International cooperation between Germany and Nigeria commenced in 1974. GIZ was initially represented by an office in Lagos until 2003, but since 2004 it has maintained a country office and four project offices in the new capital Abuja. At present, GIZ has around 25 seconded staff, 100 Nigerian and regional experts, and four CIM experts working in Nigeria.
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and has a population of 175 million, making it the continent’s most populous country. With a young, highly motivated and growing population, abundant natural resources and an increasingly diversified economy, Nigeria is not only a regional power but also an increasingly significant political player on the African continent and in the world. However, Nigeria faces major challenges. So far, its substantial oil revenues have had little impact on poverty. More than two-thirds of the population still live in extreme poverty and unemployment remains high. Sustainable economic and social development is hampered by corruption and by regional, ethnic, religious and social differences and the associated conflicts, which sometimes lead to attacks and unrest.
As agreed between the Nigerian and German Governments, GIZ’s activities since 2002 have focused on sustainable economic development. GIZ is also engaged in the energy sector, agriculture and regional integration.
The ‘Pro-poor Growth and Employment Promotion in Nigeria’ (SEDIN) programme aims to increase income-generating employment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and improve access to financial services. The programme is currently being implemented in Abuja and in Niger, Ogun and Plateau states.
The Nigerian and German Governments also cooperate in the energy sector. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ provides advisory services to Nigerian partners on topics such as rural electrification, energy efficiency and renewable energies, and is contributing to the success of the Nigeria-German Energy Partnership (NGEP) as well.
GIZ provides support to the ECOWAS Commission (Economic Community of West African States) in Abuja, focusing on the management, implementation and monitoring of ECOWAS decisions on economic and trade policy, and peace and security.
In addition, two regional programmes focusing on agriculture are under way in Nigeria. The first aims to promote African rice value chains; the second builds the capacities of market-oriented small-scale farming. The purpose of both programmes is to achieve sustainable improvements in the livelihoods and food security of poor farmers in Nigeria and other West African countries.
A distinctive feature of GIZ’s activities in Nigeria is the high level of cofinancing obtained from other sources, primarily the European Union (EU) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These additional funds make it possible to broaden the scope and intensity of the programmes being implemented on behalf of the BMZ, boosting the effectiveness of German development cooperation with Nigeria.Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head of Programme, the Embedded Staff functions as Technical Adviser to the Borno State Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement (MRRR).
Tasks
Assist the Borno State Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement (MRRR) in executing strategies aimed at supporting, guiding, and coordinating the activities of international and bilateral donor organizations, as well as International NGOs.
Collaborate closely with the relevant state Ministries to ensure effective coordination in the development of policies (Citizens Engagement and Participatory Planning Policy (CEPPP) and social protection policies within the framework of SEPIN-SUSI’s interventions.
Work in close partnership with the programme’s technical teams to ensure that government stakeholders comprehend the strategic objectives of SEPIN-SUSI programming.
Serve as a liaison between SEPIN-SUSI and all pertinent state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), contributing to the establishment of robust and effective working relationships with local and international development partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government MDAs operating within SEPIN-SUSI sectors of focus in Borno.
Organize and facilitate consultative meetings between SEPIN and the pertinent stakeholders, providing agenda and briefings for these meetings and reporting on the outcomes to the Head of Ptohramme.
Maintain up-to-date stakeholder records that accurately reflect the latest contact information and engagement activities.
Ensure that stakeholder inquiries and responses are effectively communicated to the technical teams and monitor and analyse feedback from stakeholder interactions.
Other duties/additional tasks:
Assist other non-national experts, if necessary, as translator, especially during progress review or evaluation activities.
Performs other duties and tasks at the request of management
Required Qualifications, Competences, and Experience
Qualifications:
University Degree in the Humanities or Social Sciences (Law, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration or similar fields), A master’s Degree or higher will be an added advantage.
Professional experience:
At least 7 years of relevant experience in the international development sector with specific thematic focus on democracy, citizen engagement & civic participation, state and local government budgeting and planning policy frameworks, and governance reform especially at the state and local government levels.
Experience in governance and public sector management in general and public sector capacity development in particular, at sub-national/local levels.
Experience and familiarity with key regional, state, and local government level political, top administrative and traditional leaders & actors in Borno State.
Knowledge & familiarity with the political and administrative structures and systems in Borno States.
Good interpersonal and networking skills, highly articulate team player.
Strong stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination skills.
Strong project management and people management skills
Knowledge of North-East Nigeria security context – the actors, challenges, current and previous efforts by state and state actors
Familiar with International development and humanitarian actors working in Borno State, including CSO’s and CSO networks.
Knowledge of the humanitarian and development nexus especially as it applies to North-East Nigeria.
At least 7 years working experience in Hands-on project management and ability to efficiently manage numerous activities simultaneously, a flair for problem-solving and an ability to self-navigate through complex bureaucratic environments.
Other Knowledge, additional competences:
Knowledge of Hausa and other relevant local languages spoken in the northeast of Nigeria would be an added advantage.
Very good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, especially MS Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.