Vacancy Opportunity at VSO Nigeria: International Citizen Service (ICS) Programme Supervisor Position

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Nigeria invites applications for the position of ICS Programme Supervisor in Kwara State. VSO is the world's leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in over 40 developing countries. VSO has been operating across Nigeria since 1958 and has accompanied the country through complex social change and growth, alongside local conflict and instability building capacity of civil society and government structures. VSO Nigeria's current strategy 2012-15 promotes holistic integrated development of marginalised youth by promoting employment, employability and enterprise

development, enhancing quality of education and nurturing leadership to promote youth participation and accountability in governance. 

The International Citizen Service (ICS) is a global volunteering experience which supports young people from all backgrounds to make a real difference to communities. ICS is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID-UK government). This programme is implemented by VSO Nigeria and an implementing partner.

The Nigeria Programme Supervisor is responsible for developing the programme in the Nigeria host communities (Kwara State) and, with his/her UK counterpart, for facilitating the implementation of the 3-month programme in Nigeria.

The programme supervisor will be expected to live in the Nigeria host community for the period of 4 months including the planning and preparation phase and during the three months of programme implementation in the community. Hours of work will be irregular and the Programme Supervisor will need to be available on call for volunteers and take a lead in providing support during the programme.

Start date will be in May, 2014 and will last for 4 months.

Responsibilities:

Programme development in the host community

Work with a community partner to design and implement the programme. 

Identifying support for the development of the core components of the programme  

Maximise the impact of the programme for both the participants and the host community

Volunteer Support

Working with the host country counterpart to provide adequate support and supervision of volunteers throughout the programme. 

Promoting and encouraging appropriate behaviour

Ensuring safety and security standards procedures are met and understood.

Facilitation

Promoting learning amongst volunteers on global, cross-cultural and intercultural issues through the delivery of training and learning tools

Supporting youth led and on-placement training throughout the programme

Relationship management and partnership working

Work effectively and with host country programme supervisor and act as a representative of VSO and partners at all times. 

Ensure that all programme partners and stakeholders are kept regularly informed about the progress of the in-country programmes, including any medical or health and safety issues.

Monitoring and evaluation

To ensure learning from the programme is captured from all volunteers and stakeholders

Record outcomes in accordance with overall purpose and objectives of the programme

Budget management

Managing budgets and undertaking accounting procedures.

Present monthly accounts to VSO accounts department.

Account for the programme development and implementation expenditure during the phase of the programme.

Skill, Knowledge and Experience Required

Working with Young People: Proven experience of working with and providing support to 18-25 year olds from a wide range of backgrounds with proven ability to facilitate learning in a non-formal environment.

Cross-Cultural Working: Direct and substantial experience of working cross-culturally and able to communicate to a range of audiences and promote sharing and learning between cultures

 International Development: Knowledge of issues which are common to communities in developing countries, possibly achieved through working or living in a developing country.   Should have experience of promoting learning about development issues

Communication: Possession of strong written communication skills needed for writing reports, publicity materials and corresponding with a wide-range of community members.

Supervision: Significant experience of working in a supervisory role.  Possess the proven ability to promote self-awareness, learning and development among individuals.

Planning and Organising: Able to develop clear and realistic plans to deliver agreed objectives within deadlines, involving key individuals in the planning process

Volunteering: Sufficient experience of working with volunteers to understand the key factors which make volunteer placements viable, effective and rewarding

QUALIFICATIONS

University degree in Social Science or related disciplines.

Have a background in community development and experience working at the community level.

Ability to fully engage with young people, support and supervise those who work with them.

As part of this exciting and dynamic team you will be helping to make a real difference to young people and communities around the world.

Minimum of 2 years experience working in an NGO and community level programs.

Submission of Application: Applications should consist of a letter explaining your interest in, and suitability for this position (one page maximum) and a resume.  Applications should be submitted electronically at: kingsley.udo(at)vsoint.org

We respect all candidates but we can only respond to shortlisted candidates. Suitably qualified young women are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: 5th May 2014, 4 pm

VSO is an equal opportunity employer.