State Project Coordinator at United Purpose (UP)

United Purpose (UP) is an international development organisation that works to sustainably reduce poverty and improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest communities. In Nigeria, UP has been working for almost two decades with local partners and rural communities to implement projects funded by international donors. Addressing areas of gender inequalities and rights abuses, improving sanitation and access to water, fostering accountability, preserving vital ecosystems, and developing sustainable development livelihoods.

In Nigeria, we partner with Federal, State and Local Governments, other civil society organisations, and communities to implement development interventions reaching thousands of rural people each year. Several funding partners currently fund the Nigeria Country Programme, including the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF – former WSSCC), Unicef, the Welsh Government, etc.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: State Project Coordinator

Location: Ogun (Travel to other parts of Nigeria and internationally may be required)
Employment Type: Fulltime, Contract
Unit: Programme
Sub Unit: WASH Programme
Report to: Project Manager
Duration of Contract: One year with a yearly renewal of contract subject to performance and continued availability of funds
Expected Start Date: February 2023 (depending on donor’s decision)

Background

• United Purpose has been nominated as SHF Primary Recipient in Nigeria for a three-year programme focused on facilitating sustainable access to improved sanitation and hygiene services through market-based approaches in 3 states: Ogun, Bauchi and Jigawa.
• United Purpose is the consortium’s lead, which regroups three other organisations.

Job Purpose

• The State Project Coordinator will contribute to sustainable service delivery in selected LGAs in the State. They will specifically support the consortium partners, the two LGA Project Officers, and non-state implementing partners at the state level.
• The aim is to improve sanitation coverage and hygiene behaviour through a market-based approach, empowering state-level stakeholders to deliver on the project objectives. A significant level of effort will be undertaken at the UP head office in Abuja while providing direct support at the field level to LGAs and non-state partners (sub-grantees).
• Executing this function will mean extensive travel to field locations and excellent coordination and management based upon the detailed implementation plan (DIP) and in consultation with the Project Manager.
• The State Project Coordinator is a member of the programme team and provides technical assistance in overall LGA and non-state partner staff implementation. As part of the programme team, they would work closely with the UP Finance and Accounting Team, sub-grantees and LGA support staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project activities in the State in collaboration with consortium partners and sub-grantees.
• Liaise/coordinate with and between all bodies and institutions involved in the Project activities at the state level, particularly RUWASSA, State Tasks Groups on Sanitation and WASH Management Teams, and ensure effective implementation of activities for the delivery of SHF Project outputs and outcomes
• Participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the State level, ensuring a common understanding of the Project objectives with reference to the Logical Framework Approach (LFA).
• You are expected to ensure total commitment to the Project, including cost-sharing by all partners. This will include providing support towards the timely delivery of human and material resources to the participating LGAs
• Work closely with LGA Technical Support Officers on the Project and WASH structures at the State and LGA level to develop capacity needs assessments and training requirements to achieve effective CLTS delivery and Open Defecation Free (ODF). Assist in efforts to build a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation. In addition, identify needed support from State Agency for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation to assist participating LGAs’ WASH Department/ Units on community mobilisation, establishment and training of tasks groups on sanitation, advocacy and participatory planning.
• Work closely with consortium partners on the State’s market-based sanitation (MBS) activities.
• Support the Project Manager in reviewing the State & LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in formulating strategies, plans and budgets to achieve project goals and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and human resources) in the Programme targeted State.
• Provide technical inputs in the preparation and design of surveys and studies, and play an active role in the dissemination of survey results and study findings under the Project among stakeholders; as part of increasing their understanding of sector issues and emerging approaches, and thereby facilitate scaling up of successful approaches to LGAs, not in the Project catchment area
• Provide regular supportive supervision and monitoring of the Project activities of the State RUWASSA, STGS, NGOs/CBOs and Private Sector based on agreed plans, targets, and technical design, specifications and standards
• Support the State Authority to maintain a regular flow of information to relevant stakeholders, including monitoring counterpart funds contribution.
• Assist the State Authority in implementing a monitoring system for improved decision-making based on the Project M&E framework.
• Network closely with other implementing agencies/entities in the two LGAs and ensure maximising synergies in health and education for replication and scaling up opportunities.
• Provide weekly updates and monthly reports as per the approved format summarising the progress made in implementing activities, and lessons learnt and recommendations for improvement, including ad hoc reports and human interest stories that may be needed.
• In addition, contribute to updating the results-based framework in-line with programme indicators every quarter with more detailed inputs provided towards the preparation of annual reports
• As part of the Project team, fully adopt a results-based performance management approach.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide feedback to partners and Project team on Project’s performance based on data collected and findings.
• Assist the Project team in building the capacity of CSOs.
• Assist the Project team in developing human stories for publication.
• Assist the Project Manager in conducting annual and quarterly planning and review processes.
• Support the eventual design and dissemination of research studies by providing relevant input.
• Assist the MEAL and Project Manager in developing quarterly and annual reports
• Develop and share field visit reports with appropriate Project staff.
• Assist the Project Manager in developing annual and quarterly work plans and budgets for RUSHPIN.
• Assist the Project Manager in reviewing Project plans as part of the learning and sharing process.
• To systematically monitor Project performance and data for key indicators of the Project components and management reports are collected, analysed and made available to the programme staff.
• To provide strategic support towards the putting in place and use of the Project M&E Framework and support plans and activities of the Programme.
• Share learning with the wider UP country programme team
• Support partners in improving learning and sharing mechanisms in their programmes.
• Promote a culture of two-way learning in UP more widely
• Work collaboratively with the state Project Officers and programme team to strengthen integration and cross-learning in the country programme.
• Proactively volunteer for various team activities.
• Show an eagerness to take on any other tasks assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications

• A University Degree in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Sociology, Rural Development, or any other relevant degree related to WASH development assistance.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in successfully managing development projects funded by international donors, including knowledge of grant management and reporting experience in monitoring and evaluating WASH projects.
• Relevant knowledge and experience in Community-Led Total Sanitation programming experience of report writing.
• Proven track record of capacity building/training for stakeholders, including at the community level and for local institutions.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development.

Skills:

• Excellent planning, coordination and prioritisation skills.
• Strong facilitation, diplomatic and interpersonal skills.
• Good command of writing in English.
• Good knowledge of Hausa.
• Knowledge and understanding of working with the State and LGAs.
• Excellent communication and team-working skills, with the ability to build good relations, both internally and externally.
• Excellent computer knowledge with command on MS Excel among other packages of MS Office
• Ability to facilitate training for community-based organisations and government stakeholders
• Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse and performance-related environment
• A proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.

Desirable:

• Gender and intercultural sensitivity.
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times.
• Positive outlook and stand-alone disposition.
• Adaptable and responsive disposition relative to the demands and development of the Programme.

Languages:

• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Yoruba is a plus.

Salary and Benefit

• An attractive package dependent on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Deadline: 4th December, 2022.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: nigeria@united-purpose.org using the Job Title and Preferred Location (when applicable) as the subject of the mail.

Important Information
In the cover letter, please ensure to explain the following:

• Why you are applying for the position
• How do your skills and experience meet the person’s specification
• When you would be able to take up the position if it were offered to you

Note

• You are recommended to apply early, as applications will be assessed as they are received.
• Only shortlistedcandidates will be contacted.
• United Purpose is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against applicants on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, religion or sexual orientation.
• United Purpose also has a Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy, which reflects our commitment to protecting the people with whom we work.
• All candidates will be expected to comply with this policy and its procedures.