Job Opportunities at Center for Civilians in Conflict

Center for Civilians in Conflict’s mission, is to improve protection for civilians caught in conflicts around the world. We call on and advise international organizations, governments, militaries, and armed non-state actors to adopt and implement policies, tools, and training to prevent civilian harm. When civilians are harmed we advocate for the provision of amends and post-harm assistance. We bring the voices of civilians themselves to those making decisions affecting their lives.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Regional Program Manager: Nigeria & the Lake Chad Basin

Location: Abuja
Reporting to: Senior Program Manager (SPM) for Africa & Peacekeeping
Travel: Up to 40% required (domestic, regional, and to the US/Europe as necessary)
Staff Reporting: Community engagement coordinator. Partial supervision of program officer, part-time researchers, military advisors, trainers, and interns.

Job Purpose
Lead and grow CIVIC’s work in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region

Key Functions

• The RPM will lead CIVIC’s project to strengthen civilian protection policy, practice, and training of the Nigerian government and military, regional civil society groups, and the multi-national joint task force.
• The RPM will provide strategic guidance and management of CIVIC’s Nigeria and LCB program portfolio with core responsibilities including program startup; liaising with senior government, military, and civil society leaders; convening stakeholders; representation, training, and advocacy on civilian protection and harm mitigation; writing and research; compliance and reporting; and work with SPM to develop medium-term strategy, advance program goals, deliver ambitious work-plan, and identify new opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

• Work with SPM, in-country team, and Nigeria Program Officer to design, manage, and implement programs in support of CIVIC’s Nigeria program;
• Write op-eds, blogs, and articles highlighting issues important to CIVIC when possible;
• Speak with media about our work in the region;
• Work with ED, Senior Program Manager, and Development team to identify possible funding opportunities for program work;
• Represent CIVIC with NGO networks and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
• Travel regularly (with CIVIC staff and alone) across northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region (Chad, Cameroon, and Niger) to maximize the effectiveness of CIVIC’s work;
• Build new partnerships with government and military officials and like-minded NGOs;
• Convene roundtable discussions and conduct assessments to inform fresh policy, practice, and training recommendations for diverse stakeholders to improve civilian protection;
• Lead the design and implementation of scenario-based training programs for security forces engaged in operations in Nigeria;
• Build strong working relationships with the Nigerian government and the Lake Chad Basin Commission and security forces (including Multinational Joint Task Force-MNJTF) to advance CIVIC’s mission through strategic partnerships;
• Lead the development and implementation of the Nigeria program strategy within CIVIC’s overall organizational strategy by consulting with staff, partner, and other interested parties;
• Research and draft publications (reports, briefing papers, etc) and advocacy materials discussing CIVIC’s Nigeria work;
• Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals.

Qualities Sought:

• Well organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize, manage, build partnerships, and implement projects in stressful environments;
• Knowledge of Nigeria & the Lake Chad Basin region including related to the conflict with Boko Haram;
• In-depth understanding of civilian protection issues in armed conflict;
• Experience in Nigeria and/or conflict-affected regions of West Africa implementing programs engaging a broad range of stakeholders;
• Proven ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting objectives and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for our work;
• Effective leader and manager, hard-working, relentless passion for civilian protection and finding creative solutions to complex security challenges;
• Experience in representing organizations in sensitive political and security environments;
• Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere;
• Willingness and experience working with security forces and understanding of the military/civilian/humanitarian spaces;
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills;
• Experience in security force training and participatory facilitation preferred.
• Experience managing teams from different backgrounds and interfacing with field and HQ-based staff required.

Remuneration and Benefit

• Commensurate with experience
• CIVIC offers excellent benefits, including health, dental, life, long-term and short-term disability insurance, 403b retirement plan with employer contribution, paid vacation, and sick leave.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Resume, an unedited writing sample (maximum 5 pages), and a Cover letter describing your motivations for applying to: employment@civiliansinconflict.org Candidate should write ATTN: Regional Program Manager in the subject line.

Note: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.


Deadline: 31st March, 2016.