Job Vacancy at Department for International Development

Background

DFID Nigeria is responsible for managing the British Government's contribution to development in Nigeria, with the objective of supporting government and development partners at federal and state levels to reduce poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, experienced and committed Nigerian professional to become Conflict Adviser for DFID Nigeria.

She/he will promote conflict prevention and peacebuilding, overseeing DFID's conflict and security programmes in northern Nigeria with a particular focus on the North East, and ensuring that all of DFID's work is informed by a robust analysis of conflict and its causes.

She/he will play a key role in building strong relationships and influencing key actors in Northern states, particularly in Borno and Yobe, on a range of programmes and policy issues linked with the conflict in the North East.

Job Description/Duties

1. Lead conflict analysis for northern Nigeria, conducting robust and strategic conflict analysis and providing quality crosscutting conflict advice and analysis for DFID programmes in northern Nigeria, across our Governance, Humanitarian, Human Development and Growth portfolios.

2. Support the implementation and monitoring of key programmes in conflict prevention, stabilisation, security and justice, working closely with lead advisers in Abuja. Oversee the work of the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) in northern Nigeria as well as the implementation of the Peacebuilding and Stabilisation Programme in the North East.

3. Ensure broader Conflict Sensitive programming and delivery of DFID governance, humanitarian, economic growth, human development in Northern Nigeria.

4. Support UK information sharing and policy development on North East Nigeria.

5. Effectively influence the approach of Nigerian Government officials, development partners and civil society to address conflict in the North East. The post holder will work with and influence a wide range of relevant Federal and State government partners, civil society and traditional leaders on conflict reduction in North East Nigeria.

6. Assist the UK Risk Management Office to manage operating and programme risk.

7. Support the wider DFID Conflict Cadre through participation in annual professional conferences, as well as providing support to advisers in other offices as part of the conflict cadre.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate is expected to have the following qualifications,

technical competencies and behavioural competencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Masters level qualification in Peacebuilding, Development, Political Science, Social Sciences or a related field, from a recognised University.

• Minimum five-year experience in the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. This should include provision of conflict advice to development programmes or policy making institutions, experience of designing and managing conflict prevention and peacebuilding programmes, experience in overseeing budgets and results delivery.

• Proven cultural, social and political sensitivity for working in northern Nigeria, preferably with a working knowledge of Hausa.

Technical competencies:

1. Conflict response. A thorough practical and theoretical understanding of: direct and third party peace processes, ceasefires, mediation and peace agreements; post-conflict stabilisation assessment and planning; disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants; transitional justice, reconciliation and their role in mitigating future risks of violence; design and implementation of peace building programmes.

2. Conflict analysis. A thorough practical and theoretical understanding of: conflict analysis tools, methodologies, theory and practice; political analysis (power relations, political systems, elections); institutional appraisal and analysis; security sector, police and justice reform; human rights, international humanitarian law and other legal standards; role of gender in conflict issues; techniques for monitoring and evaluation.

3. Conflict prevention and conflict sensitive development. A thorough practical and theoretical understanding of conflict-sensitive design of poverty reduction programmes, including the relationship between conflict and development; role of state and non-state actors in promoting peaceful transformation; global, regional, and national factors affecting conflict; conflict-sensitive design, monitoring and evaluation of programmes aimed at preventing violence.

Behavioural Competencies/Civil Service Competencies:

1. See the bigger picture: develop and in-depth understanding and knowledge of how the role fits and supports organisational objectives and wider public needs. Scan the political context and take account of wider impacts to develop long term implementation.

2. Make effective decisions: break down and simplify complex data, policy documents and similar information on conflict issues; assess and interpret information to identify main issues and to inform non-technical colleagues.

3. Lead and communicate: communicate clearly both orally and in writing, using appropriate language; communicate on a range of issues to diverse internal and external audiences.

4. Collaborate and partner: excellent team player; work effectively with government, development partner, civil society and private sector stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders; build good relationships for partnership, implementation and support for DFID programmes,

5. Deliver at pace: ensure tasks are done to the required standard and deadlines; plan work to meet individual, team and office-wide objectives, achieve high quality and value for money.

Reporting line:

The post holder will be line managed by the Conflict Adviser from DFID Nigeria Governance and Social Development Team.

Contractual Arrangements:

This is a permanent position. The Conflict Adviser will initially be based in Abuja for an induction period of a few months and should expect to move subsequently to Kano (where DFID has a regional office) after the induction in Abuja.

Working Pattern:

This post is a full time position and is not suitable for part time applicants

Remuneration: DFID offers a competitive salary and benefit package. The current starting salary for this position (graded A2L) full time per annum is NGN10, 572,139 inclusive of local taxes