Vacancies at Search for Common Ground in Nigeria

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organisation committed to transforming conflict through cooperative and inclusive approaches. Search operates in over 30 countries, working to strengthen institutions, communities, and individuals in addressing conflict constructively.

The Rapid Response for Peace project aims to reduce the incidence and severity of religious and intergroup violence by creating a strengthened community-based Early Warning and Early Response system in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba States, Nigeria, that identifies and enables rapid response to tension and events precipitating broader violence. The project will improve multi-stakeholder EWER coordination mechanisms, improve trust in government-led conflict response for rapid response to conflict triggers in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba States. It will also revitalize peace architecture platforms, enhance reporting systems, and improve vertical and horizontal coordination for conflict prevention and response.

To ensure effective implementation at the state level, Search requires four (4) State Project Coordinators, one each for Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba States, to support planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of project activities.

Conflict and differences are inevitable. Violence is not. We partner with people around the world to ignite shared solutions to destructive conflicts. We work at all levels of society to build sustainable peace through three main avenues: Dialogue+, Media+, and Community+.

Experience5 – 7 years
Location Benue , Nasarawa , Plateau , Taraba

4 Positions – Makurdi, Akwanga, Jos and Jalingo)
NB: Indicate preferred location in the subject of your cover letter.

Position Summary

The Project Coordinator(s) will oversee the day-to-day implementation of project activities within their respective states. This includes organising training, supporting EWER and peace architecture platforms, facilitating stakeholder engagement, conducting field visits, and ensuring that project outputs are delivered on time and in accordance with Search’s quality standards.
The position requires frequent travel within the state, strong coordination with government and community stakeholders, and close collaboration with the EWER/Project Manager based in Benue.

Roles and Responsibilities

Project Implementation and Coordination

Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of project activities at the state level.
Facilitate the delivery of EWER and Common Ground Approach (CGA) trainings for government officials, community leaders, CSOs, and community responders.
Lead the establishment/remobilisation and facilitation of monthly meetings of Community Safety and Resilience Committees
Support implementation of community-led peace and security initiatives under the project.
Lead the implementation of needs assessments and the quick impact economic, livelihood and infrastructure Support across 4 communities.

Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary point of contact for local government authorities, community leaders, security agencies, and CSOs in their state.
Coordinate field activities, joint assessments, and inter/intra-community dialogues and resolution meetings between the communities and or authorities.
Facilitate linkages between communities and state-level authorities to strengthen response mechanisms.
Facilitate high-level EWER meetings and ensure timely communication of alerts and actions.
Facilitate accountability and high-level stock-taking meetings on conflict reports and responses
Facilitate accountability and on-the-Spot assessment of conflict monitoring and conflict trends in Communities

Monitoring, Reporting & Learning

Track project outputs such as training conducted, meetings held, initiatives supported, and platform functionality.
Collect, verify, and document early warning alerts from communities and ensure they are reported to the EWER/Project Manager.
Prepare periodic activity and progress reports, including success stories and challenges, for submission to the EWER/Project Manager.
Support learning activities, field visits, and adaptive management processes.

Administrative Support

Assist in activity planning, logistics coordination, and resource management for state-level activities.
Ensure adherence to organizational policies, safeguarding, conflict-sensitive programming, and donor compliance.
Support procurement of materials, venue arrangements, and equipment for training and meetings.

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field.
Master’s degree (preferred) in Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, Public Policy, or similar discipline.

Required Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, EWER systems, or related project implementation.
Experience working with government institutions, security agencies, CSOs, and community structures in Nigeria.
Demonstrated experience in organizing trainings, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
Experience with monitoring and reporting project outputs and outcomes.
Knowledge of local dynamics in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba State is an advantage.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Other Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Willingness to travel frequently within the state.
Ability to work under pressure and deliver quality results within tight timelines.
Commitment to Search’s mission, values, and conflict-sensitive programming principles.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified? Go to Search For Common Ground’s International on sfrgorg.rec.pro.ukg.net to apply