Category: News
#GALVANIZING MASS ACTION AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN KANO STATE (GMAA-K)
To address SGBV in Kano state, Connected Development (CODE) through funding from the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria launched the project, Galvanizing Mass Action Against Gender‑Based Violence in Kano State (GMAA‑K). The GMAA‑K project is aimed at galvanizing the mass public and empowering women to mount advocacies against sexual and gender‑based violence (SGBV) and domestic abuse, as well as engage the government for the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law. The phase I of the project lasted for 3 months ‑ January to March 2021, while the second phase which started in November 2021 ends by March 2023. In the phases I and II of the project, CODE empowered gender advocates who work in communities to rollback GBV, leveraged new and traditional media for systematic sensitisation of the mass public on GBV, while engaging governmental actors on the passage of a VAPP bill and Child Protection Law (CPL), as well as the expansion of the Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Kano State.
CODE-GMAAK-report
Re: Connected Development (CODE) alleges manipulation of election results, relocation of Local Government, State Collation Centres.
Connected Development (CODE) wishes to redress the media and general public on the allegation of election result manipulation and relocation of Local Government Collation centres in Ekiti State.
Following the recent narrative making the rounds on media tabloids that Connected Development alleged the manipulation of the Presidential and National Assembly (NASS) results as well as the relocation of Local Government Collation centres in some States, CODE wishes to provide clarity on these narratives.
Connected Development in collaboration with her partners held a press conference on Sunday 26th of February, 2023 to give an update on the electoral process as observed with her electoral intelligence tool–Uzabe.
At the conclusion of the conference, we noticed reports stating that CODE alleged a manipulation of the presidential and NASS elections as well as a relocation of Local Government collation centres particularly in Ekiti State.
It is fundamental to reiterate that while CODE has a mandate to enhance effective democratic governance and accountability, using technologies such as Uzabe to close the feedback loop between citizens and the government, we however, realise that collaboration with other institutions with similar objectives will aid in effectively charting our course.
On this note, we would like to reiterate that CODE’s Uzabe platform is not particularly concerned with the results of the election but is interested in the processes of the elections to ensure that INEC’s guidelines are adequately met.
We also wish to state that the reports on the “Local Government Collation centres in Ekiti State being relocated with new location being shrouded in secrecy” was printed in a haste. Our observers had drawn attention to the fact that collated results were not made public and raised concerns over transparency of the electoral process.
###
About Connected Development:
Connected Development (CODE) is Africa’s leading Civil Society organisation that empowers marginalised communities with access to information while creating platforms for informed debates using data to inform policy and decision-making centred around citizens’ service delivery.
Contact: Seun Durojaiye
REQUEST FOR AUDIT FIRM PROPOSAL
Our organization is accepting proposals from audit firms to provide audit (and tax) services for our organization in the coming year. We invite your firm to submit a proposal to us by January 23rd, 2023, for consideration. A description of our organization, the services needed, and other pertinent information follows:
Background
Connected Development [CODE] is a non-government organization [NGO] whose mission is to empower marginalized communities in Africa.
We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable through Follow The Money. CODE provides marginalized and vulnerable communities with resources to amplify their voices with independence and integrity while providing the communities with information that ushers social and economic progress.
The organization has a January 1 fiscal year-end, with a requirement to file an audited financial statement by March 30 of each year.
Services to Be Performed
Your proposal is expected to cover the following services:
1. Annual audit to be completed in compliance with the above filing requirement and meetings with the audit committee and or board of directors, as necessary.
2. Tax filings for the organization and related foundation.
3. Quarterly reviews of internally prepared financial statements.
Your Response to This Request for Proposal
In responding to this request, we request the following information:
1. Detail your firm’s experience in providing auditing and tax services to companies in the not-for-profit sector, as well as associations of comparable size to Connected Development, including those with international memberships.
2. Provide information on whether you provide services to related industry associations or groups.
3. Discuss the firm’s independence with respect to Connected Development
4. Discuss your commitments to staff continuity, including your staff turnover experience in the last three years.
5. Identify the five largest clients your firm (or office) has lost in the past three years and the
reasons. Also discuss, in instances where loss of the client was due to an unresolved auditing or accounting matter, the process of attempting to resolve the issue(s).
6. Identify the partner, manager, and in-charge accountant who will be assigned to our job if you are successful in your bid, and provide biographies. Indicate any complaints against them that have been leveled by the state board of accountancy or other regulatory authority, if any. Indicate any corrective actions that have been taken by the firm with respect to these people.
7. Describe how your firm will approach the audit of the organization, including the use of any association or affiliate member firm personnel and the areas that will receive primary emphasis. Also, discuss the firm’s use of technology in the audit. And finally, discuss the communication process used by the firm to discuss issues with the management and audit committees of the board.
8. Set forth your fee proposal for the 2022 audit, with whatever guarantees can be given regarding increases in future years. Provide your proposed fee for the required quarterly review work and for tax preparation.
9. Provide the names and contact information for other, similarly sized clients of the partner and manager that will be assigned to our organization for reference purposes.
10. Describe how and why your firm is different from other firms being considered, and why our selection of your firm as our independent accountants is the best decision we could make.
11. Include a copy of your firm’s most recent peer review report, the related letter of comments, and the firm’s response to the letter of comments.
12. Among other things, also include evidence of registration with Auditors’ General Office, your Firm’s Tax Filing, as well as the most recent audited report.
Evaluation of Proposals
CODE will evaluate proposals on a qualitative basis. This includes our review of the firm’s
peer review report and related materials, interviews with senior engagement personnel to be assigned to our organization, results of discussions with other clients, and the firm’s completeness and timeliness in its response to us.
Please submit your response to this request for proposal to audit@connecteddevelopment.org by January 23, 2023.
Call for Applications
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Organizational Background
Connected Development [CODE] is a non-government organisation [NGO] whose mission is to empower marginalized communities in Africa.
We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable through Follow The Money. CODE provides marginalized and vulnerable communities with resources to amplify their voices with independence and integrity while providing the communities with information that ushers social and economic progress.
To enhance effective democratic governance and accountability, CODE creates platforms [mobile and web technologies] that close the feedback loop between citizens and the government. With global expertise and reach, we focus on community outreach, influencing policies, practices, and knowledge mobilization.
Available roles
Job Position
FINANCE MANAGER
Purpose of Position
We are looking to hire a finance manager with excellent organizational and analytical skills. Successful candidate is expected to be detail-oriented, knowledgeable on statistics, have strong problem-solving skills, and an investigative nature.
To ensure success, the candidate should have a deep commercial awareness, strong numeracy skills, and a keen interest in the growth, efficiency, and profitability of an organization.
CODE is calling for Finance Manager who will join the team to carry out the following responsibilities:
– Plan, organize, and execute financial tasks and projects of the organization.
– Make estimates of funds required for the short and long-term financial objectives of the organization.
– Complete financial reports, lead the month-end closing process and conduct monthly financial forecast.
– Develop and implement plans for budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
– Achieve a proper mix of equity and debt to minimize cost and maximize operational profit.
– Strategize on fund procurement through banks and other financial institutions.
– Provide financial insight and analysis to drive the business performance of the organization.
– Manage and monitor metrics, KPI tracking, and reports.
– Evaluate the financial performance of the organization
– Understand and calculate the risks involved in the financial activities of the organization.
– Make estimates of funds required for the short and long-term financial objectives of the organization.
– Complete financial reports, lead the month-end closing process and conduct monthly financial forecast.
– Develop and implement plans for budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
– Achieve a proper mix of equity and debt to minimize cost and maximize operational profit.
– Strategize on fund procurement through banks and other financial institutions.
– Provide financial insight and analysis to drive the business performance of the organization.
– Manage and monitor metrics, KPI tracking, and reports.
– Evaluate the financial performance of the organization
– Understand and calculate the risks involved in the financial activities of the organization.
Finance Manager Requirements:
– Degree in finance/accounting or related (essential).
– International Accounting Certifications
– 5 years of work experience as a Finance Manager (essential).
– Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
– Analytical thinker with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills.
– Meticulous attention to detail with superb organizational skills.
– Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Excellent report-writing and communication skills.
Solid proficiency in Quick books, Excel and other financial planning software.
– International Accounting Certifications
– 5 years of work experience as a Finance Manager (essential).
– Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
– Analytical thinker with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills.
– Meticulous attention to detail with superb organizational skills.
– Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Excellent report-writing and communication skills.
Solid proficiency in Quick books, Excel and other financial planning software.
Interested candidates should fill the form provided HERE. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
DEADLINE: 9th January, 2023.
Job Position
PROGRAMS OFFICER
–Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
Support to implementation of programme strategies
Support to management of the programme
Administrative support to the Programme Management Department
Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing
1. Supports implementation of the programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:
Assist in development and implementation of programme strategies, work plans including monitoring and evaluation plans.
Collection, analysis and presentation of information needed for programme development and implementation.
Assist in developing and implementing project communication strategies
Assist in proper communication of Programme strategy through the project.
2. Provides effective support to management of the programme focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Assist in the operational and financial management of responsible programmes/projects and ensure that necessary programme management and financial procedures are properly implemented.
Track and report on programme implementation and fund utilization.
Presentation of information for audit and evaluation of the projects.
Assist in preparation, filing, compilation and dissemination of documents/materials relating to the programme.
3. Provides administrative support to the PMD focusing on achievement of the following results:
Provide logistics support for missions, events and project related workshops.
Maintain good communication with other units of the organization and with external counterparts at the working level.
Assist in maintaining the project profile including preparation of required budget revisions, creation of requisitions making budget check for requisitions, POs and vouchers, etc.
Provide other daily administrative support to the PMD
4. Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on achievement of the following results:
Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues.
Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences and Social Sciences and project subject related area would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
Minimum of 2 years of relevant administrative or programme experience;
Experience working with donor agencies, governmental offices, and international organizations, preferred;
Good interpersonal and communication skills and team work spirit
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (G-suites) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
Language:
Fluency in Hausa and English
Method of Application:
Interested candidates should fill the form provided HERE. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
DEADLINE: 9th January, 2023.
Job Position
PEOPLE AND CULTURE OFFICER
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Organizational Background
Connected Development [CODE] is a non-government organisation [NGO] whose mission is to empower marginalized communities in Africa.
We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable through Follow The Money. CODE provides marginalized and vulnerable communities with resources to amplify their voices with independence and integrity while providing the communities with information that ushers social and economic progress.
To enhance effective democratic governance and accountability, CODE creates platforms [mobile and web technologies] that close the feedback loop between citizens and the government. With global expertise and reach, we focus on community outreach, influencing policies, practices, and knowledge mobilization.
Purpose of Position
This role will be responsible for providing data collection, data analysis and process improvement support to CODE’s People & Culture (P&C) team. It will be required to provide support across various facets of the Human Resources function and will have a primary focus on understanding and driving efficiencies in P&C process. This role will directly support employees and managers at CODE to provide solutions to basic employment queries as well as directing employees to query specific experts within the organziation.
This role will require an individual who is able to work effectively with limited supervision as well as someone who demonstrates excellence in management. This is a role that draws on, and develops further, a wide variety of people and culture related theories, best practice and practical experience particularly in relation to change management/culture.
CODE is calling for a People and Culture Officer who will join the team to carry out the following responsibilities:
– Providing timely and accurate advice and support on all HR queries
– Assisting to achieve improved people performance outcomes
– End to end recruitment
– Onboarding and induction of all new starters
– Identifying process and system improvements
– Counsel on policies and procedures
– Maintain employee records
– Ensure legal compliance
– Maintain knowledge of HR functions
– End to end recruitment
– Onboarding and induction of all new starters
– Identifying process and system improvements
– Counsel on policies and procedures
– Maintain employee records
– Ensure legal compliance
– Maintain knowledge of HR functions
Requirements
– Demonstrated experience supporting a People & Culture team
– Degree in HR or related field
– Positive and collaborative attitude with a willingness and desire to learn
– Demonstrated commitment to customer service
– Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skill with the capability to effectively manage competing priorities
– Intermediate skills with the Google Workspace
– Degree in HR or related field
– Positive and collaborative attitude with a willingness and desire to learn
– Demonstrated commitment to customer service
– Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skill with the capability to effectively manage competing priorities
– Intermediate skills with the Google Workspace
This role requires effectiveness in written and verbal communication in English including in understanding and conveying nuances, as P&C topics can often be legally or emotionally sensitive.
Method of Application:
Interested candidates should fill the form provided HERE. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
DEADLINE: 9th January, 2023.
Job Position
RESEARCH OFFICER
Purpose of Position
We are looking to hire a dependable researcher to work on various organization projects. The researcher’s duties include aligning methodologies with research goals, using a range of tools to acquire information and interpret data, writing up reports and presenting findings and schedules to management and other stakeholders, identifying trends and patterns, conducting fieldwork and tests when required, as well as protecting databases and confidential information. You should be able to deliver presentations and communicate effectively at all levels.
CODE is calling for Research officers who will join the team to carry out the following responsibilities:
– Interpreting research specifications and developing a work plan that satisfies requirements.
– Conducting desktop research, and using books, journal articles, newspaper sources, questionnaires, surveys, polls, and interviews to gather data.
– Analyzing and interpreting patterns and trends.
– Recording findings by taking written notes and using appropriate software.
– Maintaining and protecting electronic databases.
– Assisting management with budget and time schedules.
– Anticipating research issues and promptly resolving them.
– Promptly reporting any problems to the relevant stakeholders.
– Following a strict code of ethics and protecting any confidential information at all times.
-Writing proposals and delivering presentations when required.
Required Skills and Experience
– A bachelor’s degree in research or similar.
– Master’s degree preferable.
– Minimum of 5 years proven experience in a research field.
– Sound understanding of research methodologies.
– Proficiency in G-suite package.
– Strong statistical and mathematical aptitude.
– Strong problem-solving skills.
– Practical experience in database management.
– Attention to detail and exceptional written, verbal, and telephonic communication skills.
– A bachelor’s degree in research or similar.
– Master’s degree preferable.
– Minimum of 5 years proven experience in a research field.
– Sound understanding of research methodologies.
– Proficiency in G-suite package.
– Strong statistical and mathematical aptitude.
– Strong problem-solving skills.
– Practical experience in database management.
– Attention to detail and exceptional written, verbal, and telephonic communication skills.
Method of Application:
Interested candidates should fill the form provided HERE. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
DEADLINE: 9th January, 2023.
Job Position
MONITORING AND EVALUATION OFFICER
Purpose of Position
The M&E Officer will be responsible for the monitoring and ensuring high quality and timely inputs, and for ensuring that the project maintains its strategic vision and that its activities result in the achievement of its intended outputs in a cost effective and timely manner.
The M&E officer will be responsible for designing and implementing the M&E activities of the Project; assisting the Project Manager in preparing Quarterly/Annual reports on project progress and will monitor the project activities on a regular basis, developing and maintaining the MIS of the Project and will be responsible for the collection & analysis of different data in relation to the project activities.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer works in close collaboration with project team and operations clusters, Government officials, private sector, non-government and civil society organizations.
CODE is calling for M & E officer who will join the team to carry out the following duties and responsibilities:
•Develop and strengthen monitoring, inspection and evaluation procedures
•Monitor all project activities, expenditures and progress towards achieving the project output;
•Recommend further improvement of the logical frame work;
•Develop monitoring and impact indicator for the project success;
•Monitor and evaluate overall progress on achievement of results;
•Monitor the sustainability of the project’s results;
•Provide feedback to the Project Manager on project strategies and activities;
•Suggest strategies to the Project Management for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the project by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks;
•Report monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress on all project activities to the Programs Director/Project Manager;
•Conduct capacity assessment on existing monitoring and evaluation system, develop indicators and a monitoring strategy for the project;
•Develop and strengthen monitoring, inspection and evaluation procedures
•Monitor all project activities, expenditures and progress towards achieving the project output;
•Recommend further improvement of the logical frame work;
•Develop monitoring and impact indicator for the project success;
•Monitor and evaluate overall progress on achievement of results;
•Monitor the sustainability of the project’s results;
•Provide feedback to the Project Manager on project strategies and activities;
•Suggest strategies to the Project Management for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the project by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks;
•Report monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress on all project activities to the Programs Director/Project Manager;
•Conduct capacity assessment on existing monitoring and evaluation system, develop indicators and a monitoring strategy for the project;
•Provide inputs, information and statistics for quarterly, annual and other reports to Project Management Team;
•Participate in annual project reviews and planning workshops and assist the Project Manager in preparing relevant reports;
•Support monitoring and evaluation of the effects and impact of the project;
•Assist in coordinating across the available components of the Project to ensure effective implementation of M&E/MIS;
•Assist the project personnel with M&E tools and in supporting them in their use.
•Perform other duties as required;
Functional Competencies:
•Organises and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, frequent interruptions, deadlines, available resources and multiple reporting relationships
•Plans, coordinates and organises workload while remaining aware of changing Priorities and competing deadlines
•Establishes, builds and maintains effective working relationships with staff and clients to facilitate the provision of support
Knowledge Management and Learning
•In-depth knowledge on MIS, M&E and development issues
•Excellent knowledge of monitoring and the application of methodology:
Good understanding of capacity assessment methodologies; excellent ability to identify significant capacity building opportunities;
•Excellent communication skills (written and oral):
•Excellent communication skills (written and oral):
Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, Respectful and helpful relations with donors and project staff.
•Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change
•Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change
Required Skills and Experience
Education:Education:
Education:Education:
University Degree preferably in Business Administration, Economics or related field.
Experience:
•At least 3 years of experience in the design and implementation of M&E/MIS in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/Government;
•Experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis and production of reports;
•Proven ICT skills, especially in the development of MIS software using database software;
•Expertise in analyzing data using statistical software;
•Strong training & facilitation skills.
Method of Application:
Interested candidates should fill the form provided HERE. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
DEADLINE: 9th January, 2023.
Reimagining Education in Nigeria – A civil society manifesto
Education is the most powerful investment in our future. But the Nigerian education system is in a state of emergency and the country is lagging behind even the poorest countries on the continent.
Ewah Eleri Climate Justice Fellowship
Application deadline: October 25th, 2022.
Yearly, the Conference of the Parties (COP) which stands as the supreme decision-making forum of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), brings together signatory governments to thoroughly discuss and agree on how to jointly address climate change and its impacts.
This year, the United Nations Climate Negotiations (COP27) will be held in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from 7-18 November 2022. This conference will be an avenue to galvanize world leaders, activists, journalists and critical stakeholders to drive the implementation of climate change adaptation, and mitigation.
As such, Connected Development (CODE), Africa’s leading civil society organization is launching a fellowship program (Ewah Eleri Climate Justice Fellowship) that will enable climate activists & campaigners to build networks around the world for climate justice and engage with other activists, campaigners and journalists beyond their countries/regions. It will be a chance to gain hands-on experience at the United Nations Climate Negotiations (COP27) event in Egypt.
Host Community Development – Chapter (3) of PIA 2021 & Policy Brief
The Petroleum Industry Act 2021 was passed to remedy the failure of the Petroleum Act, it commercialized the NNPC and established new regulatory agencies. It also aimed to solve the age-old problem of oil-bearing communities being devastated by the activities of oil companies through the establishment of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT). The host community development provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA) is a well-known topic amongst stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The reason for this is not far fetched as before the PIA, there were no laws imposing host community development obligations on oil and gas companies but chapter 3 of the PIA in S.235 mandates the incorporation of the HCDT which will be a corporate body able to sue and be sued aimed at fostering sustainable prosperity in host communities and encouraging peaceful coexistence between licensees and host communities. It goes on to mandate the contribution of three percent of the total annual expenditure of the ‘settlor’ to the trust. The HCDT is to be established, specifically, to address the developmental needs of the oil-bearing and impacted communities in the region, and while it is commendable, it creates certain challenges. Below are some of the gains and perceived challenges that can arise from the act.
Policy-Brief-print
PIA 2021 &UNGP-NAP
The UNGP provides a framework for companies to report on their human rights record while chapter 3 of the PIA mandates it. The PIA by its provisions is complementary to the principles of the UNGP and although the development and implementation of the National Action Plan have been slow, the passage of the PIA and its eventual implementation will go a long way in influencing human rights records within the industry.
Policy-Brief-Update