Project Assistant - Conflict Sensitivity at Search For Common Ground’s International

Programs: Africa - West
Duration: 6 months
Full Time - Local

Position Summary

• Under the supervision of Search’s National Programme Manager (NPM) in Nigeria, the Project Assistant- Conflict Sensitivity will be responsible for the monitoring, and quality delivery of the conflict sensitivity component for a food security assistance program for Northwest Nigeria, which will be implemented by a consortium of partners.
• He/she shall ensure that the project’s plans are in place and kept updated as per the consortium’s overall objective; and that the conflict sensitivity activities are implemented in line with the overall programme strategy.
• The Project Assistant will be based in Katsina State to effectively run the project.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support the NPM to develop the Conflict Sensitivity approach with regular analysis of political and security developments in Katsina State and the Northwest Region.
• Provide quality leadership in the coordination and management of Search’s activities in Katsina State.
• Organize and participate in workshops, needs assessments, consultations, planning sessions, and provide technical inputs as necessary.
• Help ensure project activities are implemented with a consistent conflict-sensitive framework: i.e. support conflict and context assessments, provide support and training
• Help identify the gaps and requirements for the consortium in relation to the prevention of violent conflict.
• Develop relations with partners and work towards the enhancement of the consortium through the development of understanding and capacity of the consortium to implement activities under the principle of Do No Harm.
• Support in the organization and implementation of activities; assistance in the design and delivery of training and other support activities.
• Contribute to effective communication and reporting on project activities in the field.
• Provide inputs for periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus; project monitoring, evaluation, accountability & learning, etc.
• Conduct frequent supervision and monitoring visits to project areas and identify any issues needing attention related to implementation, compliance, and program quality standards.
• Work closely with the Search team and the consortium partners for the implementation of learning and recommendations from external or internal reviews and feedback.
• Work with the project team to develop a detailed costed work plan at the start of the project and ensure monthly updates are made to the output databases.
• Ensure that beneficiaries have access to feedback mechanisms and that data is monitored and responses are given within appropriate periods.
• In consultation with NPM, represent Search at meetings, seminars, coordination fora, and other events.
• Ensure good collaboration and working relationships with the government and other relevant partners.
• Create appropriate links, working procedures and information sharing with key stakeholders
• Work with other consortium members to increase cross-organizational planning and learning
• Ensure project reports are produced on time and to a high standard.
• Provide brief updates (bi-weekly or weekly) to the NPM and members.
• Submit weekly update reports-including conflict updates, trends, etc. in the region to the NPM.
• Provide the NPM with timely responses to queries.
• Report any new developments, problems, and challenges encountered in implementation promptly.

Note: As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Requirements
Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in Peacebuilding, Development Studies or a related discipline (or equivalent experience);

Required Experience:

• At least 1 year experience of project implementation, including engagement with several actors – governments, community, and religious leaders, civil society, governments, specialist networks, etc.

Other Relevant Requirements:

• A good understanding of Kastina State and Northwest Nigeria, particularly in terms of key political, social and economic issues
• Resident in Katsina, speaks local language (Hausa, Fulfulde, etc.) and understands the terrain
• Good knowledge of the discourse on conflict dynamics in Kastina State and the implications of development programming on security and security sector development, community security, human rights & conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and related issues.
• Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a non-partisan manner, appreciating gender, cultural and ethnic diversity
• Ability to work individually, but also with experience of working effectively as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively with attention to detail and an orderly approach to tasks
• Strong analytical skills, including drafting reports and briefings
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Must have a ‘hands-on’, practical mentality, be self-driven, and very motivated