Nigeria Job Openings

Search for Common Ground

Project Officer _ Strengthening Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria Through Legal Support

FULL TIME

September 3, 2024

Project officer- Strengthening Freedom of Religion or Belief (Fo RB) in Nigeria Through Legal Support

Location: Plateau, Benue and Bauchi, Nigeria

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization promoting peaceful conflict transformation. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict—moving away from destructive approaches and towards cooperative solutions. With more than 700 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and North America.

The Project

The proposed project approach, which focuses on strengthening the capacities of the legal community to support individuals at risk of Fo RB violations while simultaneously fostering a social and policy environment conducive to inclusive Fo RB efforts, is strongly justified by research-based evidence. Studies show that effective legal advocacy can significantly improve the protection of human rights, including religious freedom, by ensuring that violations are addressed through appropriate legal channels. Moreover, the establishment of mentorship groups and support networks for law students has been shown to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability in advocating for Fo RB.

The Project pursues two specific objectives:

The project aims to reinforce Nigeria's legal, social, and policy environments for improved Fo RB.

OB1: The legal community supports individuals at risk of Fo RB violations and violence along religious lines.

OB2: Attitudes, behaviors, and policies support greater religious tolerance and freedom in Nigeria.

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.

To apply:

Interested candidates should send the following to our portal on or before September 13, 2024.

Current resume

Cover Letter (which includes expectations of compensation and projected start date)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that the system only has the functionality to upload two documents per application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Please see our website: www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.

Commitment to Search Values:

Trust, Breakthrough and Collaboration

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