Project Assistant

Project Assistant: UNITED IN SECURITY PROJECT: A Collaborative Approach to Civilian Protection in Nigeria  Position Summary Search for Common Ground is looking for a Project Assistant. Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Assistant is responsible for supporting the implementation and monitoring of project activities assigned to her/him.The Project Assistant will be responsible for assisting the project manager in project related activities, ensuring smooth operations of the project and consistency of project implementation in line with Searchâs and donor regulations. He/she shall ensure that the projectâs plans are in place and kept updated as per the projectâs overall objective. This position will be based in our Yola office with frequent travels to Implementation LGAs across Adamawa state. She/he will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager. About the Project National and international attention, garnered by the #EndSARS protests have shone a light on the history of impunity experienced from Nigerian security forces and amplified messages calling for greater accountability of security actors accused of human rights violence. This moment presents a window of opportunity to further entrench security sector reform from a collaborative and rights-based lens, empowering stakeholders at all levels, including communities, CSOs, media professionals, government authorities, and security actors. The project aims to enhance the role of CSOs and communities in constructively engaging security forces, while increasing the capacity of security actors to effectively assume their roles and responsibilities in a manner that upholds human rights standards. Through trainings, dialogue, advocacy, and peace and security initiatives, these actors will work together towards shared solutions to persistent security challenges. Searchâs intervention is informed by strong evidence from over 10 years of lessons learned and networks built through our human rights and security sector accountability programming in Nigeria. The overall goal is to strengthen engagement and advocacy processes to reduce human rights abuse by security forces in North East and North Central Nigeria. This is supported by three specific objectives that will guide the projectâs activities: Objective 1 : Increased capacity of target CSOs and media actorsâ in human rights monitoring, reporting and advocacy. CSO and media actorsâ coordination, communication, and action to influence security sector policy and practice related to accountability and human rights are strengthened Objective 2 : Improved capacity of security forces to understand and respect human rights principles. Increased dialogue between affected communities, key stakeholders, and security actors on issues related to human rights and protection. Objective 3:  Empower diverse communities and groups to contribute to the design and implementation of security sector reform processes. Strengthened collaboration between communities, CSOs, security actors, and government authorities around joint initiatives responding to demands for accountability and improved security

Duration

Six (6) months duration with possibility of extension contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding.

Roles and Responsibilities

Provide direction in the coordination and management of Searchâs activities in the related project State. Organize and participate in workshops, needs assessments, consultations, planning sessions, and provide technical inputs as necessary.  Help identify the gaps and requirements in relation to the prevention of violent conflict.  Develop relations with partners and work towards the enhancement of the project  Support in the organization and implementation of activities; assistance in the design and delivery of training and other support activities.  Contribute to effective communication and reporting on project activities in the field. Provide inputs for periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus; project monitoring, evaluation, accountability & learning, etc.  Conduct frequent supervision and monitoring visits to project areas and identify any issues needing attention related to implementation, compliance, and program quality standards.  Work closely with the Search team for the implementation of learning and recommendations from external or internal reviews and feedback.  Work with the project team to develop a detailed costed work plan at the start of the project and ensure monthly updates are made to the output databases.  Ensure that beneficiaries have access to feedback mechanisms and that data is monitored and responses are given within appropriate periods. In consultation with the Project Manager, represent Search at meetings, seminars, coordination fora, and other events.  Ensure good collaboration and working relationships with the government and other relevant partners.  Create appropriate links, working procedures and information sharing with key stakeholders Ensure project reports are produced on time and to a high standard.  Provide brief updates (bi-weekly or weekly) to the Project Manager and members as the case may be.  Report any new developments, problems, and challenges encountered in implementation promptly.  Fulfill any additional assignment as deemed necessary by the project team. 

Education

Bachelorâs degree in Peacebuilding, Development Studies or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

Required Experience

At least 1 year experience of project implementation, including engagement with several actors â governments, community, and religious leaders, civil society, governments, security organizations and specialist networks, etc.

Other Relevant Requirements

A good understanding of and North East and North Central Nigeria, particularly in terms of key political, social, security and economic issues  Resident in the state of application, speaks local language (Hausa, Fulfulde, Tiv, Idoma, etc.) and understands the terrain Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a non-partisan manner, appreciating gender, cultural and ethnic diversity  Ability to work individually, but also with experience of working effectively as part of a team Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively with attention to detail and an orderly approach to tasks Strong analytical skills, including drafting reports and briefings  Fluency in English (written and spoken).  Must have a âhands-onâ, practical mentality, be self-driven, and very motivated.

â¦100,000 - â¦120,000 a monthThis is a junior positionTo apply:Interested candidates should send the following to our Current resume Cover Letter (which includes expectations of compensation)Please compile your writing sample and resume into one document as the system only has the functionality to upload two documents per application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applications received after the 18th of September 2024 may not be considered.