Field Officer – Nigeria

Location	Port Harcourt & Warri, Nigeria
Summary	Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and Washington, DC, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 400 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 39 offices in 28 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff who love their work. You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role. Within Sub-Saharan Africa, SFCG works in fourteen countries: Angola, Burundi, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Summary of SFCG Nigeria Since 2003, SFCG has worked through its multi-media division, Common Ground Productions, in Nigeria, from 2004 to 2008 producing and broadcasting a TV series targeting a youth audience. In 2010, SFCG began building its engagement in Nigeria, initiating a multi-year conflict transformation programme, utilizing media and support to civil society in order to expand and deepen the impact of the Common Ground approach in Nigeria. SFCG has established a permanent presence in Abuja as an operational base for a number of initiatives comprising the country programme. SFCG works to support peaceful resolution of conflict in the areas of Nigeria such as the Niger Delta and Jos. SFCG Nigeria recently began a new initiative which focuses on the community reconciliation phase of the amnesty provided by the Government of Nigeria in three core states of the Niger Delta: Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States. Based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the project will be implemented through a series of partnerships with Nigerian NGOs, local experts and international NGOs. The 18 month project has three streams of work: community level reintegration work, community radio development and media work. Additionally, there is a trauma healing element. The community reintegration work entails working with partners who have existing institutions in the Niger Delta. Summary of Position The Field Officer will be responsible for all day to day activities of partners and communities in the respective states. S/he will coordinate and monitor the implementation of community-based activities in one state, working closely with that state’s implementing partners. Field Officers for Baylsa and Rivers states will be based in Port Harcourt, while the Field Officer for Delta state will be based in Warri. These positions will be supervised by the Project Manager and also report to the M&E Manager.
Responsibilities	Coordinate project activities with the implementing partner in designated state of SFCG’s programme in the Niger Delta. Work with community partners, implementing partners and technical partners in all aspects of the project implementation. In partnership with implementing partners, facilitate community meetings and events with various community stakeholders including traditional leaders, youth, ex-militants, women, government officials, and police on topics of conflict resolution, community building and reintegration. Provide support to all evaluation processes including activities such as convening focus groups, working with partners to identify surveyors, and taking notes during focus group discussions. Visit target communities regularly to implement, oversee, and facilitate project activities. Coordinate activities as appropriate with counterpart Field Officers and SFCG programme staff. Meet regularly with SFCG Nigeria staff to review progress of projects against project objectives, indicators and deliverables, and give meaningful input and recommendations into the project management and institutional learning. Travel to communities regularly to ensure projects are on track and to troubleshoot as needed. Be directly engaged in the continuing development of the organisation, its mission, and its staff, through the sharing of experience and knowledge. As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.
Minimum Qualifications	Minimum of three (3) years of work experience in community development including facilitation, project design, and implementation. At least two (2) years of experience specific to working in communities in the Niger Delta. Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Demonstrated ability to successfully facilitate using participatory methods. Demonstrated ability to build diverse teams using a collaborative process. Excellent communication skills at all levels of the programme including liaising with government officials, partners, and community members. High standards of integrity, professionalism, and impartiality. Able to work independently and effectively in a team environment. Detail-oriented and highly organized, with a proactive approach. Ability to multi-task and work to meet tight deadlines. Proficient in use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as web browsers. Excellent ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing; and Ability to travel extensively in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Desirable Experience working internationally and specifically in conflict/fragile state environments Prior experience with the use of media in a conflict resolution or developmental context
Salary	Commensurate with experience and education, with excellent benefits.
To Apply	Please send a cover letter and resume to employment@sfcg.org or fax to +1 (202) 232-6718 with the subject heading: Media Coordinator – Nigeria. Please be sure to include minimum salary requirements (in currency figures) or current salary, projected start date, and to mention where you found this posting. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.