THIS POSITION WILL BE BASED IN AFRICA. LOCATION TBD.
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION: 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 research, analysis, and advocacy work within CIVIC’s peacekeeping portfolio
LOCATION: Field-based position with final location TBD but likely locations include Nairobi, Kenya and Kampala or Entebbe, Uganda
TRAVEL: Up to 40% required (including international travel to countries in Africa and to Washington DC and New York in the United States)
REPORTING TO: Director of Peacekeeping
STAFF REPORTING: Interns, consultant researchers, some field-based staff
KEY FUNCTIONS: Lead country projects in CIVIC’s peacekeeping program portfolio with core responsibilities including research, writing, representation, training, and advocacy; and Work with Director of Peacekeeping to develop strategy and programs, and manage projects.
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 with particular interest in
- experience working in or on work related to Mali and Central African Republic (CAR);
- 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.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with Director of Peacekeeping and other PAs to design and implement programs in support of CIVIC’s peacekeeping work;
- Travel regularly (with CIVIC staff and alone) to focus countries (Mali and CAR with additional potential travel to DRC, South Sudan, Nigeria, 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 peacekeeping strategy within CIVIC’s overall organizational strategy by consulting with staff, partner, and other interested parties;
- Collaborate closely with CIVIC colleagues working on the Africa program portfolio to ensure that CIVIC’s work in the two areas is aligned and reinforces one another;
- 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 peacekeeping work;
- Support writing of op-eds, blogs, and articles highlighting issues important to CIVIC when possible;
- Speak with media on our peacekeeping work;
- Work with ED, Director of Peacekeeping, and Development team to identify possible funding opportunities for program work;
- Support Director of Peacekeeping 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 Director of Peacekeeping 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.
REQUIREMENTS
- 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;
- Fluency in French and English required.
APPLY BY Friday, February 17, 2017.
