Conflict and differences are inevitable. Violence is not. We partner with people around the world to ignite shared solutions to destructive conflicts. We work at all levels of society to build sustainable peace through three main avenues: Dialogue+, Media+, and Community+.
Experience3 years
LocationKatsina , Sokoto , Zamfara
Position Summary
Search is seeking an experienced Community Engagement and Outreach Assistant 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 Assistant role is vital in supporting the implementation of the youth-focused project aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial and peacebuilding capacities of young people while raising awareness of their leadership and social and economic contributions to their communities. The role involves engaging with diverse youth groups, facilitating community outreach activities, and supporting project coordination to ensure effective participation and impact. The project aims to enhance entrepreneurial skills, address the root causes of conflict and poverty, and foster social cohesion. The assistant 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 threatens social stability. These problems are particularly acute among youth from marginalized groups as women and ethnic or religious minorities.
Search for Common Ground-Nigeria (Search) proposes to implement a 24-month action, “The Hustle” which will be a reality TV programme designed to capitalize on the positive contributions of young people when supported to work together, 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 Assistant will be responsible for:
- Building and maintaining relationships with young entrepreneurs and community stakeholders.
- Organize and facilitate community discussions and forums on youth entrepreneurship and peacebuilding.
- Mobilize young people to participate in project activities, ensuring inclusivity and diversity.
- Assist in planning and executing training sessions, mentorship programs, and networking events for young entrepreneurs.
- Support logistical arrangements for project activities, including venue setup, materials preparation, and participant coordination.
- Monitor and document project activities, ensuring timely reporting on progress and challenges
- Help develop and disseminate communication materials to showcase youth leadership and their social and economic contributions.
- Engage with local media, community leaders, and social platforms to amplify project impact and youth success stories.
- Assist in organizing campaigns and events that promote positive youth agency in entrepreneurship and peacebuilding.
- Collect and compile feedback from youth participants and community members to assess project impact.
- Contribute to progress reports and documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
- Maintain accurate records of engagement activities, partnerships, and outreach efforts.
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.
- A Bachelor’s degree in community development, social sciences, or a related field.
- Experience in community engagement, youth development, entrepreneurship, or peacebuilding initiatives.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse youth groups and stakeholders.
- Experience in event coordination, mobilization, and facilitating discussions.
- Knowledge of social media, content creation, and advocacy strategies is an asset.
- Passion for youth empowerment, community development, and social change.
- 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
₦250,000 – ₦300,000 a month
Method of Application
Interested and qualified? Go to Search For Common Ground’s International on jobs.lever.co to apply