Senior Expert, Latin America Program at US Institute of Peace

Who We Are
Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace around the world. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts around the world. Together we tackle the toughest problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. (To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF
The Senior Expert will conduct analysis and develop programmatic concepts on areas where USIP could be impactful in reducing violence, increasing community resilience, and improving governance in Central America. The Senior Expert will provide support to the Latin America Program’s Director and Deputy Director and will work with various other USIP teams in close coordination with U.S. government officials in devising a new USIP strategy for Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, countries where USIP does not currently have a presence.

The Senior Expert will report to the Director of the Latin America Program. Some work travel may be required throughout the region.

This position is a Scope of Work (SOW) Labor Hour Contract that is fixed through December 2021 with a contract maximum of up to $80,000. Contractor offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position

SUMMARY OF WORK
The Senior Expert will provide the Latin America Program (LAP) regional analysis and advice to strengthen the program’s overall objectives and advance a new strategy and relationships that includes programming in Central America. The contractor will serve as a Senior Expert to the Latin America Program’s Director and Deputy Director and will contribute to building and developing new programs, analysis, and activities across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

The Senior Expert will broaden and develop key partnerships with civil society actors, local NGOs, and organizations working to advance peace and security in the three target countries. The Contractor will also develop a close understanding of the U.S. strategy for Central America and propose the areas where USIP can best contribute to U.S. objectives there.

The core product of the position will be a series of concept notes and ultimately statements of work that will provide a clear picture of what USIP can do to prevent conflict, mitigate political violence, and understand and resolve drivers of instability. Preliminary assessments suggest the thematic areas of justice and security dialogues, community resilience training, the culture of lawfulness, environmental causes of migration, and countering polarization.

Please note that due to uncertainty regarding travel and operations as a result of COVID-19 in Latin America, it is possible that contract activities or deliverable dates may need to shift. The contractor should remain in close contact with the COTR on activities and deliverables in order to ensure that they are either meeting deadlines or adapted to circumstances.

Contract responsibilities will be assigned by the Director and the Deputy Director may include:
• Develop new partnerships in Central America, particularly focused on Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
• Develop options for programmatic work in Central America that meets the local needs of civil society
• Provides mapping of these country contexts, stakeholders, potential partners, and networks, and has an understanding of how these fit within the stated priorities of LAP and the broader USG.
• Develops concept notes for pilot peacebuilding programming in Central America that responds to issues of instability and fragility.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in peace and conflict studies or related field required; Master’s degree preferred in international relations, conflict resolution, or related field.
• Ten (10) + years working in Latin and Central America, particularly related to issues of peace, conflict resolution, security, peacebuilding, dialogue, and rule of law.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills and knowledge in subject areas.
• Written and Spoken fluency in English and Spanish required.
• Knowledge and previous experience working with US Government Agencies.
• Demonstrated interest in Central America with time spent in the field, particularly in countries of priority.
• Program management background required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication among USG, regional counterparts, and civil society.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire, and salary requirements.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

For questions about this position please email recruitment@usip.org. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.