Position location: Benin: Cotonou, Parakou 

Background: 

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence is more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

Position Summary:  

Creative Associates International (Creative) is seeking a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Conflict Specialist to lead CVE activities under the anticipated USAID-funded Northern Economic Livelihoods for Youth (NELY) Activity in Benin. NELY will improve economic livelihoods for youth and women in violent extremist (VE) moderate and high-risk areas in the north. The CVE Conflict Specialist will be responsible for overseeing technical activities that counter violent extremism in northern Benin.   

• Lead technical design of activities that strengthen governance, conflict prevention, intercommunal trust, and community reintegration in conflict affected environments. 
• Provide strong and up-to-date understanding of country and regional political environment, particularly related to local governance and stability, to inform flexible program implementation. 
• Establish and foster collaborative partnerships with government officials, private sector actors, and other relevant stakeholders and provide capacity building on CVE, stabilization and social cohesion, and related subjects.  
• Collaborate closely with Creative’s LRI program to ensure complementarity and synergies between CVE activities on both programs.  
• Contribute to the development of the learning objectives and research agenda that explores the relationship between conflict, youth employment, and violent extremism. 
• Support relevant program analyses and information diffusion.  

• Develop project written reports as required by the COP and DCOP. 
• Supervise, mentor, and manage team diverse program team to deliver impact within agreed timelines.   

• A graduate degree in a relevant technical field such as conflict mitigation, peace and security, CVE, etc. 
• Minimum 8 years’ experience working in complex development projects. 
• Technical expertise in countering violent extremism, peace and security, conflict mitigation, community engagement, youth engagement and empowerment, good governance, etc. 
• French and English required, and a local language preferred. 
• Preference for local or regional hire.