Social Cohesion Advisor

Malteser International (MI) is working in Iraq since 2014, mainly through local partner organisations. Malteser International recently started a large-scale multi-sectoral program to encourage the return and sustainable integration of IDPs and refugees to the Ninewa Plains. While the first phase of the program has a strong focus on the repair and reconstruction of damaged houses, the next 2 years will include interventions in livelihood and economic development, education, social cohesion, peacebuilding and dialogue of religions. MI seeks to build mutual understanding, tolerance and trust among religious and ethnic minority and majority groups in post-conflict Iraq. Hence, the social cohesion interventions are key contributions towards the overall success of the Ninewa Program.



In order to develop and oversee the implementation of the social cohesion, peacebuilding and dialogue of religions components of the integrated Ninewa returnee program, Malteser International is looking for a motivated Erbil based Social Cohesion Advisor.

Based in Erbil, Iraq as the Social Cohesion Advisor you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the peace building, dialogue of religions and social cohesion components of the overall Ninewa program. You will closely coordinate and cooperate with the team leader, the program team, local partners and stakeholders as well as with the HQ team for the implementation, development and improvement of the social cohesion component of the program. You will ensure internal and external synergies, collaboration and information sharing and mutual learning of the program partners, as well as the involvement of relevant actors. Changing situations and dynamics in the Ninewa Plains are continuously evaluated and the program design is adjusted accordingly.

Responsibilities:

• Support the development of a comprehensive peacebuilding, dialogue of religions, and social cohesion strategy for the Ninewa program; and develop tools/methodologies to enhance mainstreaming of social cohesion approach across the program
• Monitor the political and social developments in the country and program sites, keeping up to date with conflict analyses, to identify needs and opportunities for project improvement and adjustment
• Provide support and guidance for the program team in the areas of conflict sensitive programming; identify and recommend remedial measures to address problems in program design or implementation
• Effectively coordinate program partners for the social cohesion, peacebuilding and dialogue of religions components, providing guidance and technical support to ensure that different projects and interventions are well aligned and integrated.
• Identify capacity-building needs and provide training and mentorship for partners, to ensure they are capable to implement projects and accomplish quality results
• Conduct knowledge management: documenting and sharing project information and lessons learned between partners and stakeholders, to maximize the impact and contribute to future program strategy and direction
• Liaise with specialized institutions, universities and organizations to strengthen the relevant program component and MI expertise as well as to organize operational research studies, workshops and conferences as adequate
• Support the Team Leader in producing progress reports and donor reports on the peacebuilding, dialogue of religions, and social cohesion activities

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years of international experience in a relevant position
• Proven experience in peace-building, and/or inter-religions engagement, and/or social cohesion
• Proven field experience and experience in working with international donors
• In-depth knowledge of international standards for humanitarian / development programs
• Strong program management skills and experience including program proposal development, logical framework, monitoring and report writing
• Proven communication and leadership skills including the ability to diplomatically manage the relationship with local partners, different authorities and donors
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work and deal successfully in multi-cultural environment as a flexible and respectful team player
• University degree in Political Sciences and/or International Development, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, Social Cohesion and Law or related subjects
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) required
• Language skills in German and/or Arabic would be a strong asset

Conditions:

• Starting date: as soon as possible
• Duty station:  Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
• Duration of contract: 2 Years (extension possible, subject to additional donor funding approvals)
• Salary according to qualification and experience, insurance package, accommodation in team house (if desired),  one flight home/year
• Please note that this is an unaccompanied position
• Kindly note that this is a non-family duty Station