Current Vacancies at Search for Common Ground (SFCG), 3rd October, 2018

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 600 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 55 offices in 34 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff that is committed to its mission and values. You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

 

Job Title: Project Manager

Location: Nassarawa

Position Summary

  • We seek a professional, motivated, and creative Project Manager that will work with Search’s program teams to design and implement Search strategy for the project ensuring that the project addresses real needs and contributes to the organization’s national, regional and global strategies. The position entails project logic and strategy development; team leadership; project development and management; financial, operations, and administrative oversight for the project; security management; liaise with key stakeholders and Search representation.
  • The position requires an experienced conflict transformation, peacebuilding and or development expert, conversant with project management cycles and managing a field office. The position holder must be organised and experienced in culturally identifiable conflict and context analyst capable of steering various project activities in the North Central to respond to real-time conflict, peace efforts, security and the overall aim of conflict transformation. The Project Manager must have good diplomacy skills and capable of negotiating with challenging stakeholders and also lead a diverse team. The position holder advises the Country Director on project needs, strategies, staffing issues, local context, and dynamics.
  • This position holder will manage the Nassarawa office and share his/her time equally among Benue, Plateau and Nassarawa States. She/he will work under the direct supervision of the Country Director. The position holder will directly supervise the State project coordinators and have a team comprising of coordinators, officers, assistants, and interns.

About the Project
The overall objective of the Farmers/Herders project ‘Transforming the Farmer-Herder Conflicts and Promoting Freedom of Religions and Belief in Nigeria’s Middle Belt’ is to contribute to the prevention of violence that includes thee destruction of lives and properties resulting from protracted violent conflicts between farmers and herders while combating impunity and promoting the freedom of religions and belief in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria.

The overall goal is supported by three specific objectives that will guide the project’s activities:

  • Objective 1: To increase collaboration between farmer and herder communities to develop joint, effective, sustainable local mechanisms for early warning response, dispute management, and violence prevention and mitigation at the community levels.
  • Objective 2: To strengthen the implementation of the rule of laws and accountability measures by the government of focal states and relevant federal government institutions to respond to and prevent violence resulting from farmer-herder conflicts at the state levels.
  • Objective 3: To enhance public understanding of the farmer-herder conflicts by promoting conflict sensitive contents and, countering hate speech, stereotypes, biases and negative narratives that fuel violence.

Roles and Responsibilities
Representation and coordination:

  • Under the guidance of the Country Director, represents Search in the North Central;
  • Provides orientation of Search at the local level and supervises all staff under the Farmers/herders project;
  • Provides strong coordination support to NGOs, partners, and national authorities through the establishment of wider consultation and collaborative processes to achieve the 3 objectives of the project.
  • Responsible for the coordination of all project activities under Farmers/ Herder’s Project;
  • Be Search’s media contact for the project when delegated by the Country Director; and
  • Represent Search with donors in the North Central, in absence of the Country Director

Program strategy, development, and planning:

  • Support Country Director in implementing Search’s strategic directions in the North Central
  • Collaborates with relevant staff in other Search offices for quality program development and planning;
  • Support Country Director in coordinating new business development, including coordinating the development of concept notes and proposal; and
  • Advises the Country Director on program needs

Program oversight, quality assurance, reporting:

  • Ensures proper implementation of the Farmers/Herders project based on continuous monitoring and analysis of the most critical real-time conflict, peace efforts, security and the overall aim of conflict transformation; partner capacities; operational environment; and security issues.
  • Leads the Farmers/Herders project and facilitate attainment of project expected results in North Central in close collaboration with the Country Director;
  • Ensures effective application of results-based management methodologies.
  • Develop and monitor project work-plans, effectiveness and achievement of results;
  • Monitors budgets versus actuals and cash-flow for the project;
  • Steer the project’s activities to meaningfully address needs in the ever-changing context;
  • Ensures all donor and internal reports are submitted within internal deadlines and to expected quality;
  • Build coalitions and networks with local partners for project’s effectiveness.

Human Resources Management and Organizational Development:

  • Provide leadership support to North Central region staff and promote best practices in human resources management;
  • Ensure compliance with Nigerian law and SFCG procedures in admin and operations;
  • Provide leadership support for the adequate implementation of the performance management system including performance objectives and planning, review, appraisal and staff development; and
  • Provide Coaching and Counseling advice to staff when necessary and lead initiatives to develop staff capacity

Leadership:

  • Attend the regular OST and PQT meetings and contribute to the discussions around overall strategy and direction of the country program and the organization;
  • Ensure that all programs in the North Central are maintaining a coordinated and agreed information exchange both internally and in its dealing with external parties;
  • Provide oversight to all finance and administrative services in the North Central in close coordination with the Country Finance Manager
  • Ensure effective implementation and compliance with the overall finance and guidance manual and compliance with procedures required by grant or contract agreements;

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related area required while a Masters in Conflict Resolution, International Relations, or related field would be an added benefit;

Required Experience:

  • At least 5 years of experience in peacebuilding, gender mainstreaming and Do No Harm related work.
  • At least five (5) years of experience in managing a small team and project management in the field of conflict resolution, conflict transformation, development or related fields.

Other Relevant Requirements:

  • Knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of of women’s role in conflict prevention; peace; conflict transformation; governance; and development and humanitarian issues;
  • Good knowledge of the country context and ability to network with both civil society and public sector
  • Ability to review and analyze and interpret financial reports, budget versus actuals, financial projections and procurement documentation;
  • Good interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to conduct professional working relationships;
  • Analytical capacity, including the ability to analyze and articulate peace, human security and conflict issues;
  • Ability to work with people at all levels, ranging from high-level national officials to community leaders;
  • Experience in setting performance objectives of teams and leading a team.
  • Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in farmer-herder issues, policies, laws etc.,s and peace-building fields;
  • Good knowledge of North Central, including the political, economic and social dimensions;
  • Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite) and other software
  • Detail-oriented with ability to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed
  • Willingness and desire to learn while demonstrating self-initiative
  • Ability to adapt to new cultures and work in diverse environments

Added Advantage:

  • Speaks and understands Hausa fluently
  • Speaks and understands Tiv and Fulfulde fluently
  • Is a native of Benue, Plateau or Nasarawa

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

 

Job Title: Research on Women’s Livelihood Options Consultant

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

About the Project

The overall objective for “Protection, Empowerment and Resilience Building of Women in North East Nigeria in partnership with UN Women” is “to empower communities and build resilience through promoting socio-economic behavior change to address the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV) and improve access to formal and informal judiciary systems, as well as economic empowerment opportunities for women.

It intends to achieve this by empowering women and build resilience by increasing access to justice for cases of GBV through both informal and formal judicial systems and engage them in livelihood and income generating activities (IGA) to increase their financial independence. It is supported by two objectives:

  • Objective 1: Women and girls’ safety increased through community-based actions to mitigate risks prevent and respond to incidents of GBV in Borno and Yobe states
  • Objective 2: Targeted women in Borno and Yobe states have improved livelihood and access to income generating activities (IGA).

The project is being implemented with state governments, federal institutions, women groups, and stakeholders in Borno State (Mafa & Jere LGAs) and Yobe State ( Yusufari or Geidam LGAs).

Methodology:

  • The research will adopt a mixed approach methodology, comprising of both qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • The market analysis will primarily utilize a community based survey however for triangulation and in-depth understanding of the findings of the survey, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews will also be utilized.
  • The research will target community residents in the locations where the project is being implemented.

Purpose of Research on Women’s Livelihood Options
The research is aimed at identifying Income Generating Activities (IGA) and livelihood initiatives for women that are need-based and market driven in Borno and Yobe State. Using the Cohort Livelihoods and Risk Analysis (CLARA) tool designed by the Women Refugee Council, the study is expected to include:

  • A contextual analysis of Borno and Yobe
  • A focus on displaced and recovering communities in these states
  • Highlights on local livelihood systems, including a socio-economic analysis of women’s livelihoods and identification of women cooperatives, unions and groups
  • Analysis of household economics, and it’s influence on women’s livelihood options
  • Documentation of market opportunities available for women in these locations, including a value chain analysis
  • Documentation of women’s skills gaps and needs in the areas of entrepreneurship, business planning, financial literacy and micro-enterprise management

Key Activities (will include but are not limited to)

  • Designing research protocols, preparing questionnaires and samples analyses data, preparing reports, and presenting findings and recommendations
  • Identification and assessments of the local artisans/small businesses in targeted communities, with relevance to women
  • Carrying out of industry analysis and global environmental analysis, and analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of these businesses, from a gender perspective
  • Evaluation of demographics, prices, distribution channels and marketing outlets
  • Forecasting of marketing and sales trends
  • Gathering data about consumers, competitors and market conditions

Findings from this research will inform appropriate and economically relevant training and livelihood development opportunities for vulnerable women, including curriculum development, livelihood options and initiatives, as well as identify women cooperatives and groups. Beyond being used to inform programme planning and implementation, the report will be shared widely with project participants and partners, and presented during SFCG Nigeria programs. The report – with sensitive details redacted – will eventually be published on SFCG’s website and shared with other learning networks in order to enhance the broader field of women’s economic empowerment and peace-building in Nigeria and the world.

Deliverables of the Consultant

  • An inception report detailing the proposed method, study matrix, data collection tools and work plan. It is to be approved by SFCG before starting data collection.
  • Draft report for review by SFCG staff and other stakeholders.
  • Final Report (maximum 30 pages, excluding appendices), consisting of, but not limited to: Executive Summary, Methodology, Findings and Analysis, Conclusions, Lessons Learned and Recommendations. The report should be structured according to the evaluation questions.
  • A 3-pages summary with key findings and recommendations.
  • Appendices, including pictures, data collection tools and list of interviewees.
  • A power point presentation of the report.

Requirements
Education:

  • Graduate degree in Development/Humanitarian Studies, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Business Administration, or related disciplines

Required Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in livelihoods and market research in a reputable manufacturing, retail, wholesale company or trade and industry associations, market research firms, advertising agencies, governmental or private nonprofit agencies
  • Experience in market research relating to local economies, livelihoods, and indigenous businesses
  • Experience with mixed methods

Other Relevant Requirements

  • Demonstrated knowledge of gender sensitivity, consumer behavior, psychology & sociology
  • Strong analytical skills, highly numerate with excellent knowledge of statistics and data analysis
  • Excellent written communication and report writing skills in English
  • Prior work experience in North East Nigeria
  • Ability to communicate fluently in Hausa and Kanuri
  • Ability to be flexible with time and work schedule
  • Membership of related professional bodies such as the Nigeria Market Research Association will be an added advantage

Logistical Support
SFCG will provide the following logistical support to the consultant:

  • Transmission of background materials (project proposal, meeting notes, etc.)
  • Availability of a meeting room in Maiduguri
  • Meeting arrangements with stakeholders and beneficiaries as requested by the consultant
  • Support of a SFCG Field Officer for introductions to key stakeholders and equivalent

Timeframe

  • The mapping and assessment will take place from 10th to 25th with initial findings in bullet point format due by 30th October and the final deliverables due on the 12th November, 2018.

Budget and Terms of Engagement

  • All production costs incurred will be covered from the consultancy fee.
  • 5% withholding tax will be deducted at source from the total cost of the consultancy fee for a firm.
  • 40% of the consultancy fee will be paid when initial the contract is signed, 30% will be paid upon submission of initial findings and the remaining balance of 30% will be paid on final completion and submission of satisfactorily deliverables.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Judicial Systems Mapping and Assessment Consultant

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

About the Project
The overall objective for “Protection, Empowerment and Resilience Building of Women in North East Nigeria in partnership with UN Women” is “to empower communities and build resilience through promoting socio-economic behavior change to address the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV) and improve access to formal and informal judiciary systems, as well as economic empowerment opportunities for women.

It intends to achieve this by empowering women and build resilience by increasing access to justice for cases of GBV through both informal and formal judicial systems and engage them in livelihood and income generating activities (IGA) to increase their financial independence. It is supported by two objectives:

  • Objective 1: Women and girls’ safety increased through community-based actions to mitigate risks prevent and respond to incidents of GBV in Borno and Yobe states
  • Objective 2: Targeted women in Borno and Yobe states have improved livelihood and access to income generating activities (IGA).

The project is being implemented with state governments, federal institutions, women groups, and stakeholders in Borno State (Mafa & Jere LGAs) and Yobe State ( Yusufari or Geidam LGAs).

Methodology:

  • The mapping and assessment will adopt a qualitative approach, comprising of observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
  • The analysis will focus on formal and informal community based, as well as local and state level systems where the project is being implemented; however linkages at national level will also be explored.

Purpose of Judicial Systems Mapping and Assessment:

  • The research is aimed at mapping and assessing of the formal and informal judicial systems in Borno and Yobe states. These will include traditional structures and mechanisms for justice at the community level, as well as formal structures including but not limited to FIDA, NHRC, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, NBA, Legal Aid Council.
  • The assessment will focus on capacity of formal and informal systems to respond to cases of GBV and other gaps in the capacity of the systems to respond to women’s and girls’ needs.

The study is expected to include:

  • A contextual analysis of Borno and Yobe
  • A focus on displaced and recovering communities in these states
  • Identification of women’s and girls’ needs in relation to GBV, including a political and economic analysis focused on these needs and GBV
  • Identification and mapping of formal and informal judiciary systems in Borno and Yobe states, at different levels – community, ward, local government and state, including the links and interconnectedness (or otherwise) of these systems
  • Assessment of the capacities of formal and informal judiciary systems in Borno and Yobe to address the needs of women and girls, including a SWOT analysis of each system.
  • Documentation of entry points and opportunities to strengthen the capacities of formal and informal judiciary systems in Borno and Yobe states to address GBV and identified needs of women and girls

Findings from this study will inform appropriate training and capacity building of formal and informal judiciary systems in the states to address the needs of women and girls. Beyond being used to inform programme planning and implementation, the report will be shared widely with project participants and partners, and presented during SFCG Nigeria programs. The report – with sensitive details redacted – will eventually be published on SFCG’s website and shared with other learning networks in order to enhance the broader field of women’s protection and peace-building in Nigeria and the world.

Deliverables of the Consultant
The mapping and assessment deliverables are:

  • An inception report detailing the proposed method, study matrix, data collection tools and work plan. It is to be approved by SFCG before starting data collection.
  • Draft bullet point/overview of key findings for review by SFCG staff and other stakeholders before final report is prepared.
  • Final Report (maximum 30 pages, excluding appendices), consisting of, but not limited to: Executive Summary, Methodology, Findings and Analysis, Conclusions, Lessons Learned and Recommendations. The report should be structured according to the evaluation questions.
  • A 3-pages summary with key findings and recommendations.
  • Appendices, including data collection tools and list of interviewees.
  • A power point presentation of the report.
  • Audios and transcripts of all interviews and assessment tools filled

Requirements
Education:

  • Graduate degree in Law, Social sciences, Humanities, International Development, Gender studies, and related courses.

Required Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in international development, gender, human rights and community engagement
  • Experience with qualitative research and analysis

Other Relevant Requirements

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Excellent written communication and report writing skills in English
  • Prior work experience in North East Nigeria
  • Ability to communicate fluently in Hausa and Kanuri
  • Ability to be Gender Sensitive and flexible with time and work schedule

Logistical Support
SFCG will provide the following logistical support to the consultant:

  • Transmission of background materials (project proposal, meeting notes, etc.)
  • Availability of a meeting room in Maiduguri
  • Meeting arrangements with stakeholders and beneficiaries as requested by the consultant
  • Support of a SFCG Field Officer for introductions to key stakeholders and equivalent

Timeframe:

  • The mapping and assessment will take place from 10th to 25th with initial findings in bullet point format due by 30th October and the final deliverables due on the 12th November, 2018.

Budget and Terms of Engagement:

  • All production costs incurred will be covered from the consultancy fee.
  • 5% withholding tax will be deducted at source from the total cost of the consultancy fee for a firm.
  • 40% of the consultancy fee will be paid when initial the contract is signed, 30% will be paid upon submission of initial findings and the remaining balance of 30% will be paid on final completion and submission of satisfactorily deliverables.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

 


Job Title: Country Director

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-Time/CDD

Position Summary

  • The Country Director manages the overall program in Nigeria from a programmatic and operational perspective, as well as leading on fundraising and donor relations.
  • He/she leads the Leadership and Management Team (comprised of key senior staff) and leads the team in ongoing improvements.
  • This position reports to the Regional Director for West Africa and collaborates closely with various Washington and Brussels-based divisions of Search, including the Africa Team, the Institutional Learning Team, Communications, Finance and Operations.
  • The position is located in Abuja, with substantial travel to the other field offices as well as other states around the country.

Key Responsibilities
Program Development and Implementation:

  • Define programme priorities, plans and long-term strategy (in close collaboration with the Search Regional Director)
  • Oversee implementation of funded projects, collaborating with donors, partners, and other staff
  • Manage the country program with the highest quality standards and with well-documented results
  • Ensure sharing of results across different offices of Search Nigeria, across Search and with external stakeholders.
  • Responsible for ensuring lessons are learned and applied to future programming
  • Ensure that program planning and management effectively utilize available resources, and respond to gaps with fundraising and/or operational adjustments as needed
  • Report to donors according to contractual deadlines with quality narrative and financial data
  • Contribute analysis and programmatic capacities to the implementation of programming in Nigeria and other countries in the region as appropriate
  • Stay abreast of the international conflict transformation field to ensure that the program’s work remains innovative and professional
  • Be directly engaged in the continuing development of the organization, its mission and its staff, through the sharing of experience and knowledge, particularly contributing to its Institutional Learning efforts
  • Strengthen existing funding relationships and identify and pursue new potential donors in collaboration with headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium

Financial Management:

  • Directly oversee and manage the country Finance Directors, ensuring financial compliance both with Nigerian laws, donor requirements and Search procedures across the organization.
  • Maintain regular communication with regional and HQ finance focal points on finance issues and ensure that the organization is ongoingly audit-ready
  • Identify potential shortfalls and strategize with the organization’s senior management as necessary to ensure the program’s financial sustainability.

Staff Management and Development:

  • Develop and manage a team of diverse senior staff members (expatriate, national and third country nationals)  modelling effective communication and collaboration
  • Participate in the recruitment and selection of highly qualified staff, onboarding and ensuring ongoing staff opportunities for capacity development
  • Ensure adequate mechanisms for staff appraisals, staff feedback, and review of HR/operational issues
  • Strengthen the capacity of national staff and partners, contributing to Search’s legacy strategy of conflict transformation in Nigeria
  • Ensure compliance with Search Operations Manual policies and procedures
  • Ensure that country policies, contracts, and disciplinary procedures and processes conform to local labor laws
  • Ensure an updated security and evacuation plan is in place for all offices

Organizational Representation:

  • Serve as Search’s country representative
  • Develop and maintain proactive, positive and professional relationships with partner organizations, other NGOS, donors, clients, key government officials, civil society groups, etc.
  • Maintain responsible media coverage of program events and issues related to Search mission
  • Maintain regular written and oral reporting to Washington and Brussels on key country, regional, program, security and staff issues
  • Establish a direct line of communication with other African Country Directors in the region for program guidance toward strategic initiatives and staff cross-fertilization opportunities

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Qualifications
Education:

  • Degree in relevant field (e.g. conflict transformation, security studies, media and communications, sociology, political science, or related fields)

Experience:

  • Experience in managing large projects of at least $5 million, with multiple grants and donors
  • At least five years’ experience working overseas, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa

Skills and Competencies:

  • Understanding of the conflict dynamics of Nigeria
  • At least ten years’ experience in program management, both programmatically and operationally, preferably on media and/or conflict transformation-related issues
  • Experience in managing diverse inter-cultural teams
  • Track record in successful fundraising
  • Experience with compliance to US government and EU donor rules and regulations
  • Experience in capturing results and overseeing reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems
  • Experience in managing multi-cultural teams, preferably in Africa
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
  • A problem-solving approach to challenging situations
  • Ability to multi-task while leading a complex team
  • Fluent spoken and written English

 

Deadline: 10th October, 2018.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

  • Interested candidates will send the following items to our employment portal:
    • Current resume
    • Cover letter
    • Writing sample
  • Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please
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