Search for Common Ground Programme Associate in Burundi

The Organization

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 400 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 39 offices in 26 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff who love their work. You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role.

Programme

SFCG currently has programmes and/or activities in nineteen countries in Sub-Saharan Africa: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Within the Great Lakes, SFCG implements several regional projects focused on repatriation, youth engagement, and cross-border trade.

Summary of Position

This position will support regional programming in the Great Lakes, as well as support proposal development and reporting for SFCG’s country programmes in the broader East Africa region including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Communication responsibilities, including both oral and written, will require fluent French and English skills. The position will support SFCG’s regional strategy in East Africa, working with other staff in the region. The position reports to the Director-East Africa, who is based in Kigali, and will coordinate closely with the Africa Team. The position involves some travel within the region, approximately 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

Support the roll-out of SFCG’s regional strategy in East Africa

Support the coordination of regional projects including Dutch-funded project around land issues and the US State Dept-funded project on Women and Media

Liaise with appropriate stakeholders for regional programming, including COMESA, the East African Community, UNHCR, government institutions, and international partners

Work with programme staff in the region to identify funding opportunities and produce project proposals

Work with programme staff to produce donor reports, ensuring results-oriented focus and quality reporting

Contribute to quarterly programme updates, newsletters, and other donor information

Provide content material for updating the websites

Support growth within the organisation, including learning between country programmes and opportunities for new funding

Represent SFCG with donors, partners and other stakeholders as requested by the Director-East Africa

Implement special projects as assigned

Be engaged in the continuing development of the organization, its mission and its staff, through the sharing of experience and knowledge, particularly contributing to its Institutional Learning initiative

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position-holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, conflict resolution or other related field

Written and oral proficiency in English and French

Three (3) years of work experience, of which one (1) of these years of experience should be in conflict resolution, international development or related field

Knowledge/experience in Africa, especially countries in conflict

Excellent writing skills

Experience in proposal writing and development

Ability to represent projects professionally to a variety of audiences

Strong organisational skills

Ability to work well under pressure with strong attention to details

Flexibility (including ability to travel on short notice)

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

A team spirit and a sense of humour

Salary: Commensurate with experience and education, with excellent benefits

How to apply:

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and current resume to employment@sfcg.org or fax to +1 (202) 232-6718 with the subject heading: Programme Associate-East Africa. Please be sure to include salary requirements (in currency figures) or current salary, projected start date, and to mention where you found this posting. Position is open until filled. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site at www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.