Department for International Development Job in Nigeria for a Conflict Adviser


DFID Nigeria is responsible for managing the British Government's contribution to development in Nigeria, with the objective of supporting government and development partners at federal and state levels to reduce poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, experienced and committed Nigerian professional to become a Conflict Adviser for DFID Nigeria, supporting the work of the wider British Mission in Nigeria.


Job Title:  Conflict Adviser
Location: Kano
Job Description
She/he will promote conflict prevention and peacebuilding, overseeing DFID's conflict and security programmes in northern Nigeria with a particular focus on the North East, and ensuring that all of the UK's work in the North East is informed by a robust analysis of conflict and its causes.
She/he will play a key role in building strong relationships and influencing key actors in Northern states, particularly in Borno and Yobe, on a range of programmes and policy issues linked with the conflict in the North East.

Job Description/Duties

  1. Lead conflict analysis for northern Nigeria, on behalf of the British Mission in Nigeria, conducting robust and strategic conflict analysis to inform British Government policies and programmes in northern Nigeria and provide quality cross-cutting conflict advice and analysis for DFID and for programmes funded by the cross-government Conflict, Security and stabilisation Fund (CSSF).
  2. Support the implementation and monitoring of key programmes in conflict prevention, stabilisation, security and justice, working closely with lead advisers in Abuja. Be the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for British Mission conflict programmes focussed on the North East. Be lead adviser in relation to the North-East for the Nigeria-wide Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), including for the EU-funded component.
  3. Ensure Conflict Sensitive programming and delivery of DFID governance, humanitarian, economic growth and human development policies and programming in Northern Nigeria.
  4. Support UK information sharing and policy development on North East Nigeria across the British Mission.
  5. Effectively influence the approach of Nigerian Government officials, development partners and civil society to address conflict in the North East. The post holder will work with and influence a wide range of relevant Federal and State government partners, civil society and traditional leaders on conflict reduction in North East Nigeria.
  6. Assist the UK Risk Management Office to manage operating and programme risk.
  7. Support the wider DFID Conflict Cadre through participation in annual professional conferences, as well as providing support to advisers in other offices as part of the conflict cadre.
Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate is expected to have the following qualifications,
technical competencies and behavioural competencies.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of a Masters level qualification in Peacebuilding, Development, Political Science, Social Sciences or a related field, from a recognised University.
  • Minimum five-year experience in the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. This should include provision of conflict advice to development programmes or policy making institutions, experience of designing and managing conflict prevention and peacebuilding programmes, experience in overseeing budgets and results delivery.
  • Proven cultural, social and political sensitivity for working in northern Nigeria, preferably with a working knowledge of Hausa.
Technical competencies:
  1. Conflict response. A thorough practical and theoretical understanding of: direct and third party peace processes, ceasefires, mediation and peace agreements; post-conflict stabilisation assessment and planning; disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants; transitional justice, reconciliation and their role in mitigating future risks of violence; design and implementation of peace building programmes.
  2. Conflict analysis. A thorough practical and theoretical understanding of: conflict analysis tools, methodologies, theory and practice; political analysis (power relations, political systems, elections); institutional appraisal and analysis; security sector, police and justice reform; human rights, international humanitarian law and other legal standards; role of gender in conflict issues; techniques for monitoring and evaluation.
  3. Conflict prevention and conflict sensitive development. A thorough practical and theoretical understanding of conflict-sensitive design of poverty reduction programmes, including the relationship between conflict and development; role of state and non-state actors in promoting peaceful transformation; global, regional, and national factors affecting conflict; conflict-sensitive design, monitoring and evaluation of programmes aimed at preventing violence.
Behavioural Competencies/Civil Service Competencies:
  1. See the bigger picture: develop and in-depth understanding and knowledge of how the role fits and supports organisational objectives and wider public needs. Scan the political context and take account of wider impacts to develop long term implementation.
  2. Make effective decisions: break down and simplify complex data, policy documents and similar information on conflict issues; assess and interpret information to identify main issues and to inform non-technical colleagues.
  3. Lead and communicate: communicate clearly both orally and in writing, using appropriate language; communicate on a range of issues to diverse internal and external audiences.
  4. Collaborate and partner: excellent team player; work effectively with government, development partner, civil society and private sector stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders; build good relationships for partnership, implementation and support for DFID programmes, work across different sections of the British Mission in Nigeria.
  5. Deliver at pace: ensure tasks are done to the required standard and deadlines; plan work to meet individual, team and office-wide objectives, achieve high quality and value for money.
  6. Resilience: able to operate effectively in difficult contexts, understanding and ensuring respect for security requirements.
Reporting line:
The post holder will be a member of the DFID Nigeria Governance and Social Development Team.

Contractual Arrangements:
This is a permanent position. The Conflict Adviser will initially be based in Abuja for an induction period of a few months and should expect to move subsequently to Kano (where DFID has a regional office) after the induction in Abuja.

Working Pattern:
This post is a full time position and is not suitable for part time applicants.

Remuneration:
DFID offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Indicative offers are inclusive of local taxes. Salaries are reviewed annually in accordance with local Pay Determination Guidelines. The current starting salary for this position (graded A2) full time per annum is NGN15,858,082, which with annual step increases rises to NGN20,477,257 after 5 years.


How to Apply
The successful candidate will be assessed against the qualifications and experiences; technical; and behavioural competencies, as outlined above using the Application form.
Interested candidates should request for the application form by sending an email to [email protected] clearly indicating: A2 Conflict Adviser DFID Nigeria.

The completed Application form and a well-structured CV should be returned electronically to the same e-mail address above by 14th of September 2016.

Applications will not be accepted after this time.

Enquiries or requests for additional information already not provided above can be sent to Nse Alawani by email using [email protected]

Interviews will be scheduled to take place within a few weeks of the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to join the next stage of the assessment process. If you have not heard from us after 4 weeks of the closing date indicated above, please consider your application unsuccessful. Enquiries on the selection process will not be acknowledged.
The successful candidate will be expected to take up post as early as October 2016.

DFID Nigeria is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from people regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender or disability. The appointment will be under local terms and conditions and is subject to medical and security clearances.