Conflict and Peace Building Officer at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Overall Responsibilities

• As the project’s main focal point in the LGA, the Conflict and Peacebuilding Officer will lead the technical design and implementation, of peacebuilding and social cohesion initiatives across project locations in their respective LGA.
• This role focuses on strengthening community-based mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, promoting social cohesion, and integrating conflict-sensitive approaches into all aspects of program delivery.
• Under the guidance of the Conflict and Peacebuilding Coordinator, the officer will also support capacity building (for LGA-based project staff and communities), stakeholder engagement, and the identification of innovative practices to improve the impact and sustainability of peacebuilding programming.

Key Responsibilities
Programme Design and Technical Leadership:

• Lead the development, articulation, and integration of technical components for peacebuilding and social cohesion programming.
• Ensure conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding considerations are embedded throughout the project lifecycle — from planning to evaluation.
• Support the design of context-specific interventions that respond to identified conflict drivers and promote community safety and resilience.

Strengthening Peacebuilding Structures:

• Facilitate the establishment and strengthening of community-based peace-building structures, such as peace committees, community mediators, and local dialogue platforms.
• Ensure local ownership and participation in peacebuilding structures, with a focus on inclusivity (youth, women, elders, minority groups).

Innovation and Strategic Development:

• Identify and explore innovative approaches and tools for advancing peacebuilding and social cohesion, drawing on local knowledge and global best practices.
• Monitor regional and global peacebuilding trends and provide regular insights to inform strategic planning and adaptive programming.

Capacity Building and Technical Support:

• Provide ongoing technical assistance and capacity strengthening to project teams, community actors, and partners on conflict prevention, mediation, social cohesion, and conflict sensitivity.
• Develop and facilitate training sessions and workshops on cross-cutting topics such as conflict sensitivity, quality assurance, peace education, and participatory learning approaches.

Mainstreaming Conflict Sensitivity and Learning:

• Support the mainstreaming of conflict-sensitive programming across all sectors and activities by guiding teams to apply conflict-sensitive lens in implementation and decision-making.
• Lead the documentation, systematization, and sharing of lessons learned, success stories, and best practices related to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:

• Provide technical guidance on engaging with key stakeholders including traditional leaders, local government, civil society, security actors, and donor agencies in ways that support peaceful coexistence and build trust.
• Facilitate and support stakeholder dialogues, forums, and collaborative processes that foster understanding and peaceful relationships among diverse groups.

Quality Assurance and Reporting:

• Contribute to high-quality reporting, project reviews, and evaluations by providing technical inputs, field-level analysis, and conflict-related findings.
• Ensure program activities are delivered on time, within scope, and in accordance with organizational standards and donor requirements.

Networking and Partnerships:

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Leverage partnerships to enhance program reach and impact.

Knowledge Sharing:

• Facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and learning within WFP/COOPI and the broader humanitarian community.
• Organize workshops and learning events to share insights from the program.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Stay abreast of developments in cash programming and humanitarian response.
• Perform other duties as necessary, commensurate with professional background and experience, as deemed by the supervisor.
• This Terms of Reference outlines the key responsibilities and expectations for the Resilience and Social Cohesion (Peace) project in Northeast Nigeria under the WFP/BMZ-funded project.
• The role is pivotal in ensuring that WFP and COOPI delivers high-quality Conflict and Peace Building project to support the resilience and recovery of displaced populations in Northeast Nigeria.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in peacebuilding, community engagement, or humanitarian work.
• Experience working in Northeast Nigeria is an advantage.
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills.

Language Requirements:

• Spoken and written fluency in English.