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+.
Experience4 years
LocationKatsina , Sokoto , Zamfara
Position Summary
Search is seeking an experienced Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator who will be responsible for the effective coordination of programmatic activities and engagements of the Hustle project within the state while providing support for operational and financial aspect of the project within the state. He/She will report directly to the Project Manager and will collaboratively and harmoniously with all project team members.
“The Hustle” is an innovative reality TV show that will empower diverse youth from Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states; ii) enhance their entrepreneurial skills through positive action; and iii) address some of the root causes of conflict and poverty in the region which will all contribute to improved economic empowerment and stronger social cohesion. The Hustle is a 24 months project and is to be implemented across the states of Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto respectively.
The programme will equip young people with the skills and opportunities to create sustainable businesses while encouraging collaboration across ethnic, religious and social divides to promote a positive image of the youth in these states. By addressing some of the root causes of conflict and poverty in the region, The Hustle seeks to promote economic empowerment and social cohesion, while building a new positive perception of youth.
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. The situation is exacerbated by 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. 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 such as women and ethnic or religious minorities.
Search for Common Ground is recruiting for the position of Community and Outreach Coordinator in the states of katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara for an anticipated 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:
Program Monitoring & Evaluation
Financial management:
Documentation and Reporting:
- Ensures proper, timely implementation of project activities, taking into consideration partner capacities, the operational environment and potential security issues, and based on the principles of inclusivity and do no harm.
- Ensures effective application of results-based management methodologies;
- Works with the Head of Office, Manager and Design, Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) Manager to monitor and manage the projects’ costed work plans, preventing delays and maximizing cost-effectiveness;
- Keeps abreast of context developments and drafts regular context updates to steer project activities as needed; and
- Ensures all donor and internal reports are submitted within the given deadlines and to the expected quality standards.
- Works with the HoO and Design, Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) Manager to develop and implement a costed work plan for the project;
- Work closely with the Design, Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) Manager to monitor and track project’s progress and draw out results, success stories and lessons learned;
- Work closely with the Communications team to capture the stories and highlight the outcome and results of the project;
- Ensure that the project meets all its deliverables on time and the expected results are of high quality;
- Develop and nurture relations with relevant state, NGO, religious bodies and other stakeholders at the national, regional and state level;
- Analyze the context within the scope of the project and provide inputs for regular context updates;
- Writing and producing reports that include but not limited to context updates, monthly reports, quarterly reports, success stories, and case studies;
- Coordinate and arrange all logistics for various meetings, and workshops, including invitations, venue, participants’ travel and accommodation;
- Work closely with the Finance Manager to monitor the budget vs expenditure and ensure that the required burn rate is achieved;
- Work closely with the Design, Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) Manager to monitor and track project’s progress and draw out results, success stories and lessons learned;
- Work closely with the Communications Associate to capture the stories and highlight the outcome and results of the project;
- Ensure that the project meets all its deliverables on time and the expected results are of high quality;
- Develop and nurture relations with relevant state, NGO, religious bodies and other stakeholders at the national, regional and state level;
- Provide support to SFCG’s other projects and programs where relevant and necessary; and
- In collaboration with M&E team, assist with the implementation and development of Monitoring and Evaluation framework and tools;
- S/He will ensure successful management of the budget for state/LGA/ Community levels activities:
- Financial request for activities
- Retirement and financial reports
- Produce activity and monthly reports
- Any other duties as may be assigned by the line manager.
- Representation and coordination:
- Under guidance of the Head of Office, represents Search in states of Katsina, Zamfara and Katsina.
- Provides orientation of Search at state local level and supervises all staff in the Pateau office
- Responsible for the upkeep and office administration.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in social science, arts, development studies or related field; Master Degree desirable.
Required Experience
- At least 4 years of professional experience in project cycle management, coordinating project activities, outreach, and/or advocacy;
- Experience working in peacebuilding projects will be an added advantage;
- Past working experience in the project state with CSOs and relevant state actors
Other Relevant Requirements
- Resident in state of project implementation is an added advantage
- Ability to speak Hausa and the local languages is a plus
- A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace; and
- Ability to prioritize, plan and organize workflow, handle multiple tasks, and be flexible with changing priorities.
- Familiar with the Common Ground Approach.
₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000 a month
Method of Application
Interested and qualified? Go to Search For Common Ground’s International on jobs.lever.co to apply