Information Systems Manager, FINCA Nigeria

FINCA International, one of the world's leading microfinance institutions, provides financial services to more than 950,000 clients through 21 wholly-owned and operated subsidiaries in Africa, Eurasia, Latin Americaand the Greater Middle East. FINCA International is in the process of opening a Microfinance Bank in Nigeria and is currently looking for an Information Systems (IS) Manager, to be based in Owerri, Nigeria. The ISManager reports to the Country Director. The IS Manager is in charge of leading a function whose key responsibility is to facilitate alignment of FINCA’s technology with its operational vision based on the information systems strategy, by putting in place information systems which provide business advantage and increase operating efficiency in serving the FINCA’s clientele.

The responsibilities of this position are:

- Review the information systems strategy and advise changes in the light of changes in FINCA operations and external environment,

- Planning and co-ordination of all information systems development projects to support the achievement of FINCA business strategy,

- Oversee timely implementation of information systems projects focused on efficient information exchange within FINCA and delivery of customer services,

- Carry out routine reviews of the core banking system to ensure optimum interactions between the system and users,

- Overall review of the effectiveness of the system and in charge of quality assurance,

- Evaluate developments in the banking industry to ensure that the FINCA core banking system provides state-of-the-art business solutions to users,

- Plan and design disaster recovery plans for the FINCA information systems,

- Overall responsible for designing the information security policy covering information system applications and infrastructure,

- Undertake a review of the branch network connectivity to establish the operating level,

- Coach and mentor staff on information systems development at the country level,

- Carry out annual appraisal of performance and make recommendations on staff training.

Ideal profile:

- University Degree in computer science or equivalent,

- Oracle database management and administration,

- Minimum 5-years experience in an IT position in a reputable financial services organization,

- Knowledge of banking regulatory/compliance framework, information systems policies and practice,

- Experience with Windows OS, server configuration and maintenance, networking, and Windows-based scripting languages, and some familiarity with Unix/Linux,

- Experience with more than one operating system / multi sites,

- Strong business (as opposed to technical) performance orientation,

- Excellent project management skills,

- Ability to anticipate problems and proactively takes measures to control or minimize them,

- Ability to network and create positive, mutually co-operative relationships with internal customers,

- Innovation and creativity, ability to translate business needs into technical solutions,

- Energy, determination and flexibility, ability to set realistic, aggressive targets, leads by example, empowers staff, actively displays and rewards target behaviors,

- High level of confidentiality required,

- Fluency in English required

- Some domestic travel (up to 30%).

FINCA International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Information Systems Manager, FINCA Nigeria

Peace & Security Advisor to the ECOWAS-Commission Nigeria / Abuja

As a federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.

For our operations in Nigeria/Abuja, we are looking for a/an

Peace & Security Advisor to the ECOWAS-Commission

JOB-ID: 11252

Field of activity

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established in 1975 with the purpose of promoting regional cooperation and economic integration. In 2007, ECOWAS changed its central institution from an Executive Secretariat into a Commission, which has made the organization more effective and given the regional integration process a new dynamic. The ECOWAS Commission is led by a president, who is assisted by a Vice President and seven Commissioners, who head thematic departments. The organization provides an important forum for cooperation among its member states, with the Commission playing the role of a moderator for conflict-prevention, harmonization and integration in the region.
Since the transformation of the OAU into the African Union (AU) in 2002, the AU has started the development of an African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) in cooperation with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as ECOWAS. The objective of the APSA is to build and strengthen institutionalized multilateral responses to peace and security challenges on the continent along five key pillars: Peace and Security Council (PSC), Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), African Standby Force (ASF), the Panel of the Wise (Mediation), and the Peace Fund.
GIZ has supported the ECOWAS Commission since 2007. The current Support Programme consists of strengthening sector-specific expertise at the ECOWAS Commission and enhancing its strategic management structures and capacities. The objective of the GIZ Support Programme is to facilitate the design and implementation of regional agreements on taxes, customs, tariffs and other trade-related issues, and also to support reform processes aimed at enhancing peace and security, particularly through conflict prevention and mediation. The programme consists of four components in the following thematic areas:
1. Strategic Management and Organizational Development; 2.Trade-Related Reforms of the public finance system; 3. Advice on Trade Policy and 4.Peace and Security
The Peace and Security Component works in close cooperation with the Department for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) of the ECOWAS Commission. The key thematic focus areas of the cooperation within this sector are the coordination and implementation of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF); the set up of a Mediation Facilitation Division; improved cooperation and coordination with the regional Training Centers of Excellence (TCEs); the development of the civilian component of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and the development of an regional expert pool/roster for ECOWAS Election Observation Missions; in addition to the development of a continental civilian standby roster in the context of the APSA.
Compared to the other RECs on the continent, ECOWAS is the oldest and in the peace and security sector the most experienced REC. ECOWAS’ achievements and especially its important role as conflict manager in the region are internationally recognized. One of the key challenges for the coming years in this sector will be the development and operationalization of the civilian component of the ESF, which is currently still lagging behind the development of the military and police components. In addition, the coordination and implementation of the ECPF, a holistic framework that cuts across fifteen thematic areas in the context of conflict prevention; and the setting up of the Mediation Facilitation Division, are main focuses on the agenda.

Your tasks

The head of the peace and security component is responsible for the technical, organizational and substantive implementation of the peace and security component and ensures the planning, management, organization and monitoring of all related activities. The head of component is required to make his/her own contributions to technical analysis needed in priority areas in the sector, develop proposals for the coordination and implementation of ongoing processes and assists in the cooperation and exchange within the Department for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) but also between PAPS and the relevant departments/directorates at the African Union Commission. At the same time the head of component ensures a regular exchange of information with other regional GIZ projects in the peace and security sector, and also analyses the contributions and activities of other development partners in the sector and advises the GIZ program, as well as the ECOWAS Department for Political Affairs Peace and Security accordingly. In coordination with the GIZ head of program, the head of component will ensure quality and knowledge management of the component's contribution towards the overall objectives of the program.

Your profile

GIZ is looking for a professional who has good knowledge of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and who has ideally experienced working within the APSA context and is thus familiar with its pillars, especially in the following thematic areas: setting up the civilian component, conflict prevention and mediation. Due to the politically-sensitive work environment, good intercultural communication skills and a profound understanding of the ECOWAS region and the role of RECs are essential. An established network of actors within the APSA would be an advantage.

Assignment period

As soon as possible - 31.12.2013

What we offer you

With an international remit and a multicultural working atmosphere, we are successful because we share knowledge across disciplinary frontiers. Your professional and personal development is important to us. Whether it is the multifacetted day-to-day challenges in one of our partner countries or the considerable scope for applying creativity in your work – there are plenty of good reasons to join our motivated team.

Other information

Some travel activities in relation to this job are expected within the ECOWAS region.
All major international schools are available in Abuja. In addition, a large number of government and private schools exist in the capital.

Abuja experiences three weather conditions annually. This includes a warm, humid rainy season and a hot dry season. In between these seasons, there is a short period of harmattan (dry wind). As Nigeria lies within a Malaria-risk zone, the standard precautions must be taken into account. A yellow-fever vaccination is mandatory for entering the country.

Private and government hospitals are available in Abuja and offer treatment facilities for basic medical services.

Abuja is a predominantly safe city, travel advice by the German Federal Foreign Office applies for all travels outside Abuja.

Please note that we basically can only receive and process applications sent via our e-recruiting system. Should you not be able to do so, please contact the person named in the job advertisement.

To enable us to assess your existing skills and qualifications as part of our internal selection procedure, please complete the questionnaire on your competences when you apply online.

After submitting an application, please check your spam/junk folder regularly for incoming messages, as emails from our e-recruiting system are treated as spam by some providers.

We welcome job applications from people with disabilities.

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to apply until 23.08.2012.

Contact department:
Annette Riccius
++49 - (0)6196 - 79 - 3342

Peace & Security Advisor to the ECOWAS-Commission

Nigeria / Abuja

Monitoring, Evaluation (M&E) and Research Advisor Location: Nigeria

We are recruiting for a Monitoring, Evaluation (M&E) and Research Advisor for an anticipated USAID funded civil society strengthening program in Nigeria. The program will strengthen civil society’s ability to influence the development and implementation of key democratic reforms at the national, state, and local levels and will work with the Government of Nigeria, USAID, civil society organizations (CSOs) and other local organizations and other donor agencies. The Monitoring, Evaluation (M&E) and Research Advisor will be responsible for all monitoring and evaluation activities of the project. S/he will establish significant long term goals and outcomes for prevention efforts in Nigeria, ensuring the utilization of sound, national monitoring and evaluation indicators and tools for consistency in measurement. S/he will ensure that the quality of project monitoring and evaluation are of international standard and quality by supporting the development and implementation of appropriate mechanisms to document lessons learned and best practices in M&E, according to USAID guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of project specific Performance Monitoring Plans and M&E plans;
• Responsible for the development of relevant M&E tools as well as technical training;
• Coordinate regular monitoring visits and reporting mechanisms;
• Monitor data collection, collation, storage, analysis and reporting. Identifying problems and challenges to relevant parties;
• Monitor data entry process and overall maintenance of database;
• Review regular program reports prepared by program staff for submission to USAID;
• Ensure program staff and senior management are utilizing collected data collected in project implementation;
• Advise project management through ongoing integration of M&E data into program activities.
• Oversight of research staff conducting assessments of project activities.

Qualifications

• A university degree in any the following or related fields: social science, international development, evaluation research, statistics, and economics.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in designing, managing and implementing results-based M&E activities.
• Experience analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Experience working with an international development organization and knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, and tools for monitoring and evaluation especially impact evaluation.
• Previous USAID project experience strongly preferred
• Nigerian national preferred.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand or sit, and move about the facility

Work Environment

• Usual office working conditions free of disagreeable elements.

All applications for this position should be submitted online at www.futuresgroup.com via the Careers page. Futures Group provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

Deputy Chief of Party Nigeria

About Futures Group

Futures Group, the global consulting firm, helps to protect and promote people’s well-being around the world. For 40 years, Futures Group has created lasting solutions to some of the most pressing public health challenges facing nations. We predict future health and development trends, uncover barriers to well-being, and forge on-the-ground partnerships to ensure lasting change.

About GRM International

GRM International is a leading international development management company specializing in the provision of project design, management expertise and technical assistance to development projects for bilateral and multilateral funding agencies, governments and corporations. For more than 45 years, GRM has been bringing expertise in managing large-scale projects, and sourcing and managing high quality experts covering all disciplinary skills required to implement development projects.

About our Group of Companies

GRM International, Futures Group, and the Effective Development Group are a group of companies with a joint focus on reaching people in need and creating better futures for our clients, communities and colleagues around the world. With more than 90 current projects operating in more than 85 countries, and $225 million in revenue, our combined group has a multisectoral focus, diverse technical offerings and a wide geographic reach. For more information, please visitwww.futuresgroup.com, www.grminternational.com, and www.edgroup.com.au.

Position Summary

Our company seeks qualified Nigerian candidates for the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) position on an anticipated USAID funded civil society strengthening program in Nigeria. The program will strengthen civil society’s ability to influence the development and implementation of key democratic reforms at the national, state, and local levels and will work with the Government of Nigeria, USAID, civil society organizations (CSOs) and other local organizations and other donor agencies. The DCOP will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP) and serve as the principal point of contact in Nigeria for procedural and substantive matters in the absence of the COP.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily technical activities and project implementation.
• Project staff management and oversight.
• Serve as the point of contact for procedural and substantive matters in the absence of the COP.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, law, and development studies etc.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in the successful implementation of international; development activities in the area of democracy and governance, preferably under a USG contract instrument.
• Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in a senior program management role including direct supervision of professional and support staff.
• Prior experience in policy advocacy, government monitoring and oversight, or capacity development.
• An in-depth understanding of the role of civil society in democracy building and development and previous experience in capacity building for civil society organizations and coalitions.
• Prior experience in awarding and managing grants to local organizations to promote democracy and governance goals.
• Previous USAID project management experience strongly preferred.
• Nigerian nationals strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand or sit, and move about the facility

Work Environment

• Usual office working conditions free of disagreeable elements.

All applications for this position should be submitted online at www.futuresgroup.com via the Careers page. Futures Group provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

Deputy Chief of Party

Nigeria

Futures Group Chief of Party Nigeria

About Futures Group

Futures Group, the global consulting firm, helps to protect and promote people’s well-being around the world. For 40 years, Futures Group has created lasting solutions to some of the most pressing public health challenges facing nations. We predict future health and development trends, uncover barriers to well-being, and forge on-the-ground partnerships to ensure lasting change.

About GRM International

GRM International is a leading international development management company specializing in the provision of project design, management expertise and technical assistance to development projects for bilateral and multilateral funding agencies, governments and corporations. For more than 45 years, GRM has been bringing expertise in managing large-scale projects, and sourcing and managing high quality experts covering all disciplinary skills required to implement development projects.

About our Group of Companies

GRM International, Futures Group, and the Effective Development Group are a group of companies with a joint focus on reaching people in need and creating better futures for our clients, communities and colleagues around the world. With more than 90 current projects operating in more than 85 countries, and $225 million in revenue, our combined group has a multisectoral focus, diverse technical offerings and a wide geographic reach. For more information, please visitwww.futuresgroup.com, www.grminternational.com, and www.edgroup.com.au.

Position Summary

We are recruiting for a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID funded civil society strengthening program in Nigeria. The program will strengthen civil society’s ability to influence the development and implementation of key democratic reforms at the national, state, and local levels and will work with the Government of Nigeria, USAID, civil society organizations (CSOs) and other local organizations and other donor agencies. The Chief of Party will have overall strategic, programmatic, financial, and management responsibility for the project. Working closely with and managing a core staff of technical and administrative program professionals, s/he will ensure that project objectives, outcomes, and deliverables are met and that financial, operational, and reporting requirements of the donor are adhered to. The COP will be the primary liaison with the client as well as with other donors, partners, and stakeholders, including the Nigerian Government.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality technical programming to support the project’s objectives while adhering to all quality and reporting requirements.
• Participate in the technical and programmatic design of award and partner programs; represent GRM in negotiating with other donors and partners.
• Manage all project planning responsibilities, including oversight of the production of required work plans, budgets, and regular reports.
• Ensure compliance with home office and client requirements, policies and regulations;
• Act as liaison to other relevant donors, local government, and local organizations.
• Manage all local grant making mechanisms, ensuring compliance with USAID regulations and GRM policy; coordinate and/or conduct monitoring visits to grantee programs.
• Provide training and mentoring to local partners to strengthen capacity for technical service delivery and compliance with USAID rules and regulations.
• Directly supervise recruitment of local project staff in line with GRM HR policies and USAID regulations; Oversee the management and development of project office human resources.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field i.e. social sciences, law, development studies, etc.
• Ten years demonstrated experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to democracy and governance activities under a USG contract instrument—five years of which shall have been in senior program management including direct supervision of professional and support staff.
• In-depth understanding of the role of civil society in development and experience in building capacity for civil society organizations and networks/coalition strengthening.
• Prior experience in awarding and managing grants to local organizations to promote democracy and governance goals.
• Must be tolerant, respectful and sensitive to Nigeria’s culture.
• Specialized Knowledge/Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication
• Proven experience navigating complex and high pressure operating environments;
• Experience developing and managing multi-sectorial, multi-donor funded program portfolios preferred.
• Nigeria experience highly desirable, Africa experience essential.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain interpersonal and professional relationships with different donors, civil society organizations and host country government counterparts.
• Previous USAID project management experience strongly preferred
• Nigerian nationals strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand or sit, and move about the facility

Work Environment

• Usual office working conditions free of disagreeable elements.

All applications for this position should be submitted online at www.futuresgroup.com via the Careers page. Futures Group provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

Chief of Party

Nigeria

Public Finance & Strategic Management Expert

Tender - Technical Assistance for Implementation of EU Support to Federal Governance Reform Programme in Five Federal Agencies, Abuja, Nigeria

GRM is looking for a Key-Expert - Public Finance & Strategic Management Expert (660 working days in Nigeria)

1. BACKGROUND

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), in 2008, adopted a National Strategy for Public Service Reform (NSPRP) for implementing Vision 20-2020. This Strategy identifies four core reform challenges, which must be addressed in three phases between 2008 and 2020 in order to achieve the results envisaged in Vision 20-2020. The overall objective of the EU Support to Federal Governance Reform Project (SUFEGOR), which this contract is a part, is to support the implementation of the second phase of NSPRP planned for 2011 – 2015. Specifically, SUFEGOR will support the aspects of the core challenges that concern coordination of the reform process, policy development and civil service administration reform.

While there have been notably successes in the past two years in the implementation of this strategy, the Federal Government of Nigeria still faces several challenges in the implementation of its second phase. This project will complement similar programmes planned by other donors in a division of labour approach, towards assisting government in the implementation of the second phase of the NSPSR.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

2.1 Global objective

The overall objective of the project of which this contract will be a part is to contribute to poverty reduction in Nigeria through promotion of public sector policy and efficiency in public service administration in order to enhance service delivery.

2.2 Specific objectives

The purpose of this contract is to strengthen the capacity of five federal agencies in the areas of policy coordination, planning and development, revenue administration, record management, financial management, reporting, performance monitoring and development of statistics.

3. EXPERT PROFILE

Key expert 2: Public Finance & Strategic Management Expert

He/she will have overall responsibility for the development of strategic framework for the reform process and the implementation/enhancement of public finance systems across the 5 beneficiary agencies.

The Expert must have the following qualifications, professional experience and skills:

Qualifications and skills

• Advanced University Degree (MSc) in Economics, Public Finance, Public Policy Analysis, or a related discipline. First university degree with at least 12 years of experience in relevant public sector management programmes may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Proficiency in basic computer programmes (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet browsing);

General professional experience

• Minimum 7 years professional experience in the public finance management including strategic planning and development or revision of existing Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) aligned with existing Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF);
• Minimum 3 years working experience in a developing country outside the country of origin;

Specific professional experience

• Minimum 4 years relevant working experience in the fields of budgeting and public finance
• management including implementation of integrated financial management systems in public
• institutions;
• Minimum 3 years experience in training of public servants experience in various aspects of
• Public Finance Management particularly in the implementation of new Chart of Accounts
• Experience in providing public institutions with policy advice and technical assistance for the
• Development of legal and administrative frameworks to coordinate public reform process.

4. LOCATION AND DURATION

The expert will be located at the Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR) in Nigeria and the overall duration of the assignment is 660 working days in Nigeria.

If this position is of interest to you and you believe you are suitably qualified, please submit your cv in EU format to vanessa.garcia@grminternational.com. Applications close on 23th August 2012.