Specialist, Conflict Sensitivity at Search for Common Ground, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

The Program Implementation team has oversight for the implementation of Search’s programs and projects in its country offices, in accordance with Search and donor policies and procedures. The Program Implementation team works on the full life-cycle of the project, from the start-up phase to the full close-out. This involves designing work plans, implementing activities, reporting, financial management, and staffing management The Program Implementation team collaborates with other departments, including Finance, Institutional Learning, Programs, Global Affairs and Partnerships, Human Resources, and Information Technology

Position Summary

Search is looking for a Conflict Sensitivity Specialist for an anticipated six-year project aimed at helping civil society and media organizations better fulfill their role as drivers of a more open and accountable society in Tanzania. The Conflict Sensitivity Specialist will be the key technical adviser on conflict sensitivity and do no harm for staff and partners and ensure conflict sensitivity is applied to all project activities.

*Please note that the position is contingent upon contract award*

Responsibilities:

Provide technical support for staff and consultants working on conflict sensitivity and ‘Do No Harm’ (DNH) mainstreaming

Implement the project work plan in alignment of the Country Programme on Mainstreaming Conflict Sensitivity

Support a process of reflective assessment and adjustment of programme implementation to ensure strategic flexibility

Provide input into the planning of new activities, including identification of new target-related initiatives

Prepare reporting needs related to the project

Contribute to the preparation of relevant training materials

to knowledge management activities and documents related to Conflict Sensitivity

Provide support on establishing institutional partnerships and institutional capacity for mainstreaming conflict sensitivity

Support the implementation of partnership agreements

Assist in developing training designs as per training needs assessments

Ensure relevance of mainstreaming conflict sensitivity (CS) through periodic reviews and adjustments

Advise on the implementation and monitoring of CS capacity development in civil service through close collaboration with relevant government bodies

Develop initial technical capacity on conflict/peace sensitivity in civil societies organizations, government ministries/ commissions through:

Take leadership in initiating Training of Trainers to key personnel

Develop and produce publication of tailored training modules in English and Kiswahili

Conduct periodical review and adjustment of training methodology training modules

Provide technical expertise, as part of the project Team, to mainstream conflict-sensitive approaches into key consortium-wide organizational mechanisms, processes and procedures

Review policy and procedures to mainstream conflict sensitivity

Analyze organizational mandates to inform internal advocacy and familiarization

Review related project-wide policy and procedures to ensure that conflict-sensitive principles are integrated and implemented

Advise management on the introduction of conflict-sensitive systems and approaches within the programme management cycle, starting at the programme conception, design and appraisal process

Establish organizational accountability measures for conflict-sensitive programming:

Provide technical support to embed internal accountability mechanisms in agencies, programmes and projects

Support introduction of public accountability mechanisms in programme cycles

Introduce conflict sensitivity into corporate literature, language and communications, and strengthen external partnerships

Collate lessons learned and facilitate wider institutional learning

Build networks with INGOs, UN and external organizations that analyze local contexts to feed into regular context analysis and updates

Strengthen partnership with organizations that could benefit from and contribute to building capacity in conflict-sensitive development approaches

Competency Behavior Indicators (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

Bachelor’s degree in conflict and peacebuilding studies, international relations, political sciences or related fields

A minimum of 9 years of professional experience carrying out conflict analysis and providing technical expertise on conflict sensitivity and Do No Harm in the peacebuilding, humanitarian, or development field

Demonstrated skills of using different conflict analysis frameworks; conflict analysis, peacebuilding or development engagement in conflict environments

Deep understanding of the social, political and conflict dynamics in Tanzania

Demonstrated ability to undertake high-level representation and advocacy

Willingness to regularly travel on short notice around the country

Computer literate and experience using MS Office packages

Strong interpersonal and networking skills, including the ability to build relationships internally and externally

Cross-cultural sensitivity & experience

Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports in English and Kiswahili

Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Thorough understanding of the global security trends, national efforts on peace and conflict management, network with existing peace institutions and understanding of the national legal and peace policy framework

Direct experience in the design and/or implementation of development programmes

Experience working in an International NGO within East Africa is an advantage

Type and nature of contacts:

1) Routinely coordinates with colleagues and consultants on-site and in the field and resolves problem situations with tact.

2) Represents, as assigned, selected programs or projects and other organizations, including donors, vendors, and international and local partners.

3) Interacts with country office and regional staff.