Job Vacancies at Search For Common Ground’s International

Position Summary

• Search for Common Ground is seeking a dynamic, analytical, and self-motivated individual for the position of Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer to support DMEL activities. This role resides in Makurdi, Benue State requires one with experience and commitment to monitoring and evaluation activities of the project in target locations.
• S/he should have experience in the development and use of simple monitoring tools to collect routine project data, collate, and process complex information related to all aspects of project actions, and have it stored in the provided ITT and GMS of the organization. The holder will also ensure that data on DMEL OKR indicators are collected routinely, data quality checks are conducted and the validity of the data is ensured before storing in the Database. S/he will liaise and support the project with training evaluations, data quality checks, and implementation of Beneficiary Feedback and Response Mechanisms in the target states.
• The incumbent will carry out his/her work according to an established DMEL standard operating procedure for collecting data, monitoring project progress, and measuring program inputs/outputs/outcomes result statements. The DMEL Officer will develop monthly factsheets and quarterly Data Dashboard from the indicator tracker informing the project implementation team of progress toward project result targets highlighting areas requiring improvement.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support in the designing of the Indicator Tracking Template for the Strengthening Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria through Legal Support and work closely with other project staff to roll out the template in capturing action data every month.
• Using data from the ITT, ensure to develop Quarterly Project DMEL Dashboard using the traffic light system to indicate project performance and highlight areas for adaptation.
• Work closely with the DMEL Manager to roll out a Beneficiary Feedback and Response Mechanism by ensuring that all the appropriate channels of communication operate optimally in the field.
• Quality assure all project data and submit a report to the DMEL Coordinator with clear recommendations on how data quality in the organization can be improved. Upon approval of recommended strategy or any other that may be suggested, the DMEL Officer will be responsible for building the capacity of project Staff on how data in the project can be improved, and the validated data used for reporting.
• Ensure the project team is aware of and up to date on all DMEL tasks and reports.
• Conduct site visits using appropriate checklists during the project implementation phase in the target states and develop and share key findings with Project Team and the DMEL Coordinator.
• In concert with the DMEL Manager, develop Monitoring and Evaluation plans for field-level
• Share observations from monitoring visits with DMEL Coordinator when findings demonstrate questionable actions.

Strategic Objectives

• Support with the conduct of Bi-annual face-in Learning sessions and ensure that the learning logs section in GMS is updated periodically.
• Conduct project monitoring visits regularly and report findings to the project teams to improve the delivery of activities in line with set standards.
• Technically support in strengthening the MEAL capacity of Partner Organizations through handholding and training approaches.
• Maintenance of up-to-date outcome data on the GMS and indicator tracking table of the project capturing progress against target of all project result indicators.
• Conduct Quarterly DQA and devise appropriate strategies on how data quality in the project can be improved.

Education

• A university in international development, social science, economics, or a related field is required as a minimal qualification for this role.
• Additional education in conflict management and Monitoring and Evaluation

Required Experience

• At least 3-5 years of experience in peacebuilding, gender mainstreaming and Do No Harm related work.
• Experience in managing a team and project management in the field of conflict resolution, conflict transformation, development or related fields.

Other Relevant Requirements

• Knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of conflict prevention; peace; conflict transformation; governance; and development and humanitarian issues;
• Good knowledge of the country context and ability to network with both civil society and public sector
• Ability to review and analyze and interpret financial reports, budget versus actuals, financial projections and procurement documentation;
• Good interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to conduct professional working relationships;
• Experience in setting performance objectives of teams and leading a team.
• Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in farmer-herder issues, policies, laws etc.,s and peace-building fields;
• Good knowledge of North Central, including the political, economic and social dimensions;
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite) and other software
• Detail-oriented with ability to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed
• Willingness and desire to learn while demonstrating self-initiative
• Ability to adapt to new cultures and work in diverse environments

Added Advantage

• • Language Skills: (Native/Fluent/Basic)
  • English Language (Fluent)
  • Hausa (an added advantage)

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Position Summary

• The FoRB Legal Specialist will be responsible for providing legal advisory support to the Country programme and specific legal components of the project including providing legal support to the cohort of legal practitioners and pioneer FoRB mentorship groups with students of law in tertiary institutions. The role will also support other legal components of the project, particularly in the areas of capacity building, case management, and advocacy.
• This role involves overall legal advisory support to Search for Common Ground in Nigeria and collaborating with various stakeholders, including legal practitioners, government agencies, religious leaders, and civil society organizations, to promote and protect religious freedoms in Nigeria.
• The FoRB Legal Specialist will oversee the training of legal professionals and security agencies, manage cases related to FoRB violations, and provide strategic guidance on legal interventions. The position requires a deep understanding of legal frameworks guiding the operations of INGOs in Nigeria, human rights law, experience with legal case management, and a commitment to advancing FoRB in complex environments.

Roles and Responsibilities

Legal Advisory to the Country Programme

• Serve as the legal advisor to the country programs, offering expert legal guidance and support to ensure that Search’s activities align with Nigerian legal frameworks.
• Provide strategic counsel on legal matters that may impact Search’s operations, including risk management, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution.
• Represent Search in legal matters involving government authorities or other external stakeholders, ensuring that Search's legal rights and interests are protected.
• Oversee and support the legal components of the country programs, ensuring that all legal aspects are implemented effectively and that project objectives are met.
• Provide legal support in the review of project contracts and other legal and statutory compliance processes with the Government of Nigeria.

Capacity Building and Training

• Lead the development and delivery of training programs for legal practitioners, advocates, government officials, and security agencies on FoRB and human rights law.
• Coordinate the establishment and engagement of a cohort of legal practitioners focused on FoRB.
• Develop and facilitate training modules on human rights law in response to FoRB.
• Implement Search’s case management protocol and referral pathways for managing FoRB incidents.

Case Management and Legal Support:

• Oversee case management for victims of FoRB violations, ensuring that legal assistance and referrals are provided efficiently.
• Provide expert legal advice on FoRB cases, guiding legal practitioners and advocates in their interventions.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address FoRB challenges through closed-door meetings and other advocacy efforts.

Research and Advocacy:

• Conduct research on gender dynamics related to FoRB and integrate findings into project activities.
• Support FoRB awareness initiatives, including the development of advocacy materials and campaigns.
• Establish and guide mentorship groups focused on promoting and protecting FoRB.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate collaboration between legal experts, state and security actors, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to strengthen FoRB protections.
• Organize and participate in Community of Practice (CoP) meetings and other forums for discussing FoRB issues.

Monitoring and Reporting:

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

• Monitor the implementation of legal support activities and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Prepare reports on legal interventions and case outcomes, providing updates to project management and stakeholders.

Educational Qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in law (LL.B) is required; a master's degree in human rights law, international law, or a related field is preferred.

Required Experience

• At least 5 - 7 years of professional experience in human rights law, with a focus on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
• Demonstrated experience in legal case management and providing legal support to victims of human rights violations.
• Proven track record of designing and facilitating legal training programs, particularly for legal practitioners and government agencies.
• Experience in conducting legal research and advocacy, with a strong understanding of the legal and policy frameworks related to FoRB in Nigeria.
• Prior experience working with civil society organizations, religious leaders, and government officials on FoRB or related human rights issues.

Other Relevant Experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide strategic legal advice in complex situations.
• Commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, particularly religious freedoms, in challenging environments.
• Professional experience and knowledge of the Religious context of Nigeria.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; knowledge of local languages (Hausa, Fulfulde etc.) spoken in the project’s focus regions is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel within Nigeria, particularly to the North Central, North East, and North West regions.