Helen Balami

Work experience

Expert Consultant at Community Empowerment and Peacebuilding Foundation for Women and Youths (CEPFoWY),

2023 -
Freelance

Collaborated with 2 Civil Society Organizations and Implemented a Peace Building Community Project as a Social Change Initiative (SCI) in State Low Cost, Maiduguri “Promoting Dialogue as a Tool for Positive Peace” in fostering social cohesion, youth engagement and women inclusion in peace building processes.
Facilitated trainings in conflict management, conflict resolution, Mediation, Conflict Sensitivity, Dialogue, Positive Peace and ADR in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Supported a consultancy firm in conducting assessment in mapping out of Local Government Agencies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on Disengagement Disassociation Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) program in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States.
Liaised with Positive Peace and Mythos LABS- Facilitated trainings on Countering Misinformation for Content- Creators and Activists in Katsina, Zamfara and Borno States in Northern Nigeria in countering misinformation that threatens social cohesion,
Facilitated capacity building training in dialogue and positive peace to Staff of Paragon Action on Gender & Disabilities Foundation (PAGED CSO) that was youth centered.
Mainstreamed UNSCR 1325 agenda (Women, Peace and Security) into community dialogue engagement processes in Borno State Nigeria implementing a social Change Initiative (SCI) project.
Achievements;
Developed Modules and training facilitation guides on conflict management, conflict resolution, Mediation, Conflict Sensitivity, Dialogue, Positive Peace and ADR.
Mainstreamed UNSCR 1325 agenda (Women, Peace & Security) into different engagements.
Built the capacity of 40 participants (Females 16, Males 24) in conflict management, conflict resolution, Mediation, Conflict Sensitivity, Dialogue, Positive Peace and ADR in State Low Cost Maiduguri.
Trained 8 staff (Females 2, Males 4) of Paragon Action on Gender & Disabilities Foundation (PAGED CSO) in conflict management conflict resolution, Mediation, Conflict Sensitivity, Dialogue, Positive Peace and ADR using a youth centered approach.
Trained 90 Content - Creators and Activists in Katsina, Zamfara and Borno States in Northern Nigeria in countering misinformation that threatens social cohesion in-person and virtual.
Identified 7 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on Disengagement Disassociation Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) program in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States supporting a consultancy.

Helen Balami

Work experience

Centre Manager at Partnership for Justice (PJ)

June, 2022 - October, 2022
Fulltime

Identified gaps or challenges in the referral pathways and working to address these collectively with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Centre, PJ team, and other stakeholders, while assisting in maintaining a network of referral agencies, and assist with coordination meetings as required.
Provided technical and coordination to State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Sexual and Gender-based Violence response team, security agencies and other stakeholders addressing SGBV issues.
Liaise and maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders addressing Sexual and Gender-based Violence issues in the State.
Attended coordination meetings representing the organization as part of the Sexual and Gender- Based Violence Response team member.
Provided inputs to support the strategies of addressing Sexual and Gender-based Violence issues to the SGBV Response Team.
Oversee and supported the input of client/survivor data into the Data Management System (DMS), compiled and summarized weekly and monthly data, statistics related information, while ensuring the information is submitted to the relevant focal points at the State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs for reporting and analysis.
Monitored and managed budgets to ensure financial systems are in place for effective management of the Centre in line with PJ Policies and providing substantive inputs to re-alignments/revisions.
Provided guidance and oversight to all services provided to survivors and their families at the Centre. This includes helping to ensure that best practices are observed in all aspects of service delivery, which includes confidentiality, informed consent, providing relevant information, respecting survivors’ choices, and so forth, and other best practices in responding to survivors of GBV.
Monitored the quality of service provision through regular feedback from clients and their families, staff, visitors, and other stakeholders involved in the Centers.
Case manager of survivors/client of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Human Trafficking and other form of sexual assault.
Achievements
Identified gaps and challenges in the referral pathways and collectively with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Centre/ J teams, and other stakeholders to address the gaps and challenges.
I was able to liaise and maintain a working relationship with the State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and all relevant stakeholders addressing Sexual and Gender-based Violence issues in the State.
I have Case Managed over 170 cases of SGBV Survivors and liaised with the State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Response Team (SGBV), Security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in supporting the Survivors/clients.
Managed office operations, monitored and managed budgets and ensured financial systems are in place for effective management of the centre in line with Partnership for Justice’s (PJ) Policies and provided substantive inputs to re-alignments / revision.
Supported the State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs by sharing the monthly Incidence statistics generated by the Data Management System (DMS).
Support the Security Providers with all relevant documents for Legal action in supporting Survivors/clients.

Helen Balami

Work experience

Peacebuilding Specialist at Danish Refugee Council

October, 2021 - December, 2021
Fulltime

Provided technical leadership and overseeing the design and implementation of field activities and activities on United Nation’s Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) Women, Peace and Security to Ministry of Women Affairs, Women Led Organizations, Security Agencies and other Stakeholders.
Coordinated and liaise with partners and stakeholders on implementation and monitoring of UNSCR 1325 activities on Women, Peace and Security that contribute to National, State and Local action plans in building meaningful participation of women in peace building/conflict resolution in NE Nigeria.
Provided technical leadership to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) towards community engagement activities.
Undertook Field visits to monitor performance of field staff to ensure programme objectives are well captured
Monitored and managed budgets and providing substantive inputs for budget re-alignments and revisions.
Designed project modules and contents on conflict resolution and peace building that captures the context of Northeast Nigeria.
Supported specific components of CSO engagements implementing UNSCR 1325 activities part of the project are successfully implemented.
Identified capacity building gaps and provided trainings and technical guidance of Staff and Civil Society Organizations.
Lead and supported communities Conflict Analysis, Theory of Change, Conflict Sensitivity and Gender Analysis to support project implementation.
Coordinated with National and State Authorities including Local Governments, UN Agencies and, INGOs, NNGOs/CSOs, and other key stakeholders to implement AVR program activities In Nigeria.
Contributed to development of proposals and documentation of lessons learned, best practices and success stories.
Incorporated gender mainstreaming to project cycle for sustainability of the AVR intervention.
Achievements
Provided technical support to Ministry of Women Affairs, Women Lead Organization, Security Agencies and other Stakeholders implementing activities on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) Women, Peace and Security in Borno and Adamawa States.
Coordinated meetings with Ministry of Women Affairs, Women Lead Organization, Security Agencies and other Stakeholders implementing activities on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) Women, Peace and Security in Borno and Adamawa States.
Developed a training Modules and facilitation guide to support field activities on UNSCR 1325, Women, Peace and Security.
Delivered capacity building training to project staff on “Women Confidence, Self-Advocacy and Leadership” in implementing the UNSCR 1325 agenda across 32 locations in Borno and Adamawa States.
Reviewed 32 community Plans on Women Confidence Building / Leadership facilitated to align with UNSCR 1325 Pillars.
Supported the review of Adamawa State Action Plan (ASAP) on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) Women, Peace and Security by drafting the work plan and participated in recruiting the consultant and participating in workshops.
Participated in recruitment processes of peace building and other sectors within the organization.
Undertook field visits to monitor and evaluate field activities.
Supported the Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team on documentations and tracking of activities in line with project indicators.
Provided substantive inputs in budget alignments/ revisions on DUTCH project.
Liaised and collaborated with the Ministry of Women Affairs, FIDA and DRC Protection team in conducting sensitization on Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) in Borno as part of supporting the implementation of State Action Plan (SAP) United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) Women, Peace and Security
Submitted (weekly, quarterly and Annual) and Donor reports.
Mainstreamed Gender in project cycle for sustainability of peacebuilding intervention.

Helen Balami

Work experience

AVR/Peacebuilding National Manager at Danish

November, 2020 - September, 2021
Fulltime

Coordinated and liaise with other partners and stakeholders on implementation and monitoring of UNSCR 1325 activities on Women Peace and Security that contribute to National, State and Local action plans in building meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding/conflict resolution in NE Nigeria.
Developed training modules and facilitation guides based on project content on conflict resolution and peace building that captures the context of Northeast Nigeria.
Engaged Communities in building capacity of Local Security providers in Community Policing for local security measures.
Identified capacity gaps and provided capacity building trainings and technical guidance of Project Staff and Civil Society Organizations in community engagements, Conflict resolutions and Dialogue facilitation.
Monitored and managed budgets and provided substantive inputs for budget re-alignments and revisions.
Negotiated for project partnerships with stakeholders, Government, INGOs and CSOs.
Coordinated with National and State Authorities including Local Governments, UN Agencies and, INGOs, NNGOs/CSOs, and other key stakeholders on the planning and implementation of AVR program activities In Nigeria.
Implemented program activities and ensured adherence to grant work plans, financial plans and monitoring and evaluation plans.
Contributed to development of proposals and documentation of lessons learned, best practices and success stories.
Participated in monthly Budget review meetings and ensured all Peacebuilding/AVR activities status are updated and submitted.
Incorporated gender mainstreaming to project cycle for sustainability of Peacebuilding/ AVR intervention.
Provided support to recruitment processes within the organization and Peacebuilding sector.
Supported documentation to M&E and tracked records of implemented activities.
Achievements
Coordinated meetings with Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Security Providers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and other Stakeholders in promoting and implementing activities on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) activities on Women, Peace and Security in Borno and Adamawa States.
Designed training activities on conflict resolution and peace building within the North East Context.
Participated in Monthly Global meetings and In Country to share on project performance.
Participated in budget review meetings and provided substantive inputs in reviewing budget lines to capture project implementation needs.
Submitted (weekly, quarterly and Annual) and Donor reports.
Liaised and collaborated with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) in developing perception assessment tools for Peacebuilding and monitored captured data on the dashboard for AVR activities in line with project indicators to endure project performance and results were accurate.
Utilized assessment and survey reports to inform strategic decision-making and project planning.

Helen Balami

Work experience

AVR/Peacebuilding National Manager at Danish Refugee Council

November, 2020 - September, 2021
Fulltime

Coordinated and liaise with other partners and stakeholders on implementation and monitoring of UNSCR 1325 activities on Women Peace and Security that contribute to National, State and Local action plans in building meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding/conflict resolution in NE Nigeria.
Developed training modules and facilitation guides based on project content on conflict resolution and peace building that captures the context of Northeast Nigeria.
Engaged Communities in building capacity of Local Security providers in Community Policing for local security measures.
Identified capacity gaps and provided capacity building trainings and technical guidance of Project Staff and Civil Society Organizations in community engagements, Conflict resolutions and Dialogue facilitation.
Monitored and managed budgets and provided substantive inputs for budget re-alignments and revisions.
Negotiated for project partnerships with stakeholders, Government, INGOs and CSOs.
Coordinated with National and State Authorities including Local Governments, UN Agencies and, INGOs, NNGOs/CSOs, and other key stakeholders on the planning and implementation of AVR program activities In Nigeria.
Implemented program activities and ensured adherence to grant work plans, financial plans and monitoring and evaluation plans.
Contributed to development of proposals and documentation of lessons learned, best practices and success stories.
Participated in monthly Budget review meetings and ensured all Peacebuilding/AVR activities status are updated and submitted.
Incorporated gender mainstreaming to project cycle for sustainability of Peacebuilding/ AVR intervention.
Provided support to recruitment processes within the organization and Peacebuilding sector.
Supported documentation to M&E and tracked records of implemented activities.
Achievements
Coordinated meetings with Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Security Providers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and other Stakeholders in promoting and implementing activities on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) activities on Women, Peace and Security in Borno and Adamawa States.
Designed training activities on conflict resolution and peace building within the North East Context.
Participated in Monthly Global meetings and In Country to share on project performance.
Participated in budget review meetings and provided substantive inputs in reviewing budget lines to capture project implementation needs.
Submitted (weekly, quarterly and Annual) and Donor reports.
Liaised and collaborated with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) in developing perception assessment tools for Peacebuilding and monitored captured data on the dashboard for AVR activities in line with project indicators to endure project performance and results were accurate.
Utilized assessment and survey reports to inform strategic decision-making and project planning.

Helen Balami

Work experience

AVR/ Peacebuilding Training Officer at Danish Refugee Council

January, 2020 - October, 2020
Fulltime

Developed and provided trainings on self-awareness, Gender Mainstreaming, Gender roles, Women Confidence building, Self Advocacy and Resilience, stress management and resilience to project staff and community stakeholders.
Developed and designed training modules and training guides to suit local context in BAY States.
Supported the development and implementation of program implementation and work plans to capture project performance and results, including data reporting, assessments, service delivery and all monitoring and evaluation activities.
Capacity-building trainings for project staff, CSOs/CBOs, for Youths, Women, Girls, Community Leaders and Security Providers in Peacebuilding, Women and Youths on Confidence building, Leadership and Resilience and Security Providers on Community Policing Dialogue and Cooperation.
Partnered and collaborated with Community, CSOs, FBOs, Security Providers and Religious leaders across location of intervention in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States.
Identified capacity gaps and facilitated capacity building trainings and technical guidance to project Staff and Civil Society Organizations on Conflict Analysis, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Dialogue Facilitation, Women Confidence building, Community engagement processes.
Monitored and managed budgets and provided substantive inputs to budget re-alignments and revisions to suit training needs.
Supported and facilitated Explosive Ordinance Risk Education (EORE) Training sessions to primary school pupils and communities.
Contributed in the design of key messages on leaflets for good practices and behaviours with regards to Explosive objects.
Participated in coordination meeting with government, partners, other stakeholders and Livelihood and Protection partners on multi-sector project implementation.
Created awareness/ sensitization for Women participation in Peace and Security in line with UNSCR 1325 at community and State level.
Provided leadership at project coordination and management level to ensure project goal and corresponding objectives and targets are achieved.
Submitted weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly reports.
Mainstreamed protection lence into AVR activities.
Utilized the assessment and survey reports to inform strategic decision-making and project planning.
Supported the dissemination of project information among the project team, internal and external stakeholders.
Achievements
Developed 3 training modules/ materials and 7 facilitation training guides to support project field officers in field implementations.
Supported the development and implementation of Dutch project activities.
Liaised and contributed inputs to development of EORE IEC Materials.
Built the capacity of 35 project staff, 39 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs).
Trained 475 participants included Women, Youths, community leaders, Security Providers in Peace building, Confidence Building, Leadership and Resilience.
Participated in Coordination meetings and deliberated on how to incorporate peace building into other program sectors.
Liaised and collaborated with the Global Advisor for Peace building and Humanitarian Disarmament Sector in development of M& E tool to support Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) for AVR/Peacebuilding activities in line with project objectives.

Helen Balami

Work experience

Training Coordinator at Community Empowerment and Peacebuilding Foundation for Women and Youths (CEPFoWY),

May, 2019 - August, 2019
Freelance

Designed and facilitated community engagement/sensitization campaigns in collaboration with local community structure on Gender Based Violence issues at community levels.
Ensured high-quality implementation, in close collaboration with the Field based team and sector Specialists.
Supported project team to coordinate and managed project interventions, documented results and provided feedback to Project manager for guidance and decision-making.
Coordinated and facilitated trainings on GBV and Peacebuilding across communities of intervention.
Led community engagement processes, training needs and implementation.
Contributed to the success of the organization, provided substantive inputs on ways forward to impart more positively in implementation.
Submitted activity report, weekly and monthly reports.
Achievements
Facilitated community engagement processes that included Community stakeholders, Women and Youths.
Facilitated trainings on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Peace Building in Communities.
Developed training materials.
Submitted reports.

Helen Balami

Work experience

Armed Violence Reduction Training Supervisor at Danish Refugee Council

May, 2018 - April, 2019
Fulltime

Co-Facilitated training on Humanitarian Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation to International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Danish Red Cross, IFRC and ICRC in Denmark.
Implemented community engagements, community awareness, sensitization and advocacy.
Ensured that trainings implemented at community levels were properly monitored and provide timely feedback to field teams.
Coordinated and implemented trainings in Humanitarian Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation to International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs).
Supported Needs Assessment conducted on Armed Violence Reduction in Madagali LGA, Adamawa State.
Advocacy to International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs).
Prepared Power Point for presentations and Followed up on mediation sessions at different level.
Evaluated trainings conducted Monitored and Evaluated other field activities.
Facilitated trainings on Youth Leadership and Resilience.
Held Dialogue sessions with Community Leaders and facilitated Focused Group Discussions in Communities of entry.
Facilitated capacity building trainings for Project Staff and other DRC Staff.
Mapped Actors and stakeholders before conducted any activity.
Collated success stories, Reflections on activity and action points.
Provided timely and consistent weekly, monthly and annual reports;
Established a wide information network including authorities, communities, NGOs, and other possible sources of information
Assessed community needs and establish priorities in cooperation with all stakeholders at the local level in coordinating AVR activities.
Prepared weekly cash forecast for armed violence reduction department while implementing all AVR thematic.
Achievements;
Build the capacity of 39 different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) in Conflict Analysis, Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (ADR), Humanitarian Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation Trainings across Borno and Adamawa States in Northeast Nigeria.
Co-Facilitated training in Denmark for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Danish Red Cross, IFRC, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and ICRC in Humanitarian Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation.
Trained 119 participants from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) in Humanitarian Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation Trainings.
Trained 150 participants across 6 different communities in Humanitarian Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation Trainings.
Developed 3 facilitation training guide for program staff to support field implementation.
Build the capacity of 20 participants from different Security agencies in Conflict Analysis, Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (ADR), Humanitarian Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation Trainings in Borno State in Northeast Nigeria, to support them in addressing family and land disputes that are reported to them.
Supported Needs assessments in 8 communities where I facilitated Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs).
I was able to establish a good communication channel that supported information sharing between the organization, community and stakeholders.
Record data on 255 Mediation sessions that was facilitated by participants that were trained in Conflict Analysis, Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (ADR), Humanitarian Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation across Borno and Adamawa States.
Submitted Weekly and quarterly reports.

Helen Balami

Work experience

Armed Violence Reduction Facilitator at Danish Refugee Council

March, 2017 - April, 2018
Fulltime

Facilitated trainings engaged Youth in Youth Empowerment Safety Planning, Inter-Generational Dialogue and Inter- Faith Dialogue.
Organized and facilitated Conflict Management, mediation and Dialogue facilitation trainings to Youths, Community Leaders and Women.
Community Safety Planning processes and promotion of Community Policing and Dialogue Cooperation.
Capacity building training in Humanitarian Mediation to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs).
Supported Small and Medium Enterprise training (SME) for youths.
Community entry process and actor mapping of stakeholders before carrying out any activity.
Collated success stories, Reflections on activity and action points.
Monographs on Communities of Liaison.
Joint sector activities (Protection; distribution of dignity kits to IDPs, Livelihood; Small and Medium Enterprise training (SME), Mine Risk Education; Risk Education Trainings for primary school pupils, WASH sector; site inspection on constructed boreholes, T-Shelter, E-Shelter and Latrine supervisions.
Established a wide information network including authorities, communities, NGOs, and other possible sources of information
Assessed community needs and establish priorities in cooperation with all stakeholders at the local level in coordinating AVR activities.
Followed up on YES Plans (Youth Empowerment and Safety Plans) for implementation.
Achievements
Facilitated the development of 5 Young Empowered and Safe Plans.
Facilitated 3 Community Safety Plans (CSP) and 3 Community Policing and Dialogue Cooperation agreements to support dialogue processes between community and Police.
Served as a community Liaison focal point for 6 communities in Mubi during project implementation and community engagements.
Supported joint sector activities; Protection in distributing dignity kits to Pregnant and lactating mothers at IDP camps, Livelihoods in facilitating Small and Medium Enterprise training for Youths in 3 different communities, Mine Risk Education (MRE) supported in facilitating Risk Education to Pupils and Students in Schools and WASH supported site visits for monitoring of constructed boreholes, latrines, T- shelter (Transitional).

Helen Balami

Work experience

Data Entry Clerk at World Health Organization (WHO)

October, 2016 - January, 2017
Parttime

Collected data on polio immunization administered through the use of kobo and questionnaire.
Submitted Report.
Accounted for financial expenditures for Local Quality Assessments.
Identified Children that have not been immunized/ or yet to be administered immunization.
Achievements
I was able to accomplish assigned tasks in Local Government Areas (LGA) where I conducted collection of data on polio immunization and submitted report.
Identified 4 children that were not administered polio immunization during the exercise and was able to call for administration of the polio vaccine to the identified children in Lamurde LGA, Adamawa State.

Helen Balami

Work experience

Program Officer at Civic Advancement for Rural Empowerment Initiative (CARE)

June, 2016 - February, 2017
Parttime

Coordinated activities as requested by the Program Manager.
Engaged in sensitization of youths to promote volunteerism of Youth towards political, economic and development process.
Contributed to the success of the organization with inputs on ways forward base on the findings from the field.
Achievements;
I was able to accomplished assigned tasks and responsibilities during the period I worked with the organization.
Submitted reports.