Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) is a social enterprise that connects underserved Nigerian youth with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) opportunities. PIN piloted the L.I.F.E. capacity building program in 2007, and is now ready to extend the model to other locations across Nigeria. The current training program includes the ICT training, entrepreneurship training, Life Skills training, internship/job placements for the period following their training, and new businesses established by trainees. This expansion plan will help PIN reach – train, place in internships/jobs and help start businesses – youth in the new training locations. PIN therefore requires the full-time services of a Program Officer to lead this PIN program expansion opportunity in North West.
WHERE
North-East regions of Nigeria. Exact location or PIN’s intervention base will be decided based on the outcome of baseline studies. We expect those who show interest to know – and understand – the regions really well, live there and be willing to move to the final location chosen for project implementation (should it be different from their current location of residence).
WHEN
Start date is immediate but we will keep searching until we find the right team member, hopefully before March 1, 2015.
WHO
We require the full-time service of a Program Officer to manage the PIN program expansion opportunity in North West Nigeria.
(a) Plan Program: Program Officer must be able to plan the delivery of the program and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of the organization. This includes developing new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization; developing and implementing long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcomes of the program; developing a budget and operating plan to support the program; and developing a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths and areas for improvement for the program.
(b) Organize Program: Program Officer will be required to ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization. She (or he) must document program activities, and collect/maintain records for statistical purposes according to the confidentiality policy of PIN.
(c) Lead Program: Program Officer must ensure all volunteers receive orientation and appropriate training in accordance with organizational standards, engage volunteers for appropriate program activities using established volunteer management practices, supervise volunteers by providing input/feedback and communicate with potential partners (including volunteers and other stakeholders) to gain community support for the program and to solicit input to improve the program. She (or he) must also liaise with other staff to ensure the effective and efficient program delivery and coordinate the delivery of services among different program activities to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
(d) Monitor Program: The Program Officer will write reports on the program for management and for partners, ensure that the program operates within the approved budget, monitor cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to the Chief Operating Officer on a regular basis (monthly), manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures, ensure that all financial records for the program are up to date, ensure financial reports and supporting documentation for partners are prepared accordingly, and monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct evaluation for each cycle of the project according to the program evaluation framework. She (or he) must identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks, as well as report evaluation findings and recommend changes to enhance the program, as appropriate.
In addition to the expected duties, the following are important for the Program Officer roles:
Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools;
Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization;
Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem;
Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities;
Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that own behaviour is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization;
Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results;
Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities;
Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
Job Requirements
Required Experience: 1-3 year(s)
Requirements
- A tertiary-level degree and minimum of two years of relevant experience are required.
- Demonstrated expertise will offer advantage as we seek to work with doers, and not people who refer to documents to explain what they know – or are asked to do.
Remuneration is competitive and will be discussed with each applicant.
How (to apply
Please send a CV and a cover letter that speaks to your interest in the position before 4pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2015, with “L.I.F.E. Training Program Officer (North West)” in the subject line to [email protected]
Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews