Job Vacancies at Search for Common Ground’s International

Project Summary

The project aims to improve peace and security in Nigerian border communities in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States. This will be achieved through community capacity building, institutional strengthening, and cross-border collaboration. Activities focus on empowering community members through training in conflict sensitivity and early warning systems, establishing and revitalizing local government-level and state-level Peace Architecture Dialogues, and fostering collaboration amongst project stakeholders. The project also seeks to promote trust-building and social cohesion, through sports activities between communities and security officials, media engagement for conflict-sensitive journalism, and community outreach through radio dramas and participatory theater. By fostering inclusive dialogue and enhancing security coordination, the project aims to improve perceptions of peace and security while building sustainable mechanisms for conflict resolution and prevention in the region.

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.

• Provide communications support during outreach events e.g producing materials, live streaming on social media, or coordinating a press conference for project activities in target states;
• Provide necessary support to the Communications Coordinator by using necessary apps to create infographics, e-fliers, etc. relating to the project, including publishing and distributing content, running campaigns, and monitoring progress;
• Capture photos and success stories in all Search meetings, training, and events;
• Track the organization’s news coverage through online and traditional sources;
• Provide support in writing, formatting, and editing communications/media/outreach materials;
• Deploy a mixed media approach to covering media programs i.e record short videos that can be adapted for other platforms such as Instagram and Youtube
• Engage the media and other forms of communication, including social media platforms, to promote the objectives of the project. This could include producing and distributing educational materials, as well as working with journalists and influencers to cover the project events and issues in an objective and fair manner;
• Support local radio stations in their planning, production, publicity, outreach, and broadcast of  media products;
• Coordinate the Common Ground Journalists’ Forum and quarterly meetings
• Develop activity work plans, radio program production, and broadcast plans and strategies;
• Keep track of media logs, monitor the broadcast of the media products, and provide regular feedback to the service providers;
• Monitor the media component of the project in collaboration with identified media partners; 
• Develop relations with media actors and assist in mobilizing media for events where necessary;
• Provide support to the Project Manager and Media Specialists in delivering the multimedia peace campaign to raise public awareness and knowledge around issues as they relate to the project objectives; 
• Collaborate effectively with the Media Specialist and media team to create high-quality relevant multimedia products that cut across all platforms which will contribute to changing attitudes and challenging stereotypes;
• Responsible for overseeing all the multimedia products such as the radio drama, radio talk show, and community participatory theater; 
• Support the Senior Subgrants, Compliance, and Accounts Coordinator in collating RFQs to negotiate contracts for the production and broadcast  of media programs, promotional jingles, and other relevant media products
• Ensures all activities are conducted in accordance with Search policies and donor rules and regulations incorporating the DO NO HARM and conflict-sensitive approach;
• Coordinate with the program teams to integrate program messages into media programming streams
• Report all media-related activities and feed into donor reports;
• Document lessons learned, messages, and outcomes from the program to communities across Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara and Kwara States
• Provide monitoring data to the DM&E manager and share success stories and impact stories as a result of radio programs
• Provide media reports and documentation and share progress, challenges, and lessons learned to support the Media Specialist and Project Manager in writing periodic progress reports
• Keep track of current issues and strategies in peacebuilding to leverage opportunities for Search’s communications
• Communicate with target groups, communities, partners, and stakeholders to understand and address the program’s end-user information and communications needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations, development studies, marketing, or related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• At least 5 years of experience in producing and coordinating media programs including Radio/TV programs; 
• Track record of producing successful Radio programs in Nigeria, preferably using radio magazines, discussions, and talk  show formats;
• Track record of creating communications content using digital tools
• The ability to communicate in local languages will be a big advantage;
• Significant experience designing and conducting training courses in journalism and media;
• Experience in media program design, including podcasts, drama, spot, news & current affairs;
• Track record in delivering effective media/communications/advocacy strategies in support of  campaigns and advocacy programs;
• Online Facilitation and remote capacity building;
• Understanding of and experience in harnessing traditional and social media for awareness-raising and advocacy

Other Relevant Requirements

• Outreach, communications for development, advocacy, social marketing, media and public relations, and campaigning preferably with an I/NGO; 
• Strong command of English and Hausa language and dialects relevant to the locations, with excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent copywriting skills for social media and other digital platforms 
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,)
• Excellent analytic skills and ability to produce high-quality written materials for different audiences;
• Creative writing, editing, photography, presentation, public speaking and active listening skills;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with multiple offices within an organization and interact with partners, contractors, and other stakeholders at the senior level.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly.
• Technical information to both expert and lay audiences, and achieve consensus on communications policy, project, research, and administrative matters.
• Proactive, creative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative; ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace; and
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize workflow to tight timeframes, handle multiple tasks, and be flexible with changing priorities.

Applications must be submitted on or before 3rd August 2024 as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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Position Summary

The PAL Coordinator will provide the main logistical support to the team, liaising closely with the Program Team and the finance team to ensure good recordkeeping, as well as liaising with the Admin officers and assistants across other field offices to support the smooth running of the office. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the PAL Manager and closely with the finance and programs team. The position holder will supervise other operations staff etc, PAL Assistants, the Driver, and the Office Cleaning Staff. The position will be based in. The position will be based in Niger (Minna) with field travels to Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara and Kwara States.

Procurement Management

• Promptly coordinate Search procurement activities in collaboration with the PAL Manager in line with search and donor policies
• Coordinate procurement process of goods and services, ensure necessary documentation
• Ensure Search procurement guidelines are adhered to in all Search offices in Nigeria
• Enforce compliance with procurement threshold and procedures
• Ensure Search procurement processes are legal and ethical
• Regularly update the PR tracker to reflect stages of procurement for each request
• Conduct quote analysis and draft selection memos
• Interact with contractors in coordination with Admin and Procurement Manager
• Ensure prompt and correct filing of procurement-related documents both hard and e-copy
• Support Invitation to bids process.

Administrative & Logistics Management

•  Supervise the maintenance of office equipment and oversee repair
• Liaise with the landlord of the office premises and other operational contacts such as vendors, suppliers and courier services to keep the office fully functional
• Ensure that SFCG’s inventory list is updated on regular intervals
• Ensure that the door security system and key management is functioning properly
•  Manage the office fleet and approve any private vehicle hire
•  Oversee vehicle repairs
• Maintain and review office logs on travel, inventory and fuel usage for generator, vehicles etc.
• Support staff travel arrangements, relevant documentation (tickets, accommodation etc.) and any necessary travel support
• Prepare and submit a monthly logistics report about the above to the Procurement, Admin and Logistics Manager.
• Maintain and update vendor’s database for necessary goods and services
• Monitor quality and control cost on various office supplies, stationery, hotel accommodation, transportation and other equipment
• Provide support to HR where needed
• Any other function required to undertake broadly in line with above functions.

Collaborations

• Work with members of the PAL team to draft LPOs for contractors
• Collaborate with the PAL team to ensure a regularly updated inventory tracker for all assets purchased
• Coordinate with the PAL Manager to draft Contracts
• Coordinate with the finance unit to ensure payments to vendors are timely
• Collaborate with the Program team to ensure seamless support of program activities

Asset Management

• Ensure proper tracking of all Search assets throughout the country
• Accountable for proper tracking of assets using Equipment Issue / Receipt forms
• Support asset verification process and submission of asset reports to the Admin and Procurement Manager for review.
• Ensure spot-checks are done systematically, documented and reported for all Search assets, inventory and equipment. 

Other duties

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.

• Keep colleagues apprised of developments in their own area as appropriate
• Contribute to staff meetings, and other internal meetings with appropriate content, views
• and suggestions
• Fulfill requirements of internal staff management processes including performance reviews, supervisory meetings, etc.
• Develop strong relationships with all SFCG colleagues and partners to enhance their understanding of admin/logistics and build their knowledge. 

Qualifications

• 5 years´ professional experience carrying out administrative, logistical and/or operational tasks
• Bachelor’s degree
• Effective oral and written English skills.
• Good level of proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Good administrative and organizational skills and ability to keep documentation tidy and accessible
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to plan and organize multiple simultaneous tasks efficiently
• Ease in communicating with colleagues and third parties via email
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification where needed
• Excellent phone etiquette
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace

Strategic Objectives

• Purchasing: Purchase goods and services at the right time and the most advantageous price and with proper tax and duty if applicable.
• Inventory: Ensure efficient management of the movement and storage of goods and maintain inventory at appropriate level to avoid excessive or shortage of inventory
• Logistics: Coordinate seamless transportation and accommodation logistics for staff and guests, nationally and internationally
• Administration: Ensure all offices run smoothly
• Capacity Building: Identify the skills gap of your direct reports and facilitate the training required

Your competencies must cover:

• Accountability: Being accountable and passing on accountability for one's own actions and those of colleagues and the organization.
• Attention to detail:  The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others in order to achieve a shared goal - even when the object at stake is of no direct personal interest possibilities.
• Creativity: The ability to come up with original and innovative ideas and solutions, and to adopt points of view outside the usual parameters.
• Focus on Quality: Setting high-quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Learning Ability: The ability to absorb new information readily and to put it into practice effectively
• Adaptability: The ability to remain fully functional by adapting to changing circumstances (environment, procedures, and people).

Applications must be submitted on or before 3rd August 2024 as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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About the Project

The project aims to improve peace and security in Nigerian border communities in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger State. This will be achieved through community capacity building, institutional strengthening, and cross-border collaboration. The project start-up phase includes a baseline study, community entry and advocacy, security assessments, and conflict scans to inform targeted interventions. Activities focus on empowering community members through training in conflict sensitivity and early warning systems, establishing and revitalizing local government level and state-level Peace Architecture Dialogues, and fostering collaboration amongst project stakeholders. The project also seeks to promote trust-building and social cohesion, through approaches such as sport activities between communities and security officials, media engagement for conflict-sensitive journalism, and community outreach through radio dramas and participatory theatre. By fostering inclusive dialogue and enhancing security coordination, the project aims to improve perceptions of peace and security while building sustainable mechanisms for conflict resolution and prevention in the region.

Strategic Objective 1: To strengthen the capacity of community members for peace and security in the Nigeria-Benin border areas.

Strategic Objective 2: To enhance Security Coordination and collaboration between communities and security agencies along the Nigeria-Benin border.

Strategic Objective 3: To improve intra and inter-communal perceptions of peace and security along the Nigeria-Benin border.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work closely with SSM to ensure security strategies for Search Nigeria and that responses are appropriate and aligned with regional and global priorities.
• Deliver oversight of security prevention, preparation, and response and recovery activities, particularly in Areas of Responsibility and support other offices to counter threats emerging from changing political, social, and economic situations.
•  Developing, reviewing and ensuring effective implementation of the Search Nigeria Security Management Plans, SOPs/Contingency Plans, including a security plan in assigned offices, together with key staff
• Ensure that all safety and security management systems are in line with existing Search security policy, protocol and approach
• Implement and ensure effective monitoring of a personnel and vehicle tracking system in each office.
• Support the SSM in planning and implementing risk mitigation strategies (acceptance, deterrence, protection) to improve safety and security.
•  Ensure that appropriate safety and security systems are in place to provide timely and accurate security information to all staff members and visitors.
• Provide crisis/Incident management support (evacuation and hibernation) as required.
• Be readily available at all times to the Head of Programme Implementation/Project Manager and field staff to advise on security developments.
• Maintain an updated Search staff contact list and security notification tree and test the tree on a regular basis.
• Conduct regular site visits to field sites to assess safety/security arrangements.
• The SSC will work closely with Search program staff to facilitate easy access to program location, conduct regular security risk assessment of Search program location and facilities.
• The SSC will further assist the SSM in building up the capacity, awareness and preparedness of staff to deal with security-related risks, threats and incidents through the delivery of high quality, regular trainings or briefings to staff and Search visitors within the area of responsibility
• Supervise and liaise on a daily basis with the contracted guards to ensure the guard force is trained and aware of Search SOPs and are effectively enforcing the required regulations.

Analysis

• Report, analyze and communicate current socio-political context and the security situation and the wider context (country, region, global trends as applicable).
• Ensure compliance with the incident reporting system, prepare weekly reports for the Field offices and update data on available incident data tools and ensure that the incident register is updated regularly.
• Conduct ongoing threat assessments and compile daily/weekly situation reports/monthly security analysis and ensure that the information is shared in a timely manner.

Networking

• She/he will develop a wide web of relevant contacts of stakeholders to engage with positively to address access challenges, collate and disseminate relevant security information
• Attend security & emergency related briefings and meetings and share security related information with third party security and risk management service providers.

Qualifications & Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science or a related discipline
• At least 5 years of relevant experience at international NGOs in safety and security functions
• Experience in liaising with communities, civilians, police and/or military government authorities as well as with regional institutions preferred.
• Substantial practical field experience in security management (direct INGO security management).
• Excellent negotiation and representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.
• Good contextual knowledge, analysis and report writing skills.
• Must be Competent and literate in some of the relevant local languages of the North West region. 
• Willingness to travel at short notice, and often in difficult circumstances.
• Experience of incident reporting, incident mapping, intelligence collation and analysis functions, set up and execution of an incident warning system (warden system), compilation of security reports and assessments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Knowledgeable  in Training and facilitation skill using different training media
• Ability to conduct regular mock drills in all offices (e.g. fire drill, evacuation, etc.)
• Experience and knowledge of personnel and organizational security issues, threat/risk assessment, security management and security awareness in an insecure environment
•  Technical competency and training experience in field-based communications systems such as HF Codan, Motorola VHF, Thuraya, satellite systems and internet systems.
• Experience working successfully with stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, government, etc., with sensitivity and diplomacy.

Required Competencies

• Leading and supervising: Has the ability to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of SFCG. Is able to build trust within the team and acts with integrity.
• Accountability: Being accountable and passing on accountability for one's own actions and those of colleagues and the organization.
• Attention to detail: The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others in order to achieve a shared goal - even when the object at stake is of no direct personal interest possibilities.
• Creativity: The ability to come up with original and innovative ideas and solutions, to adopt points of view outside the usual parameters.
• Solid ability to provide team building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation.
• Focus on Quality: Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Learning Ability: The ability to absorb new information readily and to put it into practice effectively
• Adaptability: The ability to remain fully functional by adapting to changing circumstances (environment, procedures and people).

This position will close not later than August 5, 2024

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Project Summary

The project aims to improve peace and security in Nigerian border communities in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States. This will be achieved through community capacity building, institutional strengthening, and cross-border collaboration. Activities focus on empowering community members through training in conflict sensitivity and early warning systems, establishing and revitalizing local government level and state-level Peace Architecture Dialogues, and fostering collaboration amongst project stakeholders. The project also seeks to promote trust-building and social cohesion, through approaches such as sport activities between communities and security officials, media engagement for conflict-sensitive journalism, and community outreach through radio dramas and participatory theater. By fostering inclusive dialogue and enhancing security coordination, the project aims to improve perceptions of peace and security while building sustainable mechanisms for conflict resolution and prevention in the region.

Position Summary

Search for Common Ground seeks an experienced, expert, skilled and creative Project Manager with strong understanding of the context of North West, North Central Nigeria states. He/She must have strong programmatic, administrative and financial skills with team management ability, project cycle management skills and group dynamic leadership skills

The position requires an experienced peacebuilding expert with sound knowledge on peace and security challenges of the aforementioned states and, most importantly experience in managing peace and security projects. The position holder must be organized and experienced in culturally identifiable conflict and context analyst capable of steering various project activities in project states, to respond to real-time conflict, peace efforts, security, and the overall aim of conflict transformation. The Project Manager must have good diplomacy skills be capable of negotiating with challenging stakeholders and also lead a diverse team. The position holder advises the Country leadership on the project needs, strategies, staffing issues, local context, and dynamics. This position will be based in our Niger office with frequent travel project field locations.

She/he will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme Implementation. The position holder will directly oversee the project implementation and have a team of officers and assistants.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Project Manager is in charge of the overall implementation of the projects, including relating with other consortium partners. 

Key Area 1: Project management, planning, reporting and budget management. 

• Oversee and monitor the implementation of the project
• Project activities: design project activities (e.g., objectives and structure of activities); lead and/or deliver project activities; coordinate with trainers in the design and delivery of project activities
• Reporting: review and finalize project documents (e.g., presentations, and agenda); finalize donor reports; review and finalize monthly and activity reports before sharing; review General Ledger (GL) and support country finance team (CFT) in producing financial report
• Compliance: coordinates with the appropriate country management team member in ensuring project, finance, and logistics staff follow donor rules/regulations; ensure donor compliance; lead capacity-building sessions to streamline rules and regulations
• Monitor the BvA and the actual/planned project expenditure, submit expenditure reports and supporting documents after a careful check of form, substance and quality.
• Project Management Tool (PMT): Regularly update the PMT for projects, ensuring accurate and up-to-date work plans and projections.
• Performance management: Interface with staff across all departments on regular basis
• Lead in staff capacity-building and identifying learning/growth opportunities; 
• Coordinate with the Head of Office in the development of project staffing plan; 
• Manage staff members accordingly
• External engagement: Maintain regular communication with consortium partners, meet with local authorities as needed, facilitate approvals; meet with partner leadership, and conduct regular meetings
• Program management, quality and project design: Coordinate with Design, Monitoring & Evaluation (DM&E), Grants Management System (GMS), Head of Programme Implementation in the organization of reflection sessions
• Note and record lessons learned via donor reports
• Ensure reviews and reflection sessions lead to adaptive work plan
• Make sure that approved Search methodologies are utilized
• Coordinate with Global Affairs & Partnerships Program Development team, as needed
• Support in attending fundraising and networking meetings
• Provide inputs to strategy development and planning related to technical area of work
• Infuses organizational Values into all work

Key Area 2: External representation of Search

• In coordination with the Head of Programme Implementation, the position is responsible for collaboration with institutional partners in the field and for representing Search as appropriate in project locations, including in donors’ meetings and with the government.
• Participate in the various coordination mechanisms with other humanitarian organizations in the field at the request of the project leader 
• Participate in relevant technical groups in Focal  State

Behavioral Competencies

• Working with People: The ability to respect the views and contributions of other team members; show empathy, listen, support, consult others and share information and expertise, builds team spirit and adapts to the team.
• Flexibility:  The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, to tolerate ambiguity, to adapt personal style to different people and situations. 
• Drive for Results and Efficiency: The ability to set quality standards, monitor and maintain quality of work, and set goals to achieve continuous improvement. 
• Relationship Management: The ability to manage interactions, to provide service and to support the organization while building an effective internal and external network. 
• Leadership and Navigation:    The ability to manage and contribute to initiatives and processes within the organization while making progress toward change and continuous improvement. 
• Communication: The ability to effectively exchange information with others, to effectively deliver critical information, to gather information and communicate with others. 
• Global and Cultural Effectiveness:    The ability to value and consider the perspectives and backgrounds of all parties and be able to work cross-culturally. 
• Ethical Practice:    The ability to integrate Search vision, mission and core values, integrity and accountability throughout all organizational and business practices. 
• Critical Evaluation (for managers and up):    The ability to interpret information to make business decisions and recommendations based on keen analysis, best practices and an understanding of preferred outcomes. 
• Business Acumen:    The ability to understand and apply information to contribute to the organization's strategic plan. 
• Developing others (for people managers): The ability to provide support to enhance performance and professional growth. 

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related area is required while a Master's in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, 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 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 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

• Language Skills: (Native/Fluent/Basic)
• English Language (Fluent)
• Hausa (an added advantage)
• French (an added advantage)