Summary of Principal Responsibilities:
The International Programs (IP) fellow will work closely with the IP staff to provide programmatic, administrative and organizational support to further the peacebuilding goals articulated in AFSC's strategic plan. This includes support for Global Civic Space Initiative, global peacebuilding convening through the Dialogue and Exchange Program (DEP) and other work relating to AFSC's Just Peace theme.
The Just Peace goals include a vision for high-impact peacebuilding, to change the narrative around militarism and violence, the development and popular acceptance of alternatives to violence, influencing key decision-makers and non-traditional allies globally to choose peaceful transformation of conflict, protecting civic rights, amplifying civil society and building social cohesion.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities: The fellow will support the Global Civic Space Initiative, a project dedicated to protect civic space in countries in all four of AFSC's regions. They will support country and regional offices in keeping up with best practices and innovation around peacebuilding and civic liberties. The fellow will also support the international program unit in various capacities as AFSC implements its 10-year strategic plan.
Key tasks include:
Track and monitor existing and emerging resources, innovations and best practices around peacebuilding and civic rights and building a resource management system.
Develop case studies, online tools, events, learning sessions and presentation with IP staff.
Work with IP Peacebuilding Director, IP Associate General Secretary, Global Civic Space project manager and unit team, Regional Directors and program staff to support information, knowledge management (via Star Café and SharePoint), and training activities around AFSC's peacebuilding goals.
Support virtual convening logistics including providing technical support using online communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams); identifying translation needs; communicating and coordinating with participants, facilitators, or panelists; and supporting the monitoring and reporting of virtual events.
Support the IP team to design and develop content for the internal newsletters and communications.
Develop tools and best practices for the methodologies named in strategic plan related to peacebuilding.
Take notes during team meetings and share key points and actions items discussed.
Fellow Learning Goals
The Fellow will gain capacity in the following areas:
Enhance skills for developing tools and research that produce high quality, actionable and shareable information.
Learn essential skills for operationalizing strategic goals in a nonprofit program management context.
Develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in designing effective peace and civic rights programs for the transformation of systems of oppression around the world.
Drafting and finalizing professional reports and presentations
Qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and presentation
Program approaches in peacebuilding thematic areas: migration, political and organized violence, business and peace, election violence prevention, and overall approach on changing the narrative on militarism
Cross-cultural communications with staff
International non-profit program management and culture
Innovative international peacebuilding initiatives and strategies
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduated degree or the equivalent related experience in social policy, peace studies, conflict resolution, political science, international relations, law or a related area studies field is required.
Experience:
Strong reading, writing, and analytical abilities
Graduate degree or equivalent in professional experience in research, writing or media
Strong research skills and the ability to distil key points/themes out of large amounts of information
Strong skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based platforms.
Ability to work both independently and in a team.
Excellent oral and written English language skills, including the ability to clearly document work and write reports.
Ability to prioritize workload and yet remain flexible to shifting needs.
Strong attention to detail.
Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities.
Demonstrated ability to work and communication with diverse staff and demonstrated cultural sensitivity
Other required skills and abilities:
Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research and analysis a plus.
International non-profit experience a plus. Experience living and working in the Global South.
Experience in designing or facilitating training (in person or online) a plus.
Fluency in one other United Nations language desirable.
Ability to prioritize workload and adapt easily to changing situations and priorities.
Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.