Peace & Security Network Intern at Mercy Corps

Location Abuja, Nigeria – With 30% Travel

Position Status Fixed

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on humanitarian assistance, economic development, and conflict mitigation. With the ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria causing the displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. As the crisis has persisted, Mercy Corps’ strategy has also expanded to address the root causes of the conflict and seek to build the long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on governance, the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, youth empowerment, and local conflict management.

Intern responsibilities

The PSN intern will be a motivated learner and a passionate activist for the improvement of the peace and security situation in Nigeria and for the role of civil society in this context. S/he will work with his/her line manager to achieve all set objectives within the internship period.
 

Information Sharing & Communication

• Act as a focal point for the Peace and security working group (both for external and internal stakeholders)
• Respond to requests for help and information from member organizations, non-member organizations and other stakeholders which will require a high degree of coordination and the collection of sensitive information
• Drive activities that will facilitate active engagement and collaboration by members of the PSWG
• Improve the knowledge management systems

Coordination

• Provide overall support to the PSWG members via facilitation of regular meetings, operations of the PSWG and other tasks as needed
• Serve as the primary focal group with the regional PSWG sub-groups

Policy & Advocacy

• Support the development and implementation of an advocacy strategy that reflects members concerns and interests
• work with PSWG members to regularly update key messages and talking points
• Work with PSWG members to regular draft policy and position papers and briefs in line with collective views of topics of concerns
• Actively engage high profile targets and allies within federal and state government to further achieve advocacy objectives
• Ensure that PSWG position on specific issues and interests are well represented at relevant platforms and meetings, and as much as possible promote representation by PSWG members themselves

General Administration

• Assist in mobilizing PSN members, preparing meetings and taking minutes.
• Organize logistics for training, workshops, events and other PSN activities.
• Update and maintain contact lists and knowledge sharing platforms.
• File and archive information and documentation of PSN’s activities.
• Maintain PSN calendars (internal and external).
• Draft agendas and circulate to the identified recipient lists.
• Compile links to relevant media, reports, assessments, etc. from identified key sources.
• Follow up pending action points within PSN members.
• Under the supervision of the line manager, work with external partners (NGOs, donors, Government, etc.) to plan/facilitate partnerships.
• Collect, organize and disseminate information from members of the PSN on peace and security issues.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  At the end of the internship period, the intern should have acquired the following skills and knowledge:

Learning goals

• This successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to test academic knowledge in real-life conflict scenarios, under the guidance of a highly professional team.
• The intern will further advance his/her knowledge in the program area and build an interest in the field.
• He/she will also gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge required for success in a global workplace.
• The intern will also develop decision-making and critical thinking skills

Work goals

• Research on key principles, standards and best practices in conflict analysis, conflict management, peace messaging, peacebuilding, C/PVE etc
• Potential field visits to collect information on current and potential PSN members at the field level.
• Mapping of project activities.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced University Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, Social Sciences, Peacebuilding, Conflict Management, International Development or related Technical field (minimum Bachelor's degree).
• Written and spoken fluency in English. Knowledge of Hausa is a plus.
• Willingness to learn and interest in peace and security related fields.
• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills and ability to formulate well-targeted documents.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment.
• Flexibility in terms of office hours.
• Knowledge of and contacts in Nigerian NGOs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to connect messages and content into stories easily understood by a broad audience.
• Regularly monitor conflict indices and events across the country and record them in the Mercy Corps Violent Incidents Tracker (VIT) for the conflict management program.
• Provide support in new program design and development.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The intern will be expected to work 40 hours a week
• The intern will be paid a monthly allowance of N60,000

Mercy Corps interns and volunteers represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Success Factors

The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required.  A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

LIVING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The position is based in Abuja and will require travel to field offices in and around Mercy Corps Nigeria as and when required