Regional Program Manager: Nigeria & the Lake Chad Basin at Center for Civilians in Conflict’s Mission

Job Purpose
Lead and grow CIVIC’s work in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region

Key Functions

• The RPM will lead CIVIC’s project to strengthen civilian protection policy, practice, and training of the Nigerian government and military, regional civil society groups, and the multi-national joint task force.
• The RPM will provide strategic guidance and management of CIVIC's Nigeria and LCB program portfolio with core responsibilities including program startup; liaising with senior government, military, and civil society leaders; convening stakeholders; representation, training, and advocacy on civilian protection and harm mitigation; writing and research; compliance and reporting; and work with SPM to develop medium-term strategy, advance program goals, deliver ambitious work-plan, and identify new opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

• Work with SPM, in-country team, and Nigeria Program Officer to design, manage, and implement programs in support of CIVIC’s Nigeria program;
• Travel regularly (with CIVIC staff and alone) across northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region (Chad, Cameroon, and Niger) to maximize the effectiveness of CIVIC’s work;
• Build new partnerships with government and military officials and like-minded NGOs;
• Convene roundtable discussions and conduct assessments to inform fresh policy, practice, and training recommendations for diverse stakeholders to improve civilian protection;
• Lead the design and implementation of scenario-based training programs for security forces engaged in operations in Nigeria;
• Build strong working relationships with the Nigerian government and the Lake Chad Basin Commission and security forces (including Multinational Joint Task Force-MNJTF) to advance CIVIC’s mission through strategic partnerships;
• Lead the development and implementation of the Nigeria program strategy within CIVIC’s overall organizational strategy by consulting with staff, partner, and other interested parties;
• Research and draft publications (reports, briefing papers, etc) and advocacy materials discussing CIVIC’s Nigeria work;
• Write op-eds, blogs, and articles highlighting issues important to CIVIC when possible;
• Speak with media about our work in the region;
• Work with ED, Senior Program Manager, and Development team to identify possible funding opportunities for program work;
• Represent CIVIC with NGO networks and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
• Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals.

Qualities Sought:

• Well organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize, manage, build partnerships, and implement projects in stressful environments;
• Knowledge of Nigeria & the Lake Chad Basin region including related to the conflict with Boko Haram;
• In-depth understanding of civilian protection issues in armed conflict;
• Experience in Nigeria and/or conflict-affected regions of West Africa implementing programs engaging a broad range of stakeholders;
• Proven ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting objectives and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for our work;
• Effective leader and manager, hard-working, relentless passion for civilian protection and finding creative solutions to complex security challenges;
• Experience in representing organizations in sensitive political and security environments;
• Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere;
• Willingness and experience working with security forces and understanding of the military/civilian/humanitarian spaces;
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills;
• Experience in security force training and participatory facilitation preferred.
• Experience managing teams from different backgrounds and interfacing with field and HQ-based staff required.

Qualifications

• B.A. in International Affairs, Political Science, African Studies, or related area; MA, MS, or JD preferred;
• Minimum 10-12 years relevant full-time staff level work experience required, including work in active and recently active conflict zones;
• Minimum 5 years managing international development, human rights, and/or peacebuilding projects and teams.
• Minimum 3 years relevant field experience;
• Demonstrated tireless work ethic;
• Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team; and
• English language fluency mandatory. Advanced proficiency in French strongly preferred. Proficiency in Hausa or Fulani preferred.

Remuneration and Benefit

• Commensurate with experience
• CIVIC offers excellent benefits, including health, dental, life, long-term and short-term disability insurance, 403b retirement plan with employer contribution, paid vacation, and sick leave.