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Project Specialist - Participatory Action Research (PAR)

Bogota, Colombia

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. 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 worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging 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.

 

Summary 

The Project Specialist will provide technical support and mentoring for USIP’s “Youth-led Participatory Action Research” (PAR) program in Colombia. In coordination with the Senior Program Specialist and the Senior Program Officer, the Project Specialist will support the daily technical aspects of the programming, including supporting and facilitating PAR workshops, and mentoring and coaching project participants in the implementation of local projects.  

This is a part-time termed Personal Services Contractor position and is expected to work up to 20 hours a week. The position reports to the Senior Program Officer on USIP’s Nonviolent Action Team. This is a remote position for host country nationals and will be based in Bogotá, Colombia.  

Some travel (domestic and international) will be required.  

JOB BRIEF

Program Support 

  • Maintains and establishes program databases and files, including establishing report templates and reporting mechanisms for external partners.  
  • Schedules and participates in meetings with PAR mentees, USIP’s PAR and YPS program team, and joins monthly DRL calls.  
  • Supports and facilitates bi-weekly calls with PAR participants in Colombia.  
  • Develops agendas for bi-weekly calls with PAR participants in Colombia 
  • Assists in the development of the concepts notes of the PAR Participants and provides mentorship to fulfill the implementation of their projects.  
  • Reviews and edits internal and external material, including reports, articles, and the PAR training manual.  
  • Liaises and coordinates with partner organization, Somos CaPAZes, in distribution of funds and supporting mentee projects.  
  • Submits monthly mentoring reports on the status of projects. 
  • Facilitates in-person workshops for PAR participants in collaboration with the USIP project team.  
  • Reviews and contributes to the development of a Special Report on “PAR as a peacebuilding tool”.  

Performs other duties as assigned.  

Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree required in relevant experience in international relations, peacebuilding, nonviolent collective action, research conflict resolution, human rights or development and related fields  
  • 5+ years’ professional experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and participatory action research.  
  • Experience of working closely with local communities and community-based organizations in Colombia. 
  • Proven ability to work independently and effectively, as well as work well as part of a team. 
  • Excellent research, writing and analytical skills and knowledge, especially on PAR and Youth, Peace and Security field.  
  • Proficiency in English and Spanish required.  
  • Strong skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Excel are required. Excellent computer skills in database usage are preferred. 
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. 

 

 

 

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.
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume 

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

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.”

 

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