Program Manager Conflict Mitigation and Stabilization- Nigeria

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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.
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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 Manager (PM) will provide overall leadership, technical oversight, management and strategic vision of the NE CMS program while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program meets its targets and deliverables on-time, on-scope and within budget. The PM will supervise key program staff and ensure high program quality. The PM will be responsible for ensuring strict adherence to internal Mercy Corps policies and procedures as well as donor rules and regulations. The PM will manage the consortium and represent it to donors, relevant government entities, partners, other implementers and external stakeholders with support from the Director of Northeast Programs. The PM will work closely with the Director of Northeast Programs, the program team and support departments to ensure effective program coordination and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance and accountability.

Essential Job Functions:

STRATEGY AND VISION

• Contribute to Mercy Corps Nigeria countrywide and regional conflict management and C/PVE strategy development.

• In consultations with all consortium partners set joint vision and direction for the NE CMS program to achieve highest level of impact.

• Ensure high quality of the program through innovation, active pursuit of lessons learned, adaptability to changing dynamics, and integration of related programming for increased impact.

• Collaborate with other internal agency units to drive forward quality and innovation of MCN conflict management and C/PVE programming in NE Nigeria.

Program Management

• Ensure program is on-time, on-scope and within budget.
• Structure his/her team to ensure that all program aspects meet the highest programmatic standards and adhere to industry norms/regulations.
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with consortium partners to ensure leveraging each organization's technical expertise and connections in NE Nigeria.
• Work with HQ and field experts to design robust implementation strategies for each component of the program.
• Ensure the monitoring of all grant agreements for compliance with Mercy Corps policies and procedures as well as donor/government/external rules and regulations.
• Oversee the performance of sub-grantees, consultants and contractors.
• Set up and maintain a strong monitoring, evaluation and learning system to ensure that all program aspects are documented and archived according to internal/donor requirements.
• Ensure the program is in alignment with Mercy Corps' principles, values and the program's strategic plan.
• Ensure all program management minimum standards are met (including risk management, issues management).

• Ensure optimal integration of all program components for maximum impact.

• Coordinate the implementation of program activities in each of the ten target LGAs and 30 communities; ensure implementation of activities is on-time, on-scope and on-budget using effective management systems to reach desired impacts.

• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely reporting according to Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.

• Identify and manage links with existing and planned donor interventions that promote countering violent extremisms and peacebuilding in target communities in Borno State.

• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners, and aligned with Mercy Corps principles, values and strategic plan.

• Work closely with local NGO partners and identify new ones to implement some of NE CMS activities.

• Support the design and implementation of relevant surveys, need assessments, data and information collection for on-going monitoring and learning.

• Organize and conduct monitoring visits to the project sites and host visitors and donors, as needed.

Team Management

• Recruit a program team and ensure that program staff receive necessary inductions and training (including program management certification where required).
• Create a work atmosphere of mutual respect conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels.
• Implement, and ensure all staff members are effectively using, the performance planning and management system, establishing performance expectations and regularly providing constructive feedback.
• Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees and ensuring that supervisory staff personnel do the same.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• Draft and/or review scopes of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget.

Finance & Compliance Management

• Ensure all internal control procedures are adhered to and that necessary measures are put in place to ensure high standards of accountability and compliance.
• Proactively develop and implement budget scenarios at key program implementation stages to ensure timely spending of funds in accordance with donor requirements.
• Ensure all internal and external reports are produced to donor and Mercy Corps standards.

Programme Support

• Coordinate with program, finance and administration staff to ensure operational systems are in place to support field activities (including logistics, procurement, security, administration and human resources).

Influence & Representation

• Represent Mercy Corps to government, donors, NGOs and other relevant events at national and regional level.
• Coordinate activities with partners, sub-grantees, government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps global staff.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
• Design and pursue research initiatives designed to increase the evidence base around Mercy Corps conflict management programming, integrated peacebuilding, countering/preventing violent extremism, and other related areas.

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.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
• Work closely with Mercy Corps Nigeria country team's security focal point to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its implementation process.

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: technical staff and consultants.

Accountability

Reports Directly to: Director of Northeast Programs.

Works Directly With: Program teams, Finance Department, MEL, Operations, Security, Program Quality

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/Msc or equivalent in international development, management, economics or other relevant field. Strong management skills, with good knowledge of relevant cross-cultural issues.
• Five years of management experience in progressively responsible positions, preferably in conflict management, peacebuilding and/or C/PVE technical areas.
• Experience leading the implementation of multi-sector integrated projects.
• Ability to work independently in the field and show initiative. Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a wide range of actors required.
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local stakeholders, host government officials, and local and international partners.

Success Factors

A successful Program Manager will combine exceptional management skills and experience in maintaining donor and partner relationships. S/he will be able to develop, implement and manage a large, multi-sector program. The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel and experience in building the capacity of individual staff and teams. The PM will have a demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and process information in support of changing program activities if 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 The position will be based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria and it requires frequent travel to other field locations as well as Abuja. Considering the frequent travel from/to different field locations, this position will require flexibility in terms of accommodation and logistics. Housing in the field will be in hotels or guesthouses where available. Security in the field locations require additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services in the field is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.

The location is eligible for hardship and R&R benefits. Given the nature of the response, working hours require flexibility and working through weekends/evenings might be necessary.

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