About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) Center is an international nonprofit and nongovernmental organization with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians in conflict zones. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors and relevant institutions to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

The Community Engagement Specialist will work with the Senior Protection Advisor, the Country Director, and CIVIC’s Benin/Togo Program team to ensure the successful implementation of projects within the Africa portfolio. The incumbent will implement community- based protection practices with a focus on establishing community protection groups (CPGs) in selected regions/communes of Benin and Togo with the aim of supporting dialogue and coordination with local government, security, and defence forces; civil society organizations (CSOs); volunteer groups; and broader local community groups. They will work with the affected communities to jointly identify and assess different protection risks and needs and support local efforts to address them. S/he will serve as CIVIC’s interface to the military, communities, local government, and civil society in all aspects of the implementation of the community- based protection component of the program.

Location: This position will be based in Cotonou, Benin.
Travel: Up to 50% (domestic and international) in Benin & Togo
Supervisor: Country Director (Benin & Togo)

Key Functions

• Develop tools and approaches for pilot communities’ selection in selected conflict- affected departments/regions of Benin and Togo.
• Implement the community-based protection strategy in selected communities/conflict- affected-regions.
• Facilitate the establishment and successful operation of CPGs in selected communities.
• Establish strong partnerships with communities, local governments, local and international NGOs/CSOs/IOs within the designated communities, identifying opportunities for cooperation and leveraging existing platforms.
• Work with the Senior Protection Advisor to help ensure that recommendations to address identified protection risks and related needs (including assistance) are reaching relevant decision-makers and are followed up at the local level and are implemented.
• Develop plans, and prepare reports for regular and ad hoc planning and reporting products.
• Contribute to the capacity-building activities to security and defense forces and civilian actors on the design and implementation of effective civil-military coordination mechanisms.
• Contribute to the development of advocacy products (briefings, reports, surveys) that capture and amplify the voices and perspectives of civilians in authentic and compelling ways to support CIVIC advocacy strategy.
• Contribute to the development of communication strategies to disseminate advocacy products via meeting, public events, as well as social media and other outreach channels.
• Maintain connections with the protection community of practice, and contribute to the coordination at the local level.
• Represent CIVIC with international, non-governmental organizations, and local government stakeholders, promote effective collaborations and partnerships on delegated areas of responsibility.
• Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals in Benin and Togo.
• Abide with all CIVIC security and operations policies and procedures.

Requirements/Qualifications

• University degree in a social science, political science, international relations, law, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, including work in conflict zones.
• Fluency in French, English and local languages such as Bariba or Dendi or Kabiyè required.
• Prior experience in the fields of protection and community engagement, dialogue facilitation, and similar projects.
• Training in project management, human rights, humanitarianism, and/or mediation is a plus.
• Understanding of the conflict landscape in Benin and Togo and issues related to protection of civilians.
• Willingness and experience working with conflict-affected populations and security forces.
• Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere and as a team member.
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize and implement programs in stressful environments.
• Experience in representing organizations in sensitive environments, ability to maintain neutrality and impartiality in line with the organization’s mission.

Additional Details

The application deadline:May 21,2025

Potential starting date: July 2025

Position is contingent upon funding.

Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

CIVIC seeks to recruit, develop, and retain top talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences in the belief that this is critical to achieving our goals. We strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

CIVIC is not able to sponsor employees at this point; therefore, please ensure that you can legally work in this location when applying.

Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by agencies other than its approved partners.

How to Apply:

Click here to apply through CIVIC’s career website.