If you are looking for a job with a well-known international organization doing real work in Nigeria, read this carefully. Mercy Corps Nigeria has opened up a fresh round of recruitment, and they are looking to fill 20 positions across different departments and locations. This is not a small opportunity. This is a big one, and you should take it seriously.
In this post, we are going to break down everything you need to know about this recruitment. We will discuss who Mercy Corps is, what they do in Nigeria, the kinds of jobs they are recruiting for, what they usually look for in candidates, and how you can apply. By the time you finish reading this, you will have a clear picture of what is ahead of you and how to position yourself.
So let us get into it.
About Mercy Corps
Before we talk about the jobs, let us first understand the organisation behind them. Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian and development organisation that has been around since 1979. They work in some of the toughest parts of the world, helping communities that are going through crises, conflicts, poverty, and disasters to not just survive, but to actually get better over time.
They operate in over 40 countries across the globe. Their work touches on things like food security, clean water, economic development, conflict resolution, women’s empowerment, and much more. When a community is struggling, Mercy Corps comes in not just to hand out relief, but to help that community build the kind of systems that will allow it to stand on its own feet in the long run.
Now here is the part that matters most for Nigerians. Mercy Corps Nigeria was established in 2012. Since then, they have grown into one of the most active and respected humanitarian and development organisations in the country. Their headquarters in Nigeria is in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory. But they do not just sit in Abuja. They are active across 16 states of Nigeria, reaching communities in the northeast, northwest, and other parts of the country where the need is greatest.
Their work in Nigeria focuses on things like helping communities deal with the effects of conflict, building people’s ability to earn a living, making sure people have access to safe water, supporting food security, and helping local governments do their jobs better. The northeast of Nigeria has been particularly affected by years of insurgency, and Mercy Corps has been on the ground there, working with people to help them cope and rebuild. In the northwest, where there are serious challenges around banditry, displacement, and economic hardship, Mercy Corps is also active.
This is the kind of organisation you would be working for. These are not just jobs. These are positions that put you in the middle of meaningful work that changes real lives.
Mercy Corps Recruitment Portal: Where to Apply
All applications for the Mercy Corps Nigeria recruitment must be submitted through the official Mercy Corps Nigeria careers portal. You can find it by visiting nigeria.mercycorps.org/careers. Once you are on the page, browse through the available positions, click on the one that matches your qualifications and interests, and follow the instructions to submit your application. Make sure you are applying through this official channel and nowhere else.
It is also worth knowing that Mercy Corps has a global careers portal at www.mercycorps.org/careers where you can find both international and Nigeria-specific opportunities. However, for this particular recruitment, the Nigeria page is where you want to go. Do not pay anyone to access the portal or to apply on your behalf. The process is free, it is straightforward, and everything you need is right there on the website.
What Mercy Corps Recruitment Is About
Mercy Corps Nigeria is currently recruiting for 20 positions. This is a significant batch of openings, and it covers a wide range of roles across different departments. Whether your background is in finance, operations, program management, monitoring and evaluation, water and sanitation, safety and security, or other fields, there is likely something here that matches your skills.
The recruitment is for both experienced professionals and people who are a bit earlier in their careers, depending on the specific position. Some of these roles are senior and will require a number of years of experience, while others are more junior or mid-level and are open to people who are earlier in their professional journey.
Let us now look at the specific positions that are available in this recruitment round.
Mercy Corps Job Positions Available For Recruitment
Safeguarding Coordinator
This role is about making sure that Mercy Corps’ safeguarding standards are understood and followed across all the different departments and teams. The Safeguarding Coordinator will work to prevent harm to the people that Mercy Corps serves, as well as to staff and partners. This is a very important role because it touches on the organisation’s core commitment to doing no harm and making sure that all its work is done with integrity and care for the most vulnerable people.
Operations Officer
The Operations Officer will provide day-to-day support to program operations in Damaturu, Yobe State. This person will work under the Operations Manager and will handle things like logistics, administration, and making sure that the practical side of running a program goes smoothly. If you are someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and likes to keep things running properly, this could be a good fit.
Finance and Compliance Officer
The Finance Department at Mercy Corps Nigeria handles all financial functions in the country. This includes accounting, payments, banking, payroll, budgeting, and financial reporting. The Finance and Compliance Officer will be part of this team, making sure that the organisation’s money is managed properly and that all spending is in line with donor rules and Mercy Corps’ own policies.
Finance Assistant
The Finance Assistant works within the Finance Department and supports the Finance Officer in accounting and other financial tasks. This is a more entry-level or junior finance role, and it is a good opportunity for someone who is building their career in finance within the NGO sector.
Deputy WASH Program Manager
WASH stands for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. This is one of the core areas of Mercy Corps’ work in Nigeria. The Deputy WASH Program Manager will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring the WASH component of a program in Yobe State. This person will work on making sure that communities have access to clean water and proper sanitation, which are basic things that many people in underserved communities still do not have.
Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer
Monitoring progress and evaluating results are central to how Mercy Corps works. The Senior MEL Officer will track what the programs are doing, measure whether they are having the desired impact, and help the team learn from what is working and what is not. This is a technical role that requires someone who understands data, can design and run evaluations, and can communicate findings clearly.
Safety and Security Manager
The Safety and Security Manager is responsible for managing all safety and security systems in the country. Given that Mercy Corps works in some of Nigeria’s most challenging areas, this role is extremely important. This person ensures that staff are safe, that there are proper protocols in place for different risk scenarios, and that the organisation can continue its work even in difficult environments.
Cash Transfer Program Officer
Cash and voucher assistance is a key part of how Mercy Corps helps people in emergencies and in recovery situations. Instead of just giving out goods, sometimes the most effective way to help people is to give them cash or vouchers so they can meet their own needs in a dignified way. The Cash Transfer Program Officer will support the implementation of these kinds of interventions.
Deputy Procurement and Operations Manager
This role sits within the operations side of the organization and involves overseeing procurement and operations functions. The person in this role will make sure that goods and services are procured properly, that the organisation is getting value for money, and that operations across programs are running efficiently.
Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CARM) Assistant
Mercy Corps takes accountability to the communities it serves very seriously. The CARM is the system through which community members can raise concerns, ask questions, or report any problems with how Mercy Corps is working. The CARM Assistant helps run this system, making sure that community voices are heard and that feedback leads to improvements.
Director of Programs
This is one of the most senior roles in this recruitment round. The Director of Programs is responsible for overseeing all the programs that Mercy Corps runs in Nigeria. This person provides leadership and strategic direction, makes sure programs are delivering results, and helps shape the future direction of the organization’s work in the country. This role requires someone with deep experience in program management and leadership.
Water Utility Engineer
Under the small-town WASH program, the Water Utility Engineer handles all the engineering and infrastructure aspects of construction work in Delta or Abia states. This is a technical role for someone with a background in engineering, specifically around water infrastructure. The person will oversee the design and implementation of water supply systems for small towns.
Infrastructure Manager
The infrastructure manager supervises infrastructure standards, processes, and the implementation of small-town water supply projects with construction components in Abia and Delta states. This is another senior technical role within the WASH program, requiring someone with both technical expertise and management skills.
Operations Assistant
The Operations Assistant provides admin and logistics support for the Mercy Corps office. This includes making travel and accommodation arrangements for staff, handling office supplies, and generally keeping the office running smoothly. This is a good entry point into operations for someone who is organised and likes to support a team.
Program Administration and Communications Officer
This role supports the development and implementation of a communication strategy for the Small-Town WASH Program. The person in this role will handle both the administrative side of program management and the communications work, making sure that the program’s work is documented and communicated effectively.
Country Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager
This is a senior MEL role, sitting within the Program Performance and Quality unit. The Country MEL Manager will manage and coordinate all MEL activities across Mercy Corps Nigeria’s entire portfolio. This person will lead a team of MEL professionals and make sure that the organization has the data and learning it needs to deliver effective programs.
Chief of Party, Resilience Activity
This is another very senior leadership role. Mercy Corps is seeking a Chief of Party to lead the implementation of an anticipated five-year USAID-funded resilience activity in Sokoto and Zamfara states. The Chief of Party will provide overall leadership, management, and strategic vision for the activity. This person will be the primary representative for the program with USAID and other stakeholders.
Strategic Communications and Knowledge Manager
This role supports the implementation of the USAID-funded Feed the Future program. The Strategic Communications and Knowledge Manager will lead communications and knowledge management for the program, making sure that results are documented, learning is shared, and the program’s work is communicated to the right audiences.
MEL Director, Food Security Program
Mercy Corps is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Director to support the implementation of a USAID-funded Food Security activity. This is a senior technical MEL role, requiring someone with deep expertise in designing and managing MEL systems for large programs.
Program Performance and Quality Manager
The Program Performance and Quality Manager provides technical guidance and support for program quality across the organisation. This person works closely with program teams to make sure that Mercy Corps’ programs in Nigeria are being implemented to the highest standards and that results are being achieved.
Where Mercy Corps Jobs Are Located
One important thing to keep in mind about this recruitment is that the jobs are not all in one place. Mercy Corps Nigeria operates across multiple states, and this recruitment spreads the positions across different locations. Some of the roles are based in Abuja, which is the headquarters. Others are based in places like Yobe, Borno, Delta, Abia, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
Before you apply for a role, make sure you are comfortable with the location. Some of these states are in parts of Nigeria that have significant security challenges. That is the nature of humanitarian work. But Mercy Corps takes the safety of its staff very seriously, and the Safety and Security Manager role that is also being recruited for is part of that commitment.
What Kind of Person is Mercy Corps Looking For
If you look across all these positions, there are certain things that Mercy Corps consistently looks for in the people it hires. Let us talk about those things, because understanding them will help you present yourself better in your application.
They are looking for people who genuinely care about the work: This is not an organization where people show up just to collect a salary and go home. The people who thrive at Mercy Corps are those who are motivated by the mission, who want to see communities improve, and who are willing to go the extra mile to make that happen. If your motivation is purely financial, you might want to think carefully about whether this is the right fit.
Mercy Corps as an organization actively seeks team members from different backgrounds, with different perspectives and different ways of thinking. They believe that diversity is how they are able to tackle complex problems. So whether you are from the northeast or the southwest, whether you have an unconventional background, or whether you bring a perspective that is different from the norm, that is welcomed here.
Mercy Corps looks for people who are honest and have strong ethics: In the NGO world, accountability and integrity are everything. Mercy Corps works with donor funds, and it works with some of the most vulnerable people in society. It cannot afford to have staff who cut corners, misuse resources, or behave in ways that harm the people the organization is supposed to serve.
Mercy Corps Wants Team Players: Mercy Corps talks a lot about collaboration, and for good reason. The work they do is complex and requires people who can work together across different departments, different cultures, and different locations. If you are someone who struggles to work with others or who prefers to do everything alone, this might be challenging.
Mercy Corps Looks For People Who Can Adapt: The environment that Mercy Corps works in is often unpredictable. Situations on the ground can change quickly. Programs sometimes have to pivot. Staff need to be flexible enough to adjust and keep delivering results even when things do not go as planned.
Educational Requirements
The educational requirements vary depending on the role. For most professional positions, Mercy Corps requires at least a bachelor’s degree or HND in a relevant field. For senior roles like the Director of Programs, Chief of Party, or MEL Director, an advanced degree such as a master’s is typically expected.
For more junior roles like the finance assistant, operations assistant, or CARM assistant, the requirements may be more flexible, and relevant experience can sometimes compensate for a lower level of formal education.
It is also worth noting that for some technical roles, professional certifications or specialized training may be more important than the level of degree. For example, for the Water Utility Engineer or Infrastructure Manager roles, practical engineering experience and relevant certifications would be very important.
Experience Requirements
Similarly, experience requirements vary by role. Senior positions like the Director of Programs, Chief of Party, and Country MEL Manager typically require a minimum of 7 to 10 years of relevant experience, with a track record in leadership and management.
Mid-level positions like the finance and compliance officer, operations officer, or senior MEL officer typically require 3 to 5 years of experience in the relevant field.
More junior positions may require 1 to 3 years of experience, or in some cases, fresh graduates with strong academic records and demonstrated interest in the sector may be considered.
One thing that Mercy Corps consistently values is experience within the NGO or development sector. If you have previously worked with other international or local NGOs, multilateral agencies, government programs, or donor-funded projects, that experience will be highly valued. Experience working in challenging environments, particularly in the northeast or northwest of Nigeria, is also a significant advantage for many of these roles.
Skills That Will Make You Stand Out
Beyond education and years of experience, there are specific skills that will make you a stronger candidate for these positions. Let us go through some of them.
Finance Roles: You need to be comfortable with accounting software, have a good understanding of donor compliance requirements (especially USAID rules if the position is on a USAID-funded program), and be able to produce clean financial reports.
MEL Roles: You need to be comfortable with both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Proficiency with tools like SPSS, STATA, Excel, or other data analysis software is important. Experience designing surveys, training data collectors, and writing clear evaluation reports will also help you stand out.
Operations and Procurement Roles: Knowledge of procurement best practices, experience with logistics management, and familiarity with how international NGOs manage their supply chains are all valuable.
Program Management Roles: You need to have experience developing and managing work plans and budgets, coordinating across multiple teams, writing program reports for donors, and managing relationships with government partners and other stakeholders.
Communications Roles: Strong writing skills are essential. The ability to tell a compelling story about program results, to produce reports and briefs that are clear and engaging, and to manage social media or other communication channels is important.
Across almost all roles, proficiency in English is required. For some roles, particularly those in the northeast, proficiency in Hausa or other local languages can be a significant advantage.
How to Apply for Mercy Corps Recruitment
Applying for a Mercy Corps Nigeria position is a straightforward process, but you need to do it carefully. Here is how it works.
Step 1. Visit Mercy Corps Official Website Portal
What you need to do is visit the official Mercy Corps Nigeria careers page. You can find this at nigeria.mercycorps.org/careers. On this page, you will see the current open positions. Find the role you are interested in and click on it to read the full job description.
Step 2. Read The Job description cautiously.
This is important. Many people make the mistake of skimming the job description and then submitting a generic application. A generic application will not get you far at Mercy Corps. You need to understand exactly what the role requires and make sure your application addresses those requirements directly.
Step 3. Get Your Application Documents
Once you have read the description thoroughly, prepare your application. This typically includes your CV or resume and a cover letter. Some positions may also require additional documents like writing samples, academic certificates, or professional references.
Step 4. Prepare Your CV
Your CV should be clean, well-organised, and focused on the most relevant aspects of your background. Do not pad it with unnecessary information. Highlight the experiences, skills, and achievements that are most relevant to the specific role you are applying for.
Step 5. Write Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be personal and specific. Explain why you want to work for Mercy Corps, why you are interested in this particular role, and what you bring to it. Do not simply repeat what is on your CV. Use the cover letter to tell a story about yourself that explains why you are the right person for this job.
One very important thing to keep in mind: Mercy Corps does not charge any fees for job applications. You do not need to pay anyone to apply or to be considered for a position. If anyone contacts you claiming to be from Mercy Corps and asks you to pay money, that is a scam. Ignore it and report it.
Application Deadline
The deadlines for these positions vary. Some of the positions listed above have already been posted for some time, while others may be more recent. It is important that you check the specific deadline for each position you are interested in and make sure you submit your application before that deadline.
Do not wait until the last minute. Applications submitted at the last minute may be rushed and may not represent you at your best. Give yourself enough time to prepare a strong application.
Interview Process
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. Mercy Corps typically conducts a structured interview process that may include multiple stages.
The first stage is often a phone or video screening interview, where a member of the HR team will ask you some basic questions to assess whether you meet the minimum requirements for the role and to gauge your interest and motivation.
If you pass the screening, you will typically be invited for a more in-depth interview, which may be in person or via video call. This interview will include questions about your experience, your technical skills, and how you would handle certain situations. These are often behavioural interview questions, where you are asked to give examples of how you have handled specific challenges in the past.
For some senior or technical roles, there may also be a written test or a presentation as part of the interview process.
The best way to prepare for a Mercy Corps interview is to know the organisation well. Read about what they do in Nigeria. Understand their values and their approach. Think about how your own values and experience align with theirs. Prepare specific examples from your work history that demonstrate your skills and your ability to contribute to their mission.
Tips for a Strong Application
There are a few things that can make the difference between an application that gets noticed and one that gets passed over.
Tailor every application: Do not send the same CV and cover letter to every position. Each role at Mercy Corps is different, and your application should reflect that. Take the time to customize your documents for each specific role.
Be specific about your achievements: Instead of just listing your job responsibilities, talk about what you actually achieved in each role. Numbers are helpful here. If you managed a budget, say how large it was. If you supervised a team, say how many people. If you implemented a program, say how many people it reached. Specific details make your application much stronger.
Show that you understand the context: Nigeria is a complex country, and Mercy Corps’ work here involves navigating many different challenges. If you have experience working in Nigeria, particularly in the regions where Mercy Corps is most active, make sure that comes through in your application.
Do not ignore the cover letter: Many applicants put all their effort into the CV and treat the cover letter as an afterthought. This is a mistake. A strong cover letter can set you apart from other candidates who have similar qualifications. Use it to show your personality, your motivation, and your understanding of the role.
Proofread everything: Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and formatting issues send a bad signal. Before you submit your application, read it carefully, and if possible, have someone else read it too.
Benefits of Working At Mercy Corps
There are many reasons why a job at Mercy Corps Nigeria is worth pursuing. Let us end with a few of them.
Working At Mercy Corps Gives Prestige: Not everyone gets to go to work every day knowing that what they are doing is making a real difference in people’s lives. At Mercy Corps, that is exactly what the work is. Whether you are managing a budget, building water infrastructure, or tracking program results, every person’s contribution feeds into outcomes that matter for real communities.
Mercy Corps Provides Opportunity for Learning: Mercy Corps invests in its people. Working in an organisation like this exposes you to international standards, best practices, and a network of professionals from around the world. The skills and experience you build here will serve you well throughout your career, whether you stay in the humanitarian sector or move to other fields.
Mercy Corps Has A Strong Reputation: Mercy Corps is respected globally. Having Mercy Corps on your CV is something that opens doors. It signals that you have been held to a high standard, that you have worked in challenging environments, and that you are someone who can deliver results under pressure.
Mercy Corps Environment Values New Workers: Mercy Corps talks about being a place where people can bring their full selves to work. They value curiosity, kindness, collaboration, optimism, courage, and creativity. These are not just words on a website. They reflect the kind of culture that the organisation actively works to build.
Opportunity to serve Nigeria: For Nigerians who care about their country and want to contribute to its development, working with an organisation like Mercy Corps is one of the most direct ways to do that. The communities that Mercy Corps serves in Nigeria are among the most vulnerable and the most in need of support. Being part of the team that serves them is a privilege.
FAQs
Is the Mercy Corps Nigeria recruitment form free to obtain?
Yes, it is completely free. You do not need to pay anyone to get the application form or to apply for any position. You simply go to the official Mercy Corps Nigeria careers page and apply directly. If anyone contacts you and asks you to pay money before you can apply or be shortlisted, that is a scam and you should ignore them.
How many positions are available in this recruitment round?
Mercy Corps Nigeria is currently recruiting for 20 positions. These positions are spread across different departments, including finance, operations, program management, monitoring and evaluation, water and sanitation, safety and security, and communications. There is something for people at different levels of their careers.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply?
Not for every position. A bachelor’s degree or HND is sufficient for many of the roles in this recruitment. However, for senior positions like the Director of Programs, Chief of Party, MEL Director, and Country MEL Manager, an advanced degree such as a master’s is typically required. Always check the specific requirements for the role you are interested in.
Can fresh graduates apply for any of the positions?
Some of the more junior roles, such as the Finance Assistant, Operations Assistant, and CARM Assistant, may be open to candidates who are earlier in their careers. Fresh graduates with strong academic backgrounds and a genuine interest in humanitarian work can try for those entry-level positions. For most other roles, you need some years of relevant work experience.
Where are the jobs located?
The positions are not all in one location. Some roles are based in Abuja, while others are in states like Yobe, Borno, Delta, Abia, Sokoto, and Zamfara. Before applying, make sure you are comfortable with the specific location attached to the role you are applying for, as some of these areas come with security considerations.
Do I need to speak Hausa or any local language to get a job at Mercy Corps Nigeria?
English proficiency is required for all positions. However, for certain roles, especially those based in the northeast or northwest of Nigeria, being able to speak Hausa or another relevant local language is an advantage. It is not always a hard requirement, but it can definitely strengthen your application.
How long does the recruitment process take from application to job offer?
The timeline varies depending on the position and how many candidates apply. Generally, after the application deadline closes, shortlisted candidates are contacted for a screening interview. This is followed by a more detailed interview, and in some cases a written test or presentation. The whole process from application to job offer can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
Can I apply for more than one position at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for more than one position if you genuinely meet the requirements for each of them. However, it is important that you tailor each application separately. Do not send the same CV and cover letter for different roles. Each position has its own requirements, and your application should speak directly to those requirements.
What should I include in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should explain why you want to work for Mercy Corps specifically, why you are interested in the particular role you are applying for, and what you bring to the table that makes you the right person for the job. Be specific. Talk about your relevant experience and achievements. Do not just repeat what is already in your CV. Use the cover letter to show who you are and why you care about the work.
Could you please let me know where I should go to apply?
You apply through the official Mercy Corps Nigeria careers page, which is at nigeria.mercycorps.org/careers. Find the role you want, read the full job description carefully, prepare your application documents, and submit before the deadline. Do not apply through any third party or unofficial platform, as those may not be legitimate.
Conclusion
Mercy Corps Nigeria is looking for 20 good people to join their team. The positions are diverse, the work is real, and the opportunity is significant. If you have the qualifications, the motivation, and the values that align with this kind of work, you should not let this opportunity pass you by.
Take the time to prepare a strong application. Read the job description carefully. Tailor your CV and cover letter. Know the organisation. And submit before the deadline.
The application portal is at nigeria.mercycorps.org/careers.