The Department of Finance and Administration facilitates the effective and efficient operations of the activities of the Institute. The Department is responsible for the day-to-day administration and finances of the Institute and provides administrative support to the Institute’s various field projects. The Department, amongst other things is responsible for the general welfare of staff. It motivates staff by providing enabling and conducive working environment to enhance productivity.

The main function of the Department of Research and Policy Analysis is to conduct research aimed at evolving appropriate methodologies for the investigation of conflicts through specific empirical studies. The research activities of the Department are targeted at the formulation of research models and strategies that would provide an in-depth understanding of conflicts in Africa.

The Department researches into issues and trends in defense and security, especially in Africa. It studies armed conflicts, the phenomenon of inordinate military expenditures and African security, civilian-military relations, cross-border crimes within the continent, as well as international terrorism.

In pursuit of the Institute's objectives, the Department organizes programmes to impart knowledge and skills in the areas of conflict prevention, management and resolution. It also seeks to build capacity in a range of negotiation techniques as well as promote the processes of peace-making, peace-keeping and confidence-building.

Crises are not always products of internally dictated dynamics; some times they are externally engineered, motivated and driven. The Department inquires into the forces and processes that could lead to cross-border export of crises or outbreak of hostilities between nation states.

To avoid instability occasioned by struggles involving the transfer of power, it has become necessary to promote the culture of orderly and peaceful political succession, especially competitive elections, regarded as a cardinal feature of genuine democracy.

The Institute has a multi-media library of over 10,000 books; including CD-ROMS, journals, newspapers/ magazines and government publications. Its core collections are in the areas of peace studies, conflict prevention management and resolution, international relations, international law and politics. The library’s Operations are fully automated using the X-Lib library automation package.

In addition to providing books, journals, and reference materials for research, it offers the following to its clients:

• Internet browsing
• Bibliographic services
• Photocopying, Lamination, Spiral binding, Scanning
• Access to back issues of 10 national newspapers (1997-Date)

IPCR library maintains inter-library relationship with many libraries, both with-in and outside the federal capital territory.

The Public Affairs Unit under the supervision of the Director General serves as the image maker of the Institute. By so doing, the unit liaises with various media organizations, both local and foreign with a view to publicizing the activities of the Institute.

The Computer Unit serves as the IT centre of the Institute. It provides technical services to users of computing equipment in the Institute to ensure the proper functioning of these items of equipment.