Location: Abuja with field visits to selected DDR implementation states

Duration: Up to 3 months with possibility for extension

Contract Type: Consultancy

Reports to: National Team Lead

Background

In the context of Nigeria’s complex security landscape, many individuals—particularly ex-combatants, affected communities, and survivors of violence—are coping with significant trauma and psychosocial distress. As part of the national DDR harmonisation process, it is critical to ensure that trauma healing and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions are systematically integrated into DDR design and implementation.

This position will provide technical expertise on trauma-informed programming, develop models of community-based healing and resilience, and help build systems that support reintegration, reconciliation, and social cohesion through effective psychosocial support strategies.

Purpose of the Assignment

To provide technical expertise and support to the national DDR programme by designing, advising, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-sensitive, and culturally appropriate psychosocial support and healing interventions for returnees, victims, and communities affected by violence.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Advisory and Strategy Development


Support the development of the MHPSS strategy for the DDR programme, aligning with international standards (e.g. IASC MHPSS Guidelines, UN DDR framework).
Provide technical guidance on integrating psychosocial and trauma healing components into DDR legal, policy, and programmatic instruments.
Design context-relevant trauma support models tailored to ex-combatants, survivors, women, youth, and communities.


Programme Design and Oversight


Support the development of individual and group-based trauma healing activities (e.g., therapy, support groups, storytelling, cultural practices).
Advise on the setup of community safe spaces and healing centres within reintegration sites.
Work with field teams and local partners to adapt psychosocial tools and approaches for local use.


Capacity Building and Supervision


Build the capacity of project staff, government actors, CSOs, and frontline practitioners to deliver psychosocial services and referrals.
Develop and conduct training on trauma-informed care, psychological first aid, and conflict-sensitive counselling practices.
Supervise psychosocial field teams and provide quality assurance for all healing-related interventions.


Monitoring, Learning, and Knowledge Generation


Establish MHPSS monitoring and reporting frameworks aligned with the DDR MEL strategy.
Document lessons learned, promising practices, and gaps in trauma healing work.
Contribute to research, assessments (e.g., trauma profiling), and policy advocacy informed by psychosocial evidence.


Key Outputs and Deliverables




Deliverable
Description




MHPSS Strategy Document
Comprehensive plan guiding psychosocial integration into DDR


Healing Model Frameworks
Culturally grounded, scalable trauma healing interventions


Training Manuals
Tools and guides for frontline staff and community facilitators


Safe Space Guidance Note
Minimum standards for establishing community healing spaces


Advisory Briefs
Technical memos on emerging issues (e.g., suicide risk, vicarious trauma)


Session Reports
Documentation of training, dialogue, and healing workshops


Learning Paper
Short synthesis report on lessons and recommendations for MHPSS in DDR




Qualifications and Experience

Education


Advanced degree in Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Psychiatry, Mental Health, or related discipline.
Certification in trauma healing, psychosocial counselling, or conflict resolution is a strong asset.


Experience


Minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and delivering trauma healing or MHPSS services in conflict or post-conflict settings.
Experience working with ex-combatants, survivors of violence (including SGBV), and conflict-affected communities.
Previous work with DDR, reintegration, transitional justice, or peacebuilding programmes.


Skills and Competencies


In-depth knowledge of trauma theory, conflict-related stress, and community-based healing approaches.
Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Proven ability to deliver high-quality trainings and build institutional capacity.
Experience with conflict-sensitive programming and Do No Harm principles.
Fluency in English required; knowledge of Hausa or other local languages is highly desirable.