Fresh Jobs at Search for Common Ground

Details:

Consultancy – Psychosocial Support Consultant

(Maiduguri Nigeria)

Purpose of the Consultancy

The Psychosocial Support (PSS) Specialist supports the direct implementation of the “Supporting the Socio-Economic Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Groups, and other vulnerable children, in North East Nigeria” project through delivery of Trauma Awareness and Resilience Trainings, in addition to facilitating Transformative Dialogues. 

The PSS Specialist will also support Case Management Officers in providing specific PSS related technical advice on more complex child protection cases to improve the well-being and safety of beneficiary children.   

About the Project

In May 2018, Search began implementing the UNICEF-funded project “Supporting the Socio-Economic Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups including the CJTF in North East Nigeria.” This project aimed to ensure that children verified and separated from armed groups in three local government areas (LGAs) received a comprehensive child protection package including psychosocial support and socio-economic reintegration and that their communities understand the importance of their separation and reintegration. The first phase of the project demonstrated the success of this holistic approach to reintegration, and furthermore, there is an increasing number of children that need to be reached by such programming.

In order to effectively and efficiently address the effects of the insurgency and break the cycle of violence, it is necessary to meet the physical, psychosocial and emotional needs of children in the North East who are growing up in a context of protracted conflict. As UNICEF’s verification process for the children separated from armed groups continues, there is a need to expand the project to engage newly verified children, and other vulnerable children. By increasing the resilience, acceptance, education and skills of children associated with armed groups, this project will facilitate lasting reintegration of these children and amplify positive narratives around their role in communities as productive civilian actors and agents for peace. 

Objective 1: Psychological reintegration- To strengthen the well-being and resilience of children formerly associated with armed groups, and other vulnerable children, in North East Nigeria.

Objective 2: Social reintegration- To support children formerly associated with armed groups, or other vulnerable children, resume or return to school and become ambassadors for peace.

Objective 3: Economic reintegration- To empower and support children formerly associated with armed groups, and other vulnerable children, for increased economic reintegration.

Objective 4: Community strengthening- To create a conducive environment and community support for the social and economic reintegration and separation of children associated with armed groups.

Methodology

• Trauma Awareness and Resilience Trainings to beneficiary children, in addition to   Facilitating of Transformative Dialogues, according to the project work plan. 

Deliverables

• The PSS Specialist will deliver Trauma Awareness and Resilience Trainings to beneficiary children, in addition to Transformative Dialogues, according to the project work plan.
• Coordinate with Community Mobilizing Officers and Assistants to ensure relevant target populations are mobilised. Ensure coordination to capture attendance record and ensure information is stored systematically.
• Engage in training on Trauma Awareness and Transformative Dialogue delivered by Trauma Specialist.
• Respond to cases of particular children if more in depth PSS response is required, and ensure coordination with Case Management Officers and Assistants.
• Support technical capacity building of Case Management Officers, Assistants and Community Case Workers through ad hoc consultations and mentoring on psycho-social support. Deliver in depth trainings when required.
• Write training activity reports on all trainings facilitated, ensuring rich content is captured through quotations and photos (with necessary consent/ assent), and ensure these are submitted in a timely manner.
• Represent Search externally where required, for example in MHPSS forums in Borno State.
• Share necessary security updates with Security Manager in areas of intervention to ensure safety of beneficiaries and team members in ongoing risk assessments. 
• Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor or Line Managers as may be reasonably requested.

Reporting Line

Functional Line Manager: Deputy Project Manager.

Direct Line Manager: Child Protection Manager. 

Required Profile

Education

• University degree or equivalent in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other relevant field. 

Experience- Essential

• Minimum of 4 years psycho-social support (PSS) experience, with a particular focus on children.
• Solid understanding of psychosocial trauma interventions, methodologies and theory.
• Minimum of 4 years in an advisory/ technical role in the field of PSS.
• Minimum of 4 years of management/ supervisory experience
• Excellent training and facilitation skills.
• Good understanding of Child Protection Minimum Standards and the Inter-Agency Guidelines for Case Management and Child Protection. 
• Experience working with Children Associated with Armed Groups
• Knowledge of types of child abuse and their impact (violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation)
• Familiarity with referral pathways in and around Maiduguri
• Experience working in emergency settings
• Experience working in different communities in Borno State
• Strong analytical skills;
• Experience working with refugees, IDPs, host communities, and other vulnerable populations
• Excellent ability to develop positive helping relationships with children and caregivers.
• Strong reporting skills capturing case management information.
• Knowledge of a local language (Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa Arab) a must.

Experience- Desirable

• Knowledge of risk assessment to ensure changing protection concerns captured.
• Good analytical, problem solving and project planning skills.
• Community oriented and respect for local culture.
• Good IT skills, particularly with MS Office - Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint.
• Strong command of both written and spoken English.
• Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour.
• Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism/integrity.
• Provides good administrative and logistical support to team.
• Actively seeks support in addressing difficulties in execution of duties.
• Strategic thinking and effective contribution to own work and organisational development.
• Sound judgement and decision-making in complex situations.
• Strong emotional intelligence including self-awareness.
• Leads by example to motivate high performance of others.
• Strong self-care skills to lead by example within the team.
• Strong commitment to continuous learning.

Timeframe  

The consultancy will take place between December 2019 to March 2020. 

Budget and Terms of Engagement

• 5% withholding tax will be deducted at source from the total cost of the consultancy fee for an individual.
• The consultant will submit an invoice each month detailing the number of days worked in that particular month so that payment can be processed on a monthly basis. 

The consultant is required to respect the following Ethical Principles:

• Accountability: Being accountable and passing on accountability for one's own actions and those of colleagues and the organization.

• Attention to detail: The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently

• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others in order to achieve a shared goal – even when the object at stake is of no direct personal interest possibilities.

• Creativity: The ability to come up with original and innovative ideas and solutions, to adopt points of view outside the usual parameters.

• Focus on Quality: Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.

• Learning Ability: The ability to absorb new information readily and to put it into practice effectively

• Adaptability: The ability to remain fully functional by adapting to changing circumstances (environment, procedures and people).

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Details:

Please note only experienced and already established organisation with expertise in skills training are required to apply for this position

Consultancy – Caregiver Skills Training Consultant. 

(Maiduguri Nigeria)

 Purpose of the Consultancy

An organisation is required to deliver skills based training for male and female caregivers of the Project’s beneficiary children to enable them to develop skills in income generating activities to better support their children and families. This sits within the economic reintegration component of the “Supporting the Socio-Economic Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Groups, and other vulnerable children, in North East Nigeria” project. 

This skills training is particularly required for caregivers of children engaged in the education component of the Project to enable them to generate income and support their families to purchase basic items, while children continue with their education. As such, 200 caregivers of the most vulnerable children will be identified to take part in skills training activities in key areas as identified by our market analysis. Start-up kits will then be provided to cooperatives that caregivers will form to enable them to begin putting their skills into action and generating incomes as a collective to improve their economic resilience as individual households. 

The organisation will be required to deliver skills training to 200 caregivers in select locations in MMC and Jere in line with Search market assessment findings. The organisation will then provide 20 groups of 10 caregivers per group start up kits containing key items required to begin businesses in the respective areas caregivers have been trained in.

About the Project

In May 2018, Search began implementing the UNICEF-funded project “Supporting the Socio-Economic Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups including the CJTF in North East Nigeria.” This project aimed to ensure that children verified and separated from armed groups in three local government areas (LGAs) received a comprehensive child protection package including psychosocial support and socio-economic reintegration, and that their communities understand the importance of their separation and reintegration. The first phase of the project demonstrated the success of this holistic approach to reintegration, and furthermore, there is an increasing number of children that need to be reached by such programming.

In order to effectively and efficiently address the effects of the insurgency and break the cycle of violence, it is necessary to meet the physical, psychosocial and emotional needs of children in the North East who are growing up in a context of protracted conflict. As UNICEF’s verification process for the children separated from armed groups continues, there is a need to expand the project to engage newly verified children, and other vulnerable children. By increasing the resilience, acceptance, education and skills of children associated with armed groups, this project will facilitate lasting reintegration of these children and amplify positive narratives around their role in communities as productive civilian actors and agents for peace. 

Objective 1: Psychological reintegration- To strengthen the well-being and resilience of children formerly associated with armed groups, and other vulnerable children, in North East Nigeria.

Objective 2: Social reintegration- To support children formerly associated with armed groups, or other vulnerable children, resume or return to school and become ambassadors for peace.

Objective 3: Economic reintegration- To empower and support children formerly associated with armed groups, and other vulnerable children, for increased economic reintegration.

Objective 4: Community strengthening- To create a conducive environment and community support for the social and economic reintegration and separation of children associated with armed groups.

Methodology

• The consultancy organization will be required to deliver skills training to 200 caregivers in select locations in MMC and Jere in line with Search market assessment findings. The organisation will then provide 20 groups of 10 caregivers per group start up kits containing key items required to begin businesses in the respective areas caregivers have been trained in. 

Deliverables

• Advise on skills gaps with economic potential within the market from rapid market analysis, in addition to Search market analysis conducted in 2018.
• Share skills training curriculum with Search Project team based on skills highlighted in market analysis.
• Ensure skills training curriculum is accessible, particularly for those with low levels of literacy and numeracy attainment.
• Adapt and tailor skills training as required, based on feedback from male and female caregivers, and Search Project team.
• Ensure qualified staff identified to deliver skills training.
• Deliver high quality trainings for 200 caregivers in a range of skills.
• Ensure full respect of Search Code of Conduct and reporting mechanisms to ensure well-being and dignity of training caregiver participants.
• Provide ongoing mentoring to caregivers to ensure their holistic needs are addressed.
• Submit regular weekly reports on progress of trainings, flagging any concerns to Child Protection Manager in a timely manner.
• Ensure timely procurement of start-up kit items, and necessary delivery to target beneficiaries in select locations.
• Support set-up of businesses by providing business skills and knowledge. Advise on problem solving skills.  

Reporting Line

Functional Line Manager: Deputy Project Manager. Direct Line Manager: Child Protection Manager.

Required Profile

Experience

• Search is seeking a professional, experienced and already established organisation with expertise in skills training.
• The organisation must have already established skills training curriculums, to be reviewed by Search project team, which can be tailored to the context as required.
• The organisation must have an already existing pool of trainers, with experience delivering engaging skills training to vulnerable populations.
• The organisation must be experienced in delivering training to participants with low literacy and numeracy levels, and be able to adapt accordingly.
• Adherence to Search Code of Conduct is mandatory. The organisation will also need to respect reporting mechanisms in addition.
• In addition, knowledge of the context of Borno and these issues related to reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups.
• Fluency in Hausa and Kanuri languages. 

Timeframe  

The consultancy will take place over 4 months, from June- September 2020. 

Budget and Terms of Engagement

• All costs incurred will be covered from the consultancy fee (including training and provision of start up kits).
• 5% withholding tax will be deducted at source from the total cost of the consultancy fee for a firm.
• 30% of the consultancy fee will be paid when initial the contract is signed, 30% will be paid upon completion of all training and the remaining balance of 40% will be paid on delivery of start-up kits to targeted caregivers.

The consultant is required to respect the following Ethical Principles:

• Accountability: Being accountable and passing on accountability for one's own actions and those of colleagues and the organization.
• Attention to detail: The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others in order to achieve a shared goal – even when the object at stake is of no direct personal interest possibilities.
• Creativity: The ability to come up with original and innovative ideas and solutions, to adopt points of view outside the usual parameters.
• Focus on Quality: Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Learning Ability: The ability to absorb new information readily and to put it into practice effectively
• Adaptability: The ability to remain fully functional by adapting to changing circumstances (environment, procedures and people).

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Details:

Please Note: Only established theatrical group with expertise in popular theatre are needed to Apply for this Position

Consultancy –Participatory Theatre Consultant.

(Maiduguri Nigeria)

Purpose of the Consultancy 

As part of the project’s community strengthening objective, the aim of participatory theatre is that target communities in North East Nigeria have increased positive attitudes, knowledge and behaviour with regards to children formerly associated with armed groups and recognise their roles as agents of peace. 

A participatory theatre organisation will be engaged to support community outreach and engagement by performing plays in an interactive manner within target communities to raise awareness of key themes around reintegration, challenging stigma and discrimination, the importance of protecting children, and the negative impact of conflict on children and communities, among other areas, to provoke discussion, and enable communities to address key issues in a safe space. 

The theatre organisation will perform 30 participatory theatre performances over a period of up to 10 months. Initial discussions and consultation will be held with the project team to build on the themes developed and performed in the previous project phase.

About the Project

In May 2018, Search began implementing the UNICEF-funded project “Supporting the Socio-Economic Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups including the CJTF in North East Nigeria.” This project aimed to ensure that children verified and separated from armed groups in three local government areas (LGAs) received a comprehensive child protection package including psychosocial support and socio-economic reintegration, and that their communities understand the importance of their separation and reintegration. The first phase of the project demonstrated the success of this holistic approach to reintegration, and furthermore, there is an increasing number of children that need to be reached by such programming.

In order to effectively and efficiently address the effects of the insurgency and break the cycle of violence, it is necessary to meet the physical, psychosocial and emotional needs of children in the North East who are growing up in a context of protracted conflict. As UNICEF’s verification process for the children separated from armed groups continues, there is a need to expand the project to engage newly verified children, and other vulnerable children. By increasing the resilience, acceptance, education and skills of children associated with armed groups, this project will facilitate lasting reintegration of these children and amplify positive narratives around their role in communities as productive civilian actors and agents for peace. 

Objective 1: Psychological reintegration- To strengthen the well-being and resilience of children formerly associated with armed groups, and other vulnerable children, in North East Nigeria.

Objective 2: Social reintegration- To support children formerly associated with armed groups, or other vulnerable children, resume or return to school and become ambassadors for peace.

Objective 3: Economic reintegration- To empower and support children formerly associated with armed groups, and other vulnerable children, for increased economic reintegration.

Objective 4: Community strengthening- To create a conducive environment and community support for the social and economic reintegration and separation of children associated with armed groups.

Methodology  

Pre-production

• Develop content and script based on issues affecting children and communities in Maiduguri and Jere. Produce a short drama containing key messages from the information gathered.
• Liaise closely with Search project team to ensure key learnings and messages are integrated into script development.
• Express ideas and portray a range of representative characters in the theatre.
• Producing content in communities within MMC, Jere, and Mafa, pending security assessment, for Search for Common Ground.

Production

• Identify all actors and relevant personnel to deliver performances.
• Provide all required props and high quality equipment including microphones, speakers, and costumes.
• Coordinate rehearsals and preparation for performances.
• Ensure techniques used to attract communities e.g. games for children.
• Manage and coordinate group on performance day to ensure smooth running and professional delivery to a high standard.
• Report to Search’s Senior Media Officer any issue(s) that may arise/emerge in the course of writing the script for each episode.

Post-Production

• Support debrief and reflection of each performance, with actors and Search project team, to identify lessons and recommendations for improving subsequent performances.
• Review script in line with emerging issues from ongoing community scoping and post-performance reflection meeting and pitch to Search Management for agreement. 

Methodology

• The production should be research/evidence-based. The development of the production should mimic participatory theatre to the extent to which is realistic in this context; working with the real stories of individuals within the project’s target locations, pending security assessments.
• A rapid desk review using project documents is essential as the solutions being depicted should come from a total understanding of the project’s objectives and proposed methods.

Deliverables

• A concept and comprehensive script submitted to and approved by Search For Common Ground before use.
• A pre-performance presentation of the drama to Search For Common Ground staff two weeks ahead to demonstrate readiness.
• A high-quality and professionally presented theatre production to a wider audience in Borno state.

Reporting Line   

Functional Line Manager: Deputy Project Manager. Direct Line Manager: Child Protection Manager.

Working Relations: Media Coordinator, Community Mobilising Officers, Deputy Project Manager, and Child Protection Manager.

Required Profile Applications

Essential:

• Search is seeking a professional, experienced and already established theatrical group with expertise in popular theatre.
• The theatrical group must have an already existing pool of artists and personnel including costumier, make up, stage manager, script-writer, director and actors.
• The group must have within their pool personnel with experience in script and concept development, stage performance and directing.
• Previous experience of delivering performances per the above specifications desirable.
• The group must have high quality equipment to deliver performances including speakers and microphones to enable clear transmission of messages for participants and audience members.
• Familiarity with Search For Common Ground Participatory Theatre Methodology.
• In addition, knowledge of the context of Borno and these issues related to reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups.
• Fluency in Hausa and Kanuri languages. 

Timeframe

The consultancy will be 30 performances over 10 months, from January 2020- October 2020. 

Budget and Terms of Engagement

All production costs incurred will be covered from the consultancy fee.

• 5% withholding tax will be deducted at source from the total cost of the consultancy fee for a firm.
• 40% of the consultancy fee will be paid when initial the contract is signed, 30% will be paid upon completion of 70% of performances, and the remaining balance of 30% will be paid on final completion and submission of satisfactorily deliverables.

The consultant is required to respect the following Ethical Principles:

• Accountability: Being accountable and passing on accountability for one's own actions and those of colleagues and the organization.
• Attention to detail: The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others in order to achieve a shared goal – even when the object at stake is of no direct personal interest possibilities.
• Creativity: The ability to come up with original and innovative ideas and solutions, to adopt points of view outside the usual parameters.
• Focus on Quality: Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Learning Ability: The ability to absorb new information readily and to put it into practice effectively
• Adaptability: The ability to remain fully functional by adapting to changing circumstances (environment, procedures and people).