Senior Advisor, Nigeria AT United States Institute of Peace Abuja, NG

Job description

THE ORGANIZATION

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) prevents, mitigates and resolves violent conflicts around the world by engaging directly in conflict zones and providing analysis, education and resources to those working for peace.

To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

USIP VALUES

These are the values we expect each USIP staff to live up to in their work and in their interactions with their colleagues.

• Commitment
• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Openness

Summary

The Senior Advisor will provide strategic advice to grow USIP’s work in Nigeria and the broader Lake Chad Basin area. The senior advisor will work with the DC-based Senior Program Officer who leads USIP’s programming in Nigeria, to inform and develop medium-term strategy, advance program goals, and identify new opportunities. The Senior Advisor will provide oversight to coordinate USIP staff in Nigeria implementing programs focused on promoting inclusion, community security, and preventing election violence. As needed, the Senior Advisor may be asked to travel within Nigeria or regionally. This position will be based in Abuja with an expected duration of 12 months at 2 days per week.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Work with the DC-based Senior Program Officer, and in-country team to promote activities in support of USIP’s Nigeria program;
• As needed, provide technical expertise to the design and implementation of USIP activities in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin area;
• As needed, provide technical advice on request to the design of USIP program proposals or workplans.
• Strengthen existing USIP partnerships with state governors and senior civic leaders;
• Provide advice on building new or strengthening existing partnerships with government, security officials, civil society networks, and international non-government organizations;
• Promote strong working relationships with the Nigerian government and the Lake Chad Basin Commission and security forces (including Multinational Joint Task Force-MNJTF) to advance USIP’s mission through strategic partnerships;
• Provide coordinated oversight of the in-country implementation of USIP’s Nigeria program strategy by consulting with staff and partner organizations;
• As necessary or appropriate, represent USIP with NGO networks and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
• Perform other duties as required to further USIP’s mission and goals.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Law, Political Science or related subject; Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 14 years relevant full-time consulting or staff-level experience required, including work in active and recently active conflict zones;
• Minimum 5 years managing international development, human rights, and/or peacebuilding projects and teams.
• Deep Knowledge of Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin area particularly on issues related to the Boko Haram conflict; civilian security; and civil-military relations;
• In-depth understanding of local conflicts in Nigeria and opportunities to resolve them;
• Experience in Nigeria and/or conflict-affected regions of the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin implementing programs engaging a broad range of stakeholders;
• Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, policy makers, local partners, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, and funders;

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

How To Apply

Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary history.

Cover letter

Resume

For questions about this position, please email recruitment@usip.org. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address. Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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