Community Engagement Coordinator – Abuja – Center for Civilians in Conflict

KEY FUNCTIONS: The Community Engagement Coordinator will lead CIVIC’s efforts to mobilize communities across Northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region to strengthen community self-protection mechanisms, to create platforms for improved civilian-military relations, to conduct field research on civilian security issues, and to lead a regional Protection Network and related advocacy campaigns aimed at increasing the understanding and commitment to civilian protection and harm mitigation by all groups, including local government officials, security forces, self-defense groups, and Boko Haram.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with SPM, Regional Program Manager, and Nigeria Program Officer to design, manage, and implement community programs in support of CIVIC’s Nigeria program;
Travel regularly (with CIVIC staff and alone) across northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region (Chad, Cameroon, and Niger) to mobilize support for CIVIC’s work;
Build strong relations with local officials, community-based and civil society organizations and like-minded INGOs;
Conduct assessments and convene local roundtable discussions to inform policy, practice, and training recommendations for diverse stakeholders to improve civilian protection;
Build strong working relationships with civil society actors across the Lake Chad Basin region (including in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon) in order to create a regional Protection Network for increased community coordination and local capacity building;
Support research and drafting of publications (reports, briefing papers, etc) and advocacy materials discussing CIVIC’s Nigeria work;
Represent CIVIC with NGO networks and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals.

QUALITIES SOUGHT:
Well organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize, manage, and implement projects in unstable environments;
Deep knowledge of Nigeria & the Lake Chad Basin region including related to humanitarian and security issues;
In depth understanding of civilian protection issues in armed conflict;
Proven ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting objectives and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for our work;
Ability to network extensively and build partnerships with community leaders and civil society organizations in sensitive political and security environments;
Effective in participatory facilitation, community organizing, advocacy, and leadership development;
Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere;
Willingness and experience working with security forces and understanding of the military/civilian/humanitarian spaces; and
Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:
B.A. in international affairs, political science, African studies, or related area; MA, MS, or JD preferred;
Minimum 5-7 years relevant full-time staff level work experience required, including work in active and recently active conflict zones and experience in community engagement, training, field research, advocacy, and project management.
Either from the Lake Chad Basin region or extensive experience in northeastern Nigeria;
Demonstrated strong work ethic;
Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team; and
English language fluency mandatory. Advanced proficiency in Hausa or Fulani required. Advanced proficiency in French strongly preferred.

SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with experience

DEADLINE: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. The deadline for applying is April 15, 2016. Please apply early.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send a resume, an unedited writing sample (maximum 5 pages), and a cover letter describing your motivations for applying to employment@civiliansinconflict.org. Please write ATTN: Community Engagement Coordinator in the subject line.

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