Application Type:
Project location: Plateau State

Project Duration: 1 year
Application Deadline: May 28, 2025

Introduction

Organisational Profile

Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI), is a Pan African independent, non-profit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through evidence-based research, human capital development, and developmental aid. We seek to advance humanity through research, sustainable development, and learning by adopting a multidisciplinary, community-friendly, and ethic-driven approach to support independent, high-quality research with an impact on business development, the public sector, civil society, and communities of focus.

Our work allows us to address the world’s most pressing issues with context and evidence-based solutions. Institutions rely on us to provide answers to challenges that require an objective, integrative, and multidisciplinary approach-one that brings together expertise from the social sciences and international development.  Registered in Uganda and Nigeria, the institute partners with appropriate research, development, communications, and governance institutions. Team members include people drawn from the 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.

Project Summary 

The BRIDGE project is a one-year proposed project designed and submitted to FCDO and Tetra-Tech SPRING to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, natural resource-based conflicts, and social vulnerability in Plateau State, Nigeria. The project focuses on enhancing community resilience and social cohesion through strengthened conflict resolution mechanisms, capacity building, and inclusive land and resource management policies. It promotes climate-resilient agricultural practices, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems while prioritizing the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups. Expected outcomes include reduced resource-based conflicts, improved livelihoods, and increased trust and cooperation among community groups. 

This call for application is in anticipation of the final  award of contract by the donor. 

POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CRADI seeks expression of interest from qualified candidates for the following positions:

1. Project Manager

Position Summary:

The Project Manager will provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and management for the BRIDGE Project. He/She will oversee program planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring activities align with project goals, donor requirements, and national policies.

This is a full-time position, anticipated to last for one year with the possibility of renewal and is

based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This position is contingent upon award of contract by the donor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all project activities.
• Liaise with government agencies, partners, and stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met.
• Manage project staff, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Prepare high-quality progress reports and represent the project at external forums.
• Lead the development and execution of annual work plans, implementation strategies, and risk management plans.
• Facilitate coordination between internal teams and external stakeholders, including donors, ministries, and civil society.
• Oversee compliance with project standards, timelines, and budgets.
• Promote innovation, learning, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Ensure documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, success stories, and best practices.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to project staff to enhance their technical and leadership capacities.
• Organize periodic reflection and strategic review sessions to assess project performance and staff growth.
• Lead donor engagement and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Provide additional support as requested by the line manager

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Peace and conflict studies, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of project management experience, preferably in climate resilience, peacebuilding, or development programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Management and supervisory experience.
• Established excellence in written communication, including the preparation of complex documents to meet strict deadlines
• Strong personal communication skills, ability to facilitate liaison between different sectors.
• Good financial, budget and grant management skills.
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions.
• Ability to work with diverse team members.
• Good training skills, with a proven ability to build the capacity of others in report writing.

2. MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning) Manager

Position Summary:

The MERL Manager will design and provide technical oversight in ensuring the implementation of the project’s monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning framework to track project progress, assess impact, and ensure adaptive learning throughout the project lifecycle. 

This position is anticipated to last for one year with the possibility of renewal and is

based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This position is contingent upon award of contract by the donor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, refine and implement the project’s MERL framework, including performance indicators and data collection tools.
• Manage data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.
• Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements and data quality standards.
• Lead the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative assessments (baseline, midline, endline, impact evaluations).
• Train field staff and partners on data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques.
• Facilitate quarterly learning and reflection meetings, contributing to adaptive management.
• Develop learning products (briefs, reports, presentations) for various stakeholders.
• Establish feedback and accountability mechanisms to ensure participatory evaluation processes.
• Ensure data quality assurance through regular audits and field supervision.
• Support staff in building data literacy and evaluation capacity for career advancement. 
• Any other duty as assigned by the project management team.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Good training skills, with a proven ability to build the capacity of others in report writing.
• Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in designing and managing M&E systems in development projects, with experience in both quantitative and qualitative research.
• Minimum of 5 years of M&E experience in international development projects
• Proficiency in data management and analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, R, Excel, and data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau.
• Experience leading evaluations and assessments, including baseline and endline surveys.
• Strong skills in data quality assurance, learning agenda development, and participatory M&E approaches.
• Experience building capacity of field staff and partners in data collection and analysis.
• Good financial, budget and grant management skills
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions
• Ability to work with diverse team members

3. Conflict and Climate Change Management Specialist

Position Summary:

The Conflict and Climate Change Management Specialist will provide technical expertise on integrating conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation approaches into project activities.

This position is anticipated to last for one year with the possibility of renewal and is

based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This position is contingent upon award of contract by the donor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead conflict analysis and climate risk assessments.
• Support the design of interventions promoting peaceful resource management.
• Train staff and partners on conflict-sensitive programming and climate resilience.
• Develop tools and frameworks for conflict mitigation and climate adaptation.
• Provide ongoing technical advice to field teams and stakeholders.
• 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 technical support 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:

• 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 capacity of diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions
• Ability to work with diverse team members

4. Program Specialist

Position Summary:

The Program Specialist will support project implementation, coordination, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the delivery of high-quality project activities across intervention sites.

This position is anticipated to last for one year with the possibility of renewal and is

based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This position 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

5. Finance and Admin Associate

Position Summary:

The Finance and Admin Associate will provide financial management, administrative, and logistical support to ensure smooth project operations. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with internal policies and statutory regulations while contributing to the strategic efficiency of the finance department.

This position is anticipated to last for one year with the possibility of renewal and is

based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This position is contingent upon award of contract by the donor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain financial records and manage project budgets and expenditures.
• Support procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
• Prepare financial reports in compliance with organizational and donor requirements.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and audit requirements.
• Provide general administrative support to the project team.
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll.
• Prepare and monitor monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets.
• Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting in line with Nigerian regulations and international standards.
• Develop financial models and forecasts to support business planning.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Maintain compliance with financial policies and controls.
• Stay updated on financial legislation and best practices.
• Liaise with banks, tax authorities, and financial institutions.
• Support donor reporting and project-based accounting.
• Promote financial integrity and strong internal control systems
• Any other duty as assigned by the project management team.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in finance and administration.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g QuickBooks, Sage) and MS Office applications.
• Professional qualifications such as ICAN, ACCA, or CPA (part-qualified or fully qualified) are an asset.
• Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage, or ERP systems.
• Solid knowledge of financial reporting, procurement guidelines, and donor compliance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, prepare financial reports, and manage logistics effectively.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian tax laws, IFRS, and financial regulations.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• High level of integrity and attention to detail.
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions
• Ability to work with diverse team members

6. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Associate

Position Summary:

The GESI Associate will ensure that gender equality and social inclusion considerations are mainstreamed across all aspects of the project.

This position is anticipated to last for one year with the possibility of renewal and is

based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This position is contingent upon award of contract by the donor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct gender and social inclusion analysis and integrate findings into project activities.
• Support capacity building of project staff and partners on GESI approaches.
• Support the Project Manager in planning and coordinating field activities.
• Develop and implement GESI action plans and monitor progress.
• Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in project activities.
• Develop and implement a project-specific GESI action plan and update it annually.
• Train staff and community partners on gender-sensitive programming and inclusive practices.
• Track GESI indicators and report progress in quarterly and annual reports.
• Collaborate with MERL and Program teams to ensure GESI integration into all monitoring tools.
• Identify barriers to participation among women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other excluded groups and propose solutions.
• Support mentorship and leadership opportunities for women and youth within project communities.
• Facilitate internal learning sessions to enhance staff knowledge of evolving GESI frameworks.
• Any other duty as assigned by the project management team.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience working on gender and social inclusion in development programs.
• Strong understanding of GESI frameworks and practices.
• Strong understanding of gender mainstreaming tools, inclusive development principles, and intersectional analysis.
• Experience conducting gender analyses and working with community-based women’s or minority groups.
• Excellent facilitation and training skills, particularly in community-driven gender and inclusion approaches.
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions
• Ability to work with diverse team members

7. Communication Associate

Position Summary:

The Communication Associate will support the development and dissemination of internal and external communications to raise the visibility of the project and document its achievements.

This position is anticipated to last for one year with the possibility of renewal and is

based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This position is contingent upon award of contract by the donor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop high-quality communication materials, including success stories, newsletters, and social media content.
• Support the documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and case studies.
• Manage digital platforms and ensure timely, relevant updates on project progress.
• Work closely with MERL and Program teams to translate data and field results into accessible stories and reports.
• Capture success stories and visual documentation through field visits and interviews.
• Build the communication capacity of field staff through training and editorial support.
• Monitor media trends and propose innovative ways to improve outreach.
• Represent the project in communications forums and support visibility events.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in communication roles, preferably in development projects.
• Excellent writing, editing, and digital communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop communication strategies, manage digital platforms, and produce multimedia content.
• Proficiency in content creation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, WordPress), and strong storytelling skills.
• Experience working with diverse teams and communicating complex technical ideas to non-specialist audiences.
• Excellent writing, editing, photography, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work and travel in difficult conditions
• Ability to work with diverse team members
• Any other duty as assigned by the project management team.

Travel

The candidates must be resident in the chosen country and be willing and able to travel to local and difficult terrains within the project location.

Equal Opportunity

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.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should kindly fill the application form here. Applications must reach us on or before 28th  May 2025. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

Grant Type: Fixed Amount Award
Grant Amount: Up to $1,000 per organization
Project Duration: 3–6 months (starting July 1)
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

Introduction

Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI), a Pan African independent, non-profit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through evidence-based research, human capital development, and developmental aid, invites proposals from local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for small grants designed to address critical gaps identified in its recently conducted Multisectoral Needs Assessment (MSNA). These grants aim to support initiatives that respond to the programmatic recommendations of the MSNA, addressing the urgent needs of conflict-affected populations while contributing to long-term recovery and resilience.

To ensure proposals are well-aligned with the identified needs and recommendations, prospective applicants are encouraged to read the full MSNA report before submitting their applications. Please find the report here: Plateau State MSNA Final Report

Priority Areas

Proposals must align with one or more of the following thematic areas derived from the MSNA recommendations:

1. Security and Governance:
o Strengthening community-based policing initiatives to build trust between law enforcement and local populations.
o Supporting traditional governance structures with resources and training to enhance their capacity for conflict resolution.
o Promoting disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of militia groups through peacebuilding and social cohesion activities in conflict hotspots.

2. Food Security and Livelihoods:
o Providing emergency food assistance to households experiencing food insecurity, particularly in Mangu and Bassa.
o Supporting agricultural recovery through the provision of seeds, tools, and livestock to affected households, and establishing farmer cooperatives to improve productivity.
o Rehabilitating local markets and transport infrastructure to restore economic activity and improve food security for traders and farmers.

3. Health and WASH:
o Rehabilitating health centers in Bassa, Bokkos, and Mangu, and equipping them with essential supplies, including those for maternal and child health services.
o Deploying mobile health clinics to provide care for displaced and remote populations while permanent facilities are being rebuilt.
o Expanding access to safe water sources and rehabilitating sanitation facilities in Riyom and Mangu, alongside hygiene promotion campaigns to reduce disease outbreaks.
o Scaling up nutrition interventions targeting malnourished children under five, as well as pregnant and lactating women, particularly in Mangu and Bokkos.

4. Protection and Human Rights:
o Establishing mobile legal aid services and psycho-social support programs to address trauma, sexual violence, and property disputes, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women and children.
o Strengthening gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response mechanisms, including creating safe spaces for women and girls and enhancing access to medical, legal, and psychological support.
o Providing comprehensive protection services for internally displaced persons (IDPs), including adequate shelter, healthcare, and legal documentation.

5. Education:
o Rebuilding damaged schools in Bokkos, Mangu, and Riyom to provide safe learning environments for children, and supplying necessary educational materials.
o Offering financial assistance to families to cover school-related expenses, addressing high dropout rates due to economic challenges.
o Recruiting and training teachers, with an emphasis on trauma-informed education practices to support students who have experienced conflict-related trauma.
o Implementing school-based psycho-social support programs, integrating mental health services to help students cope with conflict-related trauma.

Eligibility Criteria

• • Applicants must be registered local NGOs with a proven track record in community-based programming.

• • Proposals must demonstrate direct alignment with the MSNA recommendations.

• • Applicants must have the capacity to implement projects within the specified 3–6 month time frame.

• • Preference will be given to organizations with contextual expertise and innovative approaches to addressing identified needs.

Application Submission Process

1. 1. Technical Proposal and Budget Template: Applicants are required to download and complete both the Technical Proposal Template and the Budget Template. Please find both documents here: link

1. 1. Submission: Completed applications, including the filled Technical Proposal Template and Budget Template, must be submitted via email to grants@cradil.org.

1. Deadline: All submissions must be received on or before June 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
2. Q&A Session: A virtual Q&A session will be held on June 12, 2025, to provide clarification and address questions from prospective applicants. Interested participants must register for this session using the link provided here. Following this session, feedback and key takeaways will be shared with registered participants to guide proposal submission.