Graduate Opportunities at Search for Common Ground (SFCG)

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from destructive approaches towards cooperative solutions. With more than 600 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries across the globe.

We are recruiting to fill the positions below:

Job Title: Media Officer - 'Love in time of Corona' Project Locations: Maiduguri- Borno, Delta, Jos - Plateau, Programs: Africa - West Duration: 12 Months Full Time - Local

About the Project

• Search for Common Ground (Search) in partnership with the European Union will implement  a rapid-response “Love in the Time of Corona” campaign that will support an effective, conflict-sensitive response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that prevents further deterioration of social cohesion in fragile contexts in Africa, namely in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria.
• This  action has a two-fold purpose: on the one hand, it aims to render the response to the pandemic in the targeted countries more effective by ensuring citizen acceptance of the response through access to reliable information on the other, it will mitigate the negative impact of the crisis on social cohesion and prevent it from exacerbating existing conflict dynamics.
• The Media products will Demystify myths around Covid19 disease; Inspiring hope to vulnerable communities in the covid19 context; Show best practices in coping with Covid19 fears and uncertainties and Incorporate satire to share key information on Covid19 prevention.

About the Position

• Search intends to recruit 3 Media Officers (Maiduguri, Delta and Jos) who will be responsible for the capacity-building, relationship-building, coaching of partner radio stations and co-production of radio programs under the project.
• The position holder will support local radio stations in their planning, production, publicity, outreach and broadcast of two weekly radio programs: a weekly live radio talk show and a weekly radio drama, monitor the work and airing of partner radio stations, monitor the airing of spots and jingles and collect feedback from listeners.
• S/he will work under the direct supervision of the National Media Manager and will work closely with the Design, Monitoring and Evaluation team, and other project team members. The position holder will supervise and closely monitor the work of the radio producers based in the partner FM radio station.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support the media manager in managing the COVID-19 ‘Love in time of Corona Project’ media outreach activities, including programmatic, compliance, personnel, financial, and administrative matters.
• Ensures all activities are conducted in accordance with Search policies and donor rules and regulations
• Nurture positive relationships with partner radio station and producers of these radio station
• Support local radio stations in their planning, production, publicity, outreach and broadcast of two weekly radio programs: a weekly live radio talk show and a weekly radio drama.
• Radio talk show: The program will bring health experts from the public and private sector, Ministry of information, Ministry of health, NCDC officials, Economists, caregivers, Transport workers, Market Leaders, Opinion Leaders,  citizens, community leaders, and civil society together to discuss COVID-19 issues. These issues will be selected to correspond with topics focused on in the project as a whole.
• Develop activity work plans, radio program production and broadcast plans and strategies;
• Lead the curriculum process using Search’s common ground approach to develop the intended outcomes, knowledge, attitude and behaviour change objectives for the radio programs, determine the target audience, and key messages of the radio programs;
• Develop and implement the promotion, publicity and outreach plan and strategy to promote and publicize the radio programs and spots/jingles among its target audience;
• Support the Media Manager and Grants Coordinator to prepare Terms of Reference and Contracts for the Partner FM stations and the Radio Producers;
• Oversee and ensure the quality of the production of the radio programs;
• Keep track of media logs, monitor the broadcast of the radio programs and provide regular feedback to the partner FM radio station;
• Provide necessary support to the Social Media Coordinator to manage social media profiles relating to the project, including publishing and distributing content, running campaigns and monitoring progress;
• Listen and report all aired episodes of radio program and provide constructive feedback to the producers and presenters;
• Provide regular coaching and mentoring support to the radio producers and presenters;
• Coordinate with the program teams to integrate program messages into media programming streams;
• Track organization’s news coverage through online and traditional sources;
• Provide support in writing, formatting and editing communications/media/outreach materials;
• Develop relations with media actors and assist in mobilizing media for events where necessary;
• Capture photos and success stories in all Search meetings, trainings and events;
• Provide monitoring data to the DM&E manager and share success stories and impact stories as a result of radio programs;
• Provide media reports and documentation and share progress, challenges, and lessons learned  to support the Project Manager to write periodic progress reports;

Note: 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. Requirements Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in Radio Production, Media, Journalism, Communication, Development Communications or a related area;

Experience Required:

• At least 2 years of experience in producing and coordinating radio programs and radio teams;
• Track record of producing successful radio programs in Nigeria, preferably using radio magazine, discussions, talk  shows formats;
• Ability to communicate in local languages will be a big advantage;
• Experience of producing and coordinating health-related programs/campaign will be an added advantage;
• Significant experience designing and conducting training courses in journalism and media;
• Experience in media program design, including drama, sports, news & current affairs;
• Track record in delivering effective media/communications/advocacy strategies in support of  campaigns and advocacy programmes;

Relevant Skills and Abilities:

• Understand key opportunities in Nigerian media markets and a thorough understanding of requirements of different kinds of media i.e. print, TV, radio, and online;
• A good understanding of target audience, intended outcome programming, behaviour change communications, and edutainment approaches;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and strong interpersonal skills.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply

 Interested candidates will have to send the following:

• Current resume
• Cover Letter (which includes expectations of compensation and projected start date) - Please indicate in your cover letter which state you are applying for (Maiduguri, Delta or Jos)

Job Title: Project Assistant - Conflict Sensitivity Location: Katsina Programs: Africa - West Duration: 6 months Full Time - Local

Position Summary

• Under the supervision of Search’s National Programme Manager (NPM) in Nigeria, the Project Assistant- Conflict Sensitivity will be responsible for the monitoring, and quality delivery of the conflict sensitivity component for a food security assistance program for Northwest Nigeria, which will be implemented by a consortium of partners.
• He/she shall ensure that the project’s plans are in place and kept updated as per the consortium’s overall objective; and that the conflict sensitivity activities are implemented in line with the overall programme strategy.
• The Project Assistant will be based in Katsina State to effectively run the project.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support the NPM to develop the Conflict Sensitivity approach with regular analysis of political and security developments in Katsina State and the Northwest Region.
• Provide quality leadership in the coordination and management of Search’s activities in Katsina State.
• Organize and participate in workshops, needs assessments, consultations, planning sessions, and provide technical inputs as necessary.
• Help ensure project activities are implemented with a consistent conflict-sensitive framework: i.e. support conflict and context assessments, provide support and training
• Help identify the gaps and requirements for the consortium in relation to the prevention of violent conflict.
• Develop relations with partners and work towards the enhancement of the consortium through the development of understanding and capacity of the consortium to implement activities under the principle of Do No Harm.
• 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 and the consortium partners 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 NPM, 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
• Work with other consortium members to increase cross-organizational planning and learning
• Ensure project reports are produced on time and to a high standard.
• Provide brief updates (bi-weekly or weekly) to the NPM and members.
• Submit weekly update reports-including conflict updates, trends, etc. in the region to the NPM.
• Provide the NPM with timely responses to queries.
• Report any new developments, problems, and challenges encountered in implementation promptly.

Note: 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. Requirements Educational Background:

• Bachelor's 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 – governments, community, and religious leaders, civil society, governments, specialist networks, etc.

Other Relevant Requirements:

• A good understanding of Kastina State and Northwest Nigeria, particularly in terms of key political, social and economic issues
• Resident in Katsina, speaks local language (Hausa, Fulfulde, etc.) and understands the terrain
• Good knowledge of the discourse on conflict dynamics in Kastina State and the implications of development programming on security and security sector development, community security, human rights & conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and related issues.
• 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 ‘hands-on’, practical mentality, be self-driven, and very motivated.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply

Job Title: Social Media Officer - 'Love in time of Corona' Project Location: Abuja Programs: Africa - West Duration: 12 months Full Time - Local

About the Project

• Search for Common Ground (Search) in partnership with the European Union will implement  a rapid-response “Love in the Time of Corona” campaign that will support an effective, conflict-sensitive response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that prevents further deterioration of social cohesion in fragile contexts in Africa, namely in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria.
• This  action has a two-fold purpose: on the one hand, it aims to render the response to the pandemic in the targeted countries more effective by ensuring citizen acceptance of the response through access to reliable information on the other, it will mitigate the negative impact of the crisis on social cohesion and prevent it from exacerbating existing conflict dynamics.
• The Media products will Demystify myths around Covid19 disease; Inspiring hope to vulnerable communities in the covid19 context; Show best practices in coping with Covid19 fears and uncertainties and Incorporate satire to share key information on Covid19 prevention.

About the Position

• A professional, motivated, and creative Social Media Officer who will be responsible for social media accounts, producing and curating content that reflects communications priorities and key messages and speaks effectively to the audience.
• The position holder will be responsible for monitoring and moderating comments on social media posts, intervening as appropriate to answer questions and guide the conversation regarding the COVID-19 Love in time of Corona Project.
• The position holder is expected to be based in Abuja
• S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Communications Coordinator and will work closely with the media/DMEL team  and other project team members.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support country level social media strategies in response to COVID-19 that allows for large scale dissemination of accurate information to clients and displaced populations in real time
• Support a programmatic social media strategy for COVID-19 response in line with Search commitment to providing accessible, clear and accurate information in this changing environment
• Create, write, and publish trending news content for the centre daily.
• Stay up-to-date with developments in and generate new ideas to draw the audience’s attention
• Manage content distribution to online channels and social media platforms to increase web traffic.
• Produce social media content from the field, including photos and short videos.
• Develop high-impact social media content including graphics, videos and other multimedia formats  that effectively informs and engages external audiences and supports media and advocacy campaigns.
• Provide social media reports/documentation, analytics and share progress with the communications coordinator.
• Communicate with industry professionals and influencers via social media to create a strong network

Note: 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. Requirements Educational Background:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications, Digital Marketing, Business Administration, New Media / Public Relations or related fields.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years experience as a Social Media personnel for a similar organization would be a strong advantage;
• Experience of producing and coordinating COVID 19 related social media programs will be an added advantage.
• Experience producing, editing and disseminating multimedia content for online audiences ideally for international brands, NGOs, or other institutions.
• Track record in delivering effective media/communications/advocacy strategies in support of  campaigns.
• Experience using SEO, Social Media, keyword research, Hootsuite and Union metrics
• Excellent photo and video editing skills (MS Office essential; Adobe illustrator, Indesign and Adobe Premiere Pro) and familiarity with google package and google analytics is an asset.

Relevant Skills and Abilities:

• Adequate knowledge Search Engine Optimization is a strong advantage.
• A good understanding of target audience, intended outcome programming, and edutainment approaches;
• Excellent research, proof-reading and editing (photo, text) skills.
• Demonstrable social networking experience and knowledge of social analytics tools.
• Strong videos and other multimedia skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of current online marketing channels.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate in local languages will be a big advantage.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply

Important Information / Notice

• Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Please see our website www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.
• All Search Employees must adhere to the values: Shared Humanity - Empathy - Impartiality - Inclusivity - Courage - Hope - Humility - Audacity. In accordance with these values, Search enforces compliance with the Code of Conduct and related policies on Anti Workplace Harassment, Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Conflict of Interest and Anti-fraud.
• Search for Common Ground does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
• Note: This position is only open to Nigerian nationals.
• View our code of conduct here and our privacy policy here.

Jos, Plateau State, Borno State, Katsina State, Maiduguri, Abuja