Policy, Results, and Strategy Development Expert at International Alert

Location: Abuja (with potential travel to select states)
Duration: Up to 3 months with possibility for extension
Engagement Type: Consultancy
Reports to: National Team Lead and DDR Expert

Background

The evolving insecurity in Nigeria—driven by banditry, insurgency, armed criminality, and inter-communal violence—has led to the proliferation of disjointed disengagement initiatives, often lacking coordination and strategic oversight. To address this, the Government of Nigeria is leading the development of a DDR policy and strategy

This initiative aims to harmonise diverse federal and state-level approaches, institutionalise DDR within Nigeria’s security governance architecture, and align national practice with UN Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS) and African Union DDR frameworks.

A Policy, Results and Strategy Development Expert is sought to support the design and drafting of the national DDR framework and provide technical support on strategic planning, results-based management, and policy integration.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The expert will support the development of the National DDR Policy and Strategy by applying global best practices, ensuring relevance to Nigeria’s socio-political context, and integrating robust programme development, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems. The expert will work closely with government stakeholders, security institutions, and civil society to co-create an implementable, inclusive and accountable DDR strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Strategy Development

• Support the drafting of the National DDR Policy and Strategy, including vision, goals, pillars, objectives, operational frameworks, and implementation roadmaps.
• Ensure the DDR strategy aligns with IDDRS, AU DDR frameworks, and national laws such as the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (2022).
• Integrate cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth inclusion, victim-centred reintegration, transitional justice, and community-based reconciliation mechanisms.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Develop a results framework for the DDR strategy, including theories of change, performance indicators, baselines, and targets.
• Design an MEL system that supports adaptive programming, real-time learning, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure that the strategy includes provisions for evidence generation, tracking reintegration outcomes, and independent evaluation.
• Align the MEL approach with both national M&E guidelines and international standards, ensuring interoperability with DDR information systems.

Capacity Strengthening and Policy Alignment

• Support national stakeholders in understanding and applying strategy content through policy briefings, user manuals, and guidance notes.
• Train government officials, security actors, and civil society partners on policy implementation, MEL frameworks, and coordination mechanisms.
• Advise on integrating the DDR strategy into broader national policies (e.g. National Security Strategy, National Action Plan on PVE, justice sector reforms).
• Identify linkages between state and Federal level amnesty and DDR efforts.

Technical Support and Advisory

• Serve as advisor to the National Team Lead on matters of policy coherence, results, institutional architecture, and strategic priorities.
• Contribute to the preparation of legislative and regulatory proposals that may emerge from the DDR strategy development process.
• Review and integrate technical inputs from consultants working on legal reform, community reintegration, data systems, and gender mainstreaming.

Key Outputs and Deliverables

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Public Policy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, International Development, or related discipline.

Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in policy development, monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, peacebuilding or post-conflict recovery.
• Proven experience leading the policy and strategy frameworks, preferably in DDR, PVE, or transitional justice.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems for complex peace/security or development programmes.
• Sound knowledge of international DDR frameworks (UN IDDRS, AU DDR, World Bank's conflict programming).
• Familiarity with Nigerian policy and governance systems, or similar complex political settings.
• Excellent facilitation, writing, and communication skills.

International Alert is committed to diversity and encourages qualified individuals from conflict-affected areas, women, and persons with disabilities to apply.