Conflict and Governance Specialist (Re -Advertised) at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

This role will support and monitor the expansion of the EU-funded project titled Contributing to the mitigation of conflict over natural resources between farmer and herder communities in Taraba and Adamawa states, Nigeria. (COMITAS-Phase 2). The project will be implemented through a Consortium led by IOM in partnership with Mercy Corps and Search for Common Ground. 

The Conflict and Governance Specialist (CGS) will provide technical, operational, and strategic vision to the implementation of the conflict prevention and mitigation component by working with the project staff and national partners to ensure that the program meets performance-based targets on-time and within budget, as per Mercy Corps and donor requirements. S/he will work to address the root causes of conflict between farmers and herders’ communities by supporting conflict prevention and mitigation measures in synergy with the Natural Resources Management (NRM) Advisor. H/she will coordinate conflict management and governance programming through the building of community trust in the areas of intervention.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Programme Quality Oversight

• Provide leadership and strategic vision to Conflict mitigation technical components of COMITAS program, including work plan development, conflict and stakeholder analysis, mediation and peacebuilding training, partnerships selection and management, and overall sector strategy.
• Ensure stakeholder engagement and trust-building activities abide by governance and conflict best practices including Do No Harm and are conflict sensitive in close partnership with the Programme Manager and NMR Advisor Provide direct oversight to COMITAS Learning and Program Monitoring and Quality Technical Unit.
• Encourage systematic opportunities to use data for learning and improvement, and to focus on learning lessons throughout the life of the program.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and management of innovative conflict mitigation and governance initiatives aligned to the Program logical framework and project impact goal.
• Provide sector oversight and guidance in the implementation of conflict mitigation and governance activities aligned with the project log frame and budget.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.

Program Implementation

• Work with Consortium Partners and other implementing partners on the conflict mitigation and governance components of the project.
• Conduct periodic field visits to ensure the quality and integrity of project implementation, including adherence to technical guidelines, administrative systems, and established deadlines.
• In collaboration with the NRM Advisor strengthen sustainable management and enhanced collaboration over natural resources between farmers and herders’ communities in the crisis-affected areas in a conflict-sensitive manner.
• Integrate community approaches, conflict and gender sensitivity and capacity building into conflict mitigation and governance activities as appropriate.
• Provide technical and sector inputs to/ during planning, organizing and coordination of project monitoring processes, assessments, surveys, researches and evaluations.
• Support the PM in ensuring that the overall goal and specific objectives align to the conflict mitigation, resolution and prevention components of the project.
• Develop a detailed activity plan identify and implement immediate conflict prevention or mitigation measures and submit to the PM for review and re-alignment with the main work plan within the first month of employment
• Compile and submit in time for review; evidence-based weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual technical reports and activity plans
• Develop and submit weekly and monthly activity plans in time for review and prior to implementation.
• Ensure integration and coordination with other components within the project for the attainment of holistic project impact.

Capacity Building and Learning

• Develop a clear capacity-building plan to build the technical capacity of project staff on Conflict prevention and mitigation skills that are relevant to the project through training and continuous mentoring.
• Provide conflict-sensitive and governance analysis, trainings and technical assistance to team and Consortium partners.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of best practices, in collaboration with Consortium partners.
• Disseminate key findings and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with Consortium partners.
• Strengthen linkages with other internal resources, including the LMS, Digital Library, Hub, and Connect, to enhance organizational learning where relevant to M&E.

Team Management

• Sustain a work environment of mutual respect you and other team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Provide other team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives

Finance & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to the project implementation.

Influence and Representation

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with Consortium partners, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure project implementation targets and technical quality standards are met.
• Participate in coordination meetings and workshops to the project at both Local and State level as delegated.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum BA/S in relevant field or other similar fields; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred in, International Relations, Research, Development Studies or another relevant field.
• Minimum of 4 years of working experience in a similar context.
• Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues in a highly insecure environment.
• Experience working and supporting research studies and assessments in Taraba and Adamawa state strongly preferred
• Experience in supporting institutional capacity building.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• 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
• Experience in an NGO (local or international) or research institution.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a wide range of actors required.
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is a plus.