Project Officer: (ECPS Project)

Project Officer- Nigeria-Benin Border Communities Peace Initiative: Enhancing Collaboration for Peace and Security in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States (ECPS Project)

Location: Kebbi States, Nigeria.

About Search

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful transformation of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict—moving away from destructive approaches and towards cooperative solutions. With more than 700 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 African countries, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and North America.

Project Summary

The project aims to improve peace and security in Nigerian border communities in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States. This will be achieved through community capacity building, institutional strengthening, and cross-border collaboration. 

Activities focus on empowering community members through training in conflict sensitivity and early warning systems, establishing and revitalizing local government level and state-level Peace Architecture Dialogues, and fostering collaboration amongst project stakeholders. The project also seeks to promote trust-building and social cohesion, through approaches such as sport activities between communities and security officials, media engagement for conflict-sensitive journalism, and community outreach through radio dramas and participatory theater. By fostering inclusive dialogue and enhancing security coordination, the project aims to improve perceptions of peace and security while building sustainable mechanisms for conflict resolution and prevention in the region.

Position Summary

Search for Common Ground is seeking a Project Officer under the supervision of the Project Manager. The Project Officer is responsible for supporting the quality implementation and monitoring of project activities, tasks and responsibilities assigned to her/him. The Project Officer expected outputs are geared towards supporting the delivery of outputs and outcomes of the project as a whole. S/he will support the project closely with the project Manager in ensuring quality project activities implementation and the timely compilation and submission of project activity reports. The Project officer will be responsible for assisting the project manager in project related activities, ensuring smooth operations of the project and consistency of project implementation with Search’s and donor regulations. He/she shall ensure that the project’s plans are in place and kept updated as per the project’s overall objective. 

This position will be based in Kebbi with frequent travels to project field locations. She/he will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager. The position holder will directly oversee the project activity implementation and work closely with other team members.

• Coordinate and arrange all logistics for various meetings and workshops, including invitations, venue, participants travel and accommodation;
• In collaboration with the project manager, facilitate the creation and implementation of a detailed annual work-plan, which identifies sequences of activities needed to successfully implement the project and ensure project objectives are met;
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, facilitate the development and rollout of detailed implementation plans in communities and LGAs;
• Review the project schedule with the Project Manager and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise and regularly review the schedule as required;
• Document project activities and ensure that all project data is appropriately secured;
• Monitor the progress of the project implementation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the project remains on track and is successfully implemented;
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders, including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project.
• In collaboration with M & E officer, assist with the implementation and development of monitoring and evaluation tools as well as timely uploading of MOVs.
• Produce and ensure timely submission of activity reports and monthly reports
• Carry out any other tasks, duties that will be assigned by the line Manager 

• Bachelor’s degree in peace and conflict studies, international relations, development studies or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

• At least 4 years of experience in quality project implementation, including experience in engaging with state and non-state actors that includes; Government , religious leaders, traditional leaders, civil society organization, INGOs/NGOs and professional network. Most importantly, experience working in conflict or post-conflict environment. 

• A good context understanding of the North West and North Central Nigeria, particularly in terms of key social, political, economic and security issues.
• Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a non-partisan manners, appreciating gender, cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.
• Ability to work independently, but also experience of working as an effective team member.
• Ability to be manage multiple task effectively and pay attention to details.
• Ability to work within deadlines with strong communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills, including ability to develop activity concept notes, draft reports and briefings
• Must be fluent in English (written and Spoken) while strong understanding of Hausa and French languages is an advantage.
• Resident in the state of application with strong understanding of the people culture, traditional and norms as well as speaks and understand their common language.
• 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;
• Analytical capacity, including the ability to analyze and articulate peace, human security and conflict issues;
• 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

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

To apply:

Interested candidates should send their application through the career site

Current resume

Cover Letter (which includes expectations of compensation and projected start date)

This application will be reviewed on a rolling basis 

Please note that the system only has the functionality to upload two documents per application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.