Project Officer at Oxfam Nigeria

Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organizations (affiliates) committed to creating a just world without poverty. In Nigeria Oxfam works in the areas of Economic Justice/Sustainable Livelihoods, Humanitarian Programming to save lives, Advancing Gender Justice and Good Governance, adopting a right based approach.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Officer

Requisition ID: 11041
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Family: Programme

Overall Objective

Supervise the implementation of the TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects in Nigeria, promoting transparency and accountability of the public and private sector.
Support on action and evidence based research, and influencing strategies under the TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects and ensure their contribution to Oxfam’s overall efforts in the reduction of poverty and inequality in the country; and in strengthening the social contract between citizens and their government at national and subnational levels.
Facilitate initiatives with TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects’ partners to strengthen the effective implementation of the two projects in Nigeria

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Strategic Development:
Supervise TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects’ activities in Nigeria, with Nigerian partners:

Work with other program teams in the design and implementation of Oxfam’s private and public sector transparency and accountability program.
In conjunction with the country team support in the development and implementation of action and evidence-based research agenda that will support Oxfam’s influencing strategy in Nigeria, at regional and global levels.
Participate & contribute to efforts of the country team in promoting the state-of-the-art behavioural insights strategies for cost-effective results of Oxfam’s influencing strategy.
Support the building of strong and effective partnerships with stakeholders from the public, private, and civil society sectors and suggest ways of synergy with the TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects.
Work with other program teams to ensure that Oxfam’s influencing strategy is gender-sensitive and promotes the full and equal participation of women.
Promote Oxfam’s reputation as a thought leader and influencer in strengthening social contract, public fiscal management, coperate social accountability, with special focus on the extractives sector’s transparency and accountability framework.

Institutional Fundraising:

Support the Coordinator in developing financially healthy projects related to the strategic theme for submission to potential donors:
Support the Coordinator with ideas on building strong networks with donors to generate interest in funding Oxfam programs.

Project Management:
The cost-effective management of TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects in Nigeria:

Facilitate the implementation of TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects in order to create verifiable social impact and value for money for Oxfam and donors.
Ensure Oxfam quality and compliance standards and the integration of good practices within the TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects in close liaison with Oxfam’s technical advisers from the team in the Abuja office, i.e. the Gender Officer, the Program Quality and Development Officer, Finance, Logistics, MEALSA and other support staff.
Ensure Oxfam’s gender justice and gender mainstreaming in the full cycle of TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects and guarantee verifiable result achievement related to Oxfam’s gender objectives.
Support TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects’ partners in strengthening their capacity to implement projects and achieve results.

Partnership Management:
Support Oxfam’s partnership approach related to TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects, including work with coalitions and networks:

Support the facilitation of cooperation with civil society organizations (including non-implementing partners), the private and public sector, media, philanthropic, academic and other knowledge institutions.
Support the mobilization of technical assistance for TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects’ partners and ensure high quality programming.
Support networks that promote Oxfam’s work within the thematic areas of the TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects; Especially support the collaboration with private and public actors towards achieving greater impact of the projects.
Support opportunities for synergies between the TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects and other Oxfam initiatives on transparency and accountability in Nigeria as well as within the region and on global level.
Represent the Coordinator at the various TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects coordination platforms at national and regional levels ensuring compatibility with overall commitments and policy/project priorities.

Financial Management:

Support partners to effectively manage TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects’ finances at community level
Ensure effective partner usage of TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects’ budget with value for money criteria, with special focus on compliance, quality control, and risk management.
Support other country team in the design of proposals and budgets for fund raising purposes.

Reporting, Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Social Accountability:

Monitor and evaluate the cost-effective implementation of TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects across project communities, and promote lessons learned among the country team and stakeholders.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, mid-term and annual reports and share with the Coordinator.
Work closely with the MEALSA team to ensure adequate tracking of indicators as agreed in the project plans and provide technical information for donor reporting in a timely manner.
Carry out regular monitoring visits to TAP2 and Ford Foundation projects’ partners and implementation sites and verify output(s) and outcomes indicated in progress reports submitted to the Coordinator.

People Management:

Ensure that all partner staff on the two projects are aware of and abide by the agreed key protocols and principles (e.g. Code of Conduct, Expense Policy, Integrity, Frau-Prevention, People in Aid, and others).

Education, Experience and Competence
Essential:

First Degree or equivalent in Political Sciences, Economics, Financial Management, Law or other relevant qualification.
2 – 3 years’ experience in implementing good governance, social control, cooperate social responsibility projects.
Knowledge of behavioural science, evidence-based research methods and influencing strategies.
Proven experience in project cycle management, with ability to ensure consistent quality against standards and to implement effective monitoring and evaluation systems to assess and adjust performance.
Very good understanding of Nigeria’s public policy processes including budgeting and citizens engagement.
Ability of working with networks, coalitions and in complex and diverse partnership approaches across the spectrum of Oxfam’s work, including innovative approaches to capacity strengthening of partner organizations and coordination structures.
Good knowledge of and experience with donor funding and excellent financial management skills, with experience of project budgeting, controlling, and financial risks.
Politically astute, with high impact influencing and persuasive skills and personal gravitas to gain respect, build and maintain strong, credible relationships, with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
Strong organisational and personal management skills, with ability to prioritise work issues to meet deadlines with minimal supervision and adjust to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery and follow-through.
Strong analytical skills and experience using a computerised information management system (Ms. Word, Excel etc.).
Commitment to policies and experience of promoting women’s rights and the interests of marginalized people in all aspects of work.
Understanding of and commitment to One Program Approach (linking development & influencing work).