Organization: International Medical Corps (IMC)
Location: Damboa, Borno State
Category: Programs
Employment Type: Full-Time
POSITION OVERVIEW
International Medical Corps is seeking a highly analytical and adaptive Program Officer to support our country mission in Damboa. Reporting to the supervisor, you will be instrumental in the development, implementation, and coordination of program activities. This role requires a professional capable of bridging the gap between high-level donor requirements and field-level implementation, ensuring that IMC’s life-saving interventions are delivered with technical excellence and administrative rigor.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Program Design & Monitoring
- System Development: Review existing M&E systems and develop new frameworks to ensure quality reporting and program implementation.
- Progress Oversight: Monitor project milestones and identify issues affecting performance, recommending necessary programmatic adjustments.
- Proposal Development: Support the drafting and design of new project proposals for both institutional and private donors.
2. Reporting & Coordination
- Documentation: Coordinate the production of informational grant documents and contribute significantly to high-quality program reporting.
- Team Leadership: Lead weekly meetings with national program staff and provide technical guidance to ensure contract compliance.
- Donor Relations: Respond to donor inquiries and identify new funding opportunities to support mission growth.
3. Strategic Liaison
- Advocacy: Interface with national government agencies and relevant humanitarian stakeholders as required.
- Direct Support: Assist field-level programs directly and maintain frequent communication with senior management to align objectives.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Education: Typically a Master’s Degree in Public Health, International Development, or a related field.
- Experience: 2–3 years in program design and evaluation, including at least one year in a resource-deprived or developing country environment.
- Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with the mandates of UN agencies, international donors, and the humanitarian coordination structure (Clusters).
Required Skills
- Adaptability: Ability to cope with high-stress situations and frustrations in a volatile environment.
- Communication: Exceptional English written and oral communication skills; proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Leadership: Ability to motivate local staff and exercise sound judgment with limited supervision.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and qualified candidates should apply via the International Medical Corps careers portal.
International Medical Corps is an equal opportunity employer.
Success Blueprint: Program Officer (Damboa)
The Program Officer role in Damboa is a “High-Stakes” position. IMC is looking for someone who understands the Borno Context—the security challenges, the displaced populations, and the complexities of the humanitarian “cluster” system.
1. Highlight “Grant & Proposal” Expertise
This role specifically mentions identifying funding opportunities and supporting proposal development.
- The Strategy: Showcase your experience with major donors such as USAID (BHA), ECHO, BRC, or UN Agencies (OCHA/NHF).
- Action: Mention a specific time you contributed to a successful grant application or a complex donor report.
- Keywords: “Grant management,” “Institutional donors,” “Logframe development,” “Theory of Change.”
2. Emphasize “Systems Thinking” (M&E)
You are expected to “review and develop new systems.”
- Success Factor: Move beyond data entry. Show that you can design Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks that measure impact, not just activities.
- Pro-Tip: Discuss your experience with data-driven decision-making. How did you use a program report to justify a change in field strategy?
3. Cultural Competency in Borno
Damboa is a sensitive location.
- The Context: IMC needs a “Team Player” who can motivate local staff effectively.
- Action: Highlight your “Cross-cultural awareness.” If you have worked in Northeast Nigeria previously, emphasize your understanding of the local dynamics and your ability to relate to diverse stakeholders.
4. Stress Tolerance & Flexibility
The job description explicitly mentions coping with “stressful situations and frustrations.”
- Strategy: Use your cover letter to demonstrate resilience. Mention your experience working in “resource-deprived environments” or “conflict-affected areas.”
- Soft Skills: Highlight your ability to remain productive under limited supervision and with limited resources.
5. Technical Proficiencies
- Reporting: Prove you can write. Your application itself is a test of your English written communication. Ensure it is flawless.
- Excel: The role requires proficiency in MS Excel for program tracking. Mention any experience with project management software or data visualization tools.
6. Final Application Checklist
- [ ] Master’s Degree: Ensure your Master’s (MPH/International Development) is prominently featured.
- [ ] Borno Experience: If you have worked in the Northeast, make it very clear. This is your biggest competitive advantage.
- [ ] M&E Skills: Have you listed specific tools or frameworks you are familiar with?
- [ ] Relocation: Confirm your readiness to be based in Damboa full-time.
You are the architect of program quality and the voice of the mission to donors. Apply with strategic intent.