Graduate Program Assistant - Conflict Management and Stabilization 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Assistant - Conflict Management and Stabilization

Location: Borno

Program / Department Summary

• The Northeast Conflict Management and Stabilization (NE CMS) Program is an expansion from a pilot phase implemented from August 2016 to March 2017. The program is implemented in a consortium with multiple partners both international and national with Mercy Corps being the lead. The program will result in increased peace within and between communities, and increased confidence in government and security institutions to address the root causes of conflict and violent extremism in Borno State.
• The consortium will strengthen protection of civilians, support social cohesion, address the root causes of violent extremism and contribute to conflict management in Northeast Nigeria by: a) strengthening government and civil-society efforts to address key grievances; b) increasing economic and social engagement opportunities for youth; c) promoting reconciliation and transitional justice at a community level; d) supporting civilian protection and improving civil-military relations; e) laying the groundwork for successful reintegration of former members of violent groups, their victims and IDPs; and f) promoting positive alternative narratives through radio.

General Position Summary

• The Program Assistant will provide all required logistics, procurement, administrative and general program support.
• This will also include providing capacity building support and maintenance of all operational systems, as well as supporting the program with the development of relationships with government, NGOs, and private sector partners.

Essential Job Functions
Programmatic:

• Assist program officers to track program progress according to the developed schedule and work plan, including community mobilization, beneficiary registration, community sensitization and coordination in the target geographical locations.
• Assist in promoting community participation including organizing for community meetings and inclusion so as to encourage community ownership over activities implemented and ensure equal representation of various community groups during implementation.
• Conduct program related messaging to ensure the messages developed address the current knowledge and practices gaps, messages channels are in line with those most commonly used by the communities.
• Support the Program Officers in conducting trainings to Mercy Corps community volunteers and committees on community sensitization and messages delivery.
• Attend coordination meetings, whenever delegated.
• Together with the Program Officer, ensure inclusion of protection principles like gender segregation, adaptation to meet the gender-specific and disablement needs, in the design and implementation of the program.
• Organize and conduct focus group discussion on program related topics.

Operational:

• Maintain procurement, financial, and administrative systems
• Provide ongoing support in maintaining these systems, problem-solving, and functioning as a focal point for communications with operations, human resources and finance team.
• Facilitate and organize all required meetings with internal departments as well as external contacts to communicate accurate and up-to-date information as and when required
• Assist in organizing all logistics for trainings, workshops, events and other activities including flight bookings and procuring office supplies.
• Assist in maintaining of work calendars (internal and external).
• Take meeting minutes and circulate to identify recipient lists as and when required.
• Assist in development of TORs and contracts for events and consultancies.

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.

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: Program Manager
• Works Directly With: Finance, Program and Operation Teams.

Knowledge and Experience

• 1-2 years of working experience. Previous experience in community work 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; fluency in Hausa is required.

Success Factors

• 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.

Application Closing Date
3rd January, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should should send their CV's and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: [email protected] All applications must include the position title in the subject line and not more than 4 pages.

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview and we are an equal opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.