Policy and Advocacy Specialist at Search For Common Ground’s International

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+.

Experience
Location Rivers

Job Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of high level dialogues:
Policy and Advocacy Program oversight, quality assurance, reporting:

Leadership

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.

Representation and coordination:

Under the guidance of the Head of Programme Implementation – Niger Delta, represents Search in the project implementation initiatives;
Develop a stakeholder engagement strategy and lead in its implementation
Provides strong coordination support to NGOs, partners, and national authorities through the establishment of wider consultation and collaborative processes to achieve the project goal.
Lead the planning processes for implementing high level Niger Delta dialogues at National, Regional and State levels.
Lead the mapping of stakeholders and advocacy engagement to secure their participation at the dialogues.
Facilitate high level Niger Delta dialogues at National, Regional and State levels
Advises Country Management on program and high level stakeholder engagement needs.
Ensures proper implementation of the policy and advocacy component of the project during the No cost extension phase.
Collaborate with the Head of Programme Implementation and Project Manager in attainment of project expected results in the implementation states, in close collaboration with the Head of Programme Implementation;
Ensures effective application of results-based management methodologies.
Develop and monitor project work-plans, effectiveness and achievement of results;
Monitors budgets versus actuals and cash-flow for the policy and advocacy component of the project;
Steer the project’s policy and advocacy activities to meaningfully address needs in the ever-changing context;
Contribute to all donor and internal reports within internal deadlines and to expected quality;
Build coalitions and networks with local partners for the project’s effectiveness.
Contribute to the discussions around overall strategy and direction of the country program and the organization;
Ensure that the project is maintaining a coordinated and agreed information exchange both internally and in its dealing with external parties;
Ensure effective implementation and compliance with the overall finance and guidance manual and compliance with procedures required by grant or contract agreements;

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related area required while a Masters in Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Project Management or related field would be an added benefit;

Required Experience

At least 7 years of experience in high level policy and advocacy, facilitating high level dialogues, mainstreaming Do No Harm and conflict sensitivity into programming.

Other Relevant Requirements

Knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of peace, conflict transformation, governance, development and humanitarian issues;
Good knowledge of the country context, context of the Niger Delta Region and ability to network with both civil society and public sector
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;
Ability to work with people at all levels, ranging from high-level national officials to community leaders;
Experience in setting performance objectives of teams and leading a team.
Willingness to keep abreast of new developments on security sector reforms, policies, laws and peace-building fields;
Good knowledge of Niger Delta Region, including the political, economic, development and social dimensions;
Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite) and other software’s
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
Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English is a requirement