Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) Lead

Overview:

Chemonics International seeks a Preventing Violent Extremism Lead for the anticipated USAID-funded Benin Northern Economic Livelihood for Youth (NELY) Activity. The NELY activity specifically targets young people living in northern Benin, particularly young men who are vulnerable for recruitment to violent extremist groups. This proposed activity will listen to young men and women and work with them to design locally specific interventions that target improving purchasing powers, developing self-sufficiency, and improving inclusion in the modern economic marketplace. This will be done through introducing relevant technologies, partnering with the private sector and seeking out solutions that engage young vulnerable men and women. As a result of co-creation, young men and women will work together, develop interconnectedness, mutual interdependence, and stronger community resilience as well as have meaningful life experiences that invest them in the development of their communities.

The Preventing Violent Extremism Lead serves as a core team member overseeing the anticipated activity’s strategic vision of preventing violent extremism through supporting the youth. This includes coordinating the stabilization activities within the broader framework and with the Benin NELY teams. The lead will craft the vision and provide technical leadership on a full range of Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance programming.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic vision, management and technical direction of program activities related to livelihoods.
• Build relationships with the private sector, relevant government ministries, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Lead the development of aspects of the work plan related to preventing violent extremism.
• Support economic development assessments, and use data to inform programming.
• Collaborate with operations, monitoring & evaluation, grants and other program teams to implement, monitor, and closeout activities.

Qualification:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant area such as, but not limited to, international relations, conflict analysis, international development, social sciences, or law.
• Minimum of thirteen (13) years of progressively responsible management experience with a USG entity, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, stabilization, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, reconciliation, citizen security, and/or political analysis;
• Minimum of seven (7) years of overseas field experience working on stabilization, reconciliation, local governance, conflict prevention, dispute resolution, community development, or other relevant programs;
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience (including mentoring, training, and guiding staff).
• Experience working in or supporting programs in the West Africa region preferred.
• Position likely based in Cotonou, with significant regular travel to Northern Benin expected
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French