​Organization: Mercy Corps Nigeria

Requisition Number: 4NGUN006589

Location: Yobe State (Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani, and Tarmua LGAs)

Employment Type: Full-time (Regular Employee)

Application Closing Date: 21st April, 2026

​THE STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITY

​Mercy Corps is seeking a dynamic and technically grounded Deputy WASH Program Manager to lead the day-to-day planning, implementation, and monitoring of our water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions in Yobe. This is a high-level supervisory role requiring a blend of advanced engineering expertise and sophisticated humanitarian program management. You will be responsible for ensuring that our life-saving WASH infrastructure is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest international quality standards.

​KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

​1. Technical Design & Infrastructure Oversight

• ​Engineering Excellence: Prepare detailed project designs, technical specifications, and drawings for water supply systems (boreholes, pumping, basic hydraulics).
• ​Quality Control: Conduct regular monitoring visits to infrastructure sites, using construction supervision checklists to document progress and adherence to safety and environmental standards.
• ​Procurement Support: Collaborate with the logistics team to prepare tender documents and review the technical profiles of contractors.

​2. Program Management & Strategy

• ​Activity Planning: Develop and manage activity work plans across four LGAs, providing critical input into the design and improvement of the overall WASH response.
• ​Data-Driven Assessment: Design and oversee technical/social WASH assessment tools; analyze data to develop targeted hygiene behavior messaging.
• ​Compliance & Filing: Establish and maintain robust program reporting and document filing systems that adhere to both internal and donor regulations.

​3. Team Leadership & Accountability

• ​Supervision: Directly manage and mentor a team of WASH Officers and Assistants, fostering a culture of teamwork and professional growth.
• ​Community Ownership: Promote community involvement in all infrastructure projects, advising on handover protocols to ensure long-term sustainability.
• ​Inclusion: Integrate gender sensitivity and capacity building into all field activities as a core priority.

​CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS

​Academic & Professional Background

• ​Education: Degree or HND in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Geology, or Environmental Health Sciences.
• ​Experience: Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or team leadership position (preferably within an international NGO).
• ​Technical Knowledge: Deep expertise in water supply systems, boreholes, pumping, and basic hydraulics is mandatory.

​Core Competencies

• ​Digital Literacy: High proficiency in Microsoft Office and databases; knowledge of specialized Engineering Software (AutoCAD, etc.) is a distinct advantage.
• ​Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and Hausa.
• ​Soft Skills: High emotional intelligence, rapid decision-making ability, and a commitment to humanitarian principles.

​MERCY CORPS COMMITMENT

• ​Organizational Learning: We commit 5% of our time to learning activities that benefit the team and the agency.
• ​Accountability: We actively engage beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design and monitoring of our projects.

Success Blueprint: Deputy WASH Program Manager (Yobe)

​To succeed in this role at Mercy Corps, the successful candidate must look beyond simple construction and focus on Sustainable Humanitarian Impact.

​1. Technical “Must-Haves”

• ​Beyond the Borehole: You aren’t just building pumps; you are managing a hydraulic system. Be prepared to discuss head loss calculations, pump curve matching, and water quality testing protocols (Biological and Chemical).
• ​The AutoCAD Advantage: While listed as a “plus,” the ability to provide your own technical drawings and site layouts will significantly elevate your standing within the senior program team.

​2. The “Yobe” Context

• ​LGA Dynamics: You will be supervising work in Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani, and Tarmua. These areas have varying security profiles and geological challenges.
• ​Community Liaison: A borehole that the community doesn’t “own” will break within 6 months. Your success is measured by how well you establish Water User Committees and handover protocols.

​3. Management Strategy: The 1-Year Milestone

​As a Deputy Manager, your first year should focus on:

• ​Staff Capacity: Can your WASH Assistants conduct a social assessment without your presence?
• ​Gender Integration: WASH is not gender-neutral. How are you ensuring that sanitation facilities are safe and accessible for women and girls in the IDP camps or host communities?

​4. Interview Preparation Tips

• ​Scenario-Based Thinking: Be ready for questions like: “A contractor is using sub-standard cement at a remote site in Gulani. How do you handle the situation while keeping the project on schedule?”
• ​The “Mercy Corps” Way: Research the Mercy Corps Program Management Minimum Standards (PM@MC). Mentioning your commitment to “Accountability to Beneficiaries” (AtB) will demonstrate you are a cultural fit for the agency.

​5. Administrative Reminder

​Requisition Number: Ensure you quote 4NGUN006589 in your cover letter. Mercy Corps uses these numbers to track applications across their global recruitment system.

​Impact starts with clean water. Good luck!

​HOW TO APPLY

​Qualified candidates should submit their application via the Mercy Corps career portal:

​Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We thrive in evolving environments and prioritize accountability and teamwork.