Career Position for Conflict Adviser (Senior Executive Officer – SEO)
Job Opportunity: Conflict Adviser (Senior Executive Officer – SEO)
Organization: British High Commission Abuja
Location: Abuja, Nigeria (with periodic national travel)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: USD $3,670.94 monthly (Subject to standard tax and statutory deductions)
Vacancy Reference: 27607
Start Date: 4 January 2027
Application Deadline: 21 October 2026 at 11:55 PM WAT
About the Role
The British High Commission Abuja is seeking a highly qualified Conflict Adviser (SEO) to provide expert conflict analysis, conflict sensitivity advice, and strategic policy support across the Security, Stability, and Humanitarian Group and the wider Mission.
This key role supports peacebuilding, security, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian portfolios. The post-holder will deliver robust analysis on priority conflict and security dynamics across Nigeria—with a specialized focus on areas outside the UK’s SPRING peacebuilding programme, including the North East and key North West states (such as Zamfara and Sokoto)—ensuring evidence-based conflict insights directly inform diplomatic strategy, senior decision-making, and programme design.
Key Responsibilities
Analytical & Policy Advisory
Produce high-quality conflict, political economy, and security analysis, translating complex data into actionable recommendations for policy, diplomacy, and programming.
Deliver regular conflict trend updates and rapid, demand-driven analysis to address Mission priorities.
Provide briefings and strategic advisory support to High Commission senior leadership, visiting UK officials, and cross-cutting thematic teams (Governance, Development, Economic Growth).
Coordinate conflict-related policy agendas across the Mission, covering state police reform, Stabilization, Security & Justice, and Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR).
Programme & Conflict Sensitivity Support
Serve as the conflict sensitivity adviser across conflict, peacebuilding, counter-terrorism, humanitarian, and International Security Fund portfolios.
Review programme design, implementation, risk management, and delivery, recommending adaptive management strategies based on ground realities.
Capture key lessons from analytical research and partner reporting to strengthen Mission-wide knowledge sharing and adaptive management.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
Lead analytical coverage across Northern Nigeria (focusing on the North East and North West) while maintaining flexible advisory capacity across the broader country.
Build and sustain strong networks across federal and state governments, civil society, academic institutions, multilateral organizations, and international donors.
Formulate and execute strategic external engagement and influencing plans for priority conflict policy objectives.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education: Master’s degree in Conflict Studies, Governance, Political Analysis, Public Policy, International Development, or a related discipline.
Analytical Expertise: Proven track record conducting in-depth conflict and political economy analysis in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
Domain Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s national security dynamics, with deep expertise in Northern Nigeria (particularly the North East).
Policy & Programming: Demonstrated experience in peacebuilding, stabilization, DDR, security and justice policy development, and delivering conflict-sensitivity advice to operational teams.
Stakeholder Management: Exceptional networking, diplomatic, influencing, and written communication skills with experience engaging governments, donors, and civil society in complex environments.
Core Behaviours
Candidates will be assessed against the following Civil Service Behaviours:
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Seeing the Big Picture
Working Together
Working Environment & Learning
Location & Travel: Based in Abuja with required travel within Nigeria, including pre-approved visits to higher-risk operating environments. Fast-moving events may occasionally require work outside standard hours.
Flexible Working: Subject to business needs, security requirements, and line manager approval, flexible working arrangements may be available.
Professional Development: The post-holder will join the global Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Conflict Adviser Cadre, gaining access to professional networks, technical accreditation, and specialized West Africa learning opportunities.
Important Application Information
Eligibility: Applicants must have legal authorization to reside and work in Nigeria (with appropriate visa/work permit status where applicable). Successful candidates will undergo security clearance and background checks.
Anti-Fraud Notice: The British High Commission will never request fees or payments at any stage of the recruitment process.
Integrity & AI Policy: Applications must reflect the candidate’s authentic personal narrative and professional achievements. While AI tools may be used for basic proofreading, core responses must be original. Plagiarism or inauthentic submissions will lead to immediate disqualification.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the official FCDO recruitment portal prior to the closing deadline.
👉 Apply via the Official FCDO Recruitment Portal — Vacancy 27607
Application Deadline: 21 October 2026 at 11:55 PM WAT
