Thursday, 16 November 2017

SECURITY THREAT ASSESSMENT FOR ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION, 18TH NOVEMBER 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
                          
The cycle and integrity of elections are critical to the democratic process that any perceived or real threat to elections is often interpreted as a threat to the sustenance of democracy. Since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999, elections had been characterised by security and administration challenges, resulting in discredited outcomes and associated cases of off-cycle elections. The November 18, 2017 governorship election in Anambra state is the latest in the list of off-cycle elections in Nigeria. The elections will take place in a largely tensed atmosphere, shaped by the resurgence of Biafra separatist agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), large number of political contestants, huge deployment of state security forces, influence of godfather politics, prevalence of cultism, and proliferation of arms, among other factors.
It is against this backdrop that CLEEN Foundation embarked on an assessment of elections security threat to the November 2017 governorship election in Anambra State. The study examined the real and potential election security threats in the state, focusing on each of the three senatorial districts. It adopted a mixed-methodology, involving both qualitative and quantitative research methods, to generate vital information on the nature and extent of threats to the November 18 elections.
The report identified some critical actors whose conduct could undermine the peaceful conduct of elections in the state. These include IPOB agitators, party thugs, political parties, armed groups (Cultists), INEC officials, security agents, judiciary, media, traditional institutions, vigilante groups, and CSOs. The way and manner these actors behave before, during and after the elections could constitute election security threats. The findings of the quantitative survey revealed that the activities of IPOB agitators constitute the greatest elections security threats (70%). The study showed that the group has the capacity to threaten the election through subtle intimidation of voters, propaganda operations using especially social media, and confrontation with security agents and electoral officials where there is weak or non-existent security presence. Besides the IPOB, other actors whose actions, inactions or misconduct could pose significant threat to the forthcoming elections are party thugs and political parties (67%), armed groups (61%), INEC (56%), and security agents (55%). The potentials of the conduct of the judiciary and media to contribute to the outbreak of electoral violence were ranked below 50%. However, there is widespread concern of possible misuse of social media by IPOB agitators, political contestants and some aggrieved individuals to instigate violence. 
The study further identified some communities or locations that are possible flashpoints of electoral violence and security breaches (see Map below). Factors such as the potency of IPOB's threat, politics of Godfatherism, allegations of gubernatorial candidates' connections to cult groups, undue exploitation of power of incumbency, and desperation of opposition parties to capture the state constitute main sources of election security threats. The threat level is shaped by factors such as high population density (especially youths), huge presence of IPOB members, stronghold of the major political heavy weights or contestants, and history of electoral violence. Locations considered to be chiefly at risk are Atani, Ekwulobia, Fegge, Niger/Head Bridge (Onitsha), Nkpor, Obosi, Okija, Okpoko, Ozubulu, Ubuluisiuzo and Uli. Places such as Abagana, Aguleri, Agulu, Amansea, Anaocha, Aroma, Ifete, Nkwele Ezunanka, Nnewi-Ichi, Nsugbe, Ogbunike Ajalli, Ogidi, Okpuno, Orafite, Osumenyi, Ukpo and Umunze are equally potential flashpoints of violence.









The study envisaged low  voter turnout in the forthcoming governorship election. Several factors could account for it. First, is the traditional apathetic disposition of most residents of the state. Second, is the threat by IPOB for election boycott, with promise of death for those who vote in the election. Third, and as a corollary to the above, is the possibility of further militarisation of the state in view of the potency of the IPOB threat. There is also widespread concern of possible post-election violence in the event that APGA loses the election to APC.



RECOMMENDATIONS
In light of the major findings as well as those common to each senatorial district, the study proffered the following recommendations for the key stakeholders.
Federal Government:
a.       Desist from deploying the military into streets during the elections in order to avoid heightened militarisation of the state that could exacerbate voter apathy.
b.      Develop a robust strategy for rapid deployment of the military to flashpoints of violence, to be activated only when and where there is serious security breaches that overwhelm the capacity of the police.
c.       Task the Ministry of Information to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency,  INEC and DSS to create a formidable influence operation team (IOT) that could proactively counter IPOB's propaganda, or hate speeches by desperate politicians and faceless individuals during the election period.
Anambra State Government:
a.       Leverage Anambra Broadcasting Service to heighten the synergy between the media and security agencies in the state to address people's concerns about securitisation and militarisation of the state.
b.      Encourage religious leaders, Town Union executives and community leaders to mobilise their people to vote in peaceful manner and assist in disseminating credible electoral information at the grassroots.
c.       Sustain public enlightenment programmes through town hall meetings, radio, television and social media on the dangers of youth involvement in cultism and consumption of hard-drugs to mitigate their consequences for the elections.

For Security Agencies:
a.       Implement robust and 'right-sized' deployment of security agents and intelligence operatives across the 21 LGAs to ensure efficient security provisioning before, during and after the election. This will ensure that the right size of security forces are deployed for the right mission.
b.      Establish a Special Inter-Agency Monitoring Team that will commence and sustain active patrolling of the roads in the state to appropriately deal with corrupt and overzealous security agents who are taking advantage of the huge force deployment to engage in the molestation, maltreatment and extortion of people.
c.       Properly publicise non-classified aspects of security arrangements for the election to boost the confidence of the people to come out and vote. In partnership with the political parties, media and CSOs, they can agree that carrying a Voters Card will be the only acceptable means of identification for moving about during the voting hours. Exception would be made for those on essential duties.
d.      Establish a special committee with representatives of political parties, CSOs and traditional leaders to conduct transparent demobilisation of vigilante groups and other informal policing outfits. Involving other diverse stakeholders will give credibility to the exercise and boost the confidence of opposition parties that are doubtful of past exercises.
e.       Leverage the findings of this study and others that have provided evidence-based insights on potentials security flashpoints to evolve or fine-tune security incident response plan for the elections.
f.       Maintain professional conduct in the discharge of their responsibility, especially when conducting stop-and-search operations, handling of suspects, management of crowd and dispersals of illegal gathering during the election.
g.      Sustain active and visible patrolling of all vulnerable streets and spots while the election is on, especially in areas with large students and youth population.
h.      Create toll-free lines for timely reporting and response to incidents that could undermine peace and security before, during and shortly after elections.
For INEC:
a.       Ensure early distribution of non-sensitive materials to all LGA headquarters, and make adequate preparation to deliver all other materials promptly on the election day for  timely commencement of voting.
b.      Emplace a special social media team (SSMT) that would constantly scan the social media horizon to counter false allegations or rumours that could undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process. The team would equally serve as a platform for entertaining complaints from the public as well as giving real-time update on the progress of the elections.
c.       Provide and appropriately communicate to all stakeholders its platform for ensuring transparent counting, collation and announcement of results. 
d.      Ensure that the posting of electoral officials is done a night to the election. This will ensure politicians do not get to know which electoral officer would work in any polling unit.
e.       Capture the biometrics of all ad hoc staff during training and their identity confirmed on the day of election to ensure that only trained ad hoc staff work on the day of election.
For Political Parties:
a.  Develop and sign Peace Commitment Charter (PCC). Through the Charter, the parties and their candidates would sign to abide by the provisions of the electoral law, desist from using political thugs, and shun hate and provocative speeches that could trigger electoral violence.
b.  Adequately train their party agents to understand their rights and responsibilities in order to avoid acts that could compromise INEC officials or the electoral process.
For CSOs and Media:

a.       Partner with the INEC and political parties to continuously and properly educate the  people as well as counter misinformation, falsehood and incitation that are capable of dissuading people from voting or triggering violence.
b.      Deepen collaboration with INEC and security agencies in area of security information sharing and voter education.
c.       Continue to monitor and provide impartial report on the entire electoral process to help protect the integrity of the elections.
d.      Conduct security awareness and sensitisation programme to encourage healthy relation between the people and state security forces.
e.       The media should report only verified information obtained from trusted sources and promote peace messaging.

For Voters:
a.       Should have the confidence to cast their votes and report observed electoral irregularities to appropriate quarters.
b.      Seek for updates and information on election matters through the right channels like the INEC information desk rather than depend on social media.

c.       Abstain from spreading unverified electoral information via social media.





Wednesday, 15 November 2017

VACANCY: SENIOR PROGRAMME OFFICER-COMMUNICATION AND CAMPAIGN

The position requires both technical and creative skills, an eye for detail and motivation to look for innovative solutions in organisational image making and visibility through the full employment of Information communication technology (ICT). Will report to the Executive Director.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Communication
·        Digital content management for CLEEN Foundation and her partners.
·        Writing and editing of articles and other related publications.
·        Monitor data and create content for all communication tools (website, social media, Basecamp, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative).
·        Implement and coordinate communication tools, platforms and visual identity (design).
·        Produce digital communications material; prepare and design layouts for policy and promotional material; work with external developers as needed.
·        Support CLEEN Projects dissemination activities.
·        Ensure effective reportage of every CLEEN activities.
·        Lead in the production of policy briefs and annual reports of CLEEN.
·        Provide leadership in knowledge management and sharing of the organisation.
·        Maintain strategic relationships and communication with media partners.

Campaigns and Fund Raising
·        Coordinate outreach campaigns of CLEEN Foundation.
·        Liaising with strategic partners in the sector for outreach campaigns.
·        Liaising with public and private organisations engaged in the delivery of campaign solutions.
·        Lead in building a membership based for CLEEN Foundation.
·        Work with Senior Management of CLEEN to support members’ connectivity and exchange of knowledge.
·        Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the organisation’s fund raising strategy.

Events management and other tasks
·        Conceptualise events with CLEEN Officers and partners.
·        Coordinate CLEEN events with the administrative staff.
·        Lead as Master of Ceremony in all CLEEN events.
·        Provide Executive Assistance to the Executive Director.
·        Undertake tasks as may be assigned by the Executive Director or his designate.

PROFILE QUALIFICATIONS
·        A Masters degree in at least one but preferably several of the following areas: communications, journalism, ICT(Social Media Specialist), international relations and diplomacy.
·        Have at least 5 years working experiences in related jobs.
·        An excellent command of the English language (spoken and written); Additional knowledge of French language is highly desirable.
·        Excellent editing skills, designing skills: layout, page-setting and video editing software skills.

COMPETENCES
·        Strong organisational skills and flexibility.
·        Excellent interpersonal skills within a multinational and cultural context.
·        Being action-oriented, self-motivated, responsible, creative and willing to take initiative.
·        Having an eye for detail and knowing to keep to deadlines (even under pressure).
·        Creative and strategic thinking.
·        Knowledge of donor relationship management.
·        Experience of working in/or with civil society, membership based organisations and general non-profit sector (volunteering included).
·        Ability to translate complex political/policy issues into appropriate messages and understandable language.


HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your 1 - 2 page cover letter and CV by email at searchcommittee@cleen.org with email subject Application for Senior Programme Officer - Communication and Campaign.

We encourage interested candidates to attach their portfolio in the application or hyperlink their CV.

For the cover letter please specify:
1. What expertise and skills you will be bringing to the organisation.
2. Give a few examples of your main achievements.
3. Your understanding of working with networks and coalitions.
4. Your experience in promoting public safety and security through communication.
5. Your team building experience.

Closing date:
24 NOVEMBER 2017.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Aimed start date:

15 JANUARY 2018

Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Voter Apathy and Possible Pockets of Violence – Key Public Safety and Security Issues during the Anambra Governorship Election on Saturday 18th November 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
                          
As the November 18, 2017 Anambra gubernatorial election draws closer, the relevance of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) cannot be overemphasized. The group is strategically relevant because of its threat to ensure large scale election boycott and the security implications arising from such threats and government’s response mechanism. Accordingly, this study found that the November 18, 2017 governorship election will likely experience low voter turnout neither as result of history of voter apathy in the state, nor because the people are afraid of IPOB, but because the people are afraid of the conduct of the security agencies especially the police and the military. However, stakeholders during the validation of the research report contend that IPOB threat level has significantly gone down especially after the operation python dance II and government proscription of the group and its activities. In as much as the IPOB open activities has dwindled, the group’s underground  activities could still lead to voters’ apathy whilst at the same time create an opportunity for political parties to further intensify mobilization of the people that could lead to massive voters turn-out.

For the security flash points, the study observed that there will likely be election day violence and post-election violence in some locations such as IPOB strongholds – Ekwulobia, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ihiala, Ozubulu, Ubuluisiuzo, Okija,  Ekwusigo, Nkpor, Obosi, Ogidi, Awka and Agulu. The Election Day violence will likely result from clash between IPOB members and security agencies if non-coercive security approach is not deployed. It is possible that post-election violence could crystallize if APGA loses the election to APC.

Finally, beyond the IPOB ‘no election campaign’, there are other security threats like the possible use of vigilantes and informal police groups by the politicians for violent activities is also not ruled out. The study further note that if INEC fails to fully use the digital card reader for the voting process it may trigger post-election violence arising from lack of trust in the voting process. While the expectation that government at the national level would deploy national security apparatus to support a particular candidate is also worrisome. This has created a general sense that ‘the fear of federal government militarizing the state is more than the fear of IPOB’ – this is however a major factor that could engender voters’ apathy during the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in Anambra.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Federal Government
The federal Government must employ dialogue above raw force in engaging dissension. As a result, there is need to provide alternative narratives (peace messages) by government institutions like National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ministry of Information, etc, to counter ‘no election’ campaign by IPOB.

Election Management Body
INEC must conduct itself as an independent umpire by ensuring that the card reader machines work properly during the election. Any suspect of bias or foul play on the part of INEC, could trigger revolt from the people. Election materials must also arrive timely and other voting processes commenced as at when due. After voting activities like counting, collation and announcement of results must be done in transparent manner that will not endanger peaceful conduct of the election.


Anambra State government:
The incumbent government must demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship and be willing to accept the election results regardless of the outcome rather than allowing its supporters go violent when results are being released.

Security Agencies:
The security agencies must conduct themselves in professional manner all through the election circle. In the event of peaceful demonstration, the security agents must recognise the right of people to peaceful demonstration while well trained anti-riot security agents should be used to disperse rioters in the event of violence.

The police should intensify its effort in ensuring security of lives and property during this period particularly, there should be periodic security assessment meeting with owners of hotels. This is because illicit and clandestine activities of suspected parties’ thugs happen there.

Political Parties and Candidates:
Political parties should carry out their political campaigns and rallies within the ambit of the laws. Party agents must be well trained to understand proper conducts on Election Day so as to avoid undue interference with INEC officials. The social contract and peace accord that will be agreed and signed by candidates should be strictly adhered to, and supporters of the candidates must be educated on the need and import of such social contract and peace accord. Accredited political parties agents must be available at the appropriate time and venue to inspect sensitive electoral materials to avoid any suspicion that could lead to violence.



Town Unions:
Town unions mobilize their communities to participate peacefully in the election. President Generals must remain non-partisan and cooperate with INEC and security agents by ensuring that violence do not erupt in their various communities.

Security Agencies
IPOB members do not have voters card and if the security agents on Election Day patrol could adopt ‘operation show your voters card’ in a non-coercion manner, this will go a long way to eliminate infiltration and possible miscreants. There should a securitization of polling booths through motorization, air and through data. There should be central call-in and toll-free lines that will receive calls if there is violence anywhere. This central base should be made effective and should also control the field security agents and send them to areas that have security problem.

Civil Society Organisations
There is need for increased citizens’ engagement by the civil society to dissuade the erroneous impression that has been created in the mind of the people about security agents especially the military. This sensitization should be done through traditional, religious and the institutions of President Generals of different town unions in the state. There is need to teach the public what they should know about election security agents and their conducts and other security issues

ABOUT CLEEN FOUNDATION

The CLEEN Foundation (formerly known as Centre for Law Enforcement and Education) is  a non-governmental organization established in January 1998 with the mission of promoting public safety, security and accessible justice through the strategies of empirical research, legislative advocacy, demonstration programmes and publications, in partnership with government, civil society and the private sector. CLEEN Foundation has Observer Status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights based in Banjul, The Gambia. 

Monday, 6 November 2017

Experienced and Qualified Consultant to Develop and Design Court Monitoring Instrument on the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in Nigeria

Date of EOI:                             6th November, 2017
Closing Date of the EOI:     17th November, 2017
Email EOI to:                     cleen@cleen.org


1. Purpose of Expression of Interest(EOI)

CLEEN Foundation seeks an Expression of Interest (EOI) from qualified individuals or Law Firms working in the area of administration of criminal justice in Nigeria to design and develop a Court Monitoring Instrument on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015) to be deployed for monitoring corruption related cases and proceedings within the framework of compliance by the courts for selected states (Lagos, FCT, Anambra, Enugu, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Kaduna) in Nigeria. 

2. Background
The passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in 2015 generated keen interest within the criminal justice sector and the general public with its innovative provisions aimed at sanitizing the criminal justice sector. Since its passage, replication across states has been slow. Similarly, information on court proceedings and court rulings relating to corruption cases is not readily available in the public space. This is coupled with the fact that government actors are yet to embrace the culture of online record keeping. The opportunity presented by this project is that proactive disclosure of information pertaining to court proceedings on corruption will be tracked, documented and disseminated for the use of relevant stakeholders. The project is also aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and impartiality of the Judiciary and other stakeholders in processing corruption cases with respect to the administration of criminal justice system in Nigeria.

The CLEEN Foundation is implementing a project aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the criminal justice sector. As part of the project activities, the Foundation seeks to deploy a court monitoring tool for selected state data collectors to monitor corruption related proceedings within the framework of compliance in line with provisions of the 2015 Administration of Criminal Justice Act.  The data collected will be used to enhance advocacy to key actors within the criminal justice sector, create awareness for knowledge generation for the general public. Experiences and analysis from the data and the tool on court compliance with the ACJ Act 2015 will also form key discussions at state level meetings with relevant stakeholders and data collectors.

It is against this background that a competent and qualified Consultant will be needed to design and develop a court monitoring tool which will be deployed by a select team of data collectors for the purpose of monitoring compliance at the courts on cases of corruption in line with ACJ Act 2015. Also, our project is anchored on the use of a web-based platform that is functional, accessible and makes contents easily available to the public on corruption related cases and proceedings through tracking trends and progress made in the implementation of ACJA in Nigeria. 

3. Objective of the Consultancy
To design and develop a Court Monitoring Instrument on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015) to be deployed for monitoring corruption related court proceedings and compliance by the courts for selected states (Lagos, FCT, Anambra, Enugu, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Kaduna) in Nigeria.

4. Scope of Work
The Consultant will be responsible for the following:
• Develop and Design Court Monitoring Instrument on observing the compliance and operationalization of the ACJ Act in courts across selected states in Nigeria.

• Attend and present the tool at a validation meeting with relevant stakeholders and data collectors who will deploy the tool for monitor court proceedings in relations to the provisions of the ACJ Act 2015

• Finalise the tool based on feedback from the validation meeting and submit to CLEEN Foundation

5. Requirements 
All interested individuals and law firms must submit the following:

1. A Cover Letter with evidence of relevant past work experience (s) in the area of criminal justice administration;
2. 2 Referees conversant with the work of the organization/ Individual.

6. Submission of Expression of Interest(EOI)
 All submissions should be sent to cleen@cleen.org no later than close of business on Friday, 17th  November, 2017. If you have any additional questions about this

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI), please email ruth.okugbeni@cleen.org or ademola.adewuyi@cleen.org

Follow us on: twitter - @cleenfoundation and facebook – cleenfoundation

Saturday, 28 October 2017

Stakeholders Call for Innovative Approaches in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria

CLEEN Foundation organized a 2 day training workshop for Civil Society Organizations and Media practitioners on the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) Act, 2015 on 18th and 19th October 2017. The workshop sought to sensitize the participants on the provisions of the Act and work with them to develop strategies to increase advocacy for the full implementation of the Act and monitor the relevant agencies compliance with the roles as provided under the Act.

Fifty (50) participants drawn from civil society organizations across the six geo-political zones, media and Observatory on Criminal Justice Administration in Nigeria over the two days of the training, were informed about the key provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) Act, 2015 and its application,  strategies for monitoring, advocacy and engagement with stakeholders on ACJA 2015, Data and Information Gathering and Collection using the ACJ Indicator System and Strategies for Effective Communication and Reporting on ACJA 2015.  Summary of findings from a first round of public perception survey on Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria conducted by CLEEN Foundation was also presented to participants.

At the end of the training, the following observations and recommendations were made:

Observations:
1. The Act provides for the promotion and protection of human rights of suspects/victims as enshrined in the Nigeria Constitution;
2. The sustainability of criminal justice reforms is hinged on the integrity and leadership of the key criminal justice institutions to make them work;
3. State administration of criminal laws are most important as 90% of criminal cases are prosecuted at the state level hence the need for states to adopt and domesticate the provision of ACJA 2015;
4. The current trend in states that have adopted the ACJA show that states are making fundamental variations to key provisions particularly in the area of Remand proceedings which is contravening the intent and purpose of the ACJA 2015;

5. The level of awareness about the ACJA amongst the relevant criminal justice actors and general public is very low which is also affecting the successful compliance and implementation of the Act;
6. The deplorable state and lack of infrastructure, logistics and knowledge gap in the criminal justice institutions are contributing factors to the slow implementation amongst the relevant agencies.
7. The media and civil society groups are key to driving advocacy for the ACJA to work
8. There still exist gaps in the ACJA such as in the area of payment of compensation for victims; payment of witness expenses etc which also impact on the law's successful implementation and areas that CSOs and media should also beam the search light on.

Recommendations:
1. Public sensitization and awareness creation on the key and innovative provisions of the ACJA 2015 for the personnel of the criminal justice agencies and general public is fundamental for the successful implementation of the Act;
2.  Monitoring state domestication of the ACJA is crucial to ensure that the object and intent of the law is not lost;
3. Need for CSOs and Media practitioners to be fully abreast with the provisions of the law to be able to strategically engage the different criminal justice institutions on their roles as provided in the Act;
4. The need for training and retraining of police personnel on the expectations of the Act as they are the gate keepers and entry point into the criminal justice system and other actors rely on them for prosecution of criminal cases;
5. The need to form synergy between the civil society organizations and the media to bring about the desired results.
6. Finally, participants agreed to use the lessons learnt to interface with relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice system (including the Observatory on Criminal Justice Administration in Nigeria), popularize the ACJ Act among their stakeholders, and monitor its implementation while also advocating for adoption of the Act in states where it is yet to be passed.

The 2-day training workshop and other activities under CLEEN Foundation Project on 'Monitoring the Criminal Justice Administration Reform Process in Nigeria’ is supported by MacArthur Foundation.


Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Call for Expression of Interest: Baseline Study in Kafanchan, Kaduna State

The CLEEN Foundation (formerly known as Centre for Law Enforcement Education) is a non-governmental organization established in January 1998 with the mission of promoting public safety, security, and accessible justice through empirical research, legislative advocacy, demonstration programs and publications, in partnership with government and civil society.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified researchers for the position below:

Job Title: Consultant – Baseline Study and Stakeholders’ Analysis on Strengthening Community Resilience through Peace Building
Location: Kafanchan, Kaduna State
Type of Contract: Short-term ( 2 weeks)

 Background

Youth restiveness and violence has become a recurring decimal in Northern Nigeria. For instance, it has taken the form of terrorist attacks and has become one of the critical problems facing the nation.  Some rural communities and schools are fast becoming the breeding grounds for youth radicalization and have the unenviable reputation of being seen as a ‘wasteland’ for the poorest of the poor, ravaged by violent crimes, unruly juveniles who frequently drop out of schools, poverty and unemployment. Kaduna State has been embroiled in perennial conflicts between herdsmen and community members that have led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of Naira. Despite several efforts by the state security actors, the conflict has continued to reoccur from one reprisal attack to the other. In recent attacks in Southern Kaduna communities; investigative media reports have established that the youth are found culpable in the wake of the incidence which led to the loss of lives; burning of houses; displacement of people and destruction of farmlands.
While government's response has been the deployment of security agencies to troubled spots in the state, there is the immediate need for complimentary strategies which entail trust building for better understanding, cohesion and tolerance among warring community members (particularly the youths) hence, the focus of this project.

 Broad Project Objective

This project seeks to foster peace in the conflict-ridden communities in Southern Kaduna in Kaduna State towards building resilient and peaceful communities. This will be achieved through identification of key stakeholders and influencers within the communities that will participate and drive the trust, social cohesion and confidence building activities of our interventions. The project will leverage on existing community structures to identify vulnerable youths who are susceptible to violence and others who can serve as peace advocates in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

Scope of Work
The successful Consultant will facilitate a concise mapping exercise through Focused Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) to gain an in-depth understanding of the institutional landscape as well as identify existing resilience structures in the focal community. The output of the mapping study will aid the interventions of CLEEN Foundation regarding the identification of project beneficiaries and prioritization of identified concerns relating to youth vulnerability to violence and their potential involvement in peace building in the focal community.


Specific Objective of the Consultancy
To conduct a baseline study and stakeholders’ analysis on strengthening community resilience through peacebuilding in Kafancha, Kaduna state

Key Responsibilities
  • ·         Coordinate a baseline assessment working with CLEEN Foundation staff and partners through the utilization of data collection tools
  • ·         Undertake a literature review utilizing publicly available information and documentation
  • ·         Oversee data collation and entry, and to undertake data analysis
  • ·         Compile and submit a Baseline Assessment Report to CLEEN Foundation

Lines of Reporting/Position in team
·         The Consultant will work closely with the Research and Strategy Department of CLEEN Foundation

Competencies and Required Skills
  • ·         The consultant must be available in Kafanchan, Kaduna State to carry out the study. The deadline for the report will be 20th November, 2017
  • ·         Demonstrable experience of producing high-quality, credible social science research
  • ·         Excellent spoken and written English
  • ·         Knowledge of research, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative research methods.
  • ·         Knowledge of conflict, violence, trends and track records of community engagement issues (desirable)
  • ·         Excellent computer skills
  • ·         Familiarity with the geography of the research location

Application Closing Date
31st October, 2017

How to Apply
Interested and qualified individuals should submit their proposals, with the experience and skills described above to: 
cleen@cleen.org which must include the following:
  • ·         A Cover Letter introducing the researcher and how the skills and competencies described above are met, with concrete examples.
  • ·         A 1-page outline of the proposed assessment process and methodology.
  • ·         An overview of consultant’s academic qualifications/CVs with relevant experience (maximum of 3 pages) including two referees conversant with their work.
  • ·         A sample of a previous assessment or research report(s)


Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and successful applicant will be notified on 5th November, 2017

Monday, 9 October 2017

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) Experienced and Qualified Data Collectors on Digitizing Courts Proceedings in Ekiti and Ondo states

Date of EOI: 9th October, 2017
Closing Date of the EOI:     31st October, 2017
Email EOI to: cleen@cleen.org


1. Purpose of Expression of Interest(EOI)

CLEEN Foundation seeks Expression of Interest (EOI) from qualified Civil Society Organizations and Law Firms working in the area of administration of criminal justice in Nigeria to be part of a team who will be responsible for data collection on the digitization of courts proceedings and rulings on corruption cases across selected states in Nigeria (Ekiti and Ondo states).

2. Background
Information on court proceedings and court rulings relating to corruption cases is not readily available in the public space. This is coupled with the fact that government actors are yet to embrace the culture of online record keeping. The opportunity presented by this project is that proactive disclosure of information pertaining to court proceedings on corruption will be tracked, documented and disseminated for the use of relevant stakeholders. It is also aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and impartiality of the Judiciary and other stakeholders in processing corruption cases with respect to the administration of criminal justice system in Nigeria.

• It is against this background that a competent and reliable state level data collection team is proposed on the CLEEN Foundation Project- “Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice System in Nigeria”, for the purpose of collation and documentation of corruption cases at the state level. The team will drive the implementation of the project on the Digitization of Court Proceedings and Rulings. The uwazidocs open source application (a web/mobile-based platform) will be deployed and adapted to enable the data collectors to scan, upload, publish documents and create table of contents while end users can search, filter documents, track changes, cross reference and download documents/court rulings. (The data is to be sourced from the state and Federal High Courts in the focal states on a weekly basis)

3. Objective of the Project
To make credible information on the proceedings and rulings on corruption cases available and easily accessible online to stakeholders.

4. Scope of Work
The members of the team will be responsible for the following:
• Work with court officials and selected partners in the focal states to obtain credible data on court proceedings and rulings relating to corruption, accountability and transparency in the administration of criminal justice system in Nigeria,                                                                                             
• The collected data on court rulings on cases of corruption will be uploaded on the online platform. (The data is to be sourced from the State and Federal High Courts in the focal states on a weekly basis)
• Enhance judicial accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.


5. Requirements 
All interested organizations and firms must submit the following:

1. A Cover Letter with evidence of relevant past work experience(s)  in the area of criminal justice administration;
2. Certificate of Registration in Nigeria;
3. A recent annual report/newsletter; and
4. 2 Referees conversant with the work of the organization or law firm.
6. Submission of Expression of Interest(EOI)

All submissions should be sent to cleen@cleen.org no later than close of business on Tuesday, 17th October, 2017.  Interested organisations in the selected states are strongly encouraged to apply.


If you have any additional questions about this Call for Expression of Interest (EOI), please email ruth.okugbeni@cleen.org or ademola.adewuyi@cleen.org No phone calls please.



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