Conflict Adviser (Senior Executive Officer)  Abuja

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. We are  recruiting to fill the position below:

 Job Title: Conflict Adviser (Senior Executive Officer)

Job ID: 27607

Location: Abuja

Working hours per week: 35

Start Date: 4th January 2027 Main purpose of job

The British High Commission Abuja is recruiting a Conflict Adviser to provide high-quality conflict analysis, conflict sensitivity advice and policy support across the Security, Stability and Humanitarian Group and the wider Mission. The role will lead analysis and advice on priority conflict and security dynamics across Nigeria, with a particular focus on regions not currently covered by the UK's flagship peacebuilding and conflict prevention programme SPRING, including the North East, parts of the North West (such as Zamfara and Sokoto) and beyond. The post holder will support the Mission's peacebuilding, security and counter-terrorism portfolios, while helping ensure that conflict analysis informs policy, programmes, diplomatic engagement and senior decision-making. Working closely with colleagues across the Mission, the successful candidate will translate evidence into practical recommendations that support UK objectives in Nigeria.

Roles and responsibilities

Produce high quality conflict and security analysis products, drawing out implications and choices for UK policy, programmes and diplomatic engagement. Produce regular conflict trend updates and demand-driven cross-Mission analysis responding to policy, programme and diplomatic priorities Provide timely briefings and advisory support on conflict, peace and security issues to senior leadership, visiting UK officials and teams at key decision points. Lead joint analysis with policy, programme and thematic teams across the Mission, including governance, development, economic growth and political teams, ensuring conflict dynamics are considered alongside political, economic and governance factors in policy and programme decision-making.

Provide practical conflict sensitivity advice across the Conflict and Peacebuilding, Counter Terrorism, International Security Fund and Humanitarian portfolios, and to wider Mission and HMG teams where demand is greatest. Map demand, identify priority interventions and agree with stakeholders the conflict sensitivity offer, priorities and delivery approach. Deliver proportionate support through written advice, learning sessions, reviews of programme design and delivery, and recommendations for adaptation. Ensure conflict analysis is reflected in programme design, implementation, review, risk management and strategic planning.

Policy development, coordination and external engagement:

Develop and maintain an external engagement strategy and influence plan for agreed conflict and security policy priorities, at federal and/or state level. This will focus in particular on security sector, CT and related policy issues not covered by SPRiNG Coordinate conflict-related policy issues across BHC Abuja and lead or support agreed priority policy areas, including state police reform, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, security and justice, and stabilisation. Build effective working relationships with federal and state government, donors, multilateral organisations, civil society, researchers and implementing partners. Provide conflict advice to relevant parts of the ISF and CT portfolios, with the detailed division of labour agreed with the Senior Conflict Adviser, relevant portfolio leads and the second Conflict Adviser as portfolios evolve.

Geographic coverage: North East and wider support:

Lead conflict analytical and advisory coverage of the geographic areas not covered by the SPRiNG programme (North East, parts of the North West not covered by SPRING and as and when needed other regions including South East, South West and South South), while contributing to analysis of national and cross-border conflict dynamics, working closely with CT and other colleagues across the BHC Abuja. Maintain a credible network of state-level and national contacts and ensure subnational evidence informs Mission-wide analysis and advice.

Evidence, learning and corporate contribution:

Use conflict data, political economy analysis, programme evidence and partner reporting critically, explaining confidence levels, gaps and alternative interpretations. Capture and share relevant learning from analysis, policy engagement and programme delivery, and support adaptive management across relevant portfolios. Contribute to a collaborative and resilient team culture through constructive challenge, knowledge sharing, mentoring and wider Mission priorities. Maintain professional expertise and complete relevant Conflict Adviser cadre learning and accreditation requirements.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

Master's Degree in conflict studies, governance, political analysis, public policy, international development or a related field. Significant experience conducting conflict and political analysis in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. Experience translating conflict analysis into practical policy, programme or diplomatic recommendations and decisions Experience in peacebuilding, stabilisation, security and justice and DDR policy development and programming. In-depth knowledge of Nigeria's security and conflict dynamics; and expertise on conflict dynamics in Northern Nigeria, particularly the North East.‌ Experience providing conflict sensitivity advice to policy or programme teams. Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship-management skills. Strong judgement, prioritisation and written communication skills. Experience working with government, development partners, multilaterals or implementing partners in complex operating environments.

USD 3,670.94 (Base salary is subject to tax and other statutory deductions). Application Closing Date

21st October, 2026. How to Apply

Click Apply Now button to apply