Apply for Community Engagement and Outreach Officer at SCG - NAIJA STICK

Apply for Community Engagement and Outreach Officer at SCG

Location: Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara States, Nigeria.

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful transformation of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict—moving away from destructive approaches and towards cooperative solutions. With more than 700 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and North America.

Position Summary

Search is seeking an experienced Community Engagement Officer for an anticipated 24-month project funded by the European Union. The project will be implemented in Sokoto,  Katsina, and Zamfara states.  The overall goal of the project is to enhance young people's entrepreneurial and peacebuilding agency within their communities and raise awareness of the positive contributions young people make to the social and economic fabric of their communities. The Community Engagement and Outreach Officer will play a pivotal role in implementing a youth empowerment project in either of these states - Katsina, Zamfara, or Sokoto. The project aims to enhance entrepreneurial skills, address the root causes of conflict and poverty, and foster social cohesion. The officer will be a key advocate for the programme’s mission to empower youth, reduce poverty, and promote peace, ultimately reshaping perceptions of young people as agents of positive change in the region.

This position holder will report to the project manager and will be based in either of these three states.

Background of the Project

The North West region of Nigeria, particularly Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto (KZS) states, faces a complex and multi-dimensional crisis characterized by widespread criminality and violence, socio-economic challenges, and a deteriorating social fabric. Since 2021, the region has become notorious for insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings and is frequently portrayed in a negative light in the media. This constant focus on violence has not only shaped public perceptions but has also contributed to widening the social divide between northern and southern Nigeria. The North is often blamed for security problems that threaten the country, leading to a sense of alienation that further isolates Northerners from the rest of the nation. The situation is exacerbated by deep-rooted poverty, high unemployment, and a significant skills gap, particularly among youth. Many young people lack access to quality education, vocational training, investment, and economic opportunities, limiting their employment and professional prospects and making them vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups and criminal networks. The problem is compounded by the negative stereotypes and mistrust from their elders, who, despite young people's resilience and potential, sideline youth, disregard their abilities, and prevent them from playing a meaningful part in society. Despite their resilience and potential, young people often find themselves sidelined, confronted with negative stereotypes and mistrust from their elders, who disregard their abilities and prevent them from playing a meaningful part in society. Such social exclusion and conditions exacerbate the cycle of poverty and violence as young people struggle to break free from the limitations of their circumstances, leading to frustration and perceptions of exclusion, which in turn threaten social stability. These problems are particularly acute among youth from marginalized groups such as women and ethnic or religious minorities.

Search for Common Ground is recruiting for an anticipated 24-month action, “The Hustle” a reality TV programme that is designed to capitalize on the positive contributions of young people when supported to work together and address existing conflict drivers within North West Nigeria while fostering healthy competition to demonstrate that while conflict is inevitable, violence is not. The Hustle will provide a platform for young people from various backgrounds to come together, collaborate, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and pitch innovative business ideas. It will act as a catalyst for positive change by focusing on the economic empowerment of diverse youth and encouraging collaboration across societal divides. By showcasing the value of collaborative leadership and humanizing the journeys of young Nigerians, especially in the North West, it will break down barriers, promote mutual understanding, and build relationships based on shared goals and aspirations. Through these interactions, the initiative will help shift negative perceptions, highlight the positive contributions of North West youth, foster a sense of unity, and offer new socio-economic prospects. As participants collaborate with a range of stakeholders and benefit from tailored support to bring their projects to fruition, they will gain entrepreneurial experience, navigate complex social dynamics, and change both local and national perceptions of their role in addressing the region's challenges. By highlighting their potential as innovators and contributors to society, the programme will challenge negative stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and optimistic discourse about the region's future. 

The project goal is supported by the following specific objectives:

Objective 1: Enhance diverse young people's entrepreneurial and peacebuilding agency within their communities.

Objective 2: Raise awareness of young people's positive leadership and social and economic contributions to their community.

The project’s expected outcomes include stronger entrepreneurial and peacebuilding skills among participants and increased public recognition of youth as vital contributors to social and economic development. By featuring youth-led business ideas and peacebuilding efforts, the programme will help bridge societal divides, inspire broader social change, and create sustainable business models that address the structural drivers of conflict in North West Nigeria. The programme will be disseminated through a comprehensive media campaign, including TV broadcasts and digital platforms. By combining entertainment with educational content, The Hustle will help to shift perceptions and inspire young people across Nigeria to positively contribute to their communities through entrepreneurship and collaboration. 

Roles and Responsibilities

The Community Engagement and Outreach Officer will be responsible for:

• Building strong relationships with community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to ensure active participation in the project.
• Identify and engage diverse youth participants across ethnic, religious, and social divides.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to promote the project’s goals and activities.
• Create awareness to highlight the positive contributions of youth and foster a collaborative spirit
• Support/facilitate training sessions to equip youth with entrepreneurial and conflict-transformation skills.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and support to participants as they develop sustainable business initiatives.
• Promote dialogue and collaboration among youth from diverse backgrounds to address divisive issues and build trust.
• Support activities that encourage peaceful coexistence and strengthen social cohesion in target communities.
• Track progress and impact of project activities, ensuring alignment with the project’s objectives.
• Prepare regular reports on community engagement, challenges, and success stories.

Core Competencies

Demonstrate integrity and promote Search values and ethical standards;

Promote the vision, mission, and strategic objectives of Search;

Demonstrate capacity to adapt to a multicultural context, tolerance, and respect for issues related to gender, religion, race, and nationality;

Proficiency in the use of MS Office 

• Demonstrate capacity in developing concept notes and Terms of Reference for activities and hiring of consultants.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, or related fields; 
• Additional education in conflict management, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation is an added advantage.

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in community development, youth engagement, or a related field.
• Proven track record of successfully engaging with diverse community groups, including youth, local leaders, and stakeholders.
• Experience in project management, including planning, implementation, and evaluation of community-based initiatives.  
• Experience working with young people on entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, or related programs.
• Knowledge of community engagement methodologies
• Familiarity with conflict transformation and peacebuilding principles.
• Experience in advocacy and awareness-raising on issues related to youth, entrepreneurship, and community development.
• Strong understanding of the local context and cultural nuances.

Other Relevant Requirements

• Good knowledge of the local languages will be an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to respond flexibly to opportunities and requests sometimes with little notice;
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a rapidly changing environment;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism and solves problems in collaborative ways

₦500,000 - ₦600,000 a month

This is an officer position for three locations

How To apply:

1. Interested candidates should send the following to our Career Portal.
2. Current résumé
3. Cover Letter (which includes expectations of compensation and projected start date).
4. Please note that the system only has the functionality to upload two documents per application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
5. 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.

Note: This position is only open to Nigerian nationals.