Program Assistant – Conflict at Mercy Corps Nigeria

Mercy Corps Nigeria implements a variety of programs with the ultimate goal of building productive, secure and just communities. The organization’s programs are implemented in twelve states, mainly in North West and North East Nigeria and Lagos. Our work covers the following sectors: economic development, livelihoods/food security, adolescent girls & boys empowerment, financial resilience, conflict mitigation and humanitarian response. Common themes include community engagement, inclusive development, gender, and working in partnership with local government, the private sector and civil society actors.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Assistant – Conflict

Reference Number: MDG/HUMOPS/2019/00062
Location: Maiduguri and Biu – Borno

Program / Department Summary

The MAIDA programme will directly support the recovery of at least 70,000 women, men, girls and boys who are returnees, IDPs and members of host communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in southern and central Borno State
The objective of MAIDA is to increase the social cohesion and resilience to economic, social and climate related shocks in Borno State in an environmentally-conscious way. Four interrelated and mutually reinforcing intermediate outcomes will contribute to achieving this objective
First, MAIDA will restore and improve rural livelihoods in an ecologically sustainable manner by enabling households to take advantage of existing and new agricultural market opportunities
In parallel, adolescents and youth will be empowered as economic actors in their communities through access to employment, diversified livelihood opportunities, vocational training and business development initiatives
These outcomes will be reinforced by improved access to social protection and community-based services for women, youth, adolescent breadwinners and other at-risk groups
Finally, overall, social cohesion will be strengthened within and between conflict-affected communities and environmental resource; management will be improved in areas of displacement and return
Sectors of intervention will include market-led and climate-smart livelihood and employment opportunities, vocational training for youth, social and economic protection and community reintegration and peacebuilding
Economic recovery activities will build resilience through Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) market systems-based models, reducing poverty by enhancing the ways that poor and vulnerable households interact with markets.

General Position Summary

The Program Assistant supports the Program Officer in the planning and administration of conflict activities – including supporting the work of Community Resilience Groups, training on conflict mitigation, overseeing the implementation of social integration events and the implementation of community resilience plans
S/He will be responsible for supporting the implementation of strategic, impactful, and high-quality programming
The Program Assistant will report to the Program Officer, and work collaboratively with fellow program staff
S/he will work extensively with other sectors of the project to ensure that all activities are implemented successfully and timely.

Essential Job Functions

Provide administrative and program support to Programme Officer.
Facilitate community mobilization activities.
Support the community in the selection of social integration events, ensuring that all sectors of the community are represented in such events.
Support the implementation of community resilience plans.
With support from his/her supervisor, develop weekly and monthly work plans.
With support from his/her supervisor, develop monthly reports.
Support training session in the field.
Watch and report on any new needs arising in the project target areas.
Adhere 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;
Lead on program administrative task such filling, photocopying, scanning and printing
Other duties as assigned.

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.

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.

Accountability:

Supervisory Responsibility: None
Reports Directly To: Program Officer – Conflict
Works Directly With: Other program Officers and assistants in the program

Knowledge and Experience

Educational qualification in relevant field required (Sociology, Psychology, Economics and Business Administration)
1 year of experience working on the development, implementation, administration and compliance of a field-based international development or humanitarian programs required.
Ability to prepare concise reports.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria.
Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local stakeholders.
Excellent oral, written and computer skills.
Fluency in English, Hausa and Kanuri/Bura is required.

Success Factors:

The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary
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.
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 MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions: