Ongoing recruitment at Mercy Corps

Job Title: Conflict & Governance Specialist

Reference: ABV / PRO / 2020 / 0039
Location: Adamawa, Yola
Employment Type: Full Time
Position Status: Full-time, Exempt, Regular
Duration: 15 months with possibility of extension
Supervisory Responsibility: None

Program Summary

• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic and market development and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency spilling over from the Northeast of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs
• With funding from institutional donors, foundations and private corporations, Mercy Corps continues to provide assistance to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, and livelihoods.
• With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria, Mercy Corps’ strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys
• With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations, Mercy Corps’ programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.

General Position Summary

• This role will support the new EU funded pilot project COMITAS – or Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict over Natural Resources between Farmer and Herder Communities in Adamawa State. The project will be implemented through a Consortium led by IOM in partnership with Mercy Corps and Search for Common Ground.
• While clashes are often understood in ethno-religious terms due to the spread of unreliable information, competing claims to land, water and other natural resources are at the root of growing tensions between farmer and herder communities in Nigeria
• The project aims to contribute to the mitigation of conflict over natural resources with Mercy Corps capitalizing on its trusted relationships with local stakeholders across Nigeria’s Middle Belt to continue to empower communities to prevent and respond to violence by strengthening collaboration on natural resources management
• To achieve its goal COMITAS is structured around four pillars built on each of Consortium partners’ expertise and strengths:
• Strengthen traditional conflict resolution in the targeted locations in Adamawa state;
• Improve trust in authorities’ commitment to provide security and adequate resource management;
• Enhanced collaboration in managing use of natural resources;
• Improve intra and inter communal perceptions.
• The Conflict and Governance Specialist (CGS) will provide technical, operational, and strategic vision to the implementation of the conflict prevention and mitigation component by working with the project staff and national partners to ensure that the program meets performance-based targets on-time and within budget, as per Mercy Corps and donor requirements
• S/he will work to address the root causes of conflict between farmers and herders’ communities by supporting conflict prevention and mitigation measures in synergy with the Natural Resources Management (NRM) Advisor
• H/she will coordinate conflict management and governance programming through the building of community trust in the areas of intervention.

Essential Job Functions
Programme Quality Oversight:

• Provide leadership and strategic vision to Conflict mitigation technical components of COMITAS program, including work plan development, conflict and stakeholder analysis, mediation and peacebuilding training, partnership selection and management, and overall sector strategy.
• Ensure stakeholder engagement and trust building activities abide by governance and conflict best practices including Do No Harm and are conflict sensitive in close partnership with the Programme Manager and NMR Advisor
• Provide direct oversight to COMITAS Learning and Program Monitoring and Quality Technical Unit.
• Encourage systematic opportunities to use data for learning and improvement, and to focus on learning lessons throughout the life of the program.

Technical Leadership:

• Provide technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and management of innovative conflict mitigation and governance initiatives aligned to the Program logical framework and project impact goal.
• Provide sector oversight and guidance in the implementation of conflict mitigation and governance activities aligned with the project log frame and budget.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.

Program Implementation:

• Work with Consortium Partners and other implementing partners on the conflict mitigation and governance components of the project.
• Conduct periodic field visits to ensure the quality and integrity of project implementation, including adherence to technical guidelines, administrative systems, and established deadlines.
• In collaboration with the NRM Advisor strengthen sustainable management and enhanced collaboration over natural resources between farmers and herders’ communities in the crisis-affected areas in a conflict-sensitive manner.
• Integrate community approaches, conflict and gender sensitivity and capacity building into conflict mitigation and governance activities as appropriate.
• Provide technical and sector inputs to/ during planning, organizing and coordination of project monitoring processes, assessments, surveys, researches and evaluations.
• Support the Field Manager in ensuring that the overall goal and specific objectives align to the conflict mitigation, resolution and prevention components of the project.
• Develop a detailed activity plan identify and implement immediate conflict prevention or mitigation measures and submit to the field manager for review and re-alignment with the main work plan within the first month of employment.
• Compile and submit in time for review; evidence based weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual technical reports and activity plans
• Develop and submit weekly and monthly activity plans in time for review and prior to implementation.
• Ensure integration and coordination with other components within the project for the attainment of holistic project impact.

Capacity Building and Learning:

• Develop a clear capacity building plan to build the technical capacity of project staff on Conflict prevention and mitigation skills that are relevant to the project through training and continuous mentoring.
• Provide conflict-sensitive and governance analysis, trainings and technical assistance to team and Consortium partners.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of best practices, in collaboration with Consortium partners.
• Disseminate key findings and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with Consortium partners
• Strengthen linkages with other internal resources, including the LMS, Digital Library, Hub, and Connect, to enhance organizational learning where relevant to M&E.

Team Management:

• Sustain a work environment of mutual respect you and other team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Provide other team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

Finance & Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to the project implementation.

Influence and Representation:

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure project implementation targets and technical quality standards are met.
• Participate in coordination meetings and workshops to the project at both Local and State level as delegated.

Security:

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects

Accountability:

• Reports Directly to: Programme Manager
• Works Directly with: Program Manager, Senior Program Officer, Senior MEL, Field Manager, Finance, and Operations teams. Coordinates with HQ Program Performance team and the Technical Support Unit.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of a B.A/ S in relevant field or other similar fields; MA / MS / MBA or equivalent preferred in Conflict Management, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences or another relevant field.
• Minimum of 4 years working experience in a similar context.
• Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues in highly insecure environment.
• Experience working in Adamawa state strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills and ability to formulate well-targeted documents
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment
• Experience in an NGO (local or international) or research institution
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a wide range of actors required.
• Good organizational skills, ability to make recommendations for improvement and contribute to overall program strategy.
• Perfect knowledge of English, knowledge of Hausa is a must.
• Willingness to travel throughout the different project areas.
• Experience in conducting trainings and workshops is desirable.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation is an advantage.

Success Factors:

• The successful CGS will have a demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles and cultures, follow procedures, and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
• S/he will have a proven ability to learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, be accountable for results, understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details, problem solve, work within a complex and sensitive setting, and to follow laws and security protocols
• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

• The position will be based in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria and requires frequent travel to other field locations as well as Abuja. Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in terms of accommodation and logistics
• Housing in the field will be in hotels or guesthouses where available. Security in the field locations requires additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services in the field is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
• The location is not eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Given the nature of the response, working hours require flexibility and working through weekends/evenings might be necessary.

Job Title: Monitoring & Evaluation Learning Assistant

Reference: ABV / PRO / 2020 / 0036
Location: Yola, Adamawa
Position Status: Full-time, Exempt, Regular
Duration: 17 months with possibility of extension.

Program / Department Summary

• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic and market development and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency spilling over from the Northeast of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. With funding from institutional donors, foundations and private corporations, Mercy Corps continues to provide assistance to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, and livelihoods.
• With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria, Mercy Corps’ strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys. With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations, Mercy Corps’ programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.

General Position Summary

• This role will support and monitor the new EU funded pilot project COMITAS – or Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict over Natural Resources between Farmer and Herder Communities in Adamawa State. The project will be implemented through a Consortium led by IOM in partnership with Mercy Corps and Search for Common Ground.
• While clashes are often understood in ethno-religious terms due to the spread of unreliable information, competing claims to land, water and other natural resources are at the root of growing tensions between farmer and herder communities in Nigeria. The project aims to contribute to the mitigation of conflict over natural resources with Mercy Corps capitalizing on its trusted relationships with local stakeholders across Nigeria’s Middle Belt to continue to empower communities to prevent and respond to violence by strengthening collaboration on natural resources management. To achieve its goal COMITAS is structured around four pillars which capitalize on each of Consortium partners’ expertise and strengths:
  • Strengthen traditional conflict resolution in the targeted locations in Adamawa state;
  • Improve trust in authorities’ commitment to provide security and adequate resource management;
  • Enhanced collaboration in managing use of natural resources;
  • Improve intra and inter communal perceptions.
• Under the direction of the Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer, the MEL Assistant will be responsible for the monitoring of project activities at project sites including data collection, data entry, knowledge management, basic analysis, assessment and routine reporting.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Assist the timely development of monitoring tools based on work plans and MEL framework, in close coordination with the program officers and MEL Team.
• Conduct regular data collection across program field sites, implementing tools such as pre- and post-tests, surveys, focus group discussions and interviews.
• Assist in monitoring of program activities, including distributions, trainings, to ensure that intended assistance is delivered to registered beneficiaries as scheduled,
• Provide support to the Sr MEL Officer in the design and upload of forms into digital data collection platforms such as ODK/Ona, Tola
• Ensure proper filing, handling and movement of project files.
• Assist in data entry into the project databases.
• Participate in program and sector specific assessments, monitoring, surveys and evaluations. This will entail management of data collectors and facilitating results discussion.
• Assist in data analysis and sharing and documentation on impact and lessons learned.
• Conduct participant verification, ensuring they match agreed criteria and established committee lists.
• Support the MC Natural Resources Management Advisor to conduct assessments and evaluations, including management of enumerators, as requested.
• Ensure adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals.
• Ensure all the activities are conducted in full respect to the humanitarian principles and in organized and dignified way.
• 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.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None

Accountability:

• Reports Directly to: Senior MEL Officer
• Works directly with: Country MEL Manager, PAQ Unit, Program teams

Qualifications
Knowledge and Experience:

• Preferably a Bachelor’s degree in a related field: social sciences, development studies, education, etc. with a minimum of 1 year work experience.
• Experience in community work with previous experience in project monitoring, preferably with an NGO within Borno State.
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing, analyzing and reporting.
• Ability to interact effectively with various community members, conducting him/herself with sensitivity and respect towards others
• Willingness, ability to perform field work and work under pressure.
• Have a good appreciation of technology in enhancing program and MEL related activities
• Excellent computer skills – Word and Excel are required;
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Fluency in English and Hausa.

Success Factors:

• She/he will be capable of multi-tasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, drive and a lot of energy, as well as high emotional intelligence, constructive communication skills and proven experience with capacity building.
• She/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

• The position is based in Yola, Adamawa State and it requires frequent travel in other project locations including Demsa, Girei, Numan, Lamurde, and Song local government areas in Adamawa State, as well as Abuja. Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in terms of accommodation and logistics.
• Housing in the field will be in hotels or guesthouses where available. Security in the field locations require additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services in the field is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
• The location is not eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Given the nature of the response, working hours require flexibility and working through weekends/evenings might be necessary.

Job Title: CARM Officer

Reference: ABV/POOL/2020/0034
Location: Maiduguri, Borno,
Employment Type: Full-time
Position Status: Full-time, Regular
Duration: 3 months

Program / Department Summary

• As an organization, Mercy Corps is committed to accountability to all of our stakeholders, including the people we serve, and to the resources that are entrusted to us. Mercy Corps takes a participatory approach in engaging with local communities throughout the program design and implementation.
• A Community Accountability Reporting Mechanism (CARM) is an essential part of Mercy Corps’ commitment to excellence and integrity, by providing individuals, organizations, local groups, and other stakeholders a means of raising concerns about potential staff misconduct or sharing feedback or programmatic activities (positive and negative) with Mercy Corps, independently from program operations. In the context of Nigeria, rolling out and implementing CARM will ensure that the Nigeria team will continue to uphold Mercy Corps’ high standards of accountability.

General Position Summary

• Under the umbrella of the Performance and Quality (PaQ) Unit, the CARM Officer will support CARM implementation primarily within the NE portfolio, dividing his/her time between the continued establishment, maintenance, management, and adaptation of CARM implementation in existing programs and the rollout of CARM into additional programs.
• While working with the program teams and MEL teams s/he would manage and support the adaptation of CARM work plans, focusing on CARM rollout and maintenance.
• The priorities will include supporting program-specific and country-level standard operating procedures (SOPs), defined processes and mechanisms, production of bimonthly analysis reports and program-level reports on CARM, and the production and development of training plans and awareness materials for staff from both programs and departments on administering Mercy Corps accountability framework in communities.
• This includes Mercy Corps’ own expectations of their staff and program activities. S/he will deal with day-to-day feedback that includes handling of complaints, questions, reports and requests for support as received from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in the communities MC works directly.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Implementation & Program Quality:

• Support the implementation and adaptation of the Nigeria CARM strategy/operational manual;
• Provide strong support to CARM channels covering NE Nigeria programs including phone line, WhatsApp business and email which document and receive community feedback;
• Support the creation and circulation of a bi-monthly CARM report for relevant stakeholders, that presents CARM findings, successes, trends and tweaks to implementation processes, and adaptation as a result of feedback received;
• Support in the preparation of a weekly and/or as necessary status update on CARM for the Grants Manager/PaQ Director;
• Support in the development of work plans at the programmatic and NE portfolio levels for the roll-out of CARM;
• Help to develop feedback and data-flow mapping;
• Together with MEL colleagues, support in the development of a system for analyzing trends in feedback received;
• Produce internal reports on CARM itself, in response to feedback received via training and awareness session evaluation forms;
• Support the communications team and/or local partners in designing and disseminating appropriate communication materials that promote the use of feedback mechanisms or transparency (hotline business cards, distribution signs, community signs and banners, etc.);
• Conduct field visits, engage CARM spot checks, trainings;
• Liaise with Sub-Award and Compliance unit to support programs in encouraging community participation in needs assessments and project design;
• Support in the maintenance and organization of CARM database, in coordination with the PaQ team.

Capacity Building:

• Support with orientation sessions for staff and field partners/CBOs and other CARM stakeholders;
• Training of staff on receiving complaints and feedback and on community sensitization, particularly on informing communities and handling feedback on sensitive subjects of potential staff misconduct.

Coordination:

• Collaborate with other actors to develop referral maps and mechanisms for communities where MC implements programs.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Accountability

• Supervisor: MC Nigeria PaQ Unit – Grants and Reporting Manager
• Works directly with: PaQ team members including MEL and Communications Teams, Ethics and Assurances Manager, Safeguarding Focal Point, CARM programmatic focal points, and all project/program teams, including Mercy Corps beneficiaries.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant field. Proven (at least intermediate) report writing skills are required;
• 2-4 years of related work experience, preferably with an international or local Non- Governmental Organization (NGO);
• Excellent writing skills in English, languages such as Hausa a plus. The ability to write reports at a native English level;
• Proven experience in data collection, data-entry, data/information management and analysis;
• Proven experience in developing or contributing to accountability frameworks, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for feedback mechanisms;
• Experience and/or training in handling sensitive information – Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) training is an advantage, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Child Protection knowledge and capacities;
• The ability to work closely in a team, be patient, adaptable, flexible, able to improvise and work in an environment that is often stressful and potentially volatile;
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and negotiate clearly and effectively at all levels, taking into account cultural and language challenges. Tact and diplomacy are essential;
• Understanding of preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding and how other types of code of conduct issues may arise in CARM mechanisms and best practices for raising awareness of and responding to those concerns.

Success Factors

• Critical problem solving skills and the ability to work out methods of delivery in very different operating contexts. S/he will be highly motivated, and capable to work without direct supervision. S/he will demonstrate attention to details, will be committed to working long hours, be able to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment and be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

Job Title: Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Learning Officer

Reference: ABV/PRO/2020/0037
Location: Yola, Adamawa
Position Status: Full-time, Exempt, Regular
Duration: 17 months with possibility of extension

Program Summary

• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic and market development and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency spilling over from the Northeast of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. With funding from institutional donors, foundations and private corporations, Mercy Corps continues to provide assistance to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, and livelihoods.
• With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria, Mercy Corps’ strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys. With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations, Mercy Corps’ programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.

General Position Summary

• This role will support and monitor the new EU funded pilot project COMITAS – or Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict over Natural Resources between Farmer and Herder Communities in Adamawa State. The project will be implemented through a Consortium led by IOM in partnership with Mercy Corps and Search for Common Ground.
• While clashes are often understood in ethno-religious terms due to the spread of unreliable information, competing claims to land, water and other natural resources are at the root of growing tensions between farmer and herder communities in Nigeria. The project aims to contribute to the mitigation of conflict over natural resources with Mercy Corps capitalizing on its trusted relationships with local stakeholders across Nigeria’s Middle Belt to continue to empower communities to prevent and respond to violence by strengthening collaboration on natural resources management. To achieve its goal COMITAS is structured around four pillars which capitalize on each of Consortium partners’ expertise and strengths:
  • Strengthen traditional conflict resolution in the targeted locations in Adamawa state;
  • Improve trust in authorities’ commitment to provide security and adequate resource management;
  • Enhanced collaboration in managing use of natural resources;
  • Improve intra and inter communal perceptions.
• The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) Officer is a key team member of Mercy Corps’ Program Performance and Quality (PaQ) unit. The unit exists to support program design, implementation and utilization of information collected at different stages. The position holder will support the team with technical oversight planning and execution of monitoring and evaluation, ensuring quality in accordance with accepted standards, providing essential feedback for learning, accountability and decision making.
• S / he will be responsible for providing internal capacity building for program staff on monitoring and evaluation activities as well as review and develop timely and quality reports and the tools necessary to meet Mercy Corps and donor reporting requirements. S/he will coordinate and support data collection and analysis activities facilitated by MEL Assistant and regularly providing technical oversight, problem-solving and support.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Strategy and Design:

• Contribute to adapting existing M&E systems to monitor and evaluate project activities and impact, in accordance with existing Mercy Corps DM&E guidelines.
• Ensure regular reporting to the Consortium Coordinator and assist in the coordination of Consortium MEL activities.
• Assist in program strategy design, planning and implementation to ensure adherence to Mercy Corps’ Minimum Standards, including the use of standardized tools and indicators and documentation methodologies.
• Lead and support the design and implementation of assessments and other pre, ex-ante and post data collection and analysis.
• Support learning-to-action events, reflection session to analyze data for programmatic use and to document and incorporate lessons learned into program design, planning and implementation

Data Management and Quality Control:

• Assist program teams to develop and maintain knowledge and Information management system to support data collection, reflection, analysis and reporting needs.
• Ensure quality control procedures and accuracy of entered data and comparing it with the existing filing system to make sure all records are consistent and aligned.
• Provide support in the development of MEL Plans, tools, survey design, methodology, data analysis, and other services as may be required for program monitoring and evaluation.
• Oversee data indicator tracking and analysis, linking it with evidence on a regular basis and ensure that data and metrics in field reports are accurate.
• Remain updated with developments among the Mercy Corps Nigeria MEL community and agency-wide MEL trends and resources, and ensure that the MEL team are applying MC guidance and policies appropriate and in a timely manner

Technical Support:

• Maintain an up to date database that reflects progress through TolaData (including disaggregated beneficiary counts) and donor indicators
• Play key role in the development and leading in the review of program logical framework, intervention strategies and M&E frameworks and document changes to generate learnings and ideas for programs
• Work with the program team to identify opportunities to innovate M&E systems (particularly digital enhancement, data visualization, GIS).
• Coordinate assessments, evaluations and monitoring surveys in area of operation.

Documentation, Reporting and Learning:

• Regularly document lessons learned, best practices, program data analysis summaries, and evaluations and provide evidence-based information, success stories, case studies and other high quality, results-based documentation.
• Produce quality program reports and support program teams to review and improve on quality of reporting.
• Visit sites and partners to collect supplementary data, stories and conduct qualitative research both independently and in teams and support partner-organizations with proper documentation and report generation.
• Work closely with Learning and Communication officer to identify and document different case stories and communications points and process across programs

Additional Tasks:

• Ensure regular communication, coordination and reporting with the Consortium Coordinator (IOM)
• Maintain professional relationships with local government officials, private sector partners, NGOs, other development organizations, and civil society organizations.
• Maintain an active advisory role with the program and MEL team to help guide them towards robust and relevant data collection.
• Work with MEL and IT staff to maximize the value and utility of technology initiatives for effective MEL for the Northeast.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor or representatives.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Accountability:

• Reports Directly to: Country MEL Manager
• Supervisory Responsibility: MEL Assistant
• Works directly with: Program Manager, Field Manager, Program Teams, Communications teams, Program Support Teams, MC MEL Assistant, Consortium Coordinator M&E Assistant

Knowledge and Experience

• BA / BSc. in relevant field or other similar fields; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation or other learning efforts is required.
• Past or current experience with conducting MEL for Natural Resources Management is preferable.
• Should understand concepts and demonstrate skills in monitoring and evaluation, results frameworks/program logics, and participatory monitoring.
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting techniques.
• Ability to design and implement surveys and knowledge of commonly used sampling techniques.
• Experience with facilitation, capacity building, formal and informal knowledge transfer, partnership strengthening, and empowering staff through opportunities for growth and development.
• Experience leading learning extraction, development and sharing as part of the monitoring and evaluation feedback process.
• Familiarity with data visualization and data analytics
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software such as Tableau, SPSS, EPI Info and mobile data collection platforms preferable.
• Experience with digital or technology platforms for program and MEL related activities
• Strong ability to work cross teams
• Communicates well with remote collaborators
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors:

• S / he will be capable of multi-tasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, drive and a lot of energy, as well as high emotional intelligence, constructive communication skills and proven experience with capacity building.
• S / he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level.
• Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

• The position is based in Yola, Adamawa State and it requires frequent travel in other project locations including Demsa, Girei, Numan, Lamurde, and Song local government areas in Adamawa State, as well as Abuja. Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in terms of accommodation and logistics. Housing in the field will be in hotels or guesthouses where available. Security in the field locations require additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services in the field is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
• The location is not eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Given the nature of the response, working hours require flexibility and working through weekends/evenings might be necessary.

Job Title: Natural Resources Management Advisor

Reference: ABV/PRO/2020/0040
Location: Yola, Adamawa
Position Status: Full-time, Exempt, Regular
Duration: 15 months with possibility of extension

Program Summary

• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic and market development and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency spilling over from the Northeast of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. With funding from institutional donors, foundations and private corporations, Mercy Corps continues to provide assistance to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, and livelihoods.
• With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria, Mercy Corps’ strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys. With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations, Mercy Corps’ programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.

General Position Summary
This role will support the new EU funded pilot project COMITAS – or Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict over Natural Resources between Farmer and Herder Communities in Adamawa State. The project will be implemented through a Consortium led by IOM in partnership with Mercy Corps and Search for Common Ground.

While clashes are often understood in ethno-religious terms due to the spread of unreliable information, competing claims to land, water and other natural resources are at the root of growing tensions between farmer and herder communities in Nigeria. The project aims to contribute to the mitigation of conflict over natural resources with Mercy Corps capitalizing on its trusted relationships with local stakeholders across Nigeria’s Middle Belt to continue to empower communities to prevent and respond to violence by strengthening collaboration on natural resources management. To achieve its goal COMITAS is structured around four pillars built on each of Consortium partners’ expertise and strengths:

• Strengthen traditional conflict resolution in the targeted locations in Adamawa state;
• Improve trust in authorities’ commitment to provide security and adequate resource management;
• Enhanced collaboration in managing use of natural resources;
• Improve intra and inter-communal perceptions.

The Natural Resources Management (NRM) Advisor will provide senior leadership of the program’s technical components, ensure the synthesis of technical approaches across the implementation areas, and will assume responsibility for leading all the technical trainings and translating program learning into tangible adjustments to intervention strategies.

S/he will work to address the root causes of conflict between farmers and herders’ communities by enhancing communities’ collaboration on natural resources and establishing natural resource management committees and will work in close in synergy with the Conflict and Governance Specialist to identify and implement immediate conflict prevention or mitigation measures, such as the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure along transhumance corridors. The NRM in collaboration with the communications team will disseminate key findings and lessons learned in research briefs, white papers, and reports.

Essential Job Functions
Programme Quality Oversight:

• Provide leadership and strategic vision to NRM technical components of COMITAS program, including work plan development, conflict and stakeholder analysis, NRM training, partnership selection and management, and overall sector strategy.
• In close partnership with the Programme Manager, provide direct oversight to COMITAS Learning and Program Monitoring and Quality Technical Unit.
• Encourage systematic opportunities to use data for learning and improvement, and to focus on learning lessons throughout the life of the program.

Technical Leadership:

• Provide technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and management of innovative NRM initiatives aligned to the Program logical framework and project impact goal.
• Provide sector oversight and guidance in the implementation of NRM activities aligned with the project log frame and budget.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.

Program Implementation:

• Work with Consortium Partners and other implementing partners on the NRM components of the project.
• Conduct periodic field visits to ensure the quality and integrity of project implementation, including adherence to technical guidelines, administrative systems, and established deadlines.
• In collaboration with the Conflict and Governance Specialist strengthen sustainable management and enhanced collaboration over natural resources between farmers and herders’ communities in the crisis-affected areas in a conflict-sensitive manner.
• Integrate community approaches, conflict and gender sensitivity and capacity building into NRM activities as appropriate.
• Provide technical and sector inputs to/ during planning, organizing and coordination of project monitoring processes, assessments, surveys, researches and evaluations.
• Support the Field Manager in ensuring that the overall goal and specific objectives align to the NRM and conflict mitigation component of the project.
• Develop a detailed activity plan for the NRM component and submit to the field manager for review and re-alignment with the main work plan within the first month of employment.
• Compile and submit in time for review; evidence-based weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual technical reports and activity plans
• Develop and submit weekly and monthly activity plans in time for review and prior to implementation.
• Ensure integration and coordination with other components within the project for the attainment of holistic project impact.

Capacity Building and Learning:

• Develop a clear capacity building plan to build the technical capacity of project staff in NRM skills that are relevant to the project through training and continuous mentoring.
• Provide NRM analysis, trainings and technical assistance to team and Consortium partners.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of best practices, in collaboration with Consortium partners.
• Disseminate key findings and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with Consortium partners
• Strengthen linkages with other internal resources, including the LMS, Digital Library, Hub, and Connect, to enhance organizational learning where relevant to M&E.

Team Management:

• Sustain a work environment of mutual respect you and other team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Provide other team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

Finance & Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to the project implementation.
• Draft and /or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget

Influence and Representation:

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with Consortium partners, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure project implementation targets and technical quality standards are met.
• Participate in coordination meetings and workshops to the project at both Local and State level as delegated.

Security:

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects

Accountability:

• Supervisory Responsibility: None
• Reports Directly to: Program Manager – COMITAS
• Works Directly with: Senior Program Officer, Senior MEL, Field Manager, Finance, and Operations teams. Coordinates with HQ Program Performance team and the Technical Support Unit.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum BA / BSc. in relevant field or other similar fields; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred in Natural Resources Management, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences or another relevant field.
• Minimum of 4 years working experience in a similar context.
• Strong management skills, with a good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues in highly insecure environment.
• Experience working in Adamawa state strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills and ability to formulate well-targeted documents
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment
• Experience in an NGO (local or international) or research institution
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a wide range of actors required.
• Good organizational skills, ability to make recommendations for improvement and contribute to overall program strategy.
• Perfect knowledge of English, knowledge of Hausa is a plus
• Willingness to travel throughout the different project areas.
• Experience in conducting trainings and workshops is desirable.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation is an advantage.

Job Title: Programme Assistant

Reference: ABV/PRO/2020/0038
Location: Yola, Adamawa
Position Status: Full-time, Exempt, Regular
Duration: 17 months with possibility of extension

Program Summary

• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls empowerment, economic and market development and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency spilling over from the Northeast of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. With funding from institutional donors, foundations and private corporations, Mercy Corps continues to provide assistance to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, and livelihoods.
• With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria, Mercy Corps’ strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys. With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations, Mercy Corps’ programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.

General Position Summary

• This role will support and monitor the new EU funded pilot project COMITAS – or Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict over Natural Resources between Farmer and Herder Communities in Adamawa State. The project will be implemented through a Consortium led by IOM in partnership with Mercy Corps and Search for Common Ground.
• While clashes are often understood in ethno-religious terms due to the spread of unreliable information, competing claims to land, water and other natural resources are at the root of growing tensions between farmer and herder communities in Nigeria. The project aims to contribute to the mitigation of conflict over natural resources with Mercy Corps capitalizing on its trusted relationships with local stakeholders across Nigeria’s Middle Belt to continue to empower communities to prevent and respond to violence by strengthening collaboration on natural resources management. To achieve its goal COMITAS is structured around four pillars built on each of Consortium partners’ expertise and strengths:
• Strengthen traditional conflict resolution in the targeted locations in Adamawa state;
• Improve trust in authorities’ commitment to provide security and adequate resource management;
• Enhanced collaboration in managing use of natural resources;
• Improve intra and inter communal perceptions.
• Under the direction of the Senior Program Officer, the Programme Assistant (PA) will provide overall support to the program teams in the day to day implementation of all program activities in the areas of intervention.

Essential Job Functions
Programme Support:

• Assist program team to ensure COMITAS progress according to the developed schedule and the implementation work plan.
• Develop and submit weekly and monthly activity plans in time for review and prior to implementation.
• Assist the project team and Consortium partners to plan, organize and conduct quality community trainings, sessions and document the process, content delivered and identify indicators that you will monitor.
• In collaboration with the Monitoring Evaluation and Learning team, support the implementation of relevant surveys, need assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring and report on the project progress
• Support in the process of beneficiary registration, community mobilization and sensitization.
• Assist in promoting community participation and inclusion so as to encourage community ownership over activities implemented.
• Ensure equal representation of various community groups in the implementation of activities.
• Assist in the facilitation of community meetings, focus group discussion and other as required by the program.
• Keep senior program officer and management updated with regards to security situation in the project implementation area.
• Provide weekly field reports, capturing activities progress, lessons learned as well as general situation and community updates and needs.
• Document lessons learned and success stories on the project.
• Ensure adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals;
• 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 in country of operation;
• Other duties as assigned.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects
• Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability:

• Reports directly to: Senior Program Officer
• Works directly with: Program teams, Finance Department, MEL, Program Quality Team (PaQ)

Knowledge and Experience

• BA / Sc. in relevant field or other similar fields; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred in international relations, development, management, economics or another relevant field.
• At least 3 years of management experience in progressively responsible positions, preferably in conflict management, peacebuilding and/or governance technical areas.
• Experience leading the implementation of multi-sector integrated programs, preferably in the area of peacebuilding and conflict mitigation, or  working in social outreach, governance and policy development activities
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local stakeholders, host government officials, and local and international partners.
• Experience in managing staff, providing leadership, clear tasks and oversight.
• Ability to work independently in the field and show initiative. Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a wide range of actors required.
• Good organizational skills, ability to make recommendations for improvement and contribute to overall program strategy.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports in English, knowledge of Hausa is a plus
• Willingness to travel throughout the different project areas.
• Experience in conducting trainings and workshops is desirable.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation is an advantage.

Success Factors:

• The successful Program Assistant will skillfully assist the implementation of COMITAS activities within time, scope and budget. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, with dedication towards community work, commitment to work long hours in the field conditions with limited access to resources. S/He will be highly motivated, with initiative and capable to work without direct supervision. S/he will be willing to conduct field travels and work in ethnically and culturally diversified and fast-growing team.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

• The position will be based in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria and requires frequent travel to other field locations as well as Abuja. Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in terms of accommodation and logistics. Housing in the field will be in hotels or guesthouses where available. Security in the field locations require additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services in the field is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
• The location is not eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Given the nature of the response, working hours require flexibility and working through weekends/evenings might be necessary.