Project Officer, Justice and Security Dialogues at United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

Requisition Number: PROJE01737
Location: Yola, Adamawa
Job Category: Program

Job Brief

• The Justice and Security Dialogues (JSD) program of USIP, seeks a Project Officer (PO) for Nigeria. This is a local position based in Yola (Nigeria).
• The main role of the Project Officer will be to pilot and supervise the implementation of JSD program activities in a new site.
• He/She/They will work to support the actions of USIP and those of its implementing partners, by continuously developing relationships with community and institutional stakeholders.
• The project officer reports to the JSD Deputy Coordinator.
• This is a Personal Services Contractor position.

Responsibilities

• Pilot and operationally implement the activities of the JSD program;
• Guarantee the implementation and monitoring of planned activities on the field and the relationship between the project and its stakeholders;
• Work closely with implementing partners to ensure activities are executed on schedule;
• Ensure good project communication (in accordance with USIP's communication policy) on one hand between USIP and its implementing partners, and on the other hand with all institutional and community actors;
• Coordinate and contribute to the organization and facilitation of operational meetings, dialogues, and training sessions in the new JSD program implementation site;
• In close consultation with the Deputy Coordinator and Coordinator mentor and support the implementation partners of the JSD process in Nigeria;
• Support technical assistance activities at the national level for the development of security strategies and policies;
• Review all technical and financial reporting from implementing partners, provide guidance as needed, and liaise with the Deputy Coordinator and Coordinator to ensure timely submission of all required materials;
• Provide regular detailed updates on JSD activities to the Deputy Coordinator;
• Participate in internal meetings and, as needed, provide clear and precise information on the implementation of the JSD program in the new site;
• Perform systems mapping, data collection, and empirical research that supports the JSD process and can feed into publications and national-level policy discussions;
• Support the Nigeria JSD team, and the Washington DC team in the development of reports and political/security analysis as needed;
• Be available to travel at the national level, as needed;
• Perform any other task assigned by supervisors, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Hold a University Degree in a relevant field (International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Human Rights or Development) or equivalent experience. A master's degree would be an asset;
• Two years professional experience in a similar role, in rule of law, security sector reform, peacebuilding or any similar field in Nigeria;
• Experience in working closely with local communities, community-based organizations and local authorities in Nigeria;
• Knowledge of Northeast Nigeria, security governance, and previous experience working with the Nigerian Police Force, government officials, and civil society strong preferred;
• Facilitation skills and experience training facilitators preferred;
• Ability to work in a team and under pressure;
• Proven experience in supporting and building the capacity of civil society organizations;
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively motivate people and diplomatically manage relations with local partners and government officials;
• Excellent written communication skills in English;
• Fluency in Hausa required. Knowledge of other local languages strongly preferred;
• Willingness to work unsociable hours depending on the needs of the project.

Remuneration
Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.