Job Openings at Mercy Corps Nigeria

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 the 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 assist to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, and livelihoods.
• Northwest Nigeria is currently experiencing a complex crisis and high violence perpetrated by numerous armed actors, including clashes between farmers and herders, criminal gangs, and non-state armed groups.
• This large-scale violence is fueled by a spiral of attacks and retaliations affecting a significant part of the population. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives each year since 2018, causing substantial losses of assets, weakening institutional and socioeconomic infrastructures, and leaving communities without livelihoods. Over 200,000 people have fled their homes, and approximately 60,000 fled to the neighbouring Niger Republic.
• From 16 November-30 December 2021 recorded a displacement of 969,757 people in the Northcentral and Northwest geopolitical zones. 39% of the affected population was from the Northwest, of which 18% were from Katsina representing the highest percentage of the affected States.

General Position Summary

• This role will support the implementation of the EU-funded pilot program titled ‘Conflict mitigation and community reconciliation in Northwest Nigeria. The project will be implemented through a Consortium led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with Mercy Corps (MC), and the Center for Democracy and Development( CDD)
• Katsina has been experiencing multiple dimensions of conflict, including farmer-herder strife, and acts of Banditry. While the conflict has many factors, it is rooted in the increased competition over land tenure and mismanagement of natural resources. The lack of or unimplemented policy frameworks on land access, resource use, and weak dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as a broader absence of social protection, have created a vacuum contributing to lawlessness and conflict.
• The conflict had its epicentre in Zamfara, however, with a false narrative, the subsequent mobilization of vigilante groups along ethnic and community lines and impunity, and increased access to light weapons, the conflict escalated to Katsina.
• Coupled with repeated and lethal cycles of communal violence and wider human rights violations and abuses, especially against women and girls.
• This proposed pilot project will complement the Government's efforts in conflict mitigation and community reconciliation by promoting an inclusive peace-building process in Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, and Kankara LGAs in Katsina State.
• The project’s overall objectiveis to reduce community violence, promote locally-driven peace initiatives, and mitigate conflicts over natural resources in Katsina State of Northwest Nigeria.
• The project will contribute to strengthening the capacity of communities and local governments to manage their resources sustainably; reinforce their social cohesion; and build more resilient households and societies through the establishment of dialogue mechanisms inclusive of all social groups and authorities, provision of mental health and psychosocial support and the strengthening of the local governance system
• The Programme Manager (PM) will provide overall leadership, technical oversight, management, and strategic vision of the project while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program is on time, on scope, and within budget.
• The PM will supervise key program staff and ensure high program quality. She/He will be responsible for ensuring strict adherence to internal Mercy Corps policies and procedures as well as donor rules and regulations.
• The PM will be Mercy Corps’ focal point between consortium partners and external with relevant government entities, partners, other implementers, and external stakeholders.
• The PM will work closely with the Director of Programmes, the program team, and support departments to ensure effective program coordination and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance, and accountability

Essential Job Responsibilities
Strategy and Vision:

• Contribute to Mercy Corps Nigeria countrywide and regional conflict management, peacebuilding, and governance strategy development
• Contribute to the collective vision and direction for the Northwest project to achieve the highest level of impact.
• Ensure high quality of the project through innovation, active pursuit of lessons learned, adaptability to changing dynamics, and integration of related programming for increased impact.
• Collaborate with other internal agency units to drive forward quality and innovation of MCN conflict management programming in NW Nigeria.

Programme Management & Quality Oversight:

• Provide leadership and strategic vision to conflict mitigation technical components of the project, including work plan development, conflict and stakeholder analysis, mediation, peacebuilding, civic engagement and advocacy training and partnerships 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.
• Ensure the program is on time, on scope, and within budget
• Structure his/her team to ensure that all program aspects meet the highest programmatic standards and adhere to industry norms/regulations.
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with the consortium partners and external organizations to ensure leveraging of each organization’s technical expertise and connections in NW Nigeria.
• Work with HQ and field experts to design robust implementation strategies for each component of the program.
• Ensure the monitoring of all grant agreements for compliance with Mercy Corps policies and procedures as well as donor/government/external rules and regulations.
• Oversee the performance of consultants and contractors.
• Set up and maintain a strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning system to ensure that all program aspects are documented and archived according to internal/donor requirements
• Ensure the program is in alignment with Mercy Corps’ principles, values, and the program’s strategic plan.
• Ensure all program management minimum standards are met (including risk management, and issues management).
• Ensure optimal integration of all program components for maximum impact.
• Coordinate the implementation of program activities in all locations; ensure implementation of activities is on-time, on-scope, and on budget using effective management systems to reach desired impacts.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely reporting according to Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
• Identify and manage links with existing and planned donor interventions that promote governance and peacebuilding in target communities in Kastina State.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners, and aligned with Mercy Corps principles, values, and strategic plan.
• Ensure effective technical oversight and collaboration with others to implement the project activities.
• Support the design and implementation of relevant surveys, need assessments, data, and information collection for ongoing monitoring and learning.
• Organize and conduct monitoring visits to the project sites and host visitors and donors, as needed.

Team Management:

• Create a work atmosphere of mutual respect conducive for professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels.
• Implement, and ensure all staff members are effectively using the performance planning and management system, establishing performance expectations, and regularly providing constructive feedback.
• Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees and ensuring that supervisory staff personnel does the same.
• Recruit new program staff as necessary, and ensure that program staff receives necessary inductions and training (including program management certification where required).
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options, and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes
• Draft and/or review scopes of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.

Finance & Compliance Management:

• Ensure all internal control procedures are adhered to and that necessary measures are put in place to ensure high standards of accountability and compliance.
• Proactively develop and implement budget scenarios at key program implementation stages to ensure timely spending of funds by donor requirements.
• Ensure all internal and external reports are produced to donor and Mercy Corps standards.

Programme Support:

• Coordinate with program, finance, and administration staff to ensure operational systems are in place to support field activities (including logistics, procurement, security, administration, and human resources).

Influence & Representation:

• Represent Mercy Corps to government, donors, NGOs, and other relevant events at the national and regional levels. Coordinate activities with partners, government, and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps global staff.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
• Design and pursue research initiatives designed to increase the evidence base around Mercy Corps conflict management, peacebuilding, and governance programming, and other related areas.

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.

Security:

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
• Work closely with Mercy Corps Nigeria country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its implementation process.

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:

• Mercy Corps NW project team.

Accountability Reports Directly to:

• Director of Programmes. Works directly with Program teams, Finance Department, MEL, Operations, Security, Program Quality Team (PaQ) Global TSU Peace and Governance team.

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/M.SC or equivalent experience in international relations, development, management, peacebuilding, or another relevant field.
• Strong management skills, with good knowledge of relevant cross-cultural issues.
• Five 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, with particular expertise in dialogue, women’s and youth empowerment, transitional justice, and advocacy approaches.
• 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.
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local stakeholders, host government officials, and local and international partners
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is a plus.

Success Factors

• A successful Program Manager will combine exceptional management skills and technical peacebuilding expertise. S/he will be able to develop, implement and manage a large, multi-sectorprogram.
• S/he will have a strong spirit of participatory management and mentorship, with a strong ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel and build the capacity of individual staff and teams.
• The PM will have a demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and process information for effective adaptive management simultaneously across multiple programs.
• 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 is based in the Kastina metropolis, Kastina State and it requires frequent travel to other project field locations, as well as Abuja.
• Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in term seems of accommodation and logistics.
• Housing in the field will be in hotels or guesthouses where available. Security in the field location 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 are 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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges.
• We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
• We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

• Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have a sustained global impact.
• We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all.
• We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics:

• Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members.
• As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Salary Level
Grade Level 7.

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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 the 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 assist to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, and livelihoods.
• Northwest Nigeria is currently experiencing a complex crisis and high violence perpetrated by numerous armed actors, including clashes between farmers and herders, criminal gangs, and non-state armed groups. This large-scale violence is fueled by a spiral of attacks and retaliations affecting a significant part of the population.
• The conflict has claimed thousands of lives each year since 2018, causing substantial losses of assets, weakening institutional and socioeconomic infrastructures, and leaving communities without livelihoods. Over 200,000 people have fled their homes, and approximately 60,000 fled to the neighbouring Niger Republic. From 16 November-30 December 2021 recorded a displacement of 969,757 people in the Northcentral and Northwest geopolitical zones. 39% of the affected population was from the Northwest, of which 18% were from Katsina representing the highest percentage of the affected States.

General Position Summary

• This role will support the implementation of the EU-funded pilot program titled ‘Conflict mitigation and community reconciliation in Northwest Nigeria. The project will be implemented through a Consortium led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with Mercy Corps (MC), and the Center for Democracy and Development( CDD)
• Katsina has been experiencing multiple dimensions of conflict, including farmer-herder strife, and acts of Banditry. While the conflict has many factors, it is rooted in the increased competition over land tenure and mismanagement of natural resources. The lack of or unimplemented policy frameworks on land access, resource use, and weak dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as a broader absence of social protection, have created a vacuum contributing to lawlessness and conflict.
• The conflict had its epicentre in Zamfara, however, with a false narrative, the subsequent mobilization of vigilante groups along ethnic and community lines and impunity, and increased access to light weapons, the conflict escalated to Katsina. Coupled with repeated and lethal cycles of communal violence and wider human rights violations and abuses, especially against women and girls. This proposed pilot project will complement the Government's efforts in conflict mitigation and community reconciliation by promoting an inclusive peace-building process in Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, and Kankara LGAs in Katsina State.
• The project’s overall objective is to reduce community violence, promote locally-driven peace initiatives, and mitigate conflicts over natural resources in Katsina State of Northwest Nigeria.
• The project will contribute to strengthening the capacity of communities and local governments to manage their resources sustainably; reinforce their social cohesion; and build more resilient households and societies through the establishment of dialogue mechanisms inclusive of all social groups and authorities, provision of mental health and psychosocial support and the strengthening of the local governance system
• The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and 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 by accepted standards, and 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 reviewing and developing 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 provide 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, by existing Mercy Corps DM&E guidelines.
• Ensure regular reporting to the Consortium MEL 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, and reflection sessions 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 systems to support data collection, reflection, analysis, and reporting needs.
• Ensure quality control procedures and accuracy of entered data and compare 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 regularly and ensuring 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 is applying MC guidance and policies appropriately and promptly

Technical Support:

• Maintain an up-to-date database that reflects progress through TolaData (including disaggregated beneficiary counts) and donor indicators
• Play a 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, and GIS).
• Coordinate assessments, evaluations, and monitoring surveys in the area of operation.

Documentation, Reporting, and Learning:

• Regularly document program data analysis summaries, and evaluations and provide evidence-based information, and other high-quality, results-based documentation.
• Produce quality program reports and support program teams to review and improve the quality of reporting.
• Visit sites and partners to collect supplementary data, and 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 processes across programs.

Additional Tasks:

• Ensure regular communication, coordination, and reporting with the Consortium MEL 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 toward robust and relevant data collection.
• Work with MEL and IT staff to maximize the value and utility of technology initiatives for effective MEL.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None

Accountability Reports Directly to:

• Programme Manager works closely with the Country MEL Manager, project field teams, Communications team, and Consortium Coordinator.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA / BSc in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, or another similar field; MA/MS/MBA in similar fields or equivalent is also preferred.
• At least 4 years of experience in development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation or other learning efforts is required.
• Past or current experience with conducting MEL for peacebuilding is preferable.
• Should understand concepts and demonstrate skills in monitoring and evaluation, results frameworks/program logic, 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 is preferable.
• Experience with digital or technology platforms for the program and MEL-related activities
• Strong ability to work across teams.
• Communicates well with remote collaborators.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is a plus.

Success Factors

• S/he will be capable of multi-tasking, and 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 the Kastina metropolis, Kastina State and it requires frequent travel to other project field locations in Kastina 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 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 are 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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges.
• We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

• Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have a sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all.
• We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

• Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
• We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

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The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will provide overall leadership, technical oversight, management, and strategic vision of the project while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program is on time, on scope, and within budget. The SPO is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of program activities in her/his respective area. S/he will ensure that the community-level engagement approach is systematic, replicable, and adheres to a participatory process to involve, empower, and engage citizens and key stakeholders in conflict prevention and response across the target areas cost-effectively and sustainably that seamlessly builds on previous programs and consortium partner strengths.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Program Support

• Participate in the planning, implementation, and review of the project, including assessment and adaptation of improvements and innovations.
• Ensure quality and integrity of implementation, including compliance with Mercy Corps policies and Minimum Standards and adherence to technical guidelines, administrative systems, and established deadlines.
• Ensure implementation of activities is on time, within target and budget, using effective systems to ensure the achievement of the overall goal and objectives of the project within the target communities.
• Oversee and consolidate regular weekly reporting functions, and ensure data is fed into the project’s database accurately and rapidly.
• Work with Consortium partners to plan, organize and conduct quality community training, sessions and document the process.
• Act as a liaison and facilitator between MC target communities and relevant authorities, building community representatives’ capacity to engage in effective dialogue.
• Strengthen local-level networking and coordination with relevant local structures, CSOs, INGOs, media, and Government Departments involved in peacebuilding interventions, including relationship-building with religious leaders of diverse faiths.
• Strengthen community-based peace structures, support locally-led peace initiatives, and reinforce communication and collaboration with community-level stakeholders.
• Provide field-level oversight role for referral of project ideas/programming strands to other MC Nigeria sectors (currently, Humanitarian, Resilience and early recovery, market development, and Livelihoods), and ensure appropriate cross-communication throughout the project process.
• Conduct quarterly review meetings with the field-based program team to assess contextual changes and adapt strategies to evolving dynamics.
• Maintain regular communications with key stakeholders to gauge perceptions, tensions, and potential triggers
• Expand local partner networks, foster linkages to local government, civil society coalitions, and businesses, and build wider public support for peacebuilding.
• Ensure internal regulations regarding Program Management at Mercy Corp Corps (PM@MC), including, program verification through to financial and signatory approval are followed, making suggestions for improvements to PM.
• In collaboration with the Monitoring Evaluation and Learning team, ensure ongoing monitoring and timely reporting on the project progress.
• Oversee the performance of consultants and contractors.
• Ensure the program is in alignment with Mercy Corps’ principles, values, and the program’s strategic plan.
• Ensure all program management minimum standards are met (including risk management, and issues management).
• Productively participate in planning sessions and reviews called by Consortium lead/partners.
• Implement and model Mercy Corps’ philosophy of social entrepreneurship and leverage Mercy Corps’ best practices.
• Lead the facilitation of all community dialogues and meetings for Mercy Corps activities.

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 and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to field programming.

Influence and Representation

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

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that you and other field team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies

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: Program Officers

Accountability Reports Directly to the Program Manager. Works directly with the entire project team, Finance Department, MEL, Operations, Security, Global TSU Peace and Governance team.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/Sc. in relevant field or another similar field; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred in peacebuilding, development, management, economics, or another relevant field.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience in progressively responsible positions, preferably in conflict management, peacebuilding, and/or natural resources management.
• 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.
• Willingness to travel throughout the different project areas.
• Experience in conducting training and workshops is desirable.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation is an advantage.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports in English, knowledge of Hausa is a plus.

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The Natural Resource Management (NRM) Advisor will provide strategic advice, analysis, and direction to the communities, and local governance structures on a range of NRM-related issues concerning policy, management and development, land & water use, environment and conservation, and research and development. The NRM Advisor will lead, monitor and report on the climate approaches and NRM compliance. He/she will lead project formulation and implementation to ensure that climate and NRM  requirements are met. The NRM Advisor will lead the identification and establishment of natural resource management committees and will work closely in synergy with the Senior Program Officer to identify and implement immediate conflict prevention or mitigation measures, such as the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure along transhumance corridors. Also, the NRM Advisor will be the custodian of community action plans which lays the foundation for the implementation of social cohesion and infrastructure projects by collaborating closely with the Infrastructure Advisor who leads the final execution of specific community projects. The NRM Advisor in collaboration with the communications team will disseminate key findings and lessons learned in research briefs, white papers, and reports.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning 

• Lead in the design, implementation, and interpretation of the community natural resource maps, and communicate the key findings and implications to internal and external audiences.
• Ensure timely provision of strategic technical advice including the appropriate documentation and dissemination of processes and results to the program team, community stakeholders, and external partners.
• Contribute to conducting community-level natural resource situational analysis and dissemination to stakeholders. Carry out documentation of best practices.
• Assist to develop and institute a simple yet robust NRM monitoring plan.

Capacity building

• Assess training needs of project staff, government staff, and beneficiaries; develop appropriate training curriculum, training material, and support training implementation.
• Provide technical backstopping to the project staff in NRM, particularly in the areas of planning and implementing community-based natural resource management initiatives, and development of operational action plans.
• Contribute to developing technical guidelines, manuals, handbooks, and information materials relevant to project implementation and building capacity of project staff, government staff, and community beneficiaries.

Program Implementation

• Support in the identification of the targeted intervention sites and program participants and help formulate indicative project activities. Coordination of the overall site selection process for all on-the-ground interventions (in consultation with stakeholders)
• Review costed community action plans for implementation.
• Support the development of ToRs of technical consultancies related to the subject matter.

Programme Quality Oversight

• Review of national, and local policy and legislative frameworks related to land use planning (including the possibility of conservation/restoration), commodity production, water management, and sustainable forest management; identification of trends and opportunities for change;
• Review of relevant past and ongoing initiatives for lessons learned and synergies;
• Profiling of the delineated project landscape, including working with the state governments e.g. Land & Survey, Forestry sectors on mapping current land use and natural resource management;

Technical Leadership

• Provide safeguard and gender implementation support to the project and wider program team to enhance project and initiative quality and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures, including advice on improving implementation to meet project targets and compliance.

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 for the project at both Local and State levels as delegated.

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 Programme Manager and works closely with the Senior MEL Officer, Senior Program Officer, Infrastructural Advisor, Technical Support Unit: Climate, and PAQ.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum BA/S in relevant field or another similar field; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred in, Natural Resources Management, Environment Sciences, related Biological Management, or other related fields.
• Minimum of 4 years of working experience in a similar context and issues.
• Familiarity with global and localized climate change priorities, standards, and compliance requirements
• Familiarity with global NRM and climate frameworks that can be adopted for the management of local resource-related issues.
• Good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues in a highly insecure environment.
• Previous experience in implementation, monitoring, and evaluating sustainable NRM management.
• Demonstrated capability in policy formulation.
• Expertise in forestry, water, and land management and development.
• Understanding of national and regional/global issues related to NRM.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to motivate, inspire and promote teamwork in an interdisciplinary, multicultural, context.
• Experience in supporting institutional capacity building.
• 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.
• Strong negotiation and coordination skills.
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is a plus.