Senior Advisor at United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

Summary

• The Senior Advisor will provide strategic advice to grow USIP’s work in Nigeria and the broader Lake Chad Basin area.
• Will work with the DC-based Senior Program Officer who leads USIP’s programming in Nigeria, to inform and develop medium-term strategy, advance program goals, and identify new opportunities.
• Will provide oversight to coordinate USIP staff in Nigeria implementing programs focused on promoting inclusion, community security, and preventing election violence.
• As needed, the Senior Advisor may be asked to travel within Nigeria or regionally. 
• This position will be based in Abuja with an expected duration of 12 months at 2 days per week.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the DC-based Senior Program Officer, and in-country team to promote activities in support of USIP’s Nigeria program;
• As needed, provide technical expertise to the design and implementation of USIP activities in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin area;
• As needed, provide technical advice on request to the design of USIP program proposals or workplans.
• Strengthen existing USIP partnerships with state governors and senior civic leaders;
• Provide advice on building new or strengthening existing partnerships with government, security officials, civil society networks, and international non-government organizations;
• Promote strong working relationships with the Nigerian government and the Lake Chad Basin Commission and security forces (including Multinational Joint Task Force-MNJTF) to advance USIP’s mission through strategic partnerships;
• Provide coordinated oversight of the in-country implementation of USIP’s Nigeria program strategy by consulting with staff and partner organizations;
• As necessary or appropriate, represent USIP with NGO networks and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
• Perform other duties as required to further USIP’s mission and goals.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in International Relations, Law, Political Science or related subject; Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 14 years relevant full-time consulting or staff-level 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.
• Deep Knowledge of Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin area particularly on issues related to the Boko Haram conflict; civilian security; and civil-military relations;
• In-depth understanding of local conflicts in Nigeria and opportunities to resolve them;
• Experience in Nigeria and/or conflict-affected regions of the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin implementing programs engaging a broad range of stakeholders;
• Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, policy makers, local partners, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, and funders.

Remuneration

• Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.