Program Officer, Aden, Yemen

Center for Civilians in Conflict’s mission is to improve protection for civilians caught in conflicts around the world. We call on and advise international organizations, governments, militaries, and armed non-state actors to adopt and implement policies, tools, and training to prevent civilian harm. When civilians are harmed we advocate for the provision of amends and post-harm assistance. We bring the voices of civilians themselves to those making decisions affecting their lives.  

CIVIC is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Program Officer, who will be an integral part of the CIVIC program team reporting to the Country Director, Yemen and works closely with the Program Manager, Yemen and other Program and Operation staff in Yemen. The Program officer will also work with MENA Director, Senior Program Manager, and other staff members at HQ.  

• JOB PURPOSE: Trainings and engagement with Yemeni security actors and communities
• LOCATION: Aden, Yemen
• TRAVEL:  As needed throughout Yemen
• REPORTING TO: Country Director, Yemen 
• STAFF REPORTING: Consultants, as needed

KEY FUNCTIONS:          

• Engage with governorate officials, provincial security actors;
• Liaise with officials to get approvals;
• Conduct baseline assessment of trainees’ knowledge and processes for civilian protection;
• Establish relationship with commanders for planned trainings and seek opportunities for follow up assessment and new trainings;
• Conduct train-the-trainer on CIVIC training materials with commanders and at training centers;
• Identify new opportunities for advocacy and trainings;
• Establish relationship with local government officials and civil society organizations;
• Provide input on updating training materials as necessary, write relevant briefing papers, articles as necessary;
• Represent CIVIC with NGO and international organizations and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
• Work with CIVIC program team and other pertinent staff to design, manage, and implement community engagement activities in support of CIVIC’s Yemen program;
• Work with CIVIC program team to plan and implement community engagement activities
• Provide input in program work, including activity planning and budgeting exercises relevant to activities implemented in the area of community engagement, as required. In coordination with CIVIC team: 
  • Develop workplan with timeline for community engagement activities 
  • Identify targeted districts and criteria for selection of the districts. 
  • Identify local civil society organizations, community groups to take part in the community engagement program 
  • Identify and develop criteria for selected individuals who will form the core group for CIVIC to work with to engage community and advocating security actors to improve civilian protection. 
• Organize including taking care of logistics the training for community and civil society leaders on civilian protection issues.
• Organize workshops/hearing sessions for community leaders and communities with security officials to discuss civilian protection issues in targeted districts 
• Build strong relations with local officials, community-based and civil society organizations and like-minded INGOs to support CIVIC community engagement activities. 
• Ensure gender balance in CIVIC community engagement program and increase their voice and influence around protection issues
• Support research and drafting of publications (reports, briefing papers, etc.) on community protection issues; translate findings and experiences from community-level work to CIVIC’s advocacy efforts 
• Collect, verify, and follow-up output and outcome data for community engagement activities
• Ensure all supporting documentation for CE activities gathered and filed
• As advised by line manager, represent CIVIC with NGO networks and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
• Take the lead and responsibility for planning and implementing civilian protection activities including trainings, seminars, and follow up
• Submit thorough and detailed reports on community engagement activities (in Arabic).  
• Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals.

QUALITIES SOUGHT:

• Experience in security force and community training and participatory facilitation preferred.
• Knowledge, experience, and understanding of civilian protection issues in armed conflict and understanding of the military/civilian/humanitarian spaces;
• Proven ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting objectives and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for our work;
• 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 political and security environments;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A. in international affairs, political science, or related area; MA preferred.
• Minimum 5-10 years relevant full-time staff level work experience;
• Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team; and
• Fluency in English and Arabic mandatory.