The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is seeking an experienced professional to serve as Project Manager, Criminal Justice Reform Component (C1) under its Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Phase II Programme in Nigeria.
The position is based in Abuja and is a full-time, on-site local appointment, with the successful candidate expected to lead the implementation of criminal justice reform activities at federal and state levels.
International IDEA is an intergovernmental organisation focused on strengthening democratic institutions and processes worldwide. Its RoLAC II programme in Nigeria is funded by the European Union and is designed to strengthen the country’s rule of law and anti-corruption systems.
The five-year programme, which began in 2023, has a key focus on enhancing the performance, quality and oversight of Nigeria’s criminal justice system and improving access to justice for vulnerable groups.
Responsibilities
The Project Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for Component 1 of the programme, ensuring that criminal justice reform activities are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets and institutional procedures.
The successful candidate will manage the C1 team and oversee project planning, implementation, performance monitoring and reporting. The role also involves coordinating activities with other RoLAC II components, International IDEA programmes, government institutions, development partners and the EU Delegation to Nigeria.
The Project Manager will also be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with relevant Nigerian government institutions and other stakeholders involved in criminal justice and rule-of-law reforms.
A major part of the role will be ensuring that reforms supported by RoLAC II achieve long-term sustainability and are increasingly owned and led by the programme’s Nigerian partner institutions.
The position also requires the Project Manager to contribute to the programme’s monitoring and evaluation framework and ensure compliance with both European Union and International IDEA rules and procedures.
Requirements
International IDEA requires candidates to have a Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Criminal Justice, Law, International Development, Social Sciences, Political Science or a related field.
Applicants must have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience covering criminal justice reform, rule of law, project management and implementation, and expert advisory work.
The organisation also requires at least five years of management experience, including experience in senior-level positions with direct responsibility for complex teams.
Experience working on democracy and governance issues in Africa or other developing-country contexts is essential.
Candidates with experience managing EU-funded programmes, including familiarity with EU processes and systems, will have an advantage. Experience with an international or regional organisation involved in democracy assistance is also considered an asset.
Excellent written and spoken English is required, while knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic or another widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region or official EU language would be an advantage.
Contract and Deadline
The position is a local post and is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 December 2027.
Applicants must already be legally authorised to live and work in Nigeria for the duration of the contract, as International IDEA will not support work permit applications or relocation costs for the local position.
Applications must be submitted in English by 11:59 p.m. CEST on Sunday, 13 September 2026.
International IDEA said applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and that the vacancy could close before the stated deadline because of the anticipated volume of applications.
The selection process is expected to include a written assessment and up to two interviews.
How to Apply
