May 20, 2019

Consultant - Security Governance Advisor , West Africa

Employer: Counterpart International
Location: Niger

Employment Type Consultant
Job Type Expatriate/TCN
Overview

Summary:

Counterpart International is currently seeking a part-time Security Governance Advisor for its United States Agency for International Development-funded program, entitled the Participatory Responsive Governance – Principal Activity (PRG-PA), in Niger. Through the Security Governance component of the PRG-PA program, Counterpart is assisting the Government of Niger (GoN) in the promotion of more effective public communication between the Nigerien military establishment and the public. The Security Governance Initiative (SGI) is a White House-mandated program supporting Niger and five other priority countries to develop their capacity to manage and oversee their security policies with transparency and accountability, consistent with democratic governance.


Counterpart engages diverse stakeholders, including representatives of the Government of Niger (GoN), civil society actors, and the media to conduct action-research on security priorities, promote dialogue between the government and citizens on security issues and catalyze the adoption of reforms and measures to improve communication on security and defense policy. PRG-PA SGI’s key target beneficiaries consist of the media, journalists, civil society organizations and citizens in target regions.

This is a part-time, consultant position requiring at least one, 14-day trip to Niamey, Niger, per quarter for a one year period and will report directly to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP).
Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:



Under the direct supervision of Deputy Chief of Party, the Security Governance Advisor will provide expert-level guidance on SGI component implementation, as well as guidance and mentoring to the full-time Security Governance Officer. The Advisor will liaise with government officials, civil society organizations, media, private sector actors, and the diplomatic community to promote targeted, effective, and coordinated support to the SGI component of PRG-PA. S/he is expected to establish and maintain contacts with relevant government officials, community leaders, as well as civil society organizations and local private sector actors involved in SGI.

S/he will provide overall strategic and technical direction with regards to the following:
Promoting dialogue between government and communities;
Strengthening public trust and collaboration;
Strengthening media capacity on defense and security issues;
Supporting, developing, expanding and professionalizing civil community outreach programs on security;
Providing technical assistance to enhance the professionalism of journalists and media stakeholder to report on security and defense policy.

Anticipated Civil Society Organization (CSO) and citizen-centered activities will include:
Developing innovative communication content for targeted audiences (participatory theatre, social media, etc.);
Support communities and other key actors to organize dialogues to identify and address citizens’ security priorities; and,
Training CSOs on advocacy techniques so that they are better able to push for reform on security related issues.

Anticipated Journalists and Media-Centered Activities will include:
Training workshops with print and broadcast journalist on how to focus reporting and medialization of substantive security sector issues;
Training workshops and on-the-job mentoring for media actors on how to use new media strategies; how to better use social and mobile media for substantive coverage of security sector issues;
Targeted training and network strengthening for media practitioners to enhance issue reporting and programming on security sector issues;
Training on how to make GON more accountable to citizens;
Professional media organizations supported to establish contacts with security and defense personnel in charge of public relations; and,
Multi-stakeholder dialogue on security sector related issue and policy.
Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:


Required:
Advanced university degree in journalism, social science, communications or a related field; a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with security sector actors;
Minimum of five (5) year of experience with media;
Professional, policy or academic experience with civilian oversight of the security sector;
Experience with security sector reform.
Proven effectiveness in managing high-level government relationships;
Experience building civil society capacity and promoting civil society–government dialogue;
Experience designing, leading and conducting training workshop, and build capacity of civil society, community based organizations, and journalist and media professional;
Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information. Absolute integrity and discretion is essential;
Strong multi-tasking skills, meeting deadlines, and performing under pressure; and,
Professional written and oral fluency in both English and French.

Preferred:
Prior experience working in Niger or in Africa;
Ability to work within a multi-cultural and diverse team;
Demonstrated knowledge of USAID and other USG rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.


Apply online