PROJECT CONTEXT AND SCOPE:                                                                        

Northern Nigeria has been grappling with a complex and evolving security crisis that continues to destabilize the region. These crises are not uniform; rather, they vary significantly in nature and intensity across different geopolitical zones. In the Northwest, particularly in Katsina and Zamfara States, the situation has deteriorated over the past decade, becoming one of the most pressing security challenges in the country. The violence in the Northwest region is multifaceted and include the followings: farmer-herder conflict, banditry and armed criminal gangs, violent extremist organizations (VEOs), environmental degradation and inter-communal tensions. The root causes of these crises are driven by limited resources such as water and grazing land. The lack of government presence which has paved way for armed gangs to gain more power and as well as recruit the vulnerable unemployed youths. 

The farmer-herder conflicts between the farming community and the nomadic pastoralist have escalated over years due to competition over land and water resources. Climate change and desertification have intensified this competition, leading to frequent clashes. The armed groups commonly referred to as “bandits,” has remain dominant, engaging in mass abduction, cattle rustling, extortion and attacks on villages/communities. The extremist organizations have begun to infiltrate the Northwest region, exploiting the security vacuum and forming alliance with the local bandits to expand influence. The environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification have reduced agricultural yield increased competition for natural resources, fuelling conflict. 

The consequences of these crises are devastating, resulting to loss of life and properties, agricultural activities disruption and displacement of communities. IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) in December 2024, identified 1,190,293 IDPs across eight states in the Northen region. 

IOM has been actively supporting peacebuilding efforts by strengthening local communities, government partners, civil society organization (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), religious leaders as well as the youth and women. These efforts focus on promoting a comprehensive approach and implementing strategies to prevent individuals and groups from engaging in violent extremism, while also countering their actions and influence, ultimately mitigating the threat of violence. The PCVE pathway serves as a vital tool for fostering community stability and promoting peaceful coexistence.

IOM PROJECT TO WHICH THE CONSULTANCY IS CONTRIBUTING*:

The consultancy is contributing to the project “Conflict Prevention Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR)” funded by EU/FPI project.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES:

With the support of the IOM CPCRR programme and under the supervision of the DDRR Programme Manager, and in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser, and Zamfara State Government, the consultant will conduct a training/workshop for the Nigerian government officials, CSOs, CBOs, religious leaders, the youth and women groups on PCVE. This workshop/training should provide them with the knowledge and strategies that prevent individuals and groups from involving in violence extremism and as well as counter actions and influence from extremist groups. Additionally, it will provide them with alternative pathways and opportunities for at risk individuals. 

 CATEGORY “3” CONSULTANT: TASKS TO BE PERFORMED UNDER THIS CONTRACT:

The tasks listed below will be subject to review and, where necessary, adjusted in consultations between the incumbent and IOM: 

1. Under the supervision of the IOM DDRR Programme Manager, and in coordination with the DDRR team, the government entities mentioned above, the consultant will develop: 
2. A comprehensive work plan outlining all tasks to be completed during the consultancy period. The work plan will include a realistic timeline for achieving each task.
3. Develop simple, context-appropriate pre- and post-training tools to measure knowledge and attitude changes, workshop/training agenda, training modules, and PowerPoint presentations on PCVE focused on the introduction, overview, and concepts of PCVE, courses and contributions, institutional approaches, community engagement and resilience building in combating PCVE, the roles of religious leaders in facilitating dialogue and promoting peace, as well as possible pathways as alternatives and opportunities for at-risk individuals.
4. Conduct two distinct workshop/training sessions in Gusau for the Nigerian government officials, CSOs, CBOs, religious leaders as well as youth and women groups from the communities in Gusau, Tsafe and Bungudu LGAs of Zamfara state. Each workshop/training session will be held over two days and particpants drawn from the LGAs.
5. After conducting the workshop/training session, the consultant will develop a detailed and comprehensive report. The report should include pictures and visual presentation illustrating participants’ ability to assimilate the knowledge transferred, based on the results of pre- and post-training assessments.
6. Carry out any additional tasks related to the coordination and delivery of the PCVE workshop/training, as assigned by the supervisor.

TANGIBLE AND MEASURABLE OUTPUT OF THE WORK ASSIGNMENT: 

1^st Deliverable – Workshop materials: The consultant will develop workshop and training materials such as an agenda, training modules, presentation slides, pre-and post-test evaluation questions for the PCVE training workshop.

2^nd Deliverable – Workshop:Conduct two distinct workshop/training sessions for the Nigerian government officials, CSOs, CBOs, religious and traditional leaders as well as youth and women groups. Each workshop/training session will be held over two days.

3^rd Deliverable – Report: After facilitating and coordinating the training workshop, the consultant will submit a comprehensive report on the overview of the workshop. The report should include a summary of the training topics covered, concepts, causes and consequences, community resilience approach, roles of the religious leaders in mediation and peace promotion, and recommendations on community dialogue mechanism, alternative pathways and opportunities for at-risk individual as well as evaluation summary including participant feedback and lessons learned that can inform future efforts on PCVE programming.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THE EVALUATION OF RESULTS:

• Completion and Delivery: Satisfactory and timely completion and delivery of all tasks and deliverables outlined in the terms of reference and the agreed work plan.
• Quality of workshop/ training: A comprehensive and accurate facilitation of the workshop on PCVE.
• Timely Data Collation and Submission: The consultant's efficiency in facilitating as per the set timeline.
• Clarity and Comprehensibility: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely the consultancy.
• Understanding: Demonstrable understanding of PCVE and the wider DDRR and peace building context.
• Collaboration: Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively with IOM DDRR staff, and participants by showing professionalism and respect.
• Adaptability: Responsiveness to changes in scope or objectives within the consultancy's timeline, demonstrating agility and flexibility.
• Responsiveness: Prompt, accurate responses to inquiries from the IOM Programme Manager or other key stakeholders throughout the consultancy tenure.
• Impact of Recommendations: The practicality, effectiveness, and implementation feasibility of the recommendations made on PCVE

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR SKILLS REQUIRED 

• A minimum of four years of experience in designing and delivering PCVE or DDRR trainings.
• A minimum of five years’ experience working with government entities, CSOs, and CBOs in humanitarian, peacebuilding, mediation, dialogue, academia, conflict resolution, or related areas is required. 
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in social science, behavioural science, management science, humanitarian, law, arts or another related field. A first-level university degree with combination of accredited certificate in related fields would be considered. 
• Experience working for an international organization on PCVE, peacebuilding, or conflict resolution is desirable. 
• Fluency in English Language (both oral and written) required, working knowledge of the local (Hausa) language.