Mercy Corps Nigeria Recruitment for Housing Land and Property Officer 2021

Mercy Corps Nigeria Recruitment for Housing Land and Property Officer 2021: Mercy Corps Nigeria is recruiting for Housing Land and Property Officer. The ideal candidate should possess a university degree in law preferred; alternatively, a degree in social science, political science or a related field.

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we collaborate to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within, now and for the future.

In Nigeria, Mercy Corps works in 13 states within the key thematic areas of humanitarian response, conflict mitigation and adolescent girls’ empowerment.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Housing Land and Property Officer (HLP Officer)

Reference Number: MDG/HUMOPS/2018/00020
Location: Maiduguri, Borno with at least 80% travel to project locations in Dikwa, Ngala, Damboa, Gowza, Bama and other LGAs as open up.

Program/Department Summary

• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic development and conflict mitigation.
• With the insurgency spilling over from the Northeast of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs.
• With funding from institutional donors, foundations and private corporations, Mercy Corps continues to provide assistance to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, and livelihoods.
• With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria, Mercy Corps’ strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys.
• With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations, Mercy Corps’ programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.

General Position Summary

• HLP issues remain relevant during all stages of displacement and if not adequately addressed, the potential for land conflicts will be high during return and reintegration. Addressing HLP will provide an opportunity to ensure that the rights of displaced populations (IDPs and host communities) are respected and protected.
• The Housing, Land and Property Officer will oversee housing, land and property concerns in relation to Mercy Corps-constructed shelters. The HLP Officer is thus responsible for providing legal advice and assistance in the area of housing, land and property directly to beneficiaries and as well as to Mercy Corps’ shelter and protection teams. The officer will ensure adherence to Mercy Corps’ policies and guidelines and will be responsible for ensuring that shelter activities are conducted in compliance with Nigerian housing, land and property law.
• The HLP Officer will seek to facilitate a more inclusive and effective HLP response while abiding by humanitarian and ‘do no harm principles. The HLP Officer will give particular attention to increasing security of tenure for both IDPs and host communities with a view to protecting against rights violations, such as forced evictions, and contribute towards durable solutions, sustainable housing, increased land tenure security and property rights.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Provide legal assistance i.e. facilitate negotiation to the shelter rehabilitation beneficiaries, where disputes arise between them and building owners or local authorities. Provide beneficiaries with assistance to realize their housing, land and property rights.
• Review and outline legal and policy frameworks governing HLP rights of displaced persons, returnees and host communities from a domestic legal perspective. Compile up-to-date information on relevant HLP laws, procedures, and practices.
• Outline the normative framework of international, regional and national policy on HLP rights as applicable to Northeast Nigeria.
• Identify and document specific challenges facing IDPs, returnees and host communities in exercising their HLP rights. This includes gender, age, diversity issues and how they relate to HLP violations.
• Map HLP issues in areas of return providing an overview of the nature of issues, the effects, who is affected and the current response taking into account IDPs, returnees, and host communities. Conduct field visits to capture the views of beneficiaries including women and of key stakeholders (statutory, customary and religious authorities, protection actors, etc.).
• Provide recommendations to effectively protect the HLP rights of IDPs and host communities as well as to address programmatic gaps in order for Mercy Corps to address HLP issues affecting displaced and host communities.
• Ensure shelter stakeholders i.e. Mercy Corps, building owners, displaced tenants and/or local authorities understand and agree to enter into and abide by tenure agreements, and ensure that all documentation in relation to these agreements is available before implementation of shelter rehabilitation works.
• Advocate for recognition of the HLP rights of displaced persons particularly the security of tenure – when engaging with building owners, local authorities and humanitarian partners.
• Report on any problems encountered in the field such as shelter beneficiary complaints, local authority interference and security threats to MC staff and activities.
• Produce reports, including spreadsheets, reflecting voucher and cash grant distribution, geographic area, number of beneficiaries and any other information relevant to the programme.
• Conduct post-rehabilitation occupancy monitoring to ensure the ongoing security of tenure for shelter beneficiaries. Work with the M&E team to undertake regular monitoring & evaluation of HLP activities, and contribute to monthly progress reports on activities, highlighting any technical or operational successes.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of activities and make recommendations for improvements.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in Nigeria.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Security:

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
• Work closely with Mercy Corps Nigeria country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its implementation process.

Finance & Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.
• Ensure compliance with all Mercy Corps finance regulations in carrying out activities.

Influence & Representation:

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
• Supervisory Responsibility: None
• Reporting Line(s):
  • Functional: Shelter Manager
  • Technical: Protection Manager
  • Works Directly With Finance, Programs, Operations and M&E Teams.

Knowledge and Experience

• A university degree in law preferred; alternatively, a degree in social science, political science or related subject will be considered. An advanced degree would be an additional advantage.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience working in supporting HLP rights in humanitarian response or development contexts required – negotiating with building owners and/or local authorities, providing legal assistance to vulnerable beneficiaries, shelter sector in Nigeria.
• Familiarity with HLP laws, procedures and practices in Nigeria.
• Ability to work under pressure, independently and show initiative, with limited supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a range of diverse local stakeholders, private sector actors, the Government and partners.
• Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local stakeholders, private sector actors, the Government and partners.
• Experience working in the humanitarian sector, in complex and volatile contexts.
• Experience in legal research including international and national legal concepts and collating legal data.
• Excellent oral, written and computer skills.
• Fluency in English, Hausa and/or Kanuri essential.

Success Factors

• The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required.  A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Security:

• Security in the field locations requires additional vigilance and accessibility will be reassessed continuously. Access to good medical services in the northeast is limited. Phone communication, internet, electricity and water is available but might be erratic.
•  Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all locations.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit no more than 4 page CV and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: 

Note

• All applications must include the position title and reference number in the subject line and should not be more than 4 pages.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews and we are an equal opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Shortlisted Applicant Update

If you’ve been shortlisted, then you’ve got your foot in the door. And it’s time for you to shine at the final stage – the interview.

However, it could be a telephonic, Skype, or face-to-face interview. And this is depending on the employer. When shortlisted:

1. Endeavour to get information about the company.
2. Also, ensure you have a clear vision. Try to figure out why you want the specific position. And how you would be a good fit. Also, go through your application.
3. Additionally, be interactive. It’s an interview, not an interrogation. There is much more to you than your resume.
4. The practice goes a long way. Thus, take mock interviews with your friends or practice speaking before a mirror.
5. It’s rare, but sometimes you do get an offer letter directly based on your application. You start planning the celebration, but remember some points before you go into that party mode: Get it in writing.
6. Also, go over the written offer in detail. And make sure all important details are mentioned and ask questions if you don’t understand anything. Such as work profile, start date, duration, and stipend, etc.
7. Send a thank-you letter to the employer, once you accept the offer.
8. Also, follow up with an e-mail confirming your start date and expressing your enthusiasm for your new role.

From the above, it is important you note that we are not partnering with these companies. We are only making this information available so as help you get that your dream job. As such, as you apply, ensure to do more research about the company. GOOD LUCK.

Mistakes to Avoid While Applying

A lot of people fail in many applications not because they are not qualified, but because of numerous mistakes. So take note of the following:

1. Apply on time, do not wait for the deadline.
2. Do the application processes alone, don’t send anybody to avoid mistakes in your data
3. Keep yourself updated concerning the application
4. Make sure you supply all the necessary requirements
5. Take time to crosscheck your details before submission.
6. Candidates are to apply for one job position, Candidates who attempt to apply multiple times will have their application disqualified
7. The online application is free.

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StudentsandScholarship Team