Program Associate [BENINESE NATIONALS ONLY]

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) Center is an international nonprofit and nongovernmental organization with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians in conflict zones. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors and relevant institutions to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

IVIC’s Benin program operates in Atacora region with ongoing initiatives addressing civilian protection in asymmetric warfare, community protection group (CPG) empowerment, and technical support to defense and security forces through various trainings on Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM). CIVIC’s work is grounded in evidence-based advocacy, locally driven strategies, and a commitment to strengthening sustainable protection systems in conflict-affected settings. To ensure effective facilitation and meaningful stakeholder engagement, CIVIC is seeking suitably qualified candidates for the position of Program Associate, based in Cotonou, who will be part of the CIVIC Benin-Togo Program Team. This is a fixed-term position, with the possibility of extension.

Reports to: Senior program officer

Department: Programs

COLLABORATION WITHIN CIVIC: Senior Program Officer, MEL Officer, Community Engagement and Gender Officer, Community Liaison Officers, Operations Team

Location: Cotonou, Benin, with frequent travel to northern Benin and other CIVIC areas of intervention.

Duration: 6 months Renewable based on funding and performance

Key Responsibilities

The Associate will be responsible for:

• Planning the implementation of program activities, including raising the request for the resources needed, drafting the ToR for the activity, and getting the necessary approvals from the Team Lead for the activity Responsible for communicating with the MEL officer on weekly achieved activities and target milestones achieved.
• Support during program design processes in providing any contextual knowledge that will respond to civilian protection needs observed during daily activities.
• Provide technical, administrative, logistical, and programmatic support for the implementation of CIVIC activities in Benin and Togo, including the organization of project activities, field missions, data collection, activity monitoring, and reporting
• Supporting Program Implementation: Assist in the design, coordination, and delivery of CIVIC’s programs in conflict zones.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officer to collect data, report on program activities, and provide real-time feedback on outcomes to ensure that goals are being met. Community
• Liaison Support: Coordinate with Community Liaisons across the Northen Benin to ensure timely implementation of activities and adherence to reporting deadlines.
• Local Stakeholder Engagement: Support the Community Engagement officer in managing and engaging with local partners and government agencies to enhance program outcomes and ensure the protection of civilians.
• Assessment Support: Assist the M&E team in administering surveys during research, impact assessments, or evaluations related to civilian protection, military engagement, and conflict analysis to support advocacy efforts.
• Logistical Support: Collaborate with the operations team to ensure seamless planning and coordination of program activities, including organizing events, meetings, and other logistics for field operations.
• Program Targets Tracking: Work with the MEL officers in ensuring project targets are being tracked and implemented as stipulated by the project documentation
• Any other assigned programmatic support role

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree (BAC, B.Sc. or HND) in any Arts, Sciences, or Social Sciences subject
• Demonstrated strong work ethic
• Written and oral communication skills (English & French). Please note: English proficiency will be assessed as part of the recruitment process.
• Minimum 3 years relevant full-time work experience with an NGO
  
• Proven people management skills
• Able to work independently and show initiative
• Passion for CIVIC's subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and engage with people at all levels
• Ability to plan and prioritize workload
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail
• Valid authorization to work in Benin without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. Beninese nationals preferred.

Additional Details

Application Deadline: August 21, 2026

Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will receive an email invitation from TestGorilla to submit their resume. Please complete this step promptly to ensure your candidacy is fully considered.

CIVIC is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by agencies other than its approved partners.