Project Officer _ Strengthening Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria Through Legal Support at Search For Common Ground’s International

Position Summary

• The Program Officers’ expected outputs are geared towards supporting the project coordinator in the delivery of outputs and outcomes of the program as a whole.
• S/he will support the project closely with the project coordinator and other partners in the production of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and biannual reports for the project.
• S/he will provide logistics support for the organization and running of workshops as necessary
• S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, providing oversight to this project.
• The position will be based in Plateau, Benue and Bauchi

Roles and Responsibilities

Event and Workshop Coordination

• In collaboration with the project coordinator, facilitate the creation and implementation of a detailed annual work plan, which identifies sequences of activities needed to successfully implement the project and ensure project objectives are met
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, facilitate the development and roll-out of detailed implementation plans in communities and LGAs
• Review the project schedule with the Project Coordinator and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise and regularly review the schedule as required.
• Document project activities and ensure that all project data is appropriately secured;
• Monitor the progress of the project implementation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the project remains on track and is successfully implemented;
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project;
• Providing technical support and assisting in planning and implementing events, including sending invitations, tracking registrations, and coordinating with service providers.
• Handle post-event tasks like gathering feedback, compiling statistics, and managing follow-up communications.

Logistics and Administration

• Provide logistical support for events such as meetings, workshops, training, and convening, including coordinating participant arrangements, preparing and distributing meeting materials, and offering on-site logistical assistance, in compliance with Search’s policies.
• Coordinate internal team meetings, including scheduling and maintaining detailed meeting notes.
• Support project events by assisting in the design and delivery of training and other activities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Build and maintain relationships with project partners and enhance collaboration.
• Work closely with government entities and other partners to ensure smooth project implementation.
• Represent Search at meetings, seminars, and coordination forums as needed.
• Facilitate effective communication and reporting on project activities.

Project Management Support

• Develop and regularly update a detailed, costed work plan in collaboration with the project team.
• Ensure timely and high-quality production of project reports.
• Provide regular updates to the Project Manager, highlighting any new developments or challenges.

Risk Management and Problem-Solving

• Promptly report any new developments, issues, or challenges encountered during project implementation.
• Work with the project team to implement necessary changes and improvements based on monitoring results and feedback
• NOTE: 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( Required Experience/ Education)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Peace Building, Development Studies, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• At least 2 years of experience in project implementation, including engagement with several actors – governments, community, and religious leaders, civil society, governments, security organizations, specialist networks, etc.

Other Relevant Requirements:

• A good understanding of North East and North Central Nigeria, particularly in terms of key political, social, security, and economic issues
• Resident in the state of the application, speaks the local language (Hausa, Fulfulde, etc. ), and understands the terrain
• Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a non-partisan manner, appreciating gender, cultural, and ethnic diversity
• Ability to work individually, but also with experience of working effectively as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively with attention to detail and an orderly approach to tasks
• Strong analytical skills, including drafting reports and briefings
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Must have a ‘hands-on’, practical mentality, be self-driven, and very motivated.