Legal Officer (Transitional Justice) at Novel Alliance for Development Aid

In the wake of protracted conflict, justice is not merely a courtroom exercise; it is the essential foundation for social healing and the non-recurrence of violence. In Northeast Nigeria, transitional justice serves as the vital bridge that allows formerly associated children and women to safely return to their communities. By leading these legal and social reconciliation efforts, you ensure that the rights of the vulnerable are protected while fostering a cohesive society capable of moving from a history of pain to a future of shared peace.

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Job Summary

The Legal Officer (Transitional Justice) is a strategic role within the Child Protection Department, focused on implementing community-driven reconciliation and social reintegration programs. You will serve as a technical expert, building the capacity of government ministries, traditional leaders, and civil society to integrate children and women into formal and informal justice frameworks. Your goal is to ensure that the reintegration process is legally sound, culturally sensitive, and deeply rooted in the principles of human rights and communal harmony.

Key Responsibilities

Capacity Building & Institutional Support

Government Liaison: Provide technical expertise to State Ministries (Justice, Women Affairs, and Youth) to align local reintegration efforts with the Peace and Security pillars of the Borno and Yobe State Development Plans.
Training & Mentorship: Design and deliver comprehensive training modules for NGOs, CSOs, and traditional/religious leaders on the protection and participation of children in transitional justice processes.
Standard Setting: Develop and roll out minimum standards for the safe participation of youth and women in reconciliation activities, ensuring their security remains a primary concern.

Program Implementation & Advocacy

Strategic Reintegration: Work with the Reintegration Technical Working Group (RTWG) to design outreach activities that foster community acceptance of children formerly associated with armed groups.
Advocacy & Outreach: Lead public and media campaigns to mobilize political and community support for social cohesion, countering stigma through evidence-based communication.
Integrated Protection: Collaborate with Child Protection and GBV teams to ensure that life skills, psychosocial support, and positive parenting programs incorporate peacebuilding concepts.

Reporting, Monitoring & Coordination

Impact Tracking: Partner with MEAL Officers to manage robust data collection systems that capture the qualitative and quantitative impact of transitional justice interventions.
Gap Identification: Proactively identify service gaps for vulnerable populations—including persons with disabilities and children associated with armed conflict (CAAC)—and advocate for their resolution with relevant stakeholders.
Representation: Act as the technical voice for NADA in high-level coordination meetings, including the Disability Working Group (DWG) and Case Management Task Forces.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

Academic Background: An Advanced University Degree (Master’s preferred) in Law, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or International Development.
Professional Track Record: Between 3 to 10 years of experience specifically in transitional justice, community-based protection, or social reintegration programming.
Contextual Expertise: Proven experience navigating humanitarian or post-conflict environments, particularly in Northeast Nigeria.

Skills & Competencies

Legal Knowledge: Deep understanding of transitional justice frameworks, child safeguarding principles, and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written English; the ability to draft high-level reports and policy documents is essential.
Linguistic Diversity: Spoken proficiency in Hausa or Kanuri is a significant advantage for field-level community engagement.
Operational Agility: Readiness to travel frequently to “deep field” locations and work effectively under high-pressure, sub-optimal conditions.

Why This Role is Important

Without a structured legal and social framework for transitional justice, the cycle of violence in conflict-affected regions rarely ends. This role is the “connective tissue” that helps local governments and traditional systems adapt to the complex needs of returning survivors. You are responsible for ensuring that the promise of “never again” is backed by solid institutional capacity and community-led reconciliation.

Salary & Benefits

Type: 12-Month Contract (Renewable based on performance and funding)
Location: Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria
Salary: Competitive (Based on NADA’s professional salary scale for legal and technical officers).
Professional Impact: A rare opportunity to shape the state-level implementation of transitional justice in one of the world’s most complex humanitarian contexts.

Tips for Applicants

Emphasize Stakeholder Management: This role is as much about diplomacy as it is about law. Highlight your experience working with traditional rulers or government ministries.
Focus on Reintegration: If you have specific experience with “Children Associated with Armed Conflict” (CAAC), make this a centerpiece of your application.
Demonstrate Adaptability: Show that you can balance high-level legal theory with the practical, often messy realities of field-level peacebuilding.

About the Organization

Novel Alliance for Development Aid (NADA) is a premier national NGO established in 2017 by Nigerian intellectuals dedicated to restoring dignity to conflict-affected communities. Based in Maiduguri, we provide integrated humanitarian services that prioritize accountability, respect for humanity, and the protection of the vulnerable. We are committed to building local resilience through partnerships that empower the people of Borno and Yobe to lead their own path toward recovery.

Application Details

Deadline: January 6, 2026
How to Apply: Qualified candidates are invited to apply via the NADA recruitment portal: NADA Legal Officer Application.

NADA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage qualified female candidates to apply.

myngojobs

Sama’ila Muhuddin is a dedicated Registered Nurse and humanitarian professional with over seven years of frontline experience. Since May 2018, he has served with prominent international non-governmental organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland, Spain, France projects and ALIMA, responding to emergencies and providing critical care in some of the most challenging humanitarian settings.