KEY EXPERT COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM - ACCRA
Context
While Ghana is one of the most stable countries in the region, and the last of the Accra Initiative members not having suffered a terrorist attack, the country, particularly its northern regions, presents a high risk of falling into instability due to under-development, under-investment, intra-religious and communal tensions. The security situation in Ghana’s North continues is outlined by persistent chieftaincy conflicts, farmer-herder conflicts, political violence, proliferation of firearms, and possible infiltration by terrorist elements.
It is in the context that the EU for a Secure Ghana programme will contribute to security, conflict prevention, and the fight against violent extremism, terrorism and transnational organised crime in Ghana. The first of its three components aims at supporting Ghana’s integrated capacity to counter violent extremism and terrorism from a human rights perspective. Activities related to this component will focus on delivering training and supplies to enhance the capacities of security forces in coordinating, preventing, deterring, and responding to violent extremism and terrorism, while protecting the population.
CIVIPOL propose the European Union to deliver this component in consortium with partner organisations. It is for this purpose that CIVIPOL preselects candidates for the position of key expert countering violent extremism and terrorism.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The key expert counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism will be part of the small project office, which will deliver the component and which will be based in Accra, Ghana.
His/her main missions are:
- Identification and technical delivery of project expertise.
- Support the design and delivery of training, particularly training of trainers, aimed at addressing the needs of security agencies and pertinent criminal justice entities in combating violent extremism and terrorism
- Assist in the formulation, revision and operationalisation of strategies, action plans, standard operating procedures and risk analyses of security agencies.
- Enhance the capabilities of security agencies in crisis-prone areas
His/her principal tasks are :
- Design, develop, manage and adjust, where necessary, activities related to its field.
- Ensure quality control and appropriate implementation of activities under his/her responsibility.
- Draft ToRs and involve short-term experts as required, in coordination with Implementation Partners
- Network with relevant stakeholders in partner countries and maintain close working relations with local administrations and relevant regional and international organisations.
- Ensure regular, high-quality reporting on project activities
- Draft, in collaboration with other experts, mission reports, the annual progress report and the final report.
- Any other task requested by implementation partners
Required profile
Qualifications and Skills
Minimum Requirements
- Master's Degree level in disciplines related to Security Studies, counterterrorism or related field.
- Alternatively, an equivalent professional experience in a related field of at least 5 years – in addition to the professional experience required below – could replace an advanced degree.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
General Professional Experience
Minimum Requirements
- At least 12 years of professional experience within security service
- At least 5 years in the international cooperation
Specific Professional Experience
Minimum Requirements
- 5 years experience in countering violent extremism and terrorism (i.e. security-related laws, strategies, policies and plans).
- 3 years as a project manager/coordinator/team leader supporting the reform of security forces, involving multiple public stakeholders.
Assets
- Experience in implementing projects funded by the European Union
- Management and coordination of a technical assistance team such as a ‘non-key experts pool’
- Working experience in Ghana
Place & duration of posting
- Place : Accra, Ghana
- Working Language: English
- Duration of Posting: 48 months, starting approx. February 2026
Please send your CV and cover letter to Mr Sebastian SPERBER : sperber.s@civipol.fr
Join our expert's base
Application expiration
31 August 2025
Mission length
Long terme
Geographical zone