Implementing Partners for DDR Harmonisation Pilot Projects at International Alert

Locations: Zamfara and Katsina States, Nigeria

About the Opportunity

The pilot projects will:

1. Encourage voluntary defections from armed and criminal groups by offering peaceful and dignified reintegration pathways.
2. Support socio-economic reintegration through livelihood support, life skills, vocational training, and psychosocial care.
3. Embed reconciliation and transitional justice approaches, fostering healing and social cohesion at community level.
4. Set up truth and reconciliation Process to promote emotional healing, address collective trauma, and break cycles of silence and resentment that often perpetuate conflict
5. Enhance community acceptance of returnees by facilitating trust-building, truth-telling, and inclusive dialogue initiatives.
6. Increase the peace profile of target communities, building momentum around nonviolent alternatives and showcasing local peace dividends.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible organisations must:

1. Be legally registered in Nigeria and active in Zamfara and/or Katsina States.
2. Demonstrate at least 3 years of experience in relevant areas such as peacebuilding, social reintegration, community security, trauma healing, or transitional justice.
3. Have strong existing relationships with local actors including traditional institutions, women and youth groups, community gatekeepers, and local authorities.
4. Show capacity to design and implement inclusive, community-led initiatives that are sensitive to gender, age, and disability dynamics.
5. Have demonstrated ability to manage donor funds, track results, and report on progress.
6. Have experience responding to the specific needs of women, youth, children, and persons with special needs affected by conflict and displacement.
7. Be able to implement strategies that promote community ownership and acceptance of returnees, including initiatives that reduce stigma, support reconciliation, and reinforce shared values.

Scope of Pilot Projects

We are particularly interested in organisations that can:

1. Facilitate community dialogue and local peace agreements that include pathways for returnee acceptance.
2. Provide direct support to vulnerable groups, especially women, children, youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring their full participation in reintegration and reconciliation processes.
3. Work with local influencers (e.g. traditional rulers, religious leaders, vigilante groups) to change community narratives around returnees and promote peaceful reintegration.
4. Develop community resilience mechanisms to prevent cycles of re-recruitment or marginalisation.