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Position : Research Manager
Project : Aig-Imoukhuede Public Sector Index
Reports to:  Project Manager
Employment Type : Consultancy

1. Overview of Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public-sector focused philanthropic organisation founded to improve
the lives of Africans through transformed public-service delivery and access to quality primary healthcare.
The Foundation is currently working with the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) to develop the AigImoukhuede Public Sector Index which seeks to measure the impact of public sector activities on the overall
productivity and economic growth of the Nigerian economy and on the well-being of its citizens.
Further information can be found at https://www.aigimoukhuedefoundation.org/

2. Introduction and Background to the Project
As part of its work to facilitate the transformation of the Nigerian public sector, the Measuring Performance
Thematic Working Group (MPTG) of Governance and Institutions Policy Commission (GIPC) of the Nigerian
Economic Summit Group (NESG) in conjunction with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, seeks to create a
Nigerian Public Sector Performance Index.

Public sector activities influence a country’s performance via two means – directly, through the level and changes of productivity within the public sector, and indirectly, by enabling enhanced productivity in the private sector. Public sector activities, therefore, have a direct influence on a country’s key economic and social indicators with research establishing a positive causal relationship between the efficiency of a country’s public sector and its economic and social development (OECD, 2001).

One of the ways increased efficiency in a country’s public sector can be facilitated is via the provision of information about public sector activities to stakeholders. Access to the right data can inform policy, stimulate research, and encourage informed debate. Indicator reports and indices are indispensable tools in information dissemination as they can present complex data in an accessible format, and they are useful in identifying trends in performance and policies and drawing attention to issues (OECD, 2008).

3. Job Summary
The Research Manager will lead the design and development of the Aig-Imoukhuede Public Sector Performance Index. Specifically, the Research Manager will supervise the ongoing data collection process, conduct the data analysis, and develop the Index data model.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and the Working Committee, the Research Manager will lead the validation of the theoretical framework, research design, and methodology of the Index with a view to learning and improving the extended phase of the project. This will precede the completion of the pilot phase currently assessing the performance of ten (10) Federal Ministries.

An ideal candidate will be adept at public sector research, dataset development and modeling, and Index construction. S/he will be competent in data analysis and research processes as well as in generating evidence from a variety of data types and sources.

4. Responsibilities
Overall Responsibilities
The job will cover but not be limited to the following:
Research Management
• Prepare and manage desk research and literature reviews
• Prepare the methodology for the qualitative and quantitative research
• Coordinate primary and secondary research to ensure timely and robust data collection in line with international best practices.
• Evaluate responses of the public institutions being assessed vis-à-vis the supplied evidence, opinions of non-government stakeholders, and available secondary information.
• Provide robust analysis of the data/results on the public sector performance
• Develop full and synthesized reports, presentation summaries, research references, and records.
• Synthesize learning from the research studies, drawing implications and/or conclusions that are actionable, impactful, and accessible to stakeholders in the form of policy/strategy/technical notes Index Construction
• Apply index construction methodologies to translate raw data into index scores and ranking.
• Compile and organize various datasets and provide detailed interpretations of results.
• Develop interactive Excel-based tools to assist in the presentation and interpretation of the Index results.
• Develop data dictionary, input, and code data in the statistical software.

Data Visualisation and Management
• Design and implement effective database solutions and models to legally acquire (collect) primary and secondary data.
• Design a digital infrastructure/platform to store and retain data obtained through surveys and other data collection methods.
• Build a data dictionary using extract, transform and load (ETL) techniques to curate the Index.
• Design and implement effective database solutions to store the aggregated data.
• Conduct data analysis and use data science techniques to generate reports and visualizations.
• Activate and review the results of the data visualization platform.
• Monitor the system performance by performing regular tests, troubleshooting, and integrating new features in line with the Index project objectives.

Evaluation
• Validate the performance index findings.
• Collaborate with the project team and a wide range of stakeholders to test the validity, reliability and robustness of methodology, sample size, dataset, indicators and metrics
• Documentation of lessons learnt from the pilot phase
• Make recommendations on the necessary improvements for the next and subsequent phases of the project.

Disseminating research findings
• Design the appropriate dissemination strategy for all research commissioned, including writing reports, producing brochures, contributing to relevant research publications, etc.
• Present research findings in a compelling and informative manner that can be used by different stakeholders
Linkages to the wider research community
• Keep abreast of research that is of interest to the Foundation both within Nigeria and internationally
• Maintain active relationships with academia, public research institutes, think tanks, and associations working on research areas that are of interest to the Foundation and the Performance Index

5. Required Skills and Qualifications
• A Master’s degree in Economics, International Development, Public Policy, Statistics, or a related field
• A Ph.D would be advantageous
• Minimum of nine years of relevant work experience, including five years of work experience in statistical modeling or index construction.
• Strong relationship management experience with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience in supervision and leadership
• Demonstration of a good understanding of governance issues and public sector performance in human development index, regulatory environment, and other key sectors.
• Proven work experience in public policymaking and social impact is desirable
• Must possess strong analytical and conceptual skills with proven experience working on development research projects in Nigeria.
• Strong project management ability and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines and flexibility.

6. Management Arrangements
The consultant will report to the Project Manager based on agreed milestones and the approved reporting schedule.

7. Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights
Data collected for this project will be handled in compliance with the Foundation’s data protection policy.
The Research Manager may not use, reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorize others to use, reproduce or disseminate such works without prior written consent of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.

8. Mode of application
Interested candidates should submit the following:
a. Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information including how the candidate’s previous experience matches the project objectives as well as their interest for the position (no longer than two pages).
b. CV with professional references or letters of recommendation.
c. Samples of recent similar assignments- online portfolios and links.

Applications not meeting the above criteria and not including all the above information will not be reviewed.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Interested parties must submit, their applications to kachi.nwachukwu@aigafrica.org copying
macben.oluwayose@aigafrica.org no later than 11th November, 2022.

2023 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme at the Economic Commission for Africa

ALL SUBMISSIONS WITH REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS TO BE EMAILED TO: RecruitmentPPost@un.org
(please refer to the detailed instructions in Section 5: How to Apply)

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ECA Headquarters)

Post Title: Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship

Deadline for Application: Friday, 21 October 2022, 11:59 p.m. (23:59) Addis Ababa time (GMT +3).

Any applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed; no exceptions will be made. Please plan
to submit your application in advance to account for any technical difficulties you may experience.

Duration of Assignment/Conditions: This Fellowship is awarded for a period of 12 months.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063.

The mission is guided by ECA’s five strategic directions which are: advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

As part of its programme to support member States, ECA is partnering with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to promote leadership development through a practical and on-the-job fellowship. The programme is aimed at enabling young African professionals to develop leadership capacity in a large institution, gain knowledge of the functioning of the United Nations, have better understanding of Africa’s socio-economic challenges and contribute to the analytical, advocacy and policy advisory work of the Commission.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (the “Foundation”), is financing this Fellowship position in the ECA. The Fellow will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position at the headquarters of ECA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme is a selective Fellowship that prepares the next generation of outstanding African leaders by providing them with unique work opportunities at the most senior level of prominent African institutions or multilateral organizations, whose mandate is to improve the economic and social prospects of Africa. The Fellowship allows talented individuals to increase and enhance their professional capacity, with the intention of contributing to the governance and development of their countries thereby creating a pipeline of future African leaders.

2. DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Foundation Fellow will be mentored by the Executive Secretary of ECA and/ or a designated
Representative in the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). With this guidance, the Fellow will work on the design and implementation of strategic assignments in support of the ECA’s mandate of contributing to the governance and development of member States.

As part of his/her general responsibilities, the Fellow will be expected to:
• Advise on and develop strategic initiatives to advance ECA’s mission and objectives.
• Support the programmatic and administrative functions of OES.
• Plan, develop, and implement strategies for promoting regional integration.
• Conceive, develop and promote innovations in ECA development policies, including helping Africa to meet its special needs.
• Review activity reports and financial statements to determine progress and status in attaining objectives and to revise objectives and plans in accordance with current conditions.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

3. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
• The Fellowship is for young female and male professionals, mid-career and executives alike who are nationals of ECA member States, residing anywhere in the world;
• Applicants must be under the age of forty (40) years old on the date of application deadline (21 October 2022);
o Consideration will, however, be given to women under the age of forty-five (45) years old with children on the date of the application deadline;
• Applicants must not be employees of the United Nations Secretariat/ ECA.

Work Experience
Applicants should have at least 7 years of relevant work experience and must be able to demonstrate competency in professionalism, teamwork, client orientation, planning and organizing and leadership potential.

Applicants must also have proven:

• Experience in strategic planning and execution;
• Knowledge of negotiating and change management;
• Enhanced skills in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures;
• Experience in formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures;
• Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community;
• Experience in research/ analytical work in a socioeconomic-related area;
• Experience with working on African issues is an advantage.
• Ability to work in teams and simultaneously on several assignments.

Education
Applicants must hold at least a Master’s Degree or higher in Economics, Social Sciences, International
Development, Business Administration, Law, Finance, Engineering, or any discipline relevant to the work
of ECA.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this fellowship, fluency in either English or French is required. Working knowledge of the other language is an advantage.
Applications must be in either English or French.

Other Skills
Sound knowledge of the Internet and basic software for word processing, spreadsheets, and
presentations is required.

4. TERMS and CONDITIONS
• This opportunity is NOT a regular position of the United Nations Secretariat/ ECA. The Fellow will work with the ECA for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months and the Foundation will finance an annual stipend which will be paid monthly through the ECA;

• The selected Fellow will sign a contract with the ECA before the commencement of service in line with administrative instructions of the United Nations applicable to consultants;

• All expenses related to the Fellow’s official mission travel, including travel insurance will be met by the ECA;

• The Fellow cannot be employed on/ apply to any UN Secretariat Professional and above positions or Field Service (FS) 6/7 positions within six months of completion of a fellowship;

• If the Fellow is subsequently engaged by the ECA or any other UN Secretariat entity as a consultant or an individual contractor (IC), the Fellow’s 12 months of service at the ECA as a fellow will count towards the time limits on the engagement of consultants and ICs as per ST/AI/2013/4 or the prevailing administrative instruction on the engagement of CICs at the time of engagement;

• The Fellow will cover his/her own medical insurance, child education and retirement plan arrangements. This includes medical/ travel insurance which covers the cost of medical evacuations;

• The Foundation will invite the Fellow to participate in its annual Forum;

• The travel costs for the assumption of duty and repatriation at the end of the appointment will be borne and paid out of the funds provided by the Foundation.

5. HOW TO APPLY
The application consists of three main elements, listed below, all of which are mandatory in order for an
application to be considered complete.

Candidates must submit their applications via email, containing the following documents as PDF attachments (any other document/ attachment types will not be accepted and will render the application not receivable). Large documents may be combined/ compressed into a zip file (.zip) if necessary. Please do NOT use any other file compression formats (e.g. RAR).
Applications may be in English or French.

1. UN Administrative Profile (AP)* in PDF format, including a motivation statement (cover letter) within the AP (to be submitted as an attachment to email submission)

• Applicants will be evaluated primarily based on the information contained in their APs. Therefore, applicants are advised to thoroughly complete the AP and their descriptions of their education, training, language proficiency and work experience, as well as the motivation statement within the AP document;
  
• *The UN AP (Administrative Profile) can be created signing up for an account at:
  https://inspira.un.org
• Applicants should refer to Pages 6-9 of this document, which contains detailed step-by-step instructions about how to create an AP within the Inspira system and generate a PDF of the document which must be attached to your email submission;
• There is no Job Opening for this Fellowship within the Inspira system. The instructions referenced above detail how applicants can create a draft AP (not tied to any published Job Opening) within Inspira, and save the draft AP as a PDF for inclusion as an attachment to the applicant’s email submission;
• ECA does NOT have an ability to retrieve draft/ created APs or uploaded attachments from Inspira; thus, email submissions that do not contain a complete AP as a PDF attachment will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed;
• A blank sample AP is included for reference in Pages 10-12 of this document. Your AP should look similar (except with all of the relevant information/ fields filled in) after following the steps outlined on Pages 6-9;
• The motivation statement is created as part of the online AP creation process in Inspira, and will be visible towards the end of the AP PDF under the heading “Motivation Statement for this Application” (refer to Page 12 of this document for an example);
• If after reviewing the information above, you are still unable to generate the AP in the indicated PDF format, you may email biruk.hailemariam@un.org for technical support.
  Please plan your time and attempt to create the draft AP well in advance so that you have sufficient time to seek technical support, if needed.

2. Copies of academic degree certificates for all relevant degrees

• Applicants should include scanned copies of any/ all master’s degrees, as well as doctorate/ terminal degrees;
• Copies of academic certificates that are NOT degrees, and copies of high school diplomas/ transcripts are NOT required;
• Since a master’s degree is the minimum degree required, submission of documentation related to first-level (e.g. baccalaureate) degrees is not required.

3. Three (3) letters of reference/recommendation

• Letters of recommendation should be addressed to the “2023 ECA Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Selection Committee”;
• Letters of recommendation from referees should be sent from referees directly to applicants. Applicants are to include the letters of recommendation in their email submission to ECA which contains all required documents in PDF format (AP, degrees, and recommendation letters);
• Letters of recommendation sent directly from referees to ECA (letters not transmitted via the applicant) will NOT be considered and applications submitted by applicants that lack all three letters of recommendation will be considered incomplete and will not be further reviewed.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), through Resolution ACHPR/Res.79(XXXVIII)05 adopted at its 38th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 21 November to 5 December 2005, established the Working Group on Death Penalty in Africa (the Working Group).

By Resolution ACHPR/Res.227 (LII) 2012 and Resolution ACHPR/Res. 408 (LXIII) 2018 adopted at its 52nd and 63rd Ordinary Sessions respectively, the African Commission expanded the mandate of the Working Group to include extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killings and enforced disappearances and changed the name of the Working Group to “Working Group on Death Penalty, Extra-judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Africa”.

The Working Group shall be composed of five experts representing the five regions of the continent taking into account linguistic and gender representation. Its mandate is as follows:
i. Setting standards and developing strategies for the better promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights;

ii. Develop a Strategic Plan(s), including a practical and legal framework on the abolition of the death penalty;

iii. Collect information and monitor the situation of the application of the death penalty by States Parties to the African Charter;

iv. Monitor situations relating to extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killings and enforced disappearances in Africa with all its ramifications;

v. Collect information and keep a database of reported instances of situations concerning extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killings and enforced disappearances in Africa;

vi. Undertake, under the supervision of the Commission, studies on issues of relevance to death penalty, extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killings and enforced disappearances in Africa;

vii. Advise the   Commission on urgent measures to be taken to address situations of execution of death sentences, extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killings and enforced disappearances that require immediate attention;

viii. Respond effectively to information that comes before it, in particular when the execution of death penalty, extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killing is imminent or when such killing has occurred;

ix. Develop a funding proposal with a view to raising funds to meet the cost of the work of the Working Group;

x. Submit an Intersession Activity Report at each Ordinary Session of the   Commission; and

xi. Collaborate with other partners, including States Parties, National Human Rights Institutions, relevant Intergovernmental Organisations, International and Regional Mechanisms and Civil Society Organisations for the successful implementation of its mandate.

The Working Group’s mandate also includes undertaking promotion missions to States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), organizing sensitization seminars and training sessions, publishing reports and research findings, sending Letters of Urgent Appeals to States Parties to the African Charter on issues of human rights concern, and participating actively in national, regional and international meetings on, and activities related to issues of death penalty, extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killings and enforced disappearances.

Pursuant to this mandate and Resolution ACHPR/Res.523(LXXII)2022 which brings the current term of office of the existing members to an end on 02 October 2022, the Working Group hereby invites nominations from interested candidates to serve as independent expert members of the Working Group.

Candidates must be nationals of a State Party to the African Charter and are required to have proven experience and expertise in human rights, in particular in the area of death penalty, extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killings and enforced disappearances, knowledge of criminal law and public international law. The mandate of Working Group Members is for a period of two (2) years, renewable twice only.

Applications should be accompanied by a motivation letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and any other relevant document, and should be received at the Secretariat of the Commission no later than 14 October 2022. The Commission will appoint the new expert members of the Working Group during its 73rd Ordinary Session.

Applications should be sent by email to au-banjul@africa-union.org and africancommission@yahoo.com, or by courier to the following address:

African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District, Western Region

P.O. Box 673 Banjul The Gambia

VACANCY: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF A PROGRAMME MANAGER

 Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) is a national, independent and nonprofit human rights advocacy organization, established in 2018 and registered in Nigeria with headquarters in Lagos.  RULAAC is committed to promoting law enforcement accountability, transparent and responsible policing, and the observance of human rights and rule of law in law enforcement actions.

RULAAC carries out its mandate through monitoring, research and investigation; publications, campaigns and advocacy, and networking and collaboration with other civil society organisations and relevant criminal justice/other governmental agencies in advancing police reform, rule of law and democracy in Nigeria.

RULAAC is seeking applications from qualified candidates for the position of a Programme Manager

Qualification:

• A minimum of first degree in any of the social sciences, humanities or law; but a Masters degree and cognate experience will be added advantages.

Responsibilities:

• To develop program ideas including writing proposals and securing grants
• To manage, implement and report project activities
• To identify and respond to issues relating to human rights violations in the context of law enforcement
• To work/engage with other CSOs and stakeholders in the criminal justice sector in furtherance of the goals of RULAAC
• To work with little or no supervision

Interested and qualified candidates should send in their applications along with their current CVs by email to rulaac@rulaac.org

Pre-qualified applicants will be invited for interview

 Deadline for submission of applications is September 25^th 2022

 Signed: RULAAC Management

 

Call for Consultant, Community Early Warning and Response
Terms of Reference for an organization to support the establishment and training for community early warning and response teams in Banki and Gwoza LGA, Borno State.

About CIVIC:
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) Center is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. Our mission is to work with armed actors and civilians in conflict to develop and implement solutions to prevent, mitigate, and respond 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

Background/Context
To augment our community-based protection work, CIVIC plans to introduce an innovative new approach – a
Community Early Warning and Response – in target locations for the purpose of responding to threats in
selected Local Government Areas (LGAs). We will then help communities strengthen systems to contend with
varying degrees of threat and ensure that do-no-harm considerations are integrated into the design to further
reduce risks to civilians.

CIVIC will support its Community Protection Committees (CPCs) to be trained in a locally appropriate way to
identify early warning signs, threats and respond effectively to such – e.g., engage security forces, flee, warn,
report, respond etc. Afterwards, the CPC members will be trained on how to report early warning and response.
This activity area will be built upon lessons learned, applying such a system in a localized setting leveraging on
CPCs, utilizing context appropriate technology (basic analog signals or mobile phone platforms), and reducing
response time to incidents by focusing on security or government actors present at the community levels in target LGAs.

Purpose of Data Collectors / terms of reference
CIVIC Nigeria is seeking the services of an organization that can lead the process of the advising, establishment
and training of a community early warning and response committees in 2 LGAs of Borno state (Gwoza and Banki). The organization will also train CIVIC Nigeria staff and community liaison Officers on all the processes
of establishment and set-up of the community early warning and response committee. As well as advise on the
best option to adopt in the context of Borno state and northeast Nigeria.
Under the supervision of the Team Lead, Nigeria, the organization will be required to.

Expected Deliverables
● To provide a criterion for selection and outline the processes of establishment of a community early warning and response team,
● Support the establishment and training of CIVIC staff, community liaisons and CPC members in the various locations,
● Provide CIVIC with templates for monitoring the Community Early Warning and Response (CEWAR),
● Provide detailed soft and hard copies of the processes of establishment, training attendance lists with contact information of participants segregated by gender and successes and challenges encountered,
● Produce a detailed final report of the entire process of establishing an early warning and response system.

Skills, experience, and qualifications required
● At least six years progressive experience in the establishment, training and management of community early warning projects or programs.
● Previous experience of working with the UN or international agencies on conflict early warning and response.
● Availability and willingness to travel to the North-East and target locations.
● Ability to deploy multiple teams and work in close coordination with other CIVIC team members.
● Ability to conduct training and translate meeting discussions into Hausa language will be an added advantage.

Expected Outputs
The expected outputs will be:
• Members of Community Protection Committees in project locations and CIVIC staff trained on conflict early warning, response, and reporting,
• Final report of the entire process produced with pictures and attendance list of all beneficiaries,
• Schedule of periodic CEWART meetings developed.

Timeline:
The activity in this SOW is estimated to take a total of 15 working days.

Logistics and Support:
CIVIC Country Office shall provide necessary support to the consultant to execute the assignment during the
duration of the consultancy. These shall include:
• Security briefing for consultants
• Access to relevant project documents necessary for the execution of the duties under this consultancy.
• Facilitation of UNHAS flights & accommodation in deep field locations for the assignment.
Kindly note: For travel and accommodation, the UNHAS requires either a COVID vaccination certificate or a less than 72-hour negative COVID test result to access their services.

How to apply:
Interested organizations should send their expression of interest following the procedure below to nigeriahr@civiliansinconflict.org.
● A Technical and financial proposal indicating consultancy fee (lump sum fee) and a breakdown of expenses (unit price together with any other expenses) related to the assignment.
● Highlighting company profile, proposed methodology and timeline for the assignment.
● Organizational CV highlighting experience in similar projects; and
● Work references – contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees
● Certificate of registration and other relevant documents

The title must be expressly stated as the subject of the email quoting reference CEWAR092022. Any application without quoting the reference code will be disqualified. The Technical and Financial proposals including other documents should be sent in one folder.

Completed applications should reach us before COB, Thursday September 15, 2022. Only applicants who send
in the required format will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Equal Opportunity:
“CIVIC is an equal –opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, etc.
Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply”.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Statement of Commitment to Protection:
‘’CIVIC’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation’’.

The Nigeria Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Palladium through a cooperative agreement with USAID. The goal of the project is to improve public accountability, transparency, and sustainable service delivery in Nigeria. The strategic objective is to strengthen the financial, management, and advocacy capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs) and business membership organizations (BMOs) in Nigeria to create a more accountable, transparent, peaceful, and democratic Nigeria with more effective and efficient public service delivery. The Project emphasizes leadership and innovation and explicitly aims to engage marginalized populations, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other minorities in the process.

 

The project has five main components:

• 1. Improve Organizational Capacity; Managerial, Financial, and Institutional capacity.
• 2. Enhance Capacity for Improved CSOs/BMOs Advocacy, Collaboration, and Management.
• 3. Improve the Policy and Regulatory Enabling Environment for Civil Society.
• 4. Countering Trafficking in Persons (CTIP); and
• 5. Sector (Sexual and gender-based violence, Child and Early Forced Marriage) Strengthening and Advocacy

 

SCALE’s theory of change states that the project goals can be achieved IF: (i) CSO capacity (managerial, financial, and advocacy) is enhanced; AND (ii) CSOs collaborate effectively with each other and with government; AND (iii) the CSO enabling environment is permissive (legislative, policy, and practice); THEN: civil society can effectively engage citizens to influence government in key development reforms at national, state, and local levels to improve public accountability, transparency, and sustainable service delivery. The key assumptions in the theory of change are based on there being a conducive environment for CSOs and BMOs to influence policies in transparency, accountability, and good governance; CSOs and BMOs being able to sustain activities with local capacities and resources that promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in priority sectors; and the Nigerian state ensuring a healthy enabling environment for CSOs.

 

Purpose of Funding Opportunity
Nigeria Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) (the “Project”) is seeking to issue grants under the SCALE Innovation Fund (SIF) for innovative approaches that will promote citizen and government engagement towards creating a more accountable, transparent peaceful, and democratic Nigeria with more effective and efficient service delivery across the project’s priority sectors. The motivation of the SIF is to identify organizations with innovative initiatives and solutions for tackling the different complex governance issues in Nigeria, ranging from citizen participation to effective governance.

 

Instructions to Applicants
Applications are invited from all qualifying organizations, nationally and sub-nationally. Applications are to focus on innovative approaches that promote improved partnership and engagement with key stakeholders; and/or strengthen and improve public awareness and engagement in governance.

Innovations for the purpose of this funding opportunity are defined as: completely new ideas being currently tried and tested, and the application of existing ideas in a new, innovative way, or to a sector or field in which that idea has not yet been applied. Under this award, SCALE will support innovative projects or ideas that have the potential for expansion and replication.

 

Activities could include:

• Programming designed to resolve gaps/bottlenecks in the policy reform process from the perspective of partnership, engagement, or public awareness.
• Innovative approaches that increase civic partnership and engagement with key government stakeholders
• Innovations that strengthen public awareness, engagement, discourse, and support for issues that improve transparency, accountability, and good governance, as well as promote inclusive economic development, enabling environment, and a peaceful Nigeria.
• Support for scaling up/replication of good practices at the local level to shape national policy and have a broader national impact.
• Programming to improve the coordination and communication among the various actors involved in the proposed policy area
• Addressing gaps in data by conducting policy-relevant and timely research and analysis, including strengthening, or expanding research currently under development
• Innovative approaches to monitoring the implementation of policies, preparing policy recommendations, and implementing advocacy campaigns.
• Activities to develop and disseminate policy recommendations based on citizens’ views and policy research to raise awareness and garner support from policymakers and other key actors, including the public. This could involve publishing research/information on citizens’ views, attending and organizing seminars, forums, or conferences.
• Conducting consultative process among CSOs, research institutions, political parties, parliaments, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Innovative ideas that address issues of Peace and Security in Nigeria.
• Innovative approaches for expanding the civic space as we approach the 2023 elections
• Innovations that address issues of safeguarding and gender equality and social inclusion

The above list of illustrative activities is by no means exhaustive. Creativity and innovative thinking are required from applicants.

Please see attached Notice of Funding Opportunity for full specifications and requirements for submitting a concept note.