Community Engagement Officer at United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

Summary

• The community engagement officer will lead USIP’s efforts to create a Nigerian network of community facilitators.
• The officer will identify a group of civic leaders, including youth, women and religious, and will support them through skills training to prepare, convene and facilitate intergroup dialogues aimed at resolving local conflicts and supporting USIP’s ongoing efforts in Nigeria.
• This position reports to the Senior Program Officer for Nigeria (in Washington, D.C).

Job Responsibilities

• Work with the DC-based Senior Program Officer and in-country team to design, manage, and implement activities in support of USIP’s Nigeria program;
• Identify and screen civic leaders to join the network of community facilitators;
• In coordination with USIP staff, conduct a needs assessment for skills, knowledge and practice among the selected community faciltiators;
• In coordination with USIP staff, oversee the facilitation of a series of trainings on negotiation, participation, dialogue, and communication for the facilitators;
• Manage the process of administering and monitoring small-grants to the facilitators to implement select intergroup dialogue activities;
• Provide oversight in the development, planning, implementation and monitoring of the activities of the facilitators network;
• Build strong working relationships with citizen groups, community-based groups, and civil society organizations for increased coordination, collaboration and knowledge sharing;
• Support research and drafting of publications (reports, briefing papers, etc.) and materials about the activities of the network of facilitators;
• Represent USIP with NGO networks and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
• Travel regularly (with USIP staff and alone) across Nigeria; including to parts of the country that may be considered insecure; to monitor the activities of facilitators and mobilize support for USIP’s work;
• Build strong relations with local officials, community-based and civil society organizations and like-minded INGOs;
• Conduct assessments and convene local roundtable discussions on the activities of the network of community facilitators to inform policy and practice; and
• Perform other duties as required to further USIP’s mission and goals.

Qqalities Sought:

• Well organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize, manage, and implement projects in stressful environments;
• Effective in training, coaching/accompaniment, participatory facilitation, community organizing, and leadership development;
• Deep knowledge of Nigeria including conflict, security, and political issues;
• In-depth understanding of the local conflicts and the drivers of conflict in the country;
• Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere;
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills;
• Proven ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting objectives and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for USIP’s work;
• Ability to network extensively and build partnerships with community leaders and civil society organizations; and
• Ability to maintain performance expectations in diverse cultural contexts, and respect and relate appropriately to people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications

• A Degree in political science, conflict resolution, international affairs, or related area of study.
• Minimum 5-7 years relevant full-time staff level work experience required, including experience in community engagement, training, field research, and project management.
• Minimum 5-7 years relevant experience in facilitation, mediation and negotiation at the community level.
• English language fluency mandatory. Advanced proficiency in other Nigerian languages also preferred.
• Extensive experience working and living in Nigeria;
• Passion for USIP’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team; and
• Demonstrated strong work ethic.

Remuneration
Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.