavery prevention, with learning platforms operating and informing policy and interventions: the use of evidence and sharing of best practices becomes embedded in ways of working, to deliver improved performance not only in Nigeria, but globally.

Human Resources:

• Oversee personnel and HR related matters including record-keeping for annual and sick leaves.
• Support training of new programme employees on financial management
• Ensure that security standards and procedures are in place and adhered to.

Contracts & Contracts Management:

• Negotiation, preparation and management of all contracts of suppliers and service providers relating to programme operations.
• Work with relevant leads to contract grantees and technical experts.
• Ensure compliance with other regulatory requirements relating to the employment of staff and all assets procured or leased by the project Ensure that the general office facilities are running smoothly.
• Support programme staff in hiring management of subcontractors including review of Terms of Reference and negotiating fee rates of subcontractor consultants
• Ensure that the general office facilities are running smoothly.

Office Administration:

• Develop, maintain and improve office management systems (e.g. trackers, electronic filing structure, contracts files) as necessary.
• Tracking of inputs and deliverables of consultants and other contractors.
• Establish and ensure that IT systems are in working order and problem solve where necessary.
• Provide oversight of all office logistics, including local transport, preparing for team meetings and ensure other programme events are properly executed.
• Manage programme assets and asset register.
• Complete all other tasks requested by the Team Leader and Operations Manager.
• Ensure that original company documents are properly secured;
• Provides administrative and logistical support in organizing workshops, events, trainings etc, including preparing the necessary documentation.
• Arranges flight for all domestic air travels as per request(s) approved by the country representatives.
• Liaises with Travel agent in for both local and international travel.
• Facilitates visa processing for visiting international consultants (writing invitation letters, obtaining travel approval at Immigration services etc).
• Arranges hotels and arranges transport for all visitors.
• Responsible for arranging hotels and accommodation for workshop/meeting/training based on selection of vendors made by committee/management.
• Coordinates transport arrangement for the overall program activities as per the request in a timely manner and ensures the information is accurately in the logbook and up to date.
• Consolidates vehicle needs assessments from work units and administer drivers’ assignment for transport services.
• Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems.
• Establish and manage all procurement and logistics activities including management of vehicles and drivers.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of physical assets and office, including vehicles, equipment, furniture, and office building. Arrange for repairs as necessary.
• Serves as security liaison and manages information for the security of staff office, and physical assets belonging to the organisation and ensuring DFID fulfils security-related regulations.
• Maintain appropriate security information networks (internal and external), and ensure effective and accurate security briefings for all new staff and international visitors.
• Maintain a high-quality procurement system, which is accountable, transparent and compliant with Palladium Procurement Policy and DFID requirements.
• Undertake supply and service provider pre-qualification, conduct market research, identify and recommend legitimate local suppliers or contractors through systematic evaluation and maintaining a database of potential and active suppliers/contractors.
• Manage information around safety policies and procedures and communicate update to all staff.
• Maintain historical archives required by clients/government tax offices Corporate Support and Logistics
• Liaise with Travel Service Provider representative regarding travel issues and ensure value for money is obtained;
• Arrange and coordinate official travel arrangements for employees and consultants as required including booking flights, hotel accommodation, airport pickups and car transfers;
• Ensure effective coordination with the car hire driver(s) including proper scheduling to ensure that employees are supported to attend meetings and events
• Maintain a database of vendors supplying office services including car hire, service providers
• Coordinate employee meetings, events and other relevant office meetings as requested;
• Coordinate local insurance for staff and serve as a point of contact with providers; Financial Management Support.
• Monitor service provider contracts, review invoices, and prepare payment approval forms;
• Liaise with local and regional accounts payable to ensure the timely submission of payments;
• Manage petty cash and request replenishment where required;
• Ensure all emergency procedures and numbers are available and distributed to all staff, visitors and relevant partners;
• Conduct periodic checks to ensure the safety of occupants;
• Report any unsafe work areas or security incidents to the  Security team
• Ensure regular maintenance of office repairs and utilities in coordination with the building facilities manager
• Maintenance of the office communications tree and interaction with the country communications plan;

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or equivalent qualification in a related subject.
• Minimum of 3 years administrative/ logistics and fleet management experience in an international NGO.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft words and Excel. Strong organizational and prioritization skills. Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English.
• Key Performance Indicators: Level of professionalism displayed | Quality of correspondence developed |Level of professionalism and quality of image portrayed of the organization | Effectiveness in managing the office equipment/machines
• Effectiveness in maintaining and updating as required, in a manual and electronic form, a good filing system which ensures that documentation is easily accessible
• Effectiveness of event managed
• Optimal cost control through utilization of available resources and keeping the actual admin expenditures within budgeted expense ratio
• Uninterrupted communication facilities
• Timely and cost-effective booking of tickets, cabs, hotels for staff travelling
• User satisfaction and level of service delivery improvements reported.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Finance and Administration Coordinator

Ref Id: req7857
Location: Kaduna

Project Overview and Role

• The UK Department of International Development (DFID) appointed Palladium as the Supplier to deliver the UK Support for Health in Nigeria – Lafiya contract. Lafiya will be delivered at federal level, as well as with a focus on targeted states (Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Yobe) with activities tailored for each specific state instead of a “one size fits all” approach. The programme will run for an initial term of up to 7 years from February 2020 to finish by January 2027 (subject to availability of funding and other approvals by the Client).
• The objective of the Lafiya contract is to improve health outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable in Nigeria through the following interlinked outcomes (1) increased resources invested in health, and prioritisation of health by Government of Nigeria (through civil society advocacy on human capital, community accountability for health; and use of data to inform government prioritisation of health); (2) improving effectiveness and efficiency of public and private basic health services (through health system strengthening, and working with the private sector to improve delivery of affordable health services for the poorest populations); and (3) reducing total fertility rate (through addressing social norms, demographic impact analysis, and support to family planning demand creation and delivery of services).
• These outcomes will be achieved through a “joined-up, One-Team” delivery of the following outputs:
  • Output 1 “Advocacy & Accountability”: Increased demand for affordable basic health services through community accountability, and increased prioritisation of human capital (health, education, nutrition, WASH) through civil society advocacy
  • Output 2 “Data for delivery / health prioritisation”: Improved awareness and prioritisation by senior leadership in Government of Nigeria, using data in line with a “delivery-type” approach
  • Output 3 “Technical Assistance to maximise Government of Nigeria resources and efficiency”: Improved efficiency of existing resources for delivery of health services
  • Output 4 “Private sector”: Improved effectiveness of private sector in delivering affordable basic health services
  • Output 5 “Demographics and Family Planning”: Supporting family planning services through demand creation and addressing social norms/behaviour change including analysis and communication of the wider impact of demographics.
• Lafiya will be delivered at federal level, as well as with a focus on targeted states (Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Yobe) with activities tailored for each specific state instead of a “one size fits all” approach.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• The position supports the achievement of the Lafiya Programme’s KPI 6 at the state level by ensuring consistent attainment of the DFID-required quarterly financial forecasting timelines. It provides critical input into annual strategic and operational workplans/budgets development by leading the state level Annual Operational Planning and related budgets development processes.
• The Finance and Administration Coordinator (FACO) functions as the state focal person for Value for Money (VfM). His/her responsibilities include state office level inculcation and dissemination of Value for Money (VfM) principles and practices whilst ensuring compliance with DFID’s VfM reporting requirements at all stages of the project.
• The Finance and Administration Coordinator (FACO) is responsible for the administrative and financial components of the project at the state level, including any related reporting requirements. They will work in conjunction with HQ-based management, operations and finance staff to ensure that donor and organisational requirements, policies and procedures are met. The FACO will provide operational support to the project such as maintaining accurate bookkeeping tasks and management of cashbook under the supervision of the State Team Leader and the National Finance Manager. Supervises the Admin Assistant, the Project Drivers, Cleaners and Security guards.

The Finance and Administration Coordinator shall be responsible for:

Office Administration:

• Ensure that all relevant documents are uploaded on SharePoint as required
• Prepare monthly office running cost analysis.
• Provide guidance and direction to Admin Assistant and Office Assistant and drivers including setting performance standards and monitoring their performance.
• Liaise with head office on needs, issues and activities upon which they are treated as they emanate.
• Prepare monthly management report for vehicle/Generator fuel consumption, assets verification/management, Contract Status for vendors and procurement compliance reports
• Prepare monthly progress report which seeks to point out closed, outstanding and new issues for all field offices.
• Communicate pressing issues to supervisor for technical assistance and further directives.
• Collate and review Partners Timesheet for STL’s approval and onward submission HR Manager
• Review Staff Leave Request for STL’s approval and onward submission to HR Manager

Managing Logistics:

• Maintain the project vehicles at the state level and ensuring that logbook is maintained for all movement.
• Ensure optimum inventory quantities, by coordinating regular inventory checks, avoiding stockouts and timely ordering of supplies.
• Maintain an up-to-date register of preferred vendors and conduct periodic performance evaluation of same Maintain up-to-date procurement plan and provide monthly management report of procurement efficiency.
• Support in maintenance of fixed assets register by updating asset register, issue of asset movement for signing and approval, outdoor asset repair permission, etc.
• Follow-up with contractors to ensure proper service and maintenance of generators, photocopier, AC’s, etc is carried out in timely fashion.
• Liaise with Security & Guards contractors to ensure an external supervisory visit on security guards is conducted periodically. Provide and ensure logistics guidance for delivery of items to project sites and facilities as the case may be.
• Ensure tagging and branding of Lafiya assets is conducted.
• Supervise procurement, clarifying specifications, analysing quotations, and seeking for approval, ensuring purchases are made according to procedures, approved specification, price, quantity and quality inclusive.
• Follow-up on contractors to ensure about-to-expire agreements are renewed in a timely manner
• Ensure the proper use, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment, such as generators, vehicles, communication, computer units and peripherals, video and audio equipment, other office equipment, and air conditioners and heaters.
• Ensure that temporary duty visitors are received/accompanied at/to the airport, have safe and adequate transportation and accommodations during their stay.
• Support all local and regional purchases as per defined threshold, and maintain tracking and documentation systems that will facilitate future processing, payment and audit requirements.
• Maintain rigorous operations ensuring that systems are in place for the proper receipt, rotation and control of programme’s materials

Finance And Accounting Support:

• Contribute to the overall objective of Lafiya Programme by providing quality support service to the technical team.
• Ensure Lafiya Programme policies and procedures are respected in all the cash transactions
• Maintain a filing system of the payment documents in a professional manner at the state level.
• Preparation of monthly forecasts and expenditure variance reporting
• Ensure funds transfer request is done and submitted to HQ in a timely manner for smooth operations of the programme and monitor invoices and cash payment requests vouchers to ensure timely processing.
• Review of all invoices/payment requests and initiate timely action in line with Project procedures/processes towards processing such payments Process all cash and bank payment as per the approved payment vouchers.
• Upload authorised payments to the electronic banking platform, prepare cheques and bank letters / pay schedules for approval and make the payment.
• Review the weekly bank and petty cash transaction summaries and submit the same to the National Finance Manager.
• Liaise with staff on document completion and proper coding based on the standard chart of accounts/WBS.
• Manage all staff travel/activity advances, ensuring they are timeously liquidated, reconciled and reported in line with Lafiya Programme procedures.
• Scan the payment supporting documents and post the same on Lafiya Share Point platform on a regular basis.

Reporting requirements:

• The role will report directly to the Finance Manager (with dotted reporting to State Team Leader) on all matters; related reporting requirements include:
• Preparation of monthly Ops/KPI management reports of the following:
• Supply Chain Efficiency
• Purchasing Efficiency
• Procurement Efficiency and documentation
• Assets Management and Verification
• Fraud detection and reporting
• Weekly Finance Field Vouchers.
• Monthly Assets Condition Report
• Monthly Vehicle and Generator Analysis Report
• Relationships
• The role liaises with the National Finance Manager, State Technical Teams, the broader Lafiya Administration team, vendors, service providers, and other project staff and stakeholders as required.

Required Qualifications

• University Degree or its equivalent in Business Administration, Accounting, Project Management or Social Sciences. (Possession of Professional Accounting qualification will be an added advantage)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in providing administrative, operational and logistical support
• Minimum three years’ experience with an NGO and/or donor-funded programme managing operations and administration of projects
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
• Must have strong managerial skills with the ability to plan, organise and coordinate activities and inputs from several sources and partners, and manage the simultaneous delivery of multiple activities as well as across results.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships across teams and organisations
• Experience working with DFID funded programmes is preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English is a must.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Ref Id: req7860
Location: Borno

Project Overview and Role

• The UK Department of International Development (DFID) appointed Palladium as the Supplier to deliver the UK Support for Health in Nigeria – Lafiya contract. Lafiya will be delivered at federal level, as well as with a focus on targeted states (Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Yobe) with activities tailored for each specific state instead of a “one size fits all” approach. The programme will run for an initial term of up to 7 years from February 2020 to finish by January 2027 (subject to availability of funding and other approvals by the Client).
• The objective of the Lafiya contract is to improve health outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable in Nigeria through the following interlinked outcomes (1) increased resources invested in health, and prioritisation of health by Government of Nigeria (through civil society advocacy on human capital, community accountability for health; and use of data to inform government prioritisation of health); (2) improving effectiveness and efficiency of public and private basic health services (through health system strengthening, and working with the private sector to improve delivery of affordable health services for the poorest populations); and (3) reducing total fertility rate (through addressing social norms, demographic impact analysis, and support to family planning demand creation and delivery of services).
• These outcomes will be achieved through a “joined-up, One-Team” delivery of the following outputs:
  • Output 1 “Advocacy & Accountability”: Increased demand for affordable basic health services through community accountability, and increased prioritisation of human capital (health, education, nutrition, WASH) through civil society advocacy
  • Output 2 “Data for delivery / health prioritisation”: Improved awareness and prioritisation by senior leadership in Government of Nigeria, using data in line with a “delivery-type” approach
  • Output 3 “Technical Assistance to maximise Government of Nigeria resources and efficiency”: Improved efficiency of existing resources for delivery of health services
  • Output 4 “Private sector”: Improved effectiveness of private sector in delivering affordable basic health services
  • Output 5 “Demographics and Family Planning”: Supporting family planning services through demand creation and addressing social norms/behaviour change including analysis and communication of the wider impact of demographics.
• Lafiya will be delivered at federal level, as well as with a focus on targeted states (Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Yobe) with activities tailored for each specific state instead of a “one size fits all” approach.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reporting to the State Finance and Administration Coordinator (FACO), the Administrative Assistant will assist in the office administration managing logistics and financial management of the Lafiya programme at the State level.
• The Administrative Assistant will support the administrative and facility functions of Lafiya for timely and effective implementation of project’s work. S/he will support the coordination of Lafiya transport and logistics services for all project activities at the state level. S/he will be responsible for booking accommodation for all staff and consultants visiting their state for project activities.

Primary responsibilities
The Administrative Assistant shall be responsible for:

Office Administration:

• Follow Lafiya administrative guidelines and support smooth operations at the state office in liaison with the Lafiya Programme head office.
• Support the review of existing administrative systems and procedures.
• Supervise and provide guidance/ support to ancillary office staff such as drivers, cleaners and security guards. Where the function is outsourced, provide operational support to the FACO to ensure agreed deliverables are satisfactorily met.
• Support in preparing monthly progress report which seeks to point out closed, outstanding and new issues for all field offices.
• Proactively identify and communicate exceptional issues to supervisor for technical assistance and further directives.
• Contribute to promoting a respectful workplace culture within the state team.
• Supervise the office administration and logistics in the absence of the FACO.
• Act as the Safety & Security Focal Person (SSFP) for the state office. Ensure that temporary duty visitors are received/accompanied at/to the airport, have safe and adequate transportation and accommodation during their stay.
• Under the guidance of the FACO, lead on the provision of required administrative support for all Lafiya events and programme implementation activities in the state.

Managing Logistics:

• Ensure office equipment and facilities are in good working condition at all times.
• Ensure optimum inventory quantities, by coordinating regular inventory checks, avoiding stockouts and timely ordering of supplies.
• Support the FACO to carry out Quarterly assets’ verification and monthly reporting of assets condition.
• Assist in maintenance of fixed assets register by updating asset register in line with Lafiya Programme Operations Manual.
• Support the FACO with monthly Vehicle and Generator Utilisation reporting.
• Alongside the FACO, maintain an up-to-date register of preferred vendors and conduct periodic performance evaluation of same.
• Contribute to ensuring full compliance with established logistics guidance and processes for delivery of items to facilities as the case may be.
• Assist in the state team’s procurement processes in line with the Lafiya Programme Operations Manual.
• Assist in vendor contract management processes, including but not limited to monitoring deliverables, custody of related documentation, timely renewals etc.
• Ensure the proper use, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment, such as generators, vehicles, communication, computer units and peripherals, video and audio equipment, other office equipment, and air conditioners and heaters.
• Recharges for prior approved personal and other unofficial usage of Programme assets based on established rates.

Finance And Accounting Support:

• Assist the FACO in preparation of monthly forecasts and expenditure variance reporting.
• Provide initial review of all invoices/payment requests and initiate timely action in line with Project procedures/processes towards processing such payments.
• Preparation of weekly Field Vouchers for review and final submission by the FACO.
• Manage the State Team’s Petty Cash ensuring cash is safely stored, discrepancies corrected and reconciled at all times, make bank deposits.
• Support the FACO in administering project activity/staff travel advances.
• Provide effective cover in the event of the absence of the FACO from duty.

Reporting Requirements:
The role will report directly to the FACO on all matters; related reporting requirements include:

• Support the FACO in the preparation of monthly Ops/KPI management reports of the following:
  • Supply Chain Efficiency
  • Purchasing Efficiency
  • Procurement Efficiency and documentation
  • Assets Management and Verification
  • Fraud detection and reporting
  • Weekly Finance Field Vouchers.
  • Monthly Assets Condition Report
  • Monthly Vehicle and Generator Analysis Report

Relationships:

• The role liaises with the FACO, State Technical Teams, the broader Lafiya Administration team, vendors, service providers, and other project staff and stakeholders as required.

Required Qualifications

• University Degree or its equivalent in Business Administration, Accounting, Project Management or Social Sciences.
• Two years’ office management and administration experience.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated by ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff, clients and consultants.
• Ability to prioritise and manage a variety of activities with attention to detail.
• Basic level skills in Microsoft Office Suite, and comfortable in a Windows PC environment.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Policy Consultant – Agric Inputs Markets

Ref Id: req7852
Location: Abuja
Name of project/programme: Propcom Mai-karfi

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Individual consultant to support policy intervention in Agricultural Inputs Markets.
• The service to be delivered is detailed in the schedule-Terms of Reference. The service will be delivered over a period of time, effective from April 2020.

Terms of reference for:

• Individual consultant to support policy intervention in Agricultural Inputs market

About Propcom Mai-karfi

• Propcom Mai-karfi (PM) is a market-driven program funded by UK aid which aims to reduce poverty in northern Nigeria by intervening in markets that matter most to poor women and men.
• Partnering with the private sector and government agencies, Propcom Mai-karfi uses a ‘making markets work for the poor (M4P)’ approach to create systemic changes in agricultural and rural markets in northern Nigeria so that poor people get a better deal for their businesses and have access to vital goods and services. During its first phase which ran from 2012 to 2017, Propcom Mai-karfi raised the incomes of 628,000 poor men and women in northern Nigeria by a cumulative NGN 9 billion.
• The program also stimulated more than NGN17.6 billion in private sector investment into the rural economy. Now in its 3-year extension phase which runs till March 2021, PM is focused on post-conflict market development and climate smart agriculture initiatives in the north east (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi states), as well as continuing markets for the poor interventions in the DFID partner states of Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna. During this phase, the program aims to increase the incomes of an additional 350,000 rural poor people by 2021

About the Ag-Inputs Market

The appropriate use of quality inputs can have a significant impact on the yield and incomes of farmers. In Nigeria, however the use of these inputs by small-holder farmers still remains low. This is as a result of a number of constraints which include:

• Unavailability or insufficient quantities of quality inputs at the required time in the growing season from planting to harvest and storage.
• Poor distribution channels to rural communities and failure to invest in rural distribution channels by input companies which limits the access to and use of quality inputs by small-holder farmers.
• Poor quality of inputs available and low knowledge/adoption of good agronomic practices (GAP) among small-holder farmers undermines the potential impact the inputs should make.
• Lack of finance on the part of small-holder farmers
• Lack of packaged units of inputs that are affordable and are appropriate for the area / crops being cultivated.
• Policy and regulatory gaps at state and federal levels that hinder the growth of the sector.
• Propcom Mai-karfi is partnering with stakeholders in the sector including private sector input companies, agro-dealers and the public sector to address some of these constraints in northern Nigeria.

Policy Constraints:

• Existing policy, rules and regulation restrict market-led growth of the private sector. Policies are often designed to safeguard the interest of local input companies at the expense of the farmers and their needs and ultimately restrict competition between domestic and international input companies. Consequently, local input companies have become complacent and do not see the need to be aggressive in their seed production or distribution resulting in few innovations in the market that benefit farmers.
• Despite the obvious value of using the right inputs, farmers are unable to reap these benefits due to some identified policy constraints; either the absence of one or the weakness in implementation;
• Weak regulation by Nigerian Seed Council on product quality: For seed, the challenge of adulteration and counterfeiting is rife, mostly due to the absence of post-market surveillance activity by the seed council. Given the huge market opportunity, adulterators continue in their act as the Council has not lived up to its expectation in monitoring and meting out punitive measures on offenders.
• Absence of regulatory body specifically for agrochemicals: Currently, the standard organisation of Nigeria and NAFDAC have been handling the registration of agrochemicals in Nigeria, focused mostly on importation and lacking the capacity to quality assure and control the inflow and distribution of substandard and banned agrochemicals. This has far-reaching effect on the lives of farmers as it directly increases their exposure to hazardous materials, direct negative impact on the environment and by extension, the safety and quality of food.
• Absence of regulation controlling the handling and use agrochemicals: The safe handling of agrochemicals requires a specialized chain – adequate training and the use of personal protective equipment during spraying- without which it becomes a hazard to the handler, the food and the environment. So far, there is no regulation mandating companies to ensure the handling of their agrochemicals is done by a trained spray service provider. The absence of this regulation has led to the under-development of the spray service delivery chain; leading to several long-term health hazards, which may have been overlooked within our environment given the weak diagnostic structures. Although agrochemical companies have an umbrella body-CropLife that should drive the spray service delivery system, the absence of a supporting policy/regulation has been a disincentive for companies to invest in it. It is, therefore, necessary to have a law mandating the companies importing agrochemicals to present a list of trained SSPs as a prerequisite for importation. Also, the law should provide that only trained individuals can spray, to limit health hazard and pollution. Furthermore, the country will be able to achieve product trace-ability.
• PM’s strategy focuses on policy change to allow entry of competent and reputed international input companies to the Nigerian input market to stimulate competition in the domestic market and to spur innovation in terms of product and service offerings. Focus is also on strengthening the regulatory environment to promote policy implementation and prevent the circulation of counterfeit and illegal products with a view to promoting food safety and quality, reduce farmer health and productivity risks and environmental pollution.

Purpose

• PM is seeking a consultant with experience in policy development and advocacy to support the Ag-input market (Seeds and CPP) in identification of opportunities and to facilitate policy advocacy and regulatory reforms in the Ag-inputs market.

Activities:

• Data gathering on the situation in the Seeds and CPP market to define key problems.
• Define policy actions for the Seeds and CPP market.
• Identify intervention nodes for policy engagement.
• Develop policy and advocacy briefs for the Seeds and CPP markets.
• Support stakeholder engagement in policy development and advocacy.
• Any additional tasks and activities relevant to this engagement.
• Outputs / Deliverables
• Report; detailing the key policy and regulatory challenges of the Seeds and CPP market and intervention nodes for PM as part of a wider strategy involving PM and key players in the sectors.
• Seeds and CPP policy briefs for key stakeholders and institutions.
• Advocacy strategy
• Stakeholder consensus and communique.
• Tangible changes with respective agencies.
• Support stakeholder roll-out

Location and duration of assignment:

• The Consultant will work from home or from the Propcom Mai-karfi office in Abuja, with travel across Nigeria when required. This engagement will be effective from April 2020

Reporting:

• The consultant will report to the Tier Lead and work closely with the Market Manager in charge of Ag-inputs.

Required Qualifications / Criteria
Qualifications:

• Relevant academic qualification in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development or related discipline.
• Extensive experience in policy research and analysis and international development sector.
• Good understanding of Nigeria Agricultural-inputs markets would be an advantage.
• Previous experience in providing technical policy assistance to public sector organisations or international development interventions.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Excellent time management, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Critical thinker and problem solver.

Selection Criteria:

• Criteria Weights (%)
• Detailed CV & evidence of previous work on policy: 40
• Technical Expertise and proposed broad strategic activities: 40
• Daily rate and Tax Identification Number: 20
• Total: 10

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications (Containing the following below documents) in Microsoft Word or PDF formats as one attachment to: info@propcommaikarfi.org

Documents include:

• A detailed CV and cover letter.
• Evidence of similar work done.
• Tax Remittance Number and proposed daily rate(sent separately on attached excel sheet)
• Proposed approach and broad strategic activities (not more than 3 pages)

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