News Reporter at West Africa Network for Peace-building (WANEP)

Purpose of the Role

• The NEWS Reporter plays a pivotal role in the WANEP Alert and Response Mechanism (WARM) by ensuring accurate, timely, and credible data collection, verification, and reporting within the National Early Warning System (NEWS).
• The position supports conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and accountability by transforming community-level information into actionable early warning alerts.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Data Collection & Verification:

• Gather information from community monitors and other sources.
• Verify the credibility of reports to avoid rumours or false alerts.
• Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.

Reporting & Analysis:

• Summarize incidents clearly and concisely for entry into NEWS databases.
• Support preparation of periodic reports on peace, security, and governance trends.
• Assist in analyzing patterns of organized crime, violent extremism, and environmental security.

Community Coordination:

• Mobilize and motivate community monitors to ensure consistent reporting.
• Provide feedback and capacity support to monitors.
• Strengthen community-level accountability mechanisms.

Digital Tools & Data Management:

• Use Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access) and relevant databases.
• Apply data cleaning, sorting, filtering, and validation techniques.
• Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.

Collaboration & Learning:

• Work closely with MEAL and program teams to integrate data into broader learning frameworks.
• Participate in training sessions on early warning, conflict prevention, and data security.
• Contribute to organizational knowledge-sharing platforms (e.g., WhatsApp groups, reporting dashboards).

Organizational Learning:

• Dedicate 5% of work time to learning activities that improve personal skills and contribute to WANEP’s organizational learning culture.

Success Factors

• Accurate, timely, credible reports
• Active community monitor engagement
• Effective use of digital tools
• Strong collaboration & integrity.

Educational Requirement

• University Degree or HND in International Relations, Political Science, Peacebuilding & Conflict Studies, IT, Statistics, or related fields.
• Familiarity with data management is essential.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access).
• Ability to use data entry software/databases relevant to WANEP.
• Basic understanding of data quality assurance and validation.

Competencies:

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• High integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Experience:

• 1–2 years of proven experience in data verification and entry.
• Knowledge of peacebuilding, conflict prevention, early warning, and response.
• 1–3 years of experience in CSO/NGO environment.
• Ability to work remotely and independently with limited supervision.

Professional Attitude:

• Motivation and commitment to peace and security work.
• Availability and reliability for timely reporting.
• Problem-solving ability in coordination challenges.
• Capacity to handle conflicting reports and ensure data quality.