Project Coordinator at Search For Common Ground’s International

Position Summary

Search is seeking an experienced Project Coordinator for an anticipated 12-month project funded by the United States Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. The project will be implemented in Adamawa and Benue states with the overall goal of promoting collaborative multi-stakeholder engagement and advocacy processes to reduce human rights abuse by police forces in Benue and Adamawa States. The project pursues two specific objectives: strengthen the capacity of target CSOs, media, and community stakeholders to advance evidence-based Human Rights monitoring, reporting, and constructive advocacy. The role is expected to play a crucial role which involves coordinating collaborative, community-centered interventions, promoting multi-stakeholder engagement, and strengthening the capacity of Security personnel, CSOs, media, and community stakeholders to engage in evidence-based human rights monitoring, reporting, and advocacy.  This position holder will report to the project manager and will be based in Adamawa State.

The Project Coordinator will oversee the project's implementation aimed at building the skills and networking capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Security personnel, and media actors to monitor, address, and advocate against human rights abuses by security actors, specifically the Police forces.

Background of the Project

Adamawa and Benue states have experienced various types of conflict ranging from banditry, communal conflict, cultism, economic conflict, ethnic conflict, and religious conflict. These conflicts often result in loss of life and destruction of property, reflecting deep-seated tensions between different community groups. The violence often revolves around competition for land and resources, with herders and farmers clashing over grazing routes and farmland. This ongoing conflict underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions and conflict resolution mechanisms. Furthermore, early warning reports and dialogues highlight a mutual lack of trust between citizens and security forces, effectively hindering the collaborative and holistic approach required to usher in a new era of peace and security in the region that prevents future human rights violations.      

Search, in collaboration with its partners Initiative for Justice Development and Peace Commission (IJDPC) and Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace (FJDP) has designed a project in response to the challenges and opportunities outlined above. The overall goal of the project is to promote collaborative multi-stakeholder engagement and advocacy processes to reduce human rights abuse by police forces in Benue and Adamawa State. This goal is supported by the following specific objectives and four interrelated expected results:

Objective 1: To strengthen the capacity of target CSOs, media, and community stakeholders to advance evidence-based HR monitoring, reporting, and constructive advocacy

ER1.1. Increased knowledge and skills of target CSOs and media actors in human rights monitoring, reporting, and constructive advocacy.

ER1.2. Strengthened communication and coordination between target CSO, media, and community stakeholders to build evidence to influence security sector policy and practice related to accountability and human rights.

Objective 2: To foster collaboration around increased accountability between target police actors, government authorities, CSOs, and local communities

ER2.1. Increased understanding of human rights principles amongst police actors.

ER2.2. Increased constructive interaction between affected communities, key government and civil society stakeholders, and police on issues related to human rights and protection.

The project’s impact will reinforce the links between civil societies, existing human rights monitoring platforms, and police forces to take coherent action to support the protection of civilian rights. Particularly in the context of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East and farmer-herder disputes in the Middle Belt, improvements in relations between police and communities will reduce push factors towards radicalization and intercommunal violent conflict.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the project to ensure timely and effective implementation of activities in Adamawa State.
• Develop and maintain project plans, and timelines, and ensure alignment with project objectives and donor requirements.
• Monitor project progress and performance, including the achievement of specific objectives and outcomes
• Organize training sessions and workshops to build the skills of CSOs, Security personnel, media actors, and community stakeholders in human rights monitoring, reporting, and advocacy.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to participants to enhance their ability to conduct evidence-based monitoring and advocacy.
• Foster strong relationships and collaboration between CSOs, media, community stakeholders, and other relevant actors.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement forums to promote dialogue, cooperation, and coordinated advocacy efforts aimed at reducing human rights abuses by police forces.
• Prepare and submit detailed progress reports, including success stories, challenges, and lessons learned, to donors and other stakeholders.
• Support CSOs and media in designing and implementing advocacy campaigns that address human rights abuses by security actors.
• Coordinate the development of communication materials and platforms to raise awareness and promote project objectives among broader audiences
• Identify potential risks and challenges that may affect project implementation and propose mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in project activities.
• As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties broadly in line with the above key duties.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrate integrity and promote Search values and ethical standards;
• Promote the vision, mission, and strategic objectives of Search;
• Demonstrate capacity to adapt to a multicultural context, tolerance, and respect for issues related to gender, religion, race, and nationality;
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office 
• Demonstrate capacity in developing concept notes and Terms of Reference for hiring consultants.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Human Rights, Social Sciences, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Management Studies or related fields; Master’s degree preferred.
• Additional education in conflict management, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution 

Required Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in coordinating projects 
• Proven experience in coordinating projects focused on human rights, community development, or capacity building, particularly within the CSO, security personnel, or media sectors.
• Strong understanding of human rights issues, particularly those related to security actors and police forces in Nigeria.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in capacity-building activities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage timelines and reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with the socio-political context of Adamawa States is an asset.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and maintain a high level of accountability.

Other Relevant Requirements

• Good knowledge of the local languages will be an asset.
• Knowledge of civil society organizations, government agencies, Media, and Security Personnel
• Written and verbal communication skills 
• Experience in influencing stakeholders, establishing and maintaining strong partnerships;
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and strong interpersonal skills;
• Commitment to Search’s aims and a clear understanding of the links between policy, lobbying, campaigning, and how policy change can be achieved through effective advocacy;
• Organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to respond flexibly to opportunities and requests sometimes with little notice;
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a rapidly changing environment;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism and solves problems in collaborative ways