Program Specialists at Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI) - Benue & Plateau

Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI) is an independent, non-profit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through evidence-based research and developmental aid. The Institute uses a multidisciplinary, community-friendly, and ethic-driven approach to support independent, high-quality research with an impact on business development, the public sector and civil society. CRADI partners with appropriate research, technology, development, communications, and governance institutions. Team members include people drawn from academia, civil society, public and private sectors, as well as practitioners in various fields of endeavor who are concerned about the socio-political and economic problems of Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Specialist

Locations: Benue and Plateau
Job type: Full-time

Project Summary 

• The BRIDGE Project is an eight-month initiative designed and submitted to FCDO and Tetra Tech’s SPRiNG programme to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, natural resource-based conflicts, and social vulnerability in Plateau and Benue States, Nigeria.
• The project focuses on enhancing community resilience and social cohesion by integrating climate adaptation strategies with conflict-sensitive approaches to land and resource management. It will strengthen Local Dialogue Platforms, build the capacity of community leaders and policymakers, and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, disaster preparedness, and locally-led early warning systems.
• Special emphasis will be placed on the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups to ensure equitable participation and benefits.
• Through these interventions, the project seeks to reduce competition over natural resources, foster peaceful coexistence between farming and pastoralist communities, improve livelihoods through sustainable practices, and strengthen preparedness against climate-related hazards. 
• This call for application is in anticipation of the final award of contract by the donor. 

Position Summary

• The Program Specialist will support project implementation, coordination, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the delivery of high-quality project activities across intervention sites.
• There are two slots available for this role-one based in Plateau State, and the other in Benue State. Each Specialist will focus on project implementation within their respective state while collaborating with the broader project team for cross-state learning and consistency.
• This position is anticipated to last for eight months with the possibility of renewal and is contingent upon award of contract by the donor.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Project Manager in planning and coordinating field activities.
• Liaise with local partners and communities to ensure effective project delivery.
• Contribute to program design, budgeting, and reporting.
• Support training, capacity-building, and advocacy efforts.
• Conduct participatory conflict mapping and climate vulnerability assessments across project sites.
• Design and mainstream conflict-sensitive and climate-resilient approaches into sectoral activities (agriculture, land use, pastoralism).
• Support the development of inclusive land-use frameworks in collaboration with local authorities.
• Develop training materials and deliver capacity building for staff, community leaders, and local government actors.
• Provide ongoing technical backstopping and quality assurance for conflict/climate-related components.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and peacebuilding forums.
• Document and share innovative practices and policy recommendations related to climate-conflict nexus.
• Mentor junior staff and interns on conflict analysis tools, Do-No-Harm, and environmental sustainability.
• Any other duty as assigned by the project management team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (minimum) or Master’s Degree (preferred) in International Development, Peace and Conflict Studies, Rural Development, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in project implementation or coordination roles in a development or humanitarian setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of climate resilience, livelihoods, and peacebuilding programs.
• Experience supporting multi-stakeholder platforms and working with community-based organizations.
• Strong report writing, coordination, and administrative skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and ensure accountability.
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions
• Ability to work with diverse team members

Other Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Climate Change, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and facilitation skills.
• At least 5–7 years of relevant experience designing or supporting conflict mitigation and climate adaptation programs.
• In-depth knowledge of climate risk management, conflict transformation strategies, land governance, and natural resource conflict dynamics.
• Experience conducting conflict analysis, peacebuilding forums, or climate vulnerability assessments in conflict-prone or rural communities.
• Strong facilitation and training skills, with demonstrated experience in building the capacity of diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions
• Ability to work with diverse team members

Application Closing Date
31st August, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• CRADI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
• Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• CRADI recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.