Job Opportunities at Mercy Corps, 20th December 2019

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.

We are recruiting to fill the positions below:

 

Job Title: Technology for Development (T4D) Advisor

Reference Number: ABV/PRO/2019/0041
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Position Status Full-time, Regular

Program / Department Summary

  • Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and its influence spreads across the continent. Yet, inequality and insecurity have consistently undermined Nigeria’s development. Mercy Corps Nigeria was established in 2012 to respond to these challenges.
  • The Nigeria team is headquartered in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with offices throughout Nigeria. With a strong and growing team of over 200 staff, Mercy Corps is currently serving over 600,000 beneficiaries across the country with programming in Lagos in the South; Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau in the Middle Belt; Kano, Yobe and Borno in the North.
  • Programs include girls’ education and financial inclusion, community peacebuilding, market-based livelihoods and a multi-sector humanitarian response that has a strong emphasis on WASH, Shelter, Cash and Protection. With the vision of a Nigeria in which all people are empowered, engaged, resilient and secure, Mercy Corps Nigeria focuses on the root causes of conflict, governance, humanitarian response, and market systems development.
  • Working with a diverse funding base that includes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UK Department for International Development (DFID), United Nations (UN), European Commission (EC), European Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), Global Affairs Canada (FKA DFATD), and several foundations, Mercy Corps empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good.
  • Mercy Corps is starting a five-year, $30 million USAID-funded Rural Resilience Activity in Nigeria’s northeast. The purpose of the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) is to sustainably move people out of chronic vulnerability and poverty. The Rural Resilience Activity will enable individuals and communities to engage in strong and sustainable market systems rather than continuing to rely on humanitarian assistance and faltering with each new shock.

General Position Summary

  • The T4D (Technology for Development) Advisor will be responsible for the technical leadership, expert support, and capacity building aspects of the technology of the Rural Resilience Activity and team.
  • S/he will closely work with the (Deputy) Chief of Party and program leadership team to in developing and implementing strategies for the use of technology in project activities, management systems, and monitoring evaluation and learning.
  • The T4D advisor is an advocate and conduit for the adoption and use of digital technology within the program.
  • The advisor is responsible for leading the way in digital inclusion and building capacities of teams to have full engagement in pursuing tech-based services to project participants including but not limited to financial services, agricultural advisory services, market linkages etc.
  • S/he will be an innovative outside the box thinker in championing technology in the project where every team member and project participant is an ‘applied technologist’, comfortable experimenting with and using ICTs in their program work.  Ultimately, the role will drive Rural Resilience Activity’s work to maximize the use of digital technology for greater impact.
  • The advisor ensures the tech proposed mechanism is fit for purpose, runs smoothly, and promotes staff awareness and engagement.
  • S/he will be responsible in the design of project interventions, partnership development, representation of the project and Mercy Corps in key technology forums and events, and staying current on industry innovation and best practices.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Strategy & Vision:

  • Provide technology-related advice and guidance to the RRA Activity team in the development and execution of project activities.
  • Develop and maintain an understanding technology requirements and opportunities that can be adapted/contextualized for application across interventions under the RRA, and support (Deputy) CoP and other technical areas within the program in relation to these requirements and opportunities”
  • Lead in developing an ICT4D strategy of the RRA.
  • Advise project management on current and leading technology and the potential benefits.
  • Assist in, or lead the design of, new technology applications and their associated models for sustainability and scalability where possible.

Program Management:

  • Work closely with thematic area leads including financial services, market systems, youth, resilience, and MEL to ensure the use of the right technologies for greater impact.
  • Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Program Management at Mercy Corps (PM@MC) and other relevant principles, values, quality standards and strategy.
  • Take leadership in identifying and addressing program quality needs. Collaborate with theme leads and program leadership to solve problems.
  • Co-design and co-implement technical solutions with RRA teams
  • Working with program leadership and field teams to design and implement advanced and innovative technological solutions to key problems.
  • Manage and/or coordinate with local implementing partners.
  • Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.
  • Lead relevant T4D related communications with key program stakeholders and implementing partners, and work to drive strong, open and sustained communication channels throughout the function”

Team Management:

  • Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
  • Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
  • Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

Finance & Compliance Management:

  • Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.
  • leading any technology-related procurement processes with service Integrators, service providers, and/or technology partner
  • Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.
  • Maintain accurate knowledge of the grant/funding status at the end of each month, making recommendations to adjust as necessary, but overall ensure Mercy Corps accurate budget compliance.

Influence & Representation:

  • Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Chief of Party and country leadership.
  • Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub-grantees, private sector partners, tech service providers, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
  • Represent Mercy Corps externally at relevant conferences, workshops and other convenings.
  • Develop strategic technology partnerships, bring external ICT4D resources and innovations into the project.
  • Influencing, negotiating, providing technical information to a non-technical audience

Security:

  • Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
  • Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

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.
  • Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • None

Accountability:

  • Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
  • Works Directly With: Deputy Chief of Party, Program technical specialists, MEL Manager, Country Program Development and Quality Director, Country MEL Manager, IT team, Global T4D team

Knowledge and Experience

  • BA required and Master’s Degree preferred in a related field.
  • 5+ years working in development or related field OR 4+ years’ experience were combined with an advanced degree.
  • 3+ years’ experience in technology, project management, and related business; increasing levels of responsibilities preferred.
  • Experience developing nascent technology concepts and moving them into implementation.
  • Knowledge of user experience design methodologies would be advantageous but not essential.
  • Experience in program measurement, fluency in GIS systems, analysis and recommendations/arguments.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Spoken and written proficiency in English;
  • Ability to facilitate meetings, effective presenter and open collaborator.

Success Factors

  • The ideal candidate will be able to recognize promising concepts and lead their development into full-fledged technology implementations at scale. The advisor must take a lead role in building and maintaining external relationships as well as demonstrating the drive and initiative to contribute to internal team efforts.
  • S/he will have the capacity to spark innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to programming and to inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs.
  • Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem-solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. 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.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letters in one document, addressing the position requirements, reference number and location to: ng-recruitment.nigeria@mercycorps.org

Note

  • All applications must include the position title and reference number in the subject line
  • Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.
  • We are an equal employment opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position

 

Job Title: Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Research Consultant

Location: Borno (Remote and Maiduguri, with travel to Dikwa, Damboa, Gwoza, Konduga)

Background

  • Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on humanitarian assistance, economic development, and conflict mitigation With the ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria causing the displacement of millions, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs
  • As the crisis persisted, Mercy Corps’ strategy expanded to address the root causes of the conflict and to build long-term community resilience with integrated programs focusing on governance, livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, youth empowerment, and local conflict management.

Program / Objectives:

  • The Northeast Conflict Management and Stabilization (NE-CMS) Program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to reduce violence and insecurity in Borno State
  • The program started in August 2016 and is set to continue until July 2021
  • It is currently being implemented by a consortium of national and international partners, including the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), and Okapi Consulting, with Mercy Corps as the lead.

The NE-CMS program seeks to improve peace and resilience among communities in the face of drivers of conflict and violence in Borno State. As such, the program envisions the following underlying results:

  • Citizens are more civically engaged, and civilian government and security forces are more transparent and inclusive in addressing community needs around service delivery and protection
  • Communities and citizen security forces have improved capacities to protect civilians in conflict
  • Communities demonstrate improved trust and social cohesion within and between actors at the local level
  • Local decision-making spaces and peacebuilding processes are equitable and inclusive of marginalized social groups, especially youth and women

Consultant Objectives:

  • With the ongoing formal and informal reintegration of individuals associated with armed opposition groups (AOGs) into communities across Borno State, the Nigerian government and international actors are increasingly investing in ‘demobilization rehabilitation reintegration and reconciliation’ (DRRR) mechanisms and approaches, such as Operational Safe Corridor and radio messaging programs to promote returns
  • Nonetheless, these programs have largely failed to consider local community perspectives and tend to prioritize de-radicalization and rehabilitation, while sidelining important processes around transitional justice and reconciliation
  • As such, Mercy Corps is conducting research to assess community expectations associated with transitional justice practices
  • The findings will inform overall policy advocacy at the state and national levels on issues of transitional justice and are likely to serve as a roadmap for future programming on peacebuilding and reconciliation by the NE-CMS consortium partners or other actors.

Specifically Mercy Corps expects this consultancy to:

  • Assess community perceptions of existing government and NGO-sponsored DRRR and justice mechanisms for individuals associated with AOGs, and those associated with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other civilian security groups
  • Understand how communities expect existing and planned DRRR and justice mechanisms will affect their communities
  • Understand community attitudes towards different retributive and restorative justice approaches, and how they would like them to be implemented in their communities
  • Assess community perceptions on the preconditions for reconciliation with individuals associated with AOGs
  • Identify prospects for addressing trauma alongside DRRR and justice mechanisms, and what additional approaches (including radio programming) may need to be integrated to ensure that both social cohesion and psychosocial health are nurtured in the long-term.

Consultant Activities
The Consultant will:

  • Consult with the NE-CMS team to clarify objectives, scope, and methodologies
  • Conduct a desk study of existing research on prospects for transitional justice and reconciliation in Borno
  • Develop relevant qualitative data collection tools and approaches aimed at promoting the established objectives
  • Conduct fieldwork to collect data, including visits to the LGAs
  • Report on findings and analysis, including a briefing presentation to Mercy Corps staff and consortium partners

Deliverables

  • Kickoff Report (6th Jan)
  • Summary Report of Desk Study (10th Jan)
  • Final Assessment Methodology, including Data Collection Tools and Work Plan (14th Jan)
  • Field Work (31st Jan)
  • Preliminary Analysis Presentation (5th Feb)
  • Draft Report (14th Feb)
  • Final Report, approximately 30 pages, plus annexes (21st Feb)

Total Level of Effort:

  • Estimated 32 days.

Required Experience & Skills
The ideal Consultant will have the following experience and skills:

  • Advanced Degree in Development, Social Sciences or other related fields
  • 5-10 years of experience conducting social research, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa or other developing country contexts
  • Demonstrated skills in applied research and qualitative research methods
  • Extensive experience working for international non-governmental organizations
  • Extensive experience working in and conducting research in conflict contexts
  • Deep knowledge of transitional justice and DDR literature and practices
  • Experience working in rural areas in Nigeria, particularly in the northeast
  • Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently without close supervision, but also cooperatively with team members
  • Demonstrated ability to explain research findings, both visually and in writing
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Good organizational skills and ability to work under time constraints
  • Fluency in written and spoken English; proficiency in Hausa or Kanuri strongly preferred

The Consultant will report to:

  • Program Manager, NE-CMS

The Consultant will work closely with:

  • NE-CMS Consortium Partners.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter indicating the following below to: mdg-procurement@mercycorps.org using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

  • Technical Proposal
  • Statement of Technical Expertise, including descriptions of 3 similar past projects (no more than 2 pages total)
  • Proposed Methodology, including recommended assessment tools and methods
  • Proposed Work Plan
  • CVs for Key Personnel
  • Cost Proposal, detailing daily consultant fees and other required costs.

 

Job Title: Technology for Development (T4D) Advisor

Reference Number: ABV/PRO/2019/0041
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Position Status Full-time, Regular

Program / Department Summary

  • Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and its influence spreads across the continent. Yet, inequality and insecurity have consistently undermined Nigeria’s development. Mercy Corps Nigeria was established in 2012 to respond to these challenges.
  • The Nigeria team is headquartered in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with offices throughout Nigeria. With a strong and growing team of over 200 staff, Mercy Corps is currently serving over 600,000 beneficiaries across the country with programming in Lagos in the South; Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau in the Middle Belt; Kano, Yobe and Borno in the North.
  • Programs include girls’ education and financial inclusion, community peacebuilding, market-based livelihoods and a multi-sector humanitarian response that has a strong emphasis on WASH, Shelter, Cash and Protection. With the vision of a Nigeria in which all people are empowered, engaged, resilient and secure, Mercy Corps Nigeria focuses on the root causes of conflict, governance, humanitarian response, and market systems development.
  • Working with a diverse funding base that includes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UK Department for International Development (DFID), United Nations (UN), European Commission (EC), European Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), Global Affairs Canada (FKA DFATD), and several foundations, Mercy Corps empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good.
  • Mercy Corps is starting a five-year, $30 million USAID-funded Rural Resilience Activity in Nigeria’s northeast. The purpose of the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) is to sustainably move people out of chronic vulnerability and poverty. The Rural Resilience Activity will enable individuals and communities to engage in strong and sustainable market systems rather than continuing to rely on humanitarian assistance and faltering with each new shock.

General Position Summary

  • The T4D (Technology for Development) Advisor will be responsible for the technical leadership, expert support, and capacity building aspects of the technology of the Rural Resilience Activity and team.
  • S/he will closely work with the (Deputy) Chief of Party and program leadership team to in developing and implementing strategies for the use of technology in project activities, management systems, and monitoring evaluation and learning.
  • The T4D advisor is an advocate and conduit for the adoption and use of digital technology within the program.
  • The advisor is responsible for leading the way in digital inclusion and building capacities of teams to have full engagement in pursuing tech-based services to project participants including but not limited to financial services, agricultural advisory services, market linkages etc.
  • S/he will be an innovative outside the box thinker in championing technology in the project where every team member and project participant is an ‘applied technologist’, comfortable experimenting with and using ICTs in their program work.  Ultimately, the role will drive Rural Resilience Activity’s work to maximize the use of digital technology for greater impact.
  • The advisor ensures the tech proposed mechanism is fit for purpose, runs smoothly, and promotes staff awareness and engagement.
  • S/he will be responsible in the design of project interventions, partnership development, representation of the project and Mercy Corps in key technology forums and events, and staying current on industry innovation and best practices.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Strategy & Vision:

  • Provide technology-related advice and guidance to the RRA Activity team in the development and execution of project activities.
  • Develop and maintain an understanding technology requirements and opportunities that can be adapted/contextualized for application across interventions under the RRA, and support (Deputy) CoP and other technical areas within the program in relation to these requirements and opportunities”
  • Lead in developing an ICT4D strategy of the RRA.
  • Advise project management on current and leading technology and the potential benefits.
  • Assist in, or lead the design of, new technology applications and their associated models for sustainability and scalability where possible.

Program Management:

  • Work closely with thematic area leads including financial services, market systems, youth, resilience, and MEL to ensure the use of the right technologies for greater impact.
  • Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Program Management at Mercy Corps (PM@MC) and other relevant principles, values, quality standards and strategy.
  • Take leadership in identifying and addressing program quality needs. Collaborate with theme leads and program leadership to solve problems.
  • Co-design and co-implement technical solutions with RRA teams
  • Working with program leadership and field teams to design and implement advanced and innovative technological solutions to key problems.
  • Manage and/or coordinate with local implementing partners.
  • Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.
  • Lead relevant T4D related communications with key program stakeholders and implementing partners, and work to drive strong, open and sustained communication channels throughout the function”

Team Management:

  • Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
  • Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
  • Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

Finance & Compliance Management:

  • Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.
  • leading any technology-related procurement processes with service Integrators, service providers, and/or technology partner
  • Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.
  • Maintain accurate knowledge of the grant/funding status at the end of each month, making recommendations to adjust as necessary, but overall ensure Mercy Corps accurate budget compliance.

Influence & Representation:

  • Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Chief of Party and country leadership.
  • Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub-grantees, private sector partners, tech service providers, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
  • Represent Mercy Corps externally at relevant conferences, workshops and other convenings.
  • Develop strategic technology partnerships, bring external ICT4D resources and innovations into the project.
  • Influencing, negotiating, providing technical information to a non-technical audience

Security:

  • Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
  • Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

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.
  • Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • None

Accountability:

  • Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
  • Works Directly With: Deputy Chief of Party, Program technical specialists, MEL Manager, Country Program Development and Quality Director, Country MEL Manager, IT team, Global T4D team

Knowledge and Experience

  • BA required and Master’s Degree preferred in a related field.
  • 5+ years working in development or related field OR 4+ years’ experience were combined with an advanced degree.
  • 3+ years’ experience in technology, project management, and related business; increasing levels of responsibilities preferred.
  • Experience developing nascent technology concepts and moving them into implementation.
  • Knowledge of user experience design methodologies would be advantageous but not essential.
  • Experience in program measurement, fluency in GIS systems, analysis and recommendations/arguments.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Spoken and written proficiency in English;
  • Ability to facilitate meetings, effective presenter and open collaborator.

Success Factors

  • The ideal candidate will be able to recognize promising concepts and lead their development into full-fledged technology implementations at scale. The advisor must take a lead role in building and maintaining external relationships as well as demonstrating the drive and initiative to contribute to internal team efforts.
  • S/he will have the capacity to spark innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to programming and to inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs.
  • Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem-solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. 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.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letters in one document, addressing the position requirements, reference number and location to:ng-recruitment.nigeria@mercycorps.org

 

Job Title: Youth Engagement Officer

Reference Number: ABV/PRO/2019/0042
Locations: Gombe, Damaturu-Yobe  &  Biu – Borno
Position: Status Full-time, Regular

Program / Department Summary

  • Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and its influence spreads across the continent. Yet, inequality and insecurity have consistently undermined Nigeria’s development. Mercy Corps Nigeria was established in 2012 to respond to these challenges. The Nigeria team is headquartered in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with offices throughout Nigeria. With a strong and growing team of over 200 staff, Mercy Corps is currently serving over 600,000 beneficiaries across the country with programming in Lagos in the South; Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau in the Middle Belt; Kano, Yobe and Borno in the North. Programs include girls’ education and financial inclusion, community peacebuilding, market-based livelihoods and a multi-sector humanitarian response that has a strong emphasis on WASH, Shelter, Cash and Protection. With the vision of a Nigeria in which all people are empowered, engaged, resilient and secure, Mercy Corps Nigeria focuses on the root causes of conflict, governance, humanitarian response, and market systems development.
  • Working with a diverse funding base that includes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UK Department for International Development (DFID), United Nations (UN), European Commission (EC), European Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), Global Affairs Canada (FKA DFATD), and several foundations, Mercy Corps empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good. Mercy Corps is starting a five-year, $30 million USAID-funded Rural Resilience Activity in Nigeria’s northeast. The purpose of the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) is to sustainably move people out of chronic vulnerability and poverty. The Rural Resilience Activity will enable individuals and communities to engage in strong and sustainable market systems rather than continuing to rely on humanitarian assistance and faltering with each new shock.

General Position Summary

  • The Youth Engagement Officer will be responsible for implementing all aspects of youth integration and engagement strategies aimed at ensuring that interventions result in positive outcomes for male and female participants of different target age groups.
  • S/he will have overall responsibility for building team members’ and partners’ capacity on promising practices to youth-centred.
  • S/he will provide field and office-based support to the Youth Engagement Advisor.
  • S/he will work closely with the technical teams in the implementation of strategies to link youth to informal and formal life skills training, access to services and products, and markets.
  • The position will support the training of staff, the provision of technical assistance; and ensuring that youth engagement strategies are mainstreamed across activities.

Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Lead the implementation of youth engagement interventions across sectors of the Rural Resilience Activity
  • Lead and work with the technical team in the implementation of youth engagement strategies focusing on business and life skills training and mentorship, capacity building and increased participation in markets.
  • Participate in youth-led market research to inform program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Work with technical teams including financial services and market systems development to identify the private sector actors to promote, advocate and build capacity on the benefits of engaging youth as clients, suppliers and employees, and effective methods of doing this.
  • Work closely with markets and financial services teams to identify and promote sectors, services and products that have a high potential for growth and youth engagement.
  • Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
  • Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
  • Build the capacity of the RRA team and partner organizations’ in youth-friendly market systems development approach.
  • Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Chief of Party and country leadership.
  • Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub-grantees, private sector partners, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
  • Represent Mercy Corps externally at relevant conferences, workshops and other convenings.

Security:

  • Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
  • Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

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.
  • Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • Supervises: none
  • Reports Directly To: Youth Engagement Advisor
  • Works Directly With: (Deputy) Chief of Party, Program technical specialists/Officers, MEL team, partners, finance and operations teams

Knowledge and Experience

  • BA required and Master’s Degree preferred in a related field.
  • 3+ years working in designing and delivering youth engagement activities in markets systems, agribusiness and enterprise development
  • Ability to foster commitment and build capacity among project team and partners around gender and youth development.
  • A clear understanding of contemporary development issues particularly those related to economic opportunities for youth
  • Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills
  • Spoken and written proficiency in English;
  • Ability to facilitate meetings, effective presenter and open collaborator.

Success Factors:

  • The ideal candidate will be results orientated, self-motivated and have demonstrated analytical skills.
  • The ideal candidate will be familiar with market-based agricultural programs targeting youth and will demonstrate cultural knowledge and sensitivity, while also demonstrating skills and ability to provide incentives and capacities for market actors working with youth and offer technical assistance on youth engagement across project partners.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letters in one document, addressing the position requirements, reference number and location to: ng-recruitment.nigeria@mercycorps.org

 

Job Title: Consultant for Business Development Training

Location: Borno

Program / Department Summary

  • The MAIDA programme will directly support the recovery of women, men, girls and boys who are returnees, IDPs and members of host communities affected by the conflict 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. Four interrelated and mutually reinforcing intermediate outcomes will contribute to achieving this objective.

Youth Livelihood

  • Mercy Corps is Providing economic opportunities for youth in Borno as it is vital to maintain stability, support inclusive economic growth and increase young people’s sense of belonging that they can achieve their ambitions.
  • In addition to strengthening resilience of communities to the effects of the conflict, increasing access to finance Which may also reduce the success of one of Boko Haram’s recruitment strategies: providing access to cash or loans for youth to grow their businesses.
  • Under this component of the MAIDA programme, 6,400 youth in areas of return will be provided with the opportunity to earn income, attain vocational and business development skills, access finance and benefit from safe spaces where they can receive psycho-social support and training in life skills and reproductive health.

Scope of Work

  • Based on the program objectives, the consultant is to organize comprehensive Business Development Training for Program staff in Borno State.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Develop an extensive training manual for the business development training
  • The training manual should be developed to suite training of non-literates
  • Organize a Training of Trainers for 25 persons a period of 11 days:
    • 4 days for manual development
    • 5 days for training
    • 2 days for report writing
  • Develop an agenda for training

Key Deliverables:

  • Comprehensive work plan and agenda submitted a week before the training
  • Budget covering all cost
  • Timeline to conduct the training.
  • A training manual on business development skills in the English Language, not exceeding 50 pages in length.
  • Train Staff on business development skills
  • A comprehensive Workshop Report submitted to MCN a week after the training using an acceptable outline, and format

Place of Performance:

  • The consultant will carry out his assignment in Borno state

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Abilities

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience in conducting similar training
  • Experience working with international Non-governmental and civil society organization
  • Reports of written for past work done
  • Sample of Business manual done before
  • At least five years’ experience in doing related works
  • Familiar with the terrine

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications in a single folder with the following contents below to: mdg-procurement@mercycorps.org using the “Job Title” as the subject of the email.

  • Mentioning the desired daily rate
  • CV detailing previous training experience and highlighting training’s related to business development.

Vendor Information to be Included in the Proposal

  • CV
  • Company profile
  • Evidence of both past and current jobs done
  • Evidence of past reports for similar services provided
  • Sample manual used before

 

Job Title: Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Research Consultant

Location: Borno (Remote and Maiduguri, with travel to Dikwa, Damboa, Gwoza, Konduga)

Background

  • Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on humanitarian assistance, economic development, and conflict mitigation With the ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria causing the displacement of millions, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs
  • As the crisis persisted, Mercy Corps’ strategy expanded to address the root causes of the conflict and to build long-term community resilience with integrated programs focusing on governance, livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, youth empowerment, and local conflict management.

Program / Objectives:

  • The Northeast Conflict Management and Stabilization (NE-CMS) Program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to reduce violence and insecurity in Borno State
  • The program started in August 2016 and is set to continue until July 2021
  • It is currently being implemented by a consortium of national and international partners, including the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), and Okapi Consulting, with Mercy Corps as the lead.

The NE-CMS program seeks to improve peace and resilience among communities in the face of drivers of conflict and violence in Borno State. As such, the program envisions the following underlying results:

  • Citizens are more civically engaged, and civilian government and security forces are more transparent and inclusive in addressing community needs around service delivery and protection
  • Communities and citizen security forces have improved capacities to protect civilians in conflict
  • Communities demonstrate improved trust and social cohesion within and between actors at the local level
  • Local decision-making spaces and peacebuilding processes are equitable and inclusive of marginalized social groups, especially youth and women

Consultant Objectives:

  • With the ongoing formal and informal reintegration of individuals associated with armed opposition groups (AOGs) into communities across Borno State, the Nigerian government and international actors are increasingly investing in ‘demobilization rehabilitation reintegration and reconciliation’ (DRRR) mechanisms and approaches, such as Operational Safe Corridor and radio messaging programs to promote returns
  • Nonetheless, these programs have largely failed to consider local community perspectives and tend to prioritize de-radicalization and rehabilitation, while sidelining important processes around transitional justice and reconciliation
  • As such, Mercy Corps is conducting research to assess community expectations associated with transitional justice practices
  • The findings will inform overall policy advocacy at the state and national levels on issues of transitional justice and are likely to serve as a roadmap for future programming on peacebuilding and reconciliation by the NE-CMS consortium partners or other actors.

Specifically Mercy Corps expects this consultancy to:

  • Assess community perceptions of existing government and NGO-sponsored DRRR and justice mechanisms for individuals associated with AOGs, and those associated with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other civilian security groups
  • Understand how communities expect existing and planned DRRR and justice mechanisms will affect their communities
  • Understand community attitudes towards different retributive and restorative justice approaches, and how they would like them to be implemented in their communities
  • Assess community perceptions on the preconditions for reconciliation with individuals associated with AOGs
  • Identify prospects for addressing trauma alongside DRRR and justice mechanisms, and what additional approaches (including radio programming) may need to be integrated to ensure that both social cohesion and psychosocial health are nurtured in the long-term.

Consultant Activities
The Consultant will:

  • Consult with the NE-CMS team to clarify objectives, scope, and methodologies
  • Conduct a desk study of existing research on prospects for transitional justice and reconciliation in Borno
  • Develop relevant qualitative data collection tools and approaches aimed at promoting the established objectives
  • Conduct fieldwork to collect data, including visits to the LGAs
  • Report on findings and analysis, including a briefing presentation to Mercy Corps staff and consortium partners

Deliverables

  • Kickoff Report (6th Jan)
  • Summary Report of Desk Study (10th Jan)
  • Final Assessment Methodology, including Data Collection Tools and Work Plan (14th Jan)
  • Field Work (31st Jan)
  • Preliminary Analysis Presentation (5th Feb)
  • Draft Report (14th Feb)
  • Final Report, approximately 30 pages, plus annexes (21st Feb)

Total Level of Effort:

  • Estimated 32 days.

Required Experience & Skills
The ideal Consultant will have the following experience and skills:

  • Advanced Degree in Development, Social Sciences or other related fields
  • 5-10 years of experience conducting social research, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa or other developing country contexts
  • Demonstrated skills in applied research and qualitative research methods
  • Extensive experience working for international non-governmental organizations
  • Extensive experience working in and conducting research in conflict contexts
  • Deep knowledge of transitional justice and DDR literature and practices
  • Experience working in rural areas in Nigeria, particularly in the northeast
  • Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently without close supervision, but also cooperatively with team members
  • Demonstrated ability to explain research findings, both visually and in writing
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Good organizational skills and ability to work under time constraints
  • Fluency in written and spoken English; proficiency in Hausa or Kanuri strongly preferred

The Consultant will report to:

  • Program Manager, NE-CMS

The Consultant will work closely with:

  • NE-CMS Consortium Partners.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter indicating the following below to: mdg-procurement@mercycorps.org using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

  • Technical Proposal
  • Statement of Technical Expertise, including descriptions of 3 similar past projects (no more than 2 pages total)
  • Proposed Methodology, including recommended assessment tools and methods
  • Proposed Work Plan
  • CVs for Key Personnel
  • Cost Proposal, detailing daily consultant fees and other required costs.

 

Job Title: Consultant for Business Development Training

Location: Borno

Program / Department Summary

  • The MAIDA programme will directly support the recovery of women, men, girls and boys who are returnees, IDPs and members of host communities affected by the conflict 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. Four interrelated and mutually reinforcing intermediate outcomes will contribute to achieving this objective.

Youth Livelihood

  • Mercy Corps is Providing economic opportunities for youth in Borno as it is vital to maintain stability, support inclusive economic growth and increase young people’s sense of belonging that they can achieve their ambitions.
  • In addition to strengthening resilience of communities to the effects of the conflict, increasing access to finance Which may also reduce the success of one of Boko Haram’s recruitment strategies: providing access to cash or loans for youth to grow their businesses.
  • Under this component of the MAIDA programme, 6,400 youth in areas of return will be provided with the opportunity to earn income, attain vocational and business development skills, access finance and benefit from safe spaces where they can receive psycho-social support and training in life skills and reproductive health.

Scope of Work

  • Based on the program objectives, the consultant is to organize comprehensive Business Development Training for Program staff in Borno State.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Develop an extensive training manual for the business development training
  • The training manual should be developed to suite training of non-literates
  • Organize a Training of Trainers for 25 persons a period of 11 days:
    • 4 days for manual development
    • 5 days for training
    • 2 days for report writing
  • Develop an agenda for training

Key Deliverables:

  • Comprehensive work plan and agenda submitted a week before the training
  • Budget covering all cost
  • Timeline to conduct the training.
  • A training manual on business development skills in the English Language, not exceeding 50 pages in length.
  • Train Staff on business development skills
  • A comprehensive Workshop Report submitted to MCN a week after the training using an acceptable outline, and format

Place of Performance:

  • The consultant will carry out his assignment in Borno state

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Abilities

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience in conducting similar training
  • Experience working with international Non-governmental and civil society organization
  • Reports of written for past work done
  • Sample of Business manual done before
  • At least five years’ experience in doing related works
  • Familiar with the terrine

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications in a single folder with the following contents below to: mdg-procurement@mercycorps.org using the “Job Title” as the subject of the email.

  • Mentioning the desired daily rate
  • CV detailing previous training experience and highlighting training’s related to business development.

Vendor Information to be Included in the Proposal

  • CV
  • Company profile
  • Evidence of both past and current jobs done
  • Evidence of past reports for similar services provided
  • Sample manual used before

 

Job Title: Youth Engagement Officer

Reference Number: ABV/PRO/2019/0042
Locations: Gombe, Damaturu-Yobe  &  Biu – Borno
Position: Status Full-time, Regular

Program / Department Summary

  • Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and its influence spreads across the continent. Yet, inequality and insecurity have consistently undermined Nigeria’s development. Mercy Corps Nigeria was established in 2012 to respond to these challenges. The Nigeria team is headquartered in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with offices throughout Nigeria. With a strong and growing team of over 200 staff, Mercy Corps is currently serving over 600,000 beneficiaries across the country with programming in Lagos in the South; Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau in the Middle Belt; Kano, Yobe and Borno in the North. Programs include girls’ education and financial inclusion, community peacebuilding, market-based livelihoods and a multi-sector humanitarian response that has a strong emphasis on WASH, Shelter, Cash and Protection. With the vision of a Nigeria in which all people are empowered, engaged, resilient and secure, Mercy Corps Nigeria focuses on the root causes of conflict, governance, humanitarian response, and market systems development.
  • Working with a diverse funding base that includes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UK Department for International Development (DFID), United Nations (UN), European Commission (EC), European Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), Global Affairs Canada (FKA DFATD), and several foundations, Mercy Corps empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good. Mercy Corps is starting a five-year, $30 million USAID-funded Rural Resilience Activity in Nigeria’s northeast. The purpose of the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) is to sustainably move people out of chronic vulnerability and poverty. The Rural Resilience Activity will enable individuals and communities to engage in strong and sustainable market systems rather than continuing to rely on humanitarian assistance and faltering with each new shock.

General Position Summary

  • The Youth Engagement Officer will be responsible for implementing all aspects of youth integration and engagement strategies aimed at ensuring that interventions result in positive outcomes for male and female participants of different target age groups.
  • S/he will have overall responsibility for building team members’ and partners’ capacity on promising practices to youth-centred.
  • S/he will provide field and office-based support to the Youth Engagement Advisor.
  • S/he will work closely with the technical teams in the implementation of strategies to link youth to informal and formal life skills training, access to services and products, and markets.
  • The position will support the training of staff, the provision of technical assistance; and ensuring that youth engagement strategies are mainstreamed across activities.

Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Lead the implementation of youth engagement interventions across sectors of the Rural Resilience Activity
  • Lead and work with the technical team in the implementation of youth engagement strategies focusing on business and life skills training and mentorship, capacity building and increased participation in markets.
  • Participate in youth-led market research to inform program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Work with technical teams including financial services and market systems development to identify the private sector actors to promote, advocate and build capacity on the benefits of engaging youth as clients, suppliers and employees, and effective methods of doing this.
  • Work closely with markets and financial services teams to identify and promote sectors, services and products that have a high potential for growth and youth engagement.
  • Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
  • Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
  • Build the capacity of the RRA team and partner organizations’ in youth-friendly market systems development approach.
  • Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Chief of Party and country leadership.
  • Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub-grantees, private sector partners, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
  • Represent Mercy Corps externally at relevant conferences, workshops and other convenings.

Security:

  • Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
  • Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

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.
  • Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • Supervises: none
  • Reports Directly To: Youth Engagement Advisor
  • Works Directly With: (Deputy) Chief of Party, Program technical specialists/Officers, MEL team, partners, finance and operations teams

Knowledge and Experience

  • BA required and Master’s Degree preferred in a related field.
  • 3+ years working in designing and delivering youth engagement activities in markets systems, agribusiness and enterprise development
  • Ability to foster commitment and build capacity among project team and partners around gender and youth development.
  • A clear understanding of contemporary development issues particularly those related to economic opportunities for youth
  • Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills
  • Spoken and written proficiency in English;
  • Ability to facilitate meetings, effective presenter and open collaborator.

Success Factors:

  • The ideal candidate will be results orientated, self-motivated and have demonstrated analytical skills.
  • The ideal candidate will be familiar with market-based agricultural programs targeting youth and will demonstrate cultural knowledge and sensitivity, while also demonstrating skills and ability to provide incentives and capacities for market actors working with youth and offer technical assistance on youth engagement across project partners.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: ng-recruitment.nigeria@mercycorps.org

 

Note

  • All applications must include the position title and reference number in the subject line
  • Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.
  • We are an equal employment opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

 

Application Deadline  27th December, 2019.