GBLCAREERS

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 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 and north-east Nigeria and Lagos. Our work covers the following sectors: economic development, livelihoods/food security, adolescent girls & boy’s empowerment, financial resilience, conflict management 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.

Program Summary

Since the late 1990s, Mercy Corps has managed over 100 peacebuilding projects in over 30 countries and regions, making Mercy Corps a true leader in the field. We currently implement 34 peacebuilding programs globally. In Nigeria, Mercy Corps is implementing several conflict management programs focused on reducing violent conflict between farmer and pastoralist communities and increasing peace between religious groups in the Middle Belt, and preventing participation in violent extremism in North East of Nigeria.

Mercy Corps is currently expanding its project “Engaging Communities for Peace in Nigeria (ECPN)”, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This two-year extension of ECPN project aims to build the capacity of influential local CSOs with mandates in peacebuilding and conflict management/mitigation. The two-year extension will enable Mercy Corps to guide NE-based CSOs through the full cycle of capacity building and project management while utilizing an experiential approach that encourages learning-by-doing. By the end of the project, ECPN will have built a network of local partners with the capacity to apply for grants from international donors and implement high-quality peacebuilding programs. This increased local capacity will enable greater local ownership of peacebuilding initiatives, and ensure more impactful and cost-efficient investments that can be sustained over the longer-term.

General Position Summary

The Organizational Capacity Building Advisor (OCB Advisor) will support the development, implementation and review of capacity building activities for Mercy Corps Nigeria’s local partners under the ECPN project. The position is based in Abuja with frequent travel to the North East States. The position requires a strong background in institutional capacity development of CSOs, experience with conflict and civil society development programs, and a sound understanding of general program implementation in challenging environments.

The OCB Advisor is responsible for the development and/or context appropriate refinement and adaptation of training elements, modules and tools to ensure high quality organizational development and growth for local partners. This includes leading facilitative processes to assess partners’ capacity strengths and gaps, and using results to design targeted skills building programs. S/he will work with national staff to develop and implement trainings, support peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and strengthen organizational systems and structures for ECPN’s partners. S/he will also help oversee a Small Grants Fund for partners to apply new knowledge and skills by designing, implementing and evaluating small projects. The OCB Advisor works in coordination with the program team and support team for smooth program implementation.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Partner Capacity building

• Provide strategic program guidance and technical support for the CSO capacity building portion of the program, through provision of support to field staff and partner organizations as required and in coordination with the Project Manager.
• Develop strong relationships with partner organizations.
• Supervise the capacity assessment of identified organizations using Mercy Corps’ Organizational Capacity Index (OCI) tool.
• Using OCI findings, support partner organizations to create capacity development plans.
• Refine organizational development tools and recommend best approaches for partner capacity development based on existing Mercy Corps knowledge and experience.
• Develop and/or refine existing CSO capacity building curricula to fit local context and capacity.
• Deliver and/or oversee delivery of training to build partner capacity and technical competencies.
• Support peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and peer mentorship opportunities, including field site visits and learning events.
• Provide technical guidance to develop/strengthen partner organization’s administrative and financial management systems and structures.
• Support the establishment of Small Grants Fund to allow local partners to utilize the ‘learning by doing’ approach and prepare them for larger funding processes.
• Provide training for project staff and ensure that their capacity and technical competence is built and improved.
• Support the incorporation of conflict sensitive and gender approaches into civil society organizations and their activities.
• Abide by all security protocols and assist in ensuring their implementation by other staff.

REPRESENTATION

• Represent Mercy Corps to partner organizations and donors.
• Liaise as needed with other relevant Mercy Corps staff to ensure programmatic synergies.
• Make recommendations regarding establishing, maintaining and building partnerships with CBOs and promoting the growth of civil society.

OTHER

• Other duties as assigned.

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, Engaging Communities for Peace in Nigeria (ECPN)

Works Directly with: ECPN program team, partner organizations, Governance and Partnerships TSU, and other Mercy Corps staff.

Knowledge and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in social science, international development or other relevant field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience and proven high-level competence in working with NGO/INGO capacity building programs, ideally in relief and/or post-conflict settings.
• An understanding of the status of CSOs in Nigeria and the challenges to strengthening the capacities of civil society is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of, and experience with organizational development of CSOs in challenging environments and an ability to inform the content and method of organizational development training.
• Proven track record in staff and stakeholder training and capacity building.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of conflict mitigation, peace building and negotiation is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of gender-related activities.
• Strong leadership, communication and project management skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with Excel and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability as a collaborator.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English required.

Success Factors

A successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles and cultures, follow procedures, and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving. S/he will have a proven ability to learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, and be accountable for results, understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details, problem solving, work within a complex and sensitive setting and to follow laws and security protocols. The most successful Mercy Corps team 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.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position will be based in Abuja with travel to program sites in the North East. Security in Abuja is generally good, although there are times when security is an issue. Housing, health care, water, electricity and consumer goods are all reasonably accessible and there are good international and domestic travel options from Abuja Airport.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/short term assignment to a field posting. Staff 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.

Apply Here

Closing date: 26 Jul 2017