Programme Advisor – Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention At Christian Aid

Salary: €50,213 per annum

About us

This is an exciting opportunity to help strengthen Christian Aid’s programme practice in relation to our organisational thematic priority on Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention (From Violence to Peace), in order to increase the impact of our work on peacebuilding, conflict sensitivity, gender based violence and conflict transformation, and tackling violence. To promote learning and mutual support between programme teams and others working on conflict sensitivity, addressing violence, gender based violence, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

You can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance including hybrid working at your line manager’s discretion.

About the role

You will work as a part of the team driving, shaping and developing Christian Aid’s global work on peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The role sits in Christian Aid Ireland (CAI) which is the organisational lead on Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention (From Violence to Peace), a strategic priority for Christian Aid globally. The post-holder reports to the Head of Unit, based in the International Department in Christian Aid (CA). The purpose and direction of the post will be driven by Christian Aid’s global strategy on Tackling Violence and Building Peace. The strategic priority areas are around conflict sensitivity, peacebuilding, how governance can reduce violence and build peace and gender equality and the reduction of gender based violence (GBV). This role will support the peacebuilding, conflict sensitivity and GBV aspects of the strategy in particular, including but not limited to humanitarian settings or situations of complex, protracted conflicts.

The role combines direct technical support and accompaniment; programme development; facilitation of learning and mutual support between programmes; and development of good practice and guidance resources based on both internal experience and external learning. The role will provide technical expertise, will capture learning, and build on Christian Aid’s experience delivering peacebuilding work supported by the European Union, Irish Aid, UK FCDO, UN Peacebuilding Fund, USAID, amongst other donors, to build sustainable peace. Overseas travel is required for programme monitoring and support. The role will provide regular briefings and guidance for programme staff, maintaining an overview of how the organisation is developing in the area of TVBP, providing strategic input to key decision-making bodies, engaging in All advisor groups and engagement with the International Division of Christian Aid as appropriate.

As well as programme work on peacebuilding, conflict transformation, protection and human rights, Christian Aid has a strong track record of advocacy on specific conflicts and global issue which foster fragility, and the role involves working with both programme and policy teams across the organisation and engaging in advocacy with relevant Irish and European audiences as required. The role also represents Christian Aid externally (with donors, NGOs, academic institutions) to share learning and best practice from our programmes.

About you

It is essential to have the following:

• Familiarity with current thinking / debates on peacebuiliding, conflict prevention, tackling violence, including GBV, in an international context
• Extensive experience of international programme work on peacebuilding, GBV, conflict sensitivity and conflict analysis
• Familiarity with programme cycle management tools and methods – including strategic planning, programme management and M&E
• Ability to apply analysis of conflict / power / social exclusion (including gender) to programme design and management
• Excellent facilitation skills and ability to promote critical thinking and reflection
• Experience of providing training, technical support and/or advice
• Creative thinking and track record of promoting innovation
• Demonstrable ability to build effective working relationships across organisations, including at a distance
• Track record of promoting culture change and organisational learning
• Demonstrable ability to influence others and negotiate win-win solutions
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to discuss sensitive issues and inspire others to take up new challenges

and Desirable to have the following:

• Familiarity with partnership working and the role of civil society / faith based organisations in development / peacebuilding
• Experience working in humanitarian programmes
• Experience implementing GBV response/prevention programmes or approaches to tackle gender-based violence
• Experience of policy/advocacy work
• Experience of managing projects and/or consultants
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, French and/or Arabic