Employment Opportunities at Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI)

Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) is an international development company. For more than 45 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 80 countries.

Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.

We are recruiting to fill the positions below:

Job Title: LGA Manager

Locations: Adamawa, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Gombe
Job Type: Full Time
Start Date: January 2021 - August 6, 2025

Background

• The purpose of the five-year (2020-2025) “State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness” (“State2State”) Activity is to increase the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of selected state and local governments (LGAs) in Nigeria.
• This will be achieved by:
  • Strengthening governance systems (with a focus on public financial management [PFM] and procurement, as well as monitoring and evaluation) related to the delivery of services in key sectors (basic education, primary health care, and water, sanitation and hygiene [WASH]);
  • Increasing government responsiveness to citizen needs and priorities; and improving government and civil society capacity to manage conflict (through work on prevention, mitigation and reconciliation with the same sectoral partners, not stand-alone assistance to the police or judiciary)
• State2State will achieve this purpose by facilitating the strengthening of subnational governance systems in a sustainable manner, supporting the efforts of local reformers and building on locally-derived solutions including, to the extent possible, reforms already working in other parts of Nigeria.

Position Objectives

• The LGA Managers oversee and implements all aspects of State2State at the LGA Level. They will individually provide support to their respective State Lead activities and ensure relevant LGA interventions within the state.

Responsibilities

• The LGA Managers will be responsible to provide strategic leadership for the LGA level engagement activities and, effective management of reform support with local government representatives and community level stakeholders.
• LGA Managers will be responsible for: delivering support for improved governance and service delivery within the local government;
• Maintaining strategic relationships with government counterparts and other relevant stakeholders, including local government, civil society and development partners;
• Taking overall responsibility for operation and technical delivery of LGA activities whilst ensuring governance improvements are owned and delivered by the state governments under their own agenda; engaging local partners in setting sector and budget priorities and strengthening LGA budgeting and planning procedures while adapting existing citizen guides to the budget and co-create CSO grants to raise budget literacy;
• Applying a Do No Harm approach, work with local partners to mitigate the potential for conflict by using grants to forge partnerships between state and LGA institutions and CSOs to support participatory mechanisms for dialogue on budget priorities; provide training and mentoring to LGA finance and administration staff on developing systems for more rigorous controls on LGA expenditures;
• Focus on tracking improvements at the state and LGA levels in all areas of governance including auditing, budgeting and planning, and procurement processes as well as the ability to address conflict;
• Provide M&E support at both the state and LGA levels including establishing KPIs that flow down to the LGA level on health, education, and WASH facilities.
• Reporting: The LGA Managers will report to the State Lead and will coordinate closely with the MEL Director on M&E matters.
• Line Management: The LGA Managers will supervise the LGA Coordinators.

Minimum Requirements

• Master's Degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Law, Development Studies, etc. However, two (2) additional years of relevant international development experience can be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.
• At least nine (9) years of demonstrated experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to democracy and governance activities under a USG
• instrument, related to technical area of the position.
• Experience of leading successful reform interventions and evidence of good working relations with relevant local, ward, and state-level governments and other key stakeholders;
• An ability to manage relationships and a sound understanding of institutional change in complex environments;
• An excellent understanding of financial and technical delivery, monitoring and evaluation of program impact and reporting against results;
• Prior experience in overseeing the awarding and managing grants to local organizations to promote democracy and governance goals preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Job Title: Office Manager

Location: Bauchi

Background

The purpose of the five-year (2020-2025) “State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness” (“State2State”) Activity is to increase the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of selected state and local governments (LGAs) in Nigeria. This will be achieved by: strengthening governance systems (with a focus on public financial management [PFM] and procurement, as well as monitoring and evaluation) related to the delivery of services in key sectors (basic education, primary health care, and water, sanitation and hygiene [WASH]); increasing government responsiveness to citizen needs and priorities; and improving government and civil society capacity to manage conflict (through work on prevention, mitigation and reconciliation with the same sectoral partners, not stand-alone assistance to the police or judiciary).

State2State will achieve this purpose by facilitating the strengthening of sub-national governance systems in a sustainable manner, supporting the efforts of local reformers and building on locally-derived solutions including, to the extent possible, reforms already working in other parts of Nigeria.

Position Objectives

• The Office Manager is the lead administrative staff person for the State2State head office in Nigeria.
• The Office Manager will oversee all day-to-day business operations of the office.
• He / she will be expected to coordinate closely with the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the home office administration staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day business operations of the office.
• Ensure reception coverage during business hours.
• Manage the security of the office premises, property therein, and the motor pool.
• Organize full-time driver staff and project vehicles and short-term intermittent drivers, as needed, to meet the travel needs of project staff.
• Work with the IT support staff to ensure the efficient operation of the local area network.
• Perform competitive procurement for goods and services (examples: security, cleaning, office supplies, temporary drivers) and negotiate with vendors.
• Coordinate the inspection and receipt of goods and updating of inventory register.
• Ensure that project staff needs for office equipment, supplies, and furniture are met.
• Develop and maintain an efficient up-to-date stock of items in the store.
• Report imminent stock out to the Director of Finance and Administration.
• Communicate with landlord on facilities management, improvement, and repair issues. Coordination with the Senior Accounting Manager to ensure petty cash needs are met.
• Fill in as translator / interpreter and driver as needed.
• Perform regular walk-through maintenance inspections of facilities and grounds to identify maintenance problems, damaged or inoperable property and equipment, and unsafe conditions.
• Ensure repair, replacement, or remedy.
• Coordinate the insurance of project vehicles and other property.
• Conduct periodic assets verification and tagging of assets.
• Coordinate the disposition of assets when necessary.
• Be proactive in organizing staff events and assist in administering training and provide guidance to staff involved in operational or administrative activities.
• Assist in customs clearance or project equipment and onward transportation to regional locations if required.
• Evaluate personnel liability in cases of reported lost, damaged, misused, or stolen property and assist in investigations as required; report and recommend appropriate follow-up actions.
• Maintain efficient filing system.

Reporting:

• The Office Manager will report to the DFA.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or other relevant field.
• Working knowledge of US Government operations, policies, and procedures, and FAR regulations preferred.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience as an office manager.
• Highly organized and the ability to multi-task.
• Knowledge of budgeting and procuring goods.
• Strong analytical skills with good problem-solving skills & creativity, supported by good writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in security coordination and management.

Job Title: Grants Officer

Locations: Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, Adamawa, and Ebonyi
Start date: November 2020 - August 6, 2025

Background

• The purpose of the five-year (2020-2025) “State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness” (“State2State”) Activity is to increase the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of selected state and local governments (LGAs) in Nigeria.
• This will be achieved by: strengthening governance systems (with a focus on public financial management [PFM] and procurement, as well as monitoring and evaluation) related to the delivery of services in key sectors (basic education, primary health care, and water, saanitation and hygiene [WASH]); increasing government responsiveness to citizen needs and priorities; and improving government and civil society capacity to manage conflict (through work on prevention, mitigation and reconciliation with the same sectoral partners, not stand-alone assistance to the police or judiciary).
• State2State will achieve this purpose by facilitating the strengthening of subnational governance systems in a sustainable manner, supporting the efforts of local reformers and building on locally-derived solutions including, to the extent possible, reforms already working in other parts of Nigeria.

Position Objectives:

• The Grants Officer will provide support to the Grants Specialist in named State and/or Grants Manager in Bauchi in support of the grant implementation process of the Activity.

Responsibilities
The Grants Officer will:

• Manage all aspects of assigned grant portfolio throughout all stages of project development, implementation and closure. Manage associated timelines and donor reporting requirements for individual grant activities. Maintain internal trackers, such as the grant status and closing trackers. Monitor grant portfolio pipeline of financial commitments and disbursements.
• Generate and review all aspects of grant agreements, including milestone schedules, with grantees.
• Generate and maintain documentation of all grants including grant agreements, grant amendments/addendums, and other grants-related documents till grants close-out and proactively identify errors and/or missing documentation to ensure compliance.
• Analyze grant budget estimates for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency.
• Work closely with the Grant Manager/Specialist to finalize and share activity concepts and proposals with USAID.
• Review and negotiate with grantee on grant budget line items and coordinate with Procurement and HR for cost verification of grant budgets.
• Schedule meetings including kickoff meetings to define roles, responsibilities, and timelines for grantees.
• Verify milestone documentation and submit deliverable approval/payment requests to the Grants Manager, COP and Finance department.
• Maintain inventory for items purchased under each grant.
• Support the full cycle of grants beginning from solicitation application review, and including pre-award assessments, monitoring/compliance visits and reporting, and close-out procedures.
• Coordinate with Communications/KM Specialist to update information in program reports and other written materials, including weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports.
• Assist Grants Manager/Specialist in preparation of weekly projections
• Perform any and all other tasks as may be assigned by the Grants Manager/Specialist in a manner that contributes to achievement of the project’s work plan and objectives.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Reporting:

• The Grants Officer will report to the Grants Specialist/Manager (depending on office location).

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or other relevant fields.
• At least 6 years of experience in grants design and administration (experience with grants award and grants management as well as prior experience in the award and administration of
• subcontracts), preferably in the governance sector.
• Working knowledge of USAID Contract Management and Grants Management policies and procedures required.
• Experience in implementing grant policies and procedures required.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of organizations, beneficiaries, and related parties.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under own initiative or as a part of a team
• Experience of working in a conflict environment is a plus.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Fluency in one or more of the local languages spoken in the state of interest

Job Title: State Citizen Engagement / Capacity Building Specialist

Locations: Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, Adamawa, and Ebonyi
Start date: November 2020 - August 6, 2025

Background

• The purpose of the five-year (2020-2025) “State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness” (“State2State”) Activity is to increase the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of selected state and local governments (LGAs) in Nigeria.
• This will be achieved by: strengthening governance systems (with a focus on public financial management [PFM] and procurement, as well as monitoring and evaluation) related to the delivery of services in key sectors (basic education, primary health care, and water, saanitation and hygiene [WASH]); increasing government responsiveness to citizen needs and priorities; and improving government and civil society capacity to manage conflict (through work on prevention, mitigation and reconciliation with the same sectoral partners, not stand-alone assistance to the police or judiciary).
• State2State will achieve this purpose by facilitating the strengthening of subnational governance systems in a sustainable manner, supporting the efforts of local reformers and building on locally-derived solutions including, to the extent possible, reforms already working in other parts of Nigeria.

Position Objectives

• The State Citizen Engagement/Capacity Building Specialists will support the implementation of advocacy, oversight, and engagement activities and ensure the advocacy and or oversight of interventions in selected States.
• S/he will also address gaps in capacity through range of technical assistance, mentoring and peer learning, ensuring sustainable capacity for implementing reforms.

Responsibilities

• The State Citizen Engagement/Capacity Building Specialists will collaborate with the State Bureaus of Procurement or due process offices as well as Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) to design training and grants for local CSOs and media on sector-specific procurement monitoring; support the co- create grants to engage CSOs and media to design activities that support reform objectives in using auditreports to monitor service delivery efficiency and will hold co-creation workshops twice a year.
• S/he will facilitate engagement among State Boards of Internal Revenue, State Ministry of Finance and Economic
• Development (MOFED), and local chambers of commerce to discuss tax policy options and their impact on the private sector growth using DAI analytic tools to assess how new tax and fee rates may affect women and men differently; support the coalitions of complementary organizations, including think-tanks, private sector and professional associations, as well as traditional and faith-based organizations, around issues linked to state reform plans.
• The incumbents will facilitate, coordinate, track and report on the engagement of citizens in all core activities of priority sectors; conduct surveys and use citizen scorecards to measure their trust in elected (or appointed) government officials and their satisfaction with health, education, and WASH services; strengthen individual and institutional capacities of citizens/CSOs for good governance reforms, ensuring sustainable skills’ building and knowledge applications; and carry out any other function(s) as may be assigned by the Line Manager/ Deputy Chief of Party/Chief of Party.

Reporting:

• The State Citizen Engagement / Capacity Building Specialists will report to the Citizen Engagement/CSO Director List State (ex: Bauchi).

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant degree or HND in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or relevant field required. Master’s degree preferable.
• At least nine (9) years of demonstrated experience in a successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to governance activities under a USG instrument, building technical and organizational capacity of CSOs in areas advocacy planning and engagement of government and stakeholders.
• Stated experience in working for or with civil society to drive a reform agenda
• Stated experience in community mobilization and civic engagement.
• Stated experience using facilitative, participatory approaches to organizational and technical capacity development.
• Demonstrated effective training, capacity building and coaching skills, networking, interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, conflict, and ethical management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Computer literacy in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (Microsoft Office).
• Fluency in English, Hausa and/or other local languages is required
• Previous experience of familiarity and working in activity/program’s priority sectors in the state will be an added advantage.

Job Title: Communications / Knowledge Management Specialist

Location: Bauchi
Job Type: Full Time
Start Date: November 2020 - August 6, 2025

Background

• The purpose of the five-year (2020-2025) “State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness” (“State2State”) Activity is to increase the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of selected state and local governments (LGAs) in Nigeria
• This will be achieved by: strengthening governance systems (with a focus on public financial management [PFM] and procurement, as well as monitoring and evaluation) related to the delivery of services in key sectors (basic education, primary health care, and water, sanitation and hygiene [WASH]); increasing government responsiveness to citizen needs and priorities; and improving government and civil society capacity to manage conflict (through work on prevention, mitigation and reconciliation with the same sectoral partners, not stand-alone assistance to the police or judiciary).
• State2State will achieve this purpose by facilitating the strengthening of subnational governance systems in a sustainable manner, supporting the efforts of local reformers and building on locally-derived solutions including, to the extent possible, reforms already working in other parts of Nigeria.

Position Objectives:

• The Communications / Knowledge Management (Comms/KM) Specialist will be responsible for the overall design, development, and management of the project’s public affairs and public awareness communications programs (such as public communications, studies, reports, informative and promotional products, workshops, conferences, fairs, media-related activities, commodities, project materials, and deliverables)
• S/he will provide leadership in the preparation and presentation to USAID of reports on the progress and impact of program activities
• S/he will encourage an open, transparent environment where everyone is informed about project developments
• S/he will support the tracking of reform initiatives and assist in developing written guidelines to help standardize and simplify online storage and the circulation of project documents and information
• S/he will lead the production of newsletters and bulletins for internal and external audiences and weekly summaries for all staff on what is happening across the project.

Responsibilities

• The Communications / KM Specialist will be responsible for the communications and knowledge management of the State2State activity. This role generates communications/KM work plans and products
• including events and webpages. The Communications/KM Specialist will facilitate information use, disseminate learning results to stakeholders and document adaptive decisions.
• The Communications/KM Specialist will Compile qualitative reports from state offices for quarterly, annual and portfolio reviews and ensure awareness and lessons learned from activity implementation and accomplishments.

Reporting:

• The Communications / KM Specialist will report to the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as English, Communications, Marketing, Information Management, Public Affairs, Media, or other relevant fields. However, two (2) additional years of relevant international development experience can be substituted for the Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degree preferred.
• At least nine (9) years of experience in marketing communications, information management, public affairs, public awareness and/or media.
• S/he will already have strong networks in the industry and a high capacity for networking. In addition, s/he will also have practical experience in developing and maintaining communications products and processes (websites, newsletters, and social media) as well as be prepared to work in a diverse and collaborative team across locations
• S/he must possess excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) as well as sound conceptual and computing skills, be innovative and has initiative and, be proactive
• Should be a consummate team player and respective of diversity
• Previous experience in a USG-funded communications role is desired and, in a USG-funded democracy and governance program preferred.

Job Title: Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

Location: Bauchi
Start date: November 2020 – August 6, 2025

Background

• The purpose of the five-year (2020-2025) “State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness” (“State2State”) Activity is to increase the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of selected state and local governments (LGAs) in Nigeria.
• This will be achieved by: strengthening governance systems (with a focus on public financial management [PFM] and procurement, as well as monitoring and evaluation) related to the delivery of services in key sectors (basic education, primary health care, and water, saanitation and hygiene [WASH]); increasing government responsiveness to citizen needs and priorities; and improving government and civil society capacity to manage conflict (through work on prevention, mitigation and reconciliation with the same sectoral partners, not stand-alone assistance to the police or judiciary).
• State2State will achieve this purpose by facilitating the strengthening of subnational governance systems in a sustainable manner, supporting the efforts of local reformers and building on locally-derived solutions including, to the extent possible, reforms already working in other parts of Nigeria.

Position Objectives

• The Senior MEL Specialist will support the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) in the oversight of all M&E and learning activities, including data collection, monitoring, and reporting.

Responsibilities
The Senior MEL Specialist will:

• Oversee the execution of the M&E strategy, ensuring interventions are rooted in local context and serve as learning platforms for future interventions.
• Work closely with DMEL and MEL Specialists to ensure the strategic and functional integration of all MEL activities as well as active collaboration with donors, other implementers, and local counterparts.
• Oversee MEL activities, provide technical direction and support to the design process and ensure results for contract activities.
• Will undertake, with DMEL guidance, investigations of reform issues and possible solutions.
• Support DAI’s adaptive systems approach and facilitate reviews of whether initiatives, once launched, are achieving expected results.
• Assist with timely rapid scans of the political economy, conflict, and PFM, and measure State2State impact within states.
• Lead data collection and analysis of project results and indicators and assemble data required on a recurrent basis to track program performance.
• Verify data, conduct audits of collection procedures and perform data checks.
• Support M&E training of staff and assist in cultivating a culture of learning.
• Ensure office cooperation with internal/external data quality assessments and that activity information is shared in a timely and appropriate manner.

Reporting:

• The Senior MEL Specialist (Bauchi Main Office) reports to the Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) and works with colleagues across units and teams.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in any the following or related fields: Social Science, International Development, Evaluation Research, Statistics, and Economics.
• At least 9 years of experience in designing, managing and implementing results-based MEL activities.
• Candidate should ideally possess experience in democracy and governance sector projects, especially USAID-funded projects, highly desired. Experience in tracking and submitting M&E data is required
• Experience working with government (national, subnational and local) and civil society strengthening in Nigeria is highly desirable
• Ability to work collaboratively, foster goodwill, and build coalitions with relevant sectoral agencies, groups and organizations
• Technical skills in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, with excellent organizational, oral and written communications skills in English.
• Progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation of democracy and governance programs and working with development agencies and organizations, government officials, civil society leaders, community leaders, project beneficiaries and project staff.
• Extensive knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, and tools for monitoring, evaluation and learning, including impact evaluation.
• Ability to conduct research and documentation.
• Experience using USAID Monitors for quarterly and annual data reporting.
• Supervisory skills, and ability to work well on a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft programs, i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc., and the ability to use various commercially available statistical software programs.
• Strong attention to detail is required

Job Title: Grants Specialist

Locations: Gombe, Sokoto, and Adamawa
Start date: November 2020 - August 6, 2025

Background

• The purpose of the five-year (2020-2025) “State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness” (“State2State”) Activity is to increase the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of selected state and local governments (LGAs) in Nigeria.
• This will be achieved by: strengthening governance systems (with a focus on public financial management [PFM] and procurement, as well as monitoring and evaluation) related to the delivery of services in key sectors (basic education, primary health care, and water, saanitation and hygiene [WASH]); increasing government responsiveness to citizen needs and priorities; and improving government and civil society capacity to manage conflict (through work on prevention, mitigation and reconciliation with the same sectoral partners, not stand-alone assistance to the police or judiciary).
• State2State will achieve this purpose by facilitating the strengthening of subnational governance systems in a sustainable manner, supporting the efforts of local reformers and building on locally-derived solutions including, to the extent possible, reforms already working in other parts of Nigeria.

Position Objectives

• The Grants Specialist will provide support to the Grants Manager in Bauchi in support of the grant implementation process in respective activity states of Gombe, Sokoto or Adamawa.

Responsibilities
The Grants Specialist will:

• Oversee grant implementation and work with grantees to ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with activity design.
• Facilitate grantee and program team to resolve issues that arise during grant implementation.
• Generate and review all aspects of grant agreements with grantees and ensure all activities are implemented in line with the activity design.
• Ensure that all grant activities are properly documented from the start of implementation to grant close-down.
• Provide procedures and policy guidance and interpretation for program staff as well as sub- grantees to ensure adherence to grant management policies.
• Analyze and evaluate grant applications, proposals and awards to ensure adherence to grants management policies.
• Ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for sub-grants.
• Review and analyze budget estimates for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency.
• Prepare grant agreements and assist with supervision/implementation of grant, including closure and disposition plans.
• Monitor grantees and subcontracting organizations to confirm that funds allocated are used for specified purposes.
• Monitor the procurement process under the grant to ensure competitiveness and compliance
• Prepare regular reports on grants to Chief of Party

Reporting:

• The Grants Specialist will report to the Grants Manager in Bauchi.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Aconomics, or relevant field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Working knowledge of US Government operations, policies, and procedures, and FAR regulations preferred.
• At least nine (9) years of experience in grants design and administration (experience with grants award and grants management as well as prior experience in the award and administration of subcontracts), preferably in the good governance sector.
• Working knowledge of USAID Contract Management and Grants Management policies and procedures required.
• Experience implementing grant policies and procedures required.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of organizations, beneficiaries, and related parties.
• Ability to work under own initiative or as a part of a team
• Experience of working in a conflict environment is a plus.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Fluency in one or more of the local languages spoken in the state of interest is preferred

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: [email protected] using the Job Title and Location as the subject of the mail.

Note: Applications from women, people with disability and young people who meet the above qualifications are encouraged to apply

Application Deadline  20th November, 2020.