Knowledge Management and Learning Expert at International Alert

• Location: Abuja, with periodic travel to project states
• Duration: Up to 3 months with possibility for extension 
• Contract Type: External Consultancy
• Reports to: National Team Lead

Background

The national-level Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) project seeks to harmonise policy frameworks, enhance coordination mechanisms, and support community-based reintegration pathways for individuals disengaging from violent and criminal networks. Knowledge management (KM) and adaptive learning are central to the project’s ability to respond to dynamic security and reintegration contexts.

The project requires a high-calibre Knowledge Management and Learning Expert to support the development of knowledge systems, drive institutional learning, and ensure that lessons and evidence generated contribute meaningfully to programming, strategy development, and national policy dialogue.

Purpose of the Assignment

To provide strategic expertise for knowledge management and learning across the DDR project, including the development and implementation of KM strategies, oversight of learning systems, and transformation of evidence and insights into actionable programme and policy recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Knowledge Management and Learning Leadership

• Design and provide expertise for the implementation of a knowledge management and learning strategy tailored to the needs of a multi-state DDR programme.
• Integrate KM into all project components, ensuring that systems are in place to capture, organise, analyse, and disseminate knowledge from assessments, implementation, and reflection processes.
• Facilitate the use of evidence and learning in decision-making across programme and policy levels.

Learning Architecture and Adaptive Programming

• Develop and institutionalise structured learning processes including learning agendas, reflection sessions, quarterly learning reviews, and adaptive action planning.
• Support after-action reviews following major programme events and extract key insights to inform operational adjustments.
• Work closely with MEL, research, and programme teams to identify patterns, risks, and emerging good practices to inform real-time programming and scale-up decisions.

Learning Product Development and Dissemination

• Oversee the production of high-quality learning products including knowledge briefs, case studies, synthesis reports, and lessons learned documents.
• Work with the communications and reporting teams to tailor learning products for technical, policy, and community-level audiences.
• Ensure documentation and knowledge products meet standards for technical accuracy, relevance, and accessibility.

Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Partnerships

• Foster partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, CSOs and government agencies for joint learning, dissemination and knowledge exchange.
• Support knowledge-sharing platforms and stakeholder dialogues aimed at influencing DDR policy reform, institutional learning and cross-border collaboration.
• Represent the project in relevant knowledge forums and contribute to global conversations on DDR, reintegration, and peacebuilding.

Oversight and Capacity Strengthening

• Mentor and support knowledge and learning personnel within the project including reporting associates, research teams, and documentation staff.
• Build the capacity of project staff and implementing partners on knowledge capture, documentation, synthesis, and dissemination techniques.

Key Outputs and Deliverables

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in Knowledge Management, International Development, Public Policy, Peacebuilding, Social Sciences, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in knowledge management and institutional learning in complex development, humanitarian or peacebuilding programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in leading knowledge and learning functions in multi-stakeholder projects at national or international level.
• Experience in DDR, peacebuilding, security governance, or justice sector reform is strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven ability to design and implement KM systems that serve both operational and policy purposes.
• Strong capacity to translate technical content into accessible learning products.
• Excellent facilitation and convening skills for knowledge-sharing and learning events.
• Strategic thinking, with a deep understanding of how knowledge can inform adaptive programming and influence policy.
• High-level writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital tools for documentation, knowledge repositories, and collaborative learning.

Working Arrangements

The Knowledge Management and Learning Expert will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and Team Lead, and will collaborate closely with the MEL Specialist, Reporting Associate, Research Experts, Legal Advisors, and other technical consultants. S/he will be based in Abuja with field visits as necessary and must be available to support national and state-level knowledge events.