Conflict and Policy Analyst at Search For Common Ground’s International

Position Summary

• We are looking for a Conflict and Policy Analyst who will keep track of the unfolding social, political and conflict dynamics in the Nigeria and provide analytical real time conflict analysis
• S/he will provide periodic and thematic conflict analysis reports to inform the program, partners, donors and other stakeholders
• S/he will be responsible for the implementation of Search for Common Ground’s conflict-sensitivity engagements in selected project states and contribute to achieving the annual goals and objectives of Search’s Policy Analysis and Advocacy team.
• The CPA will support the Country Director in engaging potential donors, partners, government agencies and relevant national and international actors relevant to Search’s activities
• S/he will support the CD in engagement with Search’s GAP team at the HQ, regional office on context analysis/information, policy influencing and other related issues.
• S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Country Director and in close coordination with the program teams, M and E team and partners. The position could be based in Abuja and with frequent travel to the field.

Key Responsibilities
Conflict Analysis 50%:

• Prepare briefings or updates based on the review and analysis of news, incident reports from the staff and partners, interviews with key informants, and information collected from SFCG Nigeria’s programs and early warning system;
• Prepare specific conflict analysis reports on a periodic basis, either thematic or geographic focus based in the need and relevance;
• Serve as a hub for reporting of incidents from staff and partners as required;
• Liaise with government, civil society, security actors, donors, media, UN bodies, and the private sector as needed to further improve information in the reports
• Carry out specific research and studies as required;
• Contribute to the proposal and report writing processes by writing the context analysis section;
• Contribute to developing curriculum and implementing the training on “conflict sensitivity and do no harm” to staff, partners and local stakeholders;

Policy Analysis 50%:

• Prepare specific policy, peace and security analysis reports on a periodic basis, either thematic or geographic focus based in the need and relevance;
• Seek out opportunity to build partnership with critical government, civil society, security, donor, media and private sector actors on peace and security issues in Nigeria.
• Represent Search at national and international level engagements necessary for policy and program influence.
• Seek out opportunity to build partnership with critical government, civil society, security, donor, media and private sector actors on peace and security issues in Nigeria.
• Represent Search at national and international level engagements necessary for policy and program influence.
• 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
Education:

• Minimum of a Master's Degree in Conflict and Peace Building Studies, International Relations, Political Sciences or related fields;
• Additional extensive training in at least one of the areas of SFCG thematic work - Peace-building, conflict transformation and resolution;

Experience:

• 5 - 7 years of experience working in program management
• Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts will be an added advantage
• Experience living and working in unstable environments; experience roaming from one project states to another is considered an advantage
• Experience working in one of the following sectors: Conflict Resolution, Peace-building, Resilience, Protection, Governance and Livelihood
• Experience in using different conflict analysis frameworks;
• Experience with different donors i.e. GERMAN, USAID, DFID, FRENCH, UNDP, UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF
• Experience using qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis tools;
• Expertise producing policy briefs and periodic conflict analysis on thematic peace, conflict and security issues in Nigeria.
• Experience working on conflict early warning systems;
• A demonstrated experience working of different conflict systems in Nigeria.

Skills Required:

• Analytical skills – ability to analyze data from different perspectives
• Excellent skills – soft and hard skills for policy advocacy and policy influencing on thematic conflict issues in Nigeria at multiple levels;
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high-level representation and advocacy;
• Excellent coordination, communication and networking skills;
• Strong report writing, fundraising and proposal writing skills; Willingness to regularly travel on short notice around the country
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong leadership skills – ability to motivate and manage a diverse team in a complex environment.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and working skills, enjoys a multicultural work environment;
• Ability to work under stringent deadlines with acute attention to detail.
• Self starter with the ability to manage time effectively.
• Good working knowledge of IT tools (related software, phone, fax, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office and Excel).