Nigeria is the country with the largest GDP of the whole African continent and it is currently living strong internal crisis due to several factors. In the coastal area, tensions are still ongoing, sometimes in a very violent way, and are related to environmental associations and to the kidnapping of several technicians who were working for oil extraction. In the south and in the centre of the country tensions are very strong too, and really violent, especially between farmers and breeders. But the two main issues that are really concerning the humanitarian community are the persistence of malnutrition and food insecurity in the Sahel area in the north of the country and the considerable increase in the fresh wave of attacks of the terrorist movement, the Islamic fundamentalist Boko Aram. In all the states of the North and Centre, but especially in the three states of the North East (Yobe, Borno and Adamawa) where the state of emergency has been declared, there are ongoing attacks in schools, churches, shopping centers, markets and any crowded place. The IDPs are fleeing from the most insecure areas and they are about 700.000, while there are several thousand of refugees in the neighboring countries (Cameroon, Niger and Chad).
COOPI is working in Nigeria since July 2014, in order to respond to the humanitarian crisis due to the presence of the terrorist group of Boko Haram.
After an assessment mission, COOPI began its intervention in the State of Bauchi, bordering two of the states directly declared in emergency. In this state the flux of IDPs from the most affected areas is constant and, according to the conflict, use to record sudden increasing.
PROGRAMME MANAGER
SUMMARY:
The Programme Manager manages the implementation and coordination of the designated field projects within a multi-sectorial programme (WASH, Food Security, Shelter and NFI, Child Protection) and provides leadership for the field staff. He/she manages and evaluates all aspects of the COOPI projects, and facilitates the flow of information from the field to the capital, supporting the Head of Mission in defining strategic direction.
The Programme Manager also plays a key role in liaison with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders, team leadership and security.
SPECIFICALLY HE/SHE:
Oversees the overall implementation of the designated projects in accordance with the project proposals ensuring objectives are met within the required time frame and budget. Is responsible to assure that projects are implemented according to COOPI and donors’ procedures and where necessary ensures preventative and corrective action is taken.
Follows the direction of the relevant sectorial offices at HQ regarding quality, strategy and technical guidelines.
Manages the field staff and ensure that all personnel related issues for the staff of the designated projects are carried out in accordance with COOPI procedures and guidelines.
Oversee the procurement process of the projects in accordance with COOPI procedures
Develops in consultation with the Head of Mission, an implementation strategy appropriate to the country context and strategy.
Ensures complete and timely reporting of activities to the Head of Mission.
Develops and maintains relationships with relevant stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, donors, UN agencies and other NGOs) and represent COOPI at relevant state level meetings (e.g. state and local government, sector-coordination and security) in order to facilitate and ensure cooperation and partnerships.Supervises the expenditures related to the designated projects and contributes to budget design for future projects, in collaboration with the Head of Mission and the Country Administrator in accordance with COOPI procedures and donor guidelines.
Monitors and reviews the security status of the area(s) of operation on a regular basis, liaising as applicable with local authorities, other NGOs, the UN or other relevant security bodies and keep the Head of Mission updated on relevant developments.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
At least five years working experience, out of which three involved in Humanitarian projects ;
Strong managerial skills, use of frame work, and detailed working plan.
Good knowledge of humanitarian standard and background (ex. Sphere standard)
Good report writing skills;
Good knowledge and use of the English Language;
Proactive aptitude in terms of planning and coordination with different bodies, institutions and Reference Points;
Target oriented and problem solving aptitude;
Good leadership skills, aimed at managing and motivating a team;
Positive ability to bear stressful and complicated situations;
Diplomatic and confidentiality skills;
Advanced IT skills
Previous experience in the Region is an asset
Preferably African
Duty station: Abuja and Potiskum – Yobe State (50%-50%)
Contract: 6 months renewable starting ASAP