Program / Department Summary
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 of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. As the crisis has persisted, Mercy Corps’ strategy has also expanded to address the root causes of the conflict and seek to build the long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on governance, the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, youth empowerment, and local conflict management. The Nigeria country program has grown considerably over the last few years, and is now the fifth largest Mercy Corps country program, with a mixed grant and programming portfolio.
The Northeast Conflict Management and Stabilization (NE-CMS) Program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to improve security and reduce support for violence in Borno State in Northeast Nigeria. Following two previous phases of the program starting in August 2016, the NE-CMS program is expected to enter Phase III in August 2019 for an additional two-year implementation period, which is expected to result in:
Improved engagement of citizens and willingness of civilian government and security forces to meet community needs around service delivery and protection
Improved protection of communities from intentional and unintentional harm caused by armed opposition groups and militias
Enhanced trust and social cohesion within and between actors at the community-level
Enhanced equity and inclusion of marginalized social groups, especially women and youth, in spaces for decision making and peacebuilding
General Position Summary
NE-CMS is implemented by a consortium of four international and four local partners specializing in peacebuilding and conflict management. As the lead agency, Mercy Corps recognizes that true partnership is characterized by strong, holistic relationships based on trust. Long-lasting, honest relationships hold significant value to Mercy Corps Nigeria’s work and run deeper than the time-bound nature of specific projects. We acknowledge that the success of our partnerships is rooted in the attitudes and actions of our team members, and their ability and willingness to forge strong relationships with partner colleagues. The role of the Consortium Manager will be to work toward a stronger integration of partners in our work so partnerships are marked by reciprocal value and shared learning. Ultimately, this will mean that Mercy Corps and its partners will be able to design, implement, and hold each other accountable for the delivery of high-quality programming that both achieves its objectives and strengthens the systems and structures that are responding to needs in Northeast Nigeria.
The Consortium Manager will facilitate the implementation of the NE-CMS program among international consortium members. S/he will be main focal point for the consortium as a whole, representing the interests of the partnership, and coordinating to ensure it is working effectively and efficiently across member agencies. S/he will be responsible for overall communication with the donor and among consortium members as it pertains to program design, revisions, and evaluation. The Consortium Manager will liaise closely with the MCN Sub-Grant Unit to ensure compliance, due diligence and accountability for the delivery of high-quality programming from all consortium members.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Strategy & Vision
Maintain strong and transparent communication with consortium partners.
Maintain strategic vision and provide the consortium leadership for NE-CMS.
Support and lead where appropriate on leveraging opportunities for the expansion of NE-CMS.
Continuously work with consortium partners to review and advise on adaptations and adjustments to the NE-CMS vision for growth and sustainability.
Lead the development of the NE-CMS multi-year strategy and vision and ensure successful rollout and adoption.
Define and advocate for the NE-CMS root causes approach.
Recognize opportunities for innovative action and synergies with other initiatives.
Maintain implementation momentum by consolidating implementation strategies and plans.
Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and influence stakeholders to provide support.
Representation & Coordination
Lead and participate where relevant in external representation of the consortium with various stakeholders including donors, other INGOs, and Nigerian government.
Represent consortium progress to donors and within relevant coordination forums.
Share learning from the consortium with the greater peacebuilding community within Nigeria as well as regionally and globally as relevant.
Chair regular meetings with Program Managers representing consortium partners and report progress to the NE-CMS Advisory Committee.
Program Management
Manage the contractual agreements with Mercy Corps Europe in coordination with MCN sub-grant and compliance unit.
Support operational planning for ongoing program activities across the consortium.
Ensure that program implementation, for all partners, is on scope, on time, on budget and with highest quality standards.
Ensure monitoring systems are in place, including gathering data for quarterly reporting, case studies, and lessons learned.
Prepare for and manage planning and progress review meetings.
Adhere to all Mercy Corps procurement, logistics and administrative regulations related to programming.
Work with the Grants and Reporting Manager to ensure timely submission of high quality donor reports on behalf of the consortium.
Work with Mercy Corps Country MEL Manager to develop and manage a clear system for tracking and reporting against deliverables.
Finance & Compliance Management
Ensure that consortium activities are compliant with DFID and Mercy Corps rules and regulations.
Manage the consortium budget and ensure partner expenditures are in line with agreed upon budgets.
Monitor expenditures and forecasts, ensure timely identification of under/over spends and propose solutions.
Work closely with the Mercy Corps Finance and Sub-Award teams and headquarters to ensure timely financial reporting on behalf of the consortium.
Work with Ethics & Assurance Team to ensure any allegations are properly investigated and addressed while keeping the Advisory Committee and donor are informed.
Organizational Learning
Support consortium partners to develop and maintain program monitoring tools and systems and utilize data and analysis to inform program management.
Foster a community of practice, whereby partners share lessons learned and best practices.
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
Reports Directly To: Mercy Corps Deputy Country Director
Works Directly With: Mercy Corps Finance Team and Sub-Award Unit; NE-CMS Advisory Committee, Consortium Partner Program Managers and Finance staff
Matrix Management role for: MEL Advisor
Success Factors
The successful Consortium Manager will combine exceptional leadership, coordination and representation skills. S/He will have strong management skills and experience in building and maintaining donor and partner relationships. S/he will have an ability to approach complex challenges through a systems-thinking lens and have an ability to think creatively about solutions. S/he will possess high level of adaptability and be able to adjust to a constantly changing working environment. S/he will have previous experience in implementing programs in insecure and conflict context. Prioritizing, problem solving, ability to seize opportunities, 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 in all situations.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria and will require travel within the state about 25% of the time. This location is unaccompanied. Housing will be in established guesthouses. 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.
Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on short-term assignments. Team members 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.
Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.
Knowledge and Experience
BA/BS or equivalent in international studies, economics or other relevant field; MA/S preferred
5-7 years of international conflict management or development experience
Previous experience managing consortia, coordinating forums or managing/facilitating/influencing in network or partnership settings
Combination of direct and remote management experience preferred
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across multiple stakeholders
Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
Experience working with local authorities, national and international NGOs
Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills
Excellent oral and written English skills required
Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment
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