Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program Assistant at Mercy Corps

Location: Biu

Program / Department Summary

• Mercy Corps Nigeria’s humanitarian program aims to provide assistance to populations affected by the crisis in Northeast Nigeria. With funding from humanitarian donors including OFDA, FFP, and ECHO the humanitarian programs engage in several interventions including but not limited to food assistance, logistics and relief commodities, protection, livelihoods, WASH and capacity building of humanitarian response actors. Mercy Corps plans to scale up and expand its humanitarian response in Northeast Nigeria to reach more beneficiaries with additional and varied assistance in a wider geographic area.
• Mercy Corps plans to implement a program in 2 states “BACRI” Borno and Adamawa Crisis Response for IDPs targeting IDPs and host community affected by the conflict in Northeast Nigeria.

General Position Summary

• The project assistant will perform the day-to-day implementation activities of the assigned program activities in the field, in the areas of intervention.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• The Program Assistant will implement the project activities at the field level, under direct supervision of the Program Officer, to ensure program progress according to the developed schedule and work plan.
• According to the project where s/he is assigned to s/he will have to perform one or several tasks like (but not only):
  • Daily supervision of processes like borehole drilling and well constructions on the works site.
  • Daily supervision of water treatment activities in general, on the program site and makes sure that the consumables are timely replenished
  • Mobilize the beneficiaries and supervise the latrine construction process at the program site level
  • Ensure the mobilization of families or communities to participate in the WASH program activities.
• Assist in the coordination in target geographical areas.
• Participate in surveys
• Support in the process of beneficiary registration, community mobilization and sensitization.
• Ensure the field level promotion of 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 program officers 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.
• 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;
• Security savvy, s/he Complies to -and sets the good example for the respect of- security measures and regulations in place.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• 1-2 years of working experience in related fields of expertise. Previous experience in WASH projects and/or community work is highly preferred.
• According to the type of projects, the Program Assistant will need to have good understanding of hydraulics, principles of hygiene promotion, etc. Experience in water supply systems: boreholes, pumping, basic hydraulics, etc is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain good relation with the local communities and project beneficiaries.
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing and reporting
• Bachelor degree in relevant field or equivalent experience is highly recommended
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
• Fluency in English as well as fluency in minimum one of the languages spoken by the beneficiaries is required

Success Factor

• 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 with limited direct supervision.
• S/he will be willing to conduct several days-long field travels and work in ethnically and culturally diversified and fast growing team.