Context
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization with 35 member states hailing from different continents around the world. International IDEA aims to support sustainable democracy worldwide, doing so, inter alia, by working with both new and long-established democracies to strengthen the institutions and culture of democracy. Located at the interface of research and practice, International IDEA serves as a forum for dialogue and uses comparative experience and analysis to identify good practices for democracy-building. It also produces knowledge tools and practical guides for democracy support. The Institute maintains a global network of experts, provides training materials, and offers strategic advice to democracy actors at the international, regional, and national levels. The Institute is headquartered in Stockholm with field offices in Africa and West Asia, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
International IDEA is managing the second phase of the “Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Phase II Programme” in Nigeria. The programme is funded by the European Union (EU) for a period of five years from 2023 to 2027. The programme is working towards three anticipated Outcomes:
- Outcome 1: Enhanced performance, quality, and oversight of the criminal justice system and of justice service delivery.
- Outcome 2: Improved access to justice for vulnerable women, children, juveniles, persons with disabilities and victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
- Outcome 3: Increased transparency and accountability of anti-corruption systems and reforms.
The Project Manager, Access to Justice Component is responsible for managing and coordinating the successful implementation of all Access to Justice project activities under Component Two (C2) of the RoLAC II Programme at both federal and state levels, to achieve the following expected outcome: Improved access to justice for vulnerable women, children, juveniles, persons with disabilities and victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Contributes to the overall development of RoLAC II programme strategies, workplans, monitoring and evaluation framework; Contributes to enhancing knowledge and performance of the programme;
- Leads, manages and provides strategic direction to the C2 (Access to Justice) project; Manages and directs the team to deliver efficiently, within agreed timeframes and budget, and in accordance with approved procedures and processes;
- Establishes and nurtures a working environment that is conducive to delivering results, fostering a spirit of collaboration, strong work ethic and project team cohesion;
- 4. Oversees the project’s planning and implementation; Closely monitors project performance and prepares and provides periodic project reviews in a timely and effective manner;
- Ensures the delivery of agreed outputs and outcomes are in cooperation and coordination with other areas of work within the RoLAC II programme and external partners;
- Develops and manages relationships with stakeholders relevant to the project;
- Contributes to the design, implementation and improvement where necessary, of RoLAC II Monitoring and Evaluation framework in accordance with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan outlined in the Programme Design document, responding to both EU needs and aligned with International IDEA’s M&E results framework;
- Communicates, represents and ensures the visibility of the project is in line with RoLAC II Communication and Visibility Plan;
- Ensures coordination and effective communication with project partners, and EUD Nigeria as delegated by the Head of Programme;
- Coordinate effectively with other components of RoLAC II, the EU Civil Society Strengthening Bridge and the EU-Sexual and Gender Based Violence Projects;
- Represents the C2 project externally as appropriate, including development and maintenance of positive and effective relations with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and other relevant donors and interlocutors;
- Ensures adherence to both EU and International IDEA regulations and procedures in project implementation and reporting;
- Leads on the responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom they work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children;
- Carries out other duties and responsibilities as related to the post that may be assigned from time to time.
General Profile
- Combines in-depth knowledge, acquired through post-graduate academic achievements, excellent skills including managerial skills and relevant experience in the field of Rule of Law and Access to Justice; especially access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities;
- Leads assigned teams (including staff members and consultants) throughout the project life cycle; leads meetings and discussions;
- Regarded as an expert in their broad professional community;
- Has the intellectual leadership to integrate innovation into their field of expertise;
- Fosters team-based activities in their unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
- Acts as a model and mentor for colleagues;
- Is expected to travel globally to any geographical area involved in their project;
- Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
- Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s Core Values; Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism;
- Integrates a rights-based approach, gender, and diversity perspective in all activities.
Reporting line
- Head of Programme, RoLAC II.
Education and Experience
- Post-graduate qualification in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Sustainable Development, International Development or other relevant discipline;
- A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in Rule of Law, Access to Justice, Gender, Disability Rights, Child Rights, Project Management and Implementation, and the provision of expert advice; Experience working in the field of Democracy and Governance in Africa and other developing country contexts is essential;
- A minimum of five (5) years’ management experience, including senior level positions, with direct supervision over complex substantive teams; Experience with motivating and leading teams and solving issues;
- Excellent understanding of programming, monitoring and evaluation approaches and procedures is essential;
- Experience in planning, developing and managing EU funded programmes, as well as familiarity with EU processes and systems considered an advantage;
- Relevant experience from an international and/or regional organization in the work of democracy assistance would be considered an asset.
Terms of Contract:
- Local Post.
- Fixed term appointment for two (2) years.
Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Nigeria for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications.
Applying for this position:
- Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CET) Sunday 19 October 2025.
- Please note that all applications must be made in English.
Selection Process:
- Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
- Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
- All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.
International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.
