Center for Civilians in Conflict’s mission is to improve protection for civilians caught in conflicts around the world. We call on and advise international organizations, governments, militaries, and armed non-state actors to adopt and implement policies, tools, and training to prevent civilian harm. When civilians are harmed we advocate for the provision of amends and post-harm assistance. We bring the voices of civilians themselves to those making decisions affecting their lives.
JOB PURPOSE: Carry out programmatic work within CIVIC’s Africa program portfolio
LOCATION: Washington, DC
TRAVEL: Up to 40% required (domestic and international)
REPORTING TO: Senior Program Manager (SPM) for Africa & Peacekeeping
STAFF REPORTING: Interns, researchers, some field-based staff
KEY FUNCTIONS: Lead country projects in CIVIC’s Africa program portfolio with core responsibilities including research, writing, representation, training, and advocacy; and Work with SPM to develop strategy and programs, and manage projects.
NOTES: The position is for nine months and is renewable contingent on performance and continued funding.
QUALITIES SOUGHT:
- Knowledge, experience, and understanding of civilian protection issues in armed conflict;
- Understanding and experience working in a fast paced program environment;
- Experience in Africa conducting research and carrying out other program work;
- Proven ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting objectives and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for our work;
- Independent ability to identify and strategize new opportunities;
- Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere;
- Well organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize and implement programs in stressful environments;
- Willingness to work with security forces and understanding of the military/civilian/humanitarian spaces;
- Ability to work in a team environment under pressure and potentially in a dangerous environment;
- Outstanding communications and writing skills;
- Experience in security force training and participatory facilitation preferred;
QUALIFICIATIONS:
- B.A. in international affairs, political science, African studies, or related area; MA, MS, or JD preferred;
- Minimum 3-5 years relevant full-time staff level work experience required including work in active and recently active conflict zones (minimum 3 years with graduate degree, minimum 5 years without graduate degree);
- Minimum 1 year relevant field experience;
- Demonstrated tireless work ethic;
- Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team; and
- Advanced proficiency in French required, and English mandatory.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with SPM and other POs to design and implement programs in support of CIVIC’s work in Africa and peacekeeping;
- Travel regularly (with CIVIC staff and alone) to focus countries (could include: DRC, Mali, South Sudan, Nigeria, CAR, Somalia, and partner troop-contributing countries) to maximize the effectiveness of CIVIC’s work;
- Identify new partnerships with like-minded NGOs and actors in the field;
- Conduct desk and field research and assessments to inform fresh policy, practice, and training recommendations for diverse stakeholders to improve civilian protection;
- Support the design and implementation of scenario-based training programs for peacekeepers and national militaries engaged in conflict;
- Build strong working relationships with governments and militaries to advance CIVIC’s mission either through strategic partnerships or for funding;
- Support the development and implementation of the Africa and peacekeeping strategy within CIVIC’s overall organizational strategy by consulting with staff, partner, and other interested parties;
- Meet or exceed goals laid out in organizational and program strategic plan;
- Support organization of a quarterly work-plan including identification of resources needed and how to obtain those resources;
- Research and draft publications (reports, briefing papers, etc) and advocacy materials discussing CIVIC’s Africa/peacekeeping work;
- Support writing of op-eds, blogs, and articles highlighting issues important to CIVIC when possible;
- Speak with media on our Africa/peacekeeping work;
- Work with ED, Senior Program Manager, and Development team to identify possible funding opportunities for program work;
- Support SPM with CIVIC representation in the field with a broad range of stakeholders, including national governments and militaries, UN and AU officials, local and international NGOs, and select armed non-state actors;
- Support SPM with CIVIC representation on NGO networks and seek to promote effective collaborations and partnerships;
- Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified candidates will be contacted for interview. There is no hard deadline for this search and the search will be concluded when the appropriate candidate is identified. Please apply early.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please send a resume, an unedited writing sample (maximum 5 pages), and a cover letter describing your motivations for applying to
