Program Assistants at Mercy Corps Nigeria

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.  In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action - helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Now, and for the future.  Mercy Corps has worked in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its programming on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic development, conflict mitigation, and humanitarian response.

We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:

Job Title: Program Assistant

Location: Dikwa or Ngala LGA - Borno State

Program/Department Summary

• With the insurgency affecting North East Nigeria and displacing millions of people, Mercy Corps is expanding its humanitarian programming to support the conflict-affected population in Borno.
• In response to the ongoing crisis, Mercy Corps is scaling-up food security, non-food items, nutrition, protection, livelihoods, and water sanitation hygiene (WASH) activities in Dikwa, Ngala, and Jere Local Government Areas in Borno State to address emergency needs.

General Position Summary

• Mercy Corps is looking for a strong Program Assistant responsible for ensuring the logistics, distributions, registration, reporting and overall monitoring in Dikwa and Ngala.
• The position is to be based in Dikwa or Ngala.

Essential Job Functions

• Daily management of the finance Assistant(s) in Maiduguri office
• Oversee daily cash count with the assistant finance officer
• Manage the month end accounting close process, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the ledger and all supporting documentation in all country offices.
• Primary responsibility for maintaining the general ledger software files, including set up and maintenance of new project accounts, regular back-up of files, etc.
• Review and upload data to the general ledger
• Receives all monthly field projections and prepares revenue recognition entries and other final closing journal entries
• Enter, post and maintain filing of monthly journal entries and prepares month end balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Oversee the maintenance of all accounting records, ensuring that records are complete, accurate and safeguarded
• Assist in the training and support staff in the field office including answering daily questions, training new hires, making field visits, etc.
• Monitor cash and bank balances and coordinate monthly cash flow requests
• Assist the Finance Manager in responding to audit inquiries at the field level
• Conduct monitoring plan to lessen financial and compliance risks at beneficiary sites
• Review field financial reports for correctness and completeness and ensure that reports are submitted on time.
• Follow up on all compliance issues, audits and document resolutions.
• Maintain tracking as well as financial files in accordance with the Field Finance Manual.
• Process payments and reconcile financial tracking to general ledger reports.
• Conduct him/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to mercy corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission
• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by Mercy Corps Country Program.
• Proactively ensure that 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.

Knowledge and Experience

• Preferably a Diploma or its equivalent.
• At least 2 years’ relevant experience, ideally in commodities tracking, warehousing and distribution of goods. 
• Experience working for an international NGO is preferred
• Applicant must have solid skills in data entry and close attention to detail. 
• Well-developed computer skills with strong familiarity of databases (MS Access), Microsoft Word and Excel are preferred
• Familiarity with USAID Food rules and regulations is an advantage
• Candidate must also possess an ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Good experience and skills in distribution management is fundamental.
• Good experience with NGOs and food programs is a good advantage.
• Ability to communicate fluently verbally and in writing in English Hausa, and preferably also in Kanuri

Success Factors:

• The successful candidate will be capable of multi-tasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, drive and a lot of energy, as well as high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring 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.
• In particular, the successful candidate will be willing to travel to locations such as Dikwa and Ngala according to the needs of the Mercy Corps program.
• This will mean sometimes staying and working in stressful environments with very basic living conditions, strictly following security protocols at all times and sometimes working long and irregular hours.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Application Closing Date
6th January, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit CV and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: [email protected]
Or
Drop off application in a sealed envelope with the position boldly written to:
Mercy Corps Nigeria,
Plot 119, NUJ Street,
New GRA Bama Road,
Maiduguri,
Borno State.       

Note

• All applications must include the position title in the subject line and not more than 4 pages.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• We are an equal opportunity organization and we strongly encourage women to apply for this position.