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Position Title: Program Director
Location: Maiduguri
Country: Nigeria
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global non-profit organization founded in 1979, dedicated to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. The organization has a presence in over 40 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide. Mercy Corps has been operational in Nigeria since 2012, focusing on Humanitarian Assistance, Economic Development, and conflict mitigation, particularly in response to the ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria. The organization aims to create a better world by fostering diversity and inclusion within its teams, ensuring that every member feels a sense of belonging and can contribute to the organization's mission effectively.

Job Overview:
The Program Director role is a Senior Leadership position responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of the Broadening Emergency and Graduation Efforts in Borno (BEGE-Borno) program. This role requires a cross-functional team leader who will manage multisectoral deliverables, ensuring that all activities are executed on time, within scope, and budget. The Program Director will be accountable for the quality of interventions across various sectors, including Health, Nutrition, WASH, Food Assistance, Cash, Protection, Shelter, and Agriculture. The position demands a solutions-oriented individual with strong emotional intelligence, capable of fostering collaboration among team members and partners to enhance the resilience of communities affected by conflict and displacement. The Program Director will also contribute to strategic planning and vision-setting for the program, ensuring alignment with Mercy Corps' broader goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Safeguarding Responsibilities: Integrate safeguarding practices into all aspects of work, ensuring the dignity and well-being of participants and team members. Encourage open communication and reporting of concerns.
• Strategy and Vision: Set program objectives, prioritize actions, and contribute to the humanitarian strategy. Lead the team in delivering integrated interventions and support assessments for new initiatives.
• Program Management: Oversee the implementation of the BEGE program, ensuring adherence to programmatic standards and timely delivery of assistance. Manage consortium relationships and ensure compliance with administrative and financial procedures.
• Team Management: Recruit and train program staff, fostering a respectful and innovative work environment. Conduct performance reviews and support team-building efforts.
• Finance & Compliance Management: Collaborate with the Finance team to monitor budget expenditures and ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Influence, Representation & Collaboration: Coordinate with partners and stakeholders for effective program delivery and represent Mercy Corps at relevant events.
• Security: Ensure compliance with Security Policies and maintain a secure working environment for team members.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of experience managing integrated multi-sector programs, preferably in humanitarian or Early Recovery settings.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian context in Borno State and Northeast Nigeria, or similar environments.
• Proven ability to build and lead a consortium of partners and manage diverse teams.
• Familiarity with USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance guidelines and experience managing BHA-funded programs is preferred.
• Strong budget management skills and effective communication abilities are essential.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in international development or a related field is preferred. Candidates with relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in managing multi-sector programs, with a strong preference for those who have worked in humanitarian contexts or early recovery settings. Experience in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is required. Proficiency in local languages spoken in Borno State would be advantageous but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, with regular travel to program locations, including remote field sites. The role requires 20-30% travel by road and air to areas that may be insecure. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to local laws and Mercy Corps policies at all times. The organization encourages ongoing learning and development, allowing team members to dedicate time to personal and professional growth.