Africare, a US-based NGO in Nigeria is recruiting, September 2013

Africare, a US-based NGO established in 1970, has been working in Nigeria since 1978 and is currently operating more than 150 community-based development projects in 25 African countries. Africare has long standing experience in the design and delivery of technical, training, material and financial assistance to
self-help efforts in the fields of health/HIV-AIDS, food security, natural resource management, water resource development, microenterprise, civil society strengthening and good governance. Health programs are important to Africare's work in virtually all countries where it operates and constitute about one-quarter of Africare’s overall development assistance effort.

In Nigeria, Africare has its main office in Abuja and field offices in Port Harcourt and Asaba and Uyo and Benin, with smaller satellite offices in Bayelsa and Cross Rivers State.

Funded by the Chevron, the Malaria Control and Health Promotion in Flood Affected Populations (MCHP-FAP) Project has a goal of reducing the prevalence and mortality related to malaria in following communities; Idah, in Kogi State, Agenebode in Edo State and Koko and Ogbe-Ijaw in Delta States. The specific targets relate to use of LLITNs, ACTs, and RDT in line with the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) targets from the NMCP National Strategic (2009-2013).


 
Job Title: Project Officers
Summary:
The MCHP-FAP Project Officer will coordinate the distribution of malaria control commodities to health facilities in the selected communities and work closely with primary health care facilities and community-based stakeholder groups to build greater awareness and adherence to prevention, control, and treatment approaches. Stakeholder groups include community leaders, churches, NGO/CBOs, schools, government agencies, public and private health facilities, and vendors. The Project Officer must have a broad understanding of malaria prevention and control, and must be able to effectively communicate with members of the communities served, as well as respected officials and leaders.

S/He must also be able to develop effective written and visual communications materials and facilitate malaria-health discussions within group and one-on-one settings.

The duration of the project is September 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Director, the State Project Officer will carry out the following responsibilities:

Coordinate the supply chain management of health commodities including ACTs, LLINs, and RDTs.
Coordinate with the Senior M & Officer to plan and conduct baseline assessment and produce baseline report
Deliver health commodities & IEC materials to selected facilities/health providers participating in the project in line with health facilities commodities forecasting
Contribute to work plans, budgets, pipelines, technical reports, and deliverables
Maintain excellent records of products deliveries/replenishment.
Organize and conduct health outreach programmes in selected communities
Foster individual and community mobilization through both proven and innovative implementation of key campaign messages, including proper and consistent LLIN use and maintenance; comprehension and use of ACTs; and increased use of ANC services.
Develop and disseminate IEC messages to improve mothers' awareness of the risk of malaria during pregnancy and promote the use of IPTp during various phases of pregnancy.
Monitor level of stock at facilities and ensure that no stock out of health commodities occurs in participating health facilities throughout the duration of the project
Ensure that participating facilities/health providers maintain and utilize all the necessary MIS & data collection tools as at when due
Monitor distribution at facilities to ensure appropriate target group are being reached
Participate at stakeholder’s periodic visits and meetings to review activities/progress against program objectives.
Participate in end project Evaluation and document finding and report
Any other duties as may be assigned to ensure successful implementation of project

Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Mass Communications, Management, Marketing, Humanities or equivalent
At least 2 years’ experience in developing, implementing and reporting for community programs focused on health, including malaria and other services to women and children
Strong familiarity with communities and community health systems in Akwa Ibom,
Demonstrated ability to work with the public sector, community groups, government agencies and civil society groups
Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills with proficiency (reading, writing, speaking and comprehension) in English
Demonstrated leadership and team management qualities including crises and conflict management and mediation
Proficiency in computer application; word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation packages and internet applications highly desirable
Ability to carry out independent work with initiative, creativity and good judgment without close supervision
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, consultants and project beneficiaries

Job Title: Program Officer (PO) for Triple Threat (3T)
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Officer will work under the supervision of a Senior Support Program Manager as well as the Country Director for Africare/Nigeria. The Project Officer will supervise a Finance Assistant,Project Assistant, HR assistant and a driver in the course of managing this project. This position requires an active individual who will constantly be on the road visiting schools and ensuring that the curriculum for the students is being administered in the right way by the coaches.2

The Program Officer will have the following responsibilities and duties:

Specific Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Senior Support Program Manager and the Country Director for Africare/Nigeria, the Program Officer is responsible for the following:

Selection, monitoring and oversight of coaches in the program to ensure that they are fulfilling contractual obligation and administering curriculum.
Relationship management with stakeholders in Government, officials at the schools etc.
Project management with an ability to track scope, budget and time.
Fully understand the project curriculum and be able to provide guidance to coaches and project staff on curriculum where needed.
Vendor selection, oversight and coordination of infrastructure improvements and quality assurance the construction and maintenance of all infrastructures procured during the project. Quality assurance of work done.
Communication on project results with country office, headquarters, donors and partners.
Reporting on the project as required to all stakeholders.
Logistics for donor and partner visits, inter school tournaments etc.
Ensures that all project staff and coaches comply with Africare policies and procedures, donor and partner established rules of engagement and selected schools policies.
Coordinate train the trainer session for coaches.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
At least five years of experience working in a professional environment with reporting lines and structured communication and work flows. Experience with an international NGO is preferred.
Project management and relationship management knowledge and experience.
At least five years experience of playing basketball competitively at the secondary and tertiary or professional level. Informal competitive experience counts.
Quick learner with a good grasp of development issues in Nigeria like health, literacy and the death of social skills among youth.
Undergraduate degree from a reputable university and knowledge of the game of basketball and current happenings and trends at the international, FIBA and NBA level.
Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, Internet applications; Microsoft office suite highly desirable.
Ability to carry out independent work with initiative, creativity and good judgment without close supervision. Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff and clients.

Job Title: Project Assistant
Summary:
Africare is about to start a youth life skills development project in Abuja, Nigeria that will support 300 students from ten secondary schools and engage them in a development program that leverages basketball to teach skills in the areas of literacy, health and social development (leadership, tolerance etc.) The project aims to empower Nigerian youths using basketball and prepare them for the future. The program is a one year pilot with expectation for further funding. The duration of the project is twelve months depending on donor funding

Responsibilities:

The Project Assistant will work under the supervision of Program officer

Assist in the coordination of critical activities, such as visits to project site, training, monitoring s and meetings with project partners, Participate in field visits as necessary
Provide production support for materials developed for internal and external communications and learning around progress and findings, such as document formatting, editing and proofreading
Track project activities with budget and time
Fully understand the project curriculum and be able to provide guidance to coaches and other stakeholders
Keep project records, data, directory and inventory
Communication on project results with program Officers and coaches
Reporting on the project as required
Logistics for project site visits, trainings, meetings and other project activities in line with project work plan
Make first draft of letters, MOUs and other documents
During meetings, record and archive minutes for reporting purposes.
Requirements

Bachelor's degree in PHE, social sciences, public policy, or related fields.
Professional Experience:
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in providing support and coordination of youths on field-based projects
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with / social/ Sports, community development, and/or health.
Experience writing program reports
Experience in documentation of success stories

Knowledge and Skills:
Demonstrated understanding of field-based approaches
Demonstrated skills in the use of electronic databases
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent communication and English-language writing skills.
Ability to work successfully with minimal guidance
Able to work with young people
Must be friendly and accessible


Job Title: Project Drivers
Location: Edo, Abuja
Summary:
The Project Driver will drive the project vehicles in line with Africare policies and guidelines. S/he must be experienced with good knowledge of the Nigerian road network and must be drug and alcohol free. S/he must be disciplined and safety conscious, and willing to comply with traffic signs, rules and regulations. S/he must be willing to take and implement instructions in a professional manner at all times. The driver should have a pleasant personality and good manners.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Officer, the Project Driver will carry out the following responsibilities:

Drive project vehicle in a professional manner ensuring safety of staff and vehicle at all times, following Africare policy and procedures as outlined in Africare/Nigeria Handbook
Inspect vehicles daily to ensure they are safe to drive and make recommendations for needed repairs. Monitor the servicing of the vehicle and report all repair needs
Clean the vehicle; check oil, water and carryout other minor maintenance on a daily basis
Oversee the repair of vehicle to verify that valid parts were used and the work quoted on the invoice was performed
Keep record of the vehicle movement and the mileage readings
Assist in sending faxes, courier and other errands. Make deliveries as needed and attend to other project related errands
Any other assigned duties

Qualifications:
Minimum of Secondary School Certificate required
At least 3 years driving experience required
Possession of current Nigeria Driver’s license required
Excellent day and night vision
Knowledge of Nigerian road and state network
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Nigeria safety driving rules, signs and regulations
Demonstrated knowledge and skills on safety driving techniques
Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance and repair
Ability to read and write simple English
Must not indulge in alcohol

Job Title: Finance Assistant (FA)
Location: Lagos, Edo, Abuja
Summary:
The Finance Assistant works under the supervision of the State Project Officer and Senior Finance Officer in the Country office by assisting in the maintenance and tracking of all Africare/Nigeria expenditure, leave and other financial or project related matters. Depending on availability of donor funds; however, Africare appointments are for 12 months only, renewable annually

Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the State Project Officer and the Senior Finance Officer, the FA will be responsible for the following finance duties:

Maintains the accounting system for the projects, ensuring timely and accurate posting of all vouchers, preparation and submission of reports.
Raising of payment request, payment vouchers and preparing checks for signature in accordance with Africare policies.
Preparation of staff salaries and remittance of salary deductions to relevant authorities.
Supports the project staff in developing budgets, and contributes input on administrative costs to be included in the budget.
Generates financial reports for managers on a monthly basis for review and tracking expenditures against budget.
Authorizes expenditures (not approval which is provided by managers) based on a review of the budget to determine if allowed and funds availability, and policies of Africare and the Donor. Alerts the managers when expenditures cannot go forward and advises on best approach to meet needs.
Ensures timely submission of funds requests to Country office.
Carries out banking activities, tracking balances and maintaining adequate levels to meet project and office needs.
Advises the Program staff on cost-effective use of funds and cost policies of Africare and the donors.
Ensuring that all batches are properly copied, filed and stored.
Prepare and review of travel authorization and calculate per diem for in-country travels.
Monitor staff account receivables as they relate to project activities (Travel advance, workshop advance, advances for purchase of Air tickets, stationery etc.)
Review of travel, workshop and other advances retirement
Preparation of bank reconciliation statements for the monthly financial reports.
Reporting all abnormalities or non-compliance with Africare Accounting procedures.
Other duties as assigned by the Superior Officer.

Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field with relevant experience.
At least two year of experience in working in finance with a company, government agency or INGO.
Experience with an international NGO is preferred.
Demonstrated developing activity budgets
Understanding of office procedures and operations, including standard banking, procurement, and maintenance needed.
Strong organizational, verbal and written communication skills with proficiency (reading, writing, speaking and comprehension) in English
Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, Internet applications; Microsoft office suite highly desirable
Knowledge of good Accounting package eg Quickbooks will be an advantage.
Ability to carry out independent work with initiative, creativity and good judgment without close supervision
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff and clients.

Method of Application
Applications should include a CV and cover letter. In the cover letter (no more than two pages in length), the candidate should briefly describe his or her motivation for the position and highlight relevant experience.
Please send CVs to [email protected]  and include the title to the position for which you are applying in the subject line.

For more information about Africare, please visit www.africare.org  . Africare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer committed to workplace diversity