Fellowship Coordinator 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 inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Fellowship Coordinator

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Employment Type: Contract

About the RESILAC Project

• The overall objective of the RESILAC project is to contribute to the economic recovery and to the strengthening of the resilience and the social cohesion of the territories of the Lake Chad basin most impacted by the Lake Chad crisis and the climate change.

The Specific Objectives of the Project are:

• Strengthening human capital, social cohesion and collective and sustainable management of natural resources in targeted territories;
• Promoting economic recovery in targeted areas and the resilience of the most vulnerable populations, especially young people and women, through access to employment and agro-sylvo-pastoral production systems intensified and adapted to climate change;
• Valuing and consolidating the actors of the targeted territories by encouraging dialogue and commitment, and reinforcing their capacities according to the skills and roles of each one; and
• Producing useful knowledge for the quality of project activities in a crisis context and for decision-making by local actors.

Purpose of the Consultancy

• Search has supported diverse peacebuilding platforms (Community Security Architecture Dialogues – CSAD – and Peace Architecture Dialogues – PAD) on the project, the stakeholders have expressed the need for youth focused MHPSS activities in a structured manner with greater coverage.
• This would come as a response to the recent trends of increased substance abuse among youth and increased violence among youth in North East communities, as reported through the platforms and interactions with Neem Foundation. Search proposes to add youth focused activities, using media to showcase transformation and life changing experiences of youth who have been participating in PSS and livelihood (Pillar II) activities.
• This will serve to inspire hope within the communities, and youth in particular, but also advocate for holistic approaches with livelihood and PSS components.
• Search will implement a 3-month fellowship programme for 20 selected Youths across Jere LGA in close collaboration with Pillar 2 Manager.
• The fellowship program will aim to provide the required mentorship for youth leaders to increase their leadership and advocacy skills to promote holistic approaches including PSS and livelihood. Youth leaders will be also coached in communication and public speaking, to be able to share their stories through the media (for those who agree).
• Search for Common Ground is seeking to hire a consultant (Fellowship Coordinator) that will mentor 20 selected youths under the project who are part of the High Labor Intensity (HLI) beneficiaries.
• The Consultant will be responsible for providing technical support and required mentorship to the mentees, as well as oversee the work and tasks of the fellows.
• At the start of the fellowship, Search will engage the mentor and mentees for a 3-day induction workshop.
• The induction workshop will enhance the knowledge of the mentees on the expected outcomes of the fellowship program.
• The consultant is expected to cover all his logistic costs associated with the fellowship and should be clearly stated in the budget.

Responsibilities
Deliverables:

• The consultant will facilitate sessions on transformative leadership at the Fellowship induction training.
• The consultant will develop individual learning objectives for each of the 20 fellows  to keep track of their progress throughout the duration of the fellowship.
• The consultant will conduct 24 learning sessions with the fellows (8 sessions per month)
• The consultant in consultation with SEARCH, will review the work plan for the fellowship and other preparatory work. The consultant is expected to hold briefings/ meetings with SEARCH to understand project objectives. The consultant will provide illustrative examples of how mentorship sessions would be structured.
• The consultant will ensure that the learning objectives and final outcome of the fellowship meet the highest standards of quality.
• Produce at least 2 page monthly progress updates.
• Produce and share one final report detailing objectives and results at the end of the mentorship.
• SEARCH will provide expert field knowledge, and expects the consultant to coordinate and arrange travel and site visits on their eventual budget.

Reporting Line:

• The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of RESILAC Project Manager with Technical reporting line to the Senior Psychosocial Specialist.

Required Profile
Education:

• A Degree or equivalent in Communications, Psychology, Social Sciences, or related fields. A Master’s degree is an added advantage

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership/managerial position
• At least 3 years of experience in imparting knowledge through tutoring and coaching
• Experience engaging and working with young people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds;
• Demonstrated experience working on conflict issues and in fragile environments;
• Excellent knowledge of the North-East conflict dynamics
• Relevant experience supporting and engaging the media, NGO or INGO
• The Consultant must be familiar with the context of the region and experienced in community engagement, planning and execution of program in Peacebuilding and Humanitarian sectors.

Other Relevant Requirements:

• The consultant must be familiar with the context of Northeast Nigeria.
• Excellent facilitation skills and high capacity to plan at short notice
• Excellent written communication and report writing skills in English
• Basic computer skills is in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel among other skills
• Fluency in Hausa and/or Kanuri and knowledge of other languages indigenous to Northeastern Nigeria will be an added advantage.
• Motivation and self-discipline to work without supervision.

Budget and Terms of Engagement:

• Payments will be made in three installments; 30% after submission of training modules and the induction training, 20% after completing 3 mentoring and coaching sessions, and 50% on conclusion of the fellowship.
• Search Will deduct withholding tax at source from the total cost of the consultancy fee
• All logistics arrangement should be included in the proposed budget

The Consultant is Required to Respect the Following Ethical Principles:

• Comprehensive and systematic inquiry: Consultant should make the most of the existing information and full range of stakeholders available at the time of the review. Consultant should conduct systematic, data-based inquiries. He or she should communicate his or her methods and approaches accurately and in sufficient detail to allow others to understand, interpret and critique his or her work. He or she should make clear the limitations of the review and its results.
• Competence: Consultant should possess the abilities and skills and experience appropriate to undertake the tasks proposed and should practice within the limits of his or her professional training and competence.
• Honesty and integrity: Consultant should be transparent with the contractor/constituent about: any conflict of interest, any change made in the negotiated project plan and the reasons why those changes were made, any risk that certain procedures or activities produce misleading review information.
• Respect for people: Consultant respect the security, dignity and self-worth of respondents, program participants. Consultant has the responsibility to be sensitive to and respect differences amongst participants in culture, religion, gender, disability, age and ethnicity.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.