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Employee Contract Type:

Local - Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term)

Job Description:

JOB PURPOSE

The Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion Specialist will be responsible for leading the design, implementation, and monitoring of inclusive peacebuilding initiatives under the “Advancing Peace and Stability in Sinjar” project in Qahtaniyah, Ninewa Governorate. The role focuses on strengthening local peace structures, fostering reconciliation, and promoting civic engagement among conflict-affected communities.

The Specialist will work closely with youth and women peace groups, civil society actors, and local authorities to build capacities in mediation, dialogue facilitation, and transitional justice. The role includes supporting community-led initiatives, facilitating strategic engagements, and ensuring conflict-sensitive approaches are integrated across all project components.

The Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion Specialist will also contribute to impact assessments, documentation of lessons learned, and coordination with UNDP, government stakeholders, and other partners. This position plays a critical role in rebuilding trust, enhancing inclusive governance, and promoting long-term stability and resilience in Qahtaniyah.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Implementation of Peacebuilding Activities

Develop and oversee capacity-building workshops for youth and women peace groups, civil society actors, and local authorities.Support community-led initiatives such as inter-group dialogues, awareness campaigns, and reconciliation events.Ensure conflict-sensitive and inclusive approaches in all peacebuilding activities.

Strategic Engagement and Facilitation

Organize and facilitate strategic dialogues between peace groups and local authorities.Promote inclusive governance and collaborative problem-solving.Support youth empowerment initiatives that enhance leadership and civic engagement.

Capacity Building and Technical Support

Provide technical guidance on mediation, transitional justice, and advocacy.Mentor peace group members and community leaders.- Ensure alignment with UNDP peacebuilding standards and frameworks.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Contribute to baseline and endline assessments to measure changes in community resilience and cohesion.Document lessons learned, success stories, and challenges.Support development of gender-sensitive indicators and reporting tools.

Coordination and Compliance

Liaise with government stakeholders and other partners to ensure strategic alignment and quality assurance.Ensure compliance with donor and organizational policies.Integrate peacebuilding into broader project components.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education, training, license, registration, and/or Certification

Bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field.Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an asset.Certification or training in conflict resolution, mediation, or transitional justice is desirable.At least 3 years of relevant professional experience.Experience in monitoring, reporting activities simultaneously.Good computer skills (MS-Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken).

Required Professional Experience

Minimum of 3 years of experience in peacebuilding, social cohesion, or community reconciliation programming, preferably in post-conflict or fragile settings.Proven experience working with youth and women groups, civil society, and local governance structures.Experience in designing and facilitating dialogue, mediation, and community engagement processes.Familiarity with conflict-sensitive programming and inclusive governance approaches.Experience with UNDP or other UN agency projects and donor-funded initiatives.

Required Language(s)

Fluency in Arabic (spoken and written).Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Required travel and/or work environment accommodations

The position is based in Mosul.Willingness to travel frequently within Ninewa Governorate and Sinjar District, including rural and field locations.Ability to work in a multicultural and occasionally high-pressure environment.Flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and field conditions.

Position’s physical requirements

Ability to conduct field visits in rural/agricultural settings, which may involve walking on uneven terrain and exposure to outdoor conditions.No specific physical limitations, but reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Preferred Experience,  Knowledge and/or other Qualifications

Demonstrated expertise in community-based peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion programming.Experience working in post-conflict environments, particularly with displaced populations and returnees.Familiarity with transitional justice, inclusive governance, and civic engagement strategies.Strong understanding of conflict sensitivity and “Do No Harm” principles.Experience facilitating inter-group dialogue, mediation, and strategic engagements with local authorities.Knowledge of local dynamics in Ninewa Governorate and the Sinjar context is highly desirable.Experience working with UNDP or similar donor-funded projects, including reporting and compliance.Proficiency in developing peacebuilding indicators and integrating social cohesion into M&E systems.Excellent facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse and high-pressure environments.Commitment to human rights, inclusive development, and sustainable peace.

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only