Conflict Sensitivity Community Governance Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address the needs of communities in disaster and hardship, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities from within. Mercy Corps is currently engaged in various projects, including the RENEW Project, which aims to strengthen resilience and recovery in conflict-affected areas through integrated interventions in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA).

Job Overview:
The consultancy role focuses on providing technical support to Mercy Corps in completing the remaining activities under Result 3 of the RENEW Project. This involves enhancing conflict-sensitive implementation, facilitating participatory decision-making, and supporting collaborative planning among communities, local authorities, and project stakeholders. The consultant will work remotely, leveraging project documentation and virtual engagements, while also coordinating with Mercy Corps field teams for data collection and facilitation. The consultancy aims to strengthen inclusive governance and improve community access to essential services through participatory engagement, particularly in seven targeted subdistricts across three governorates in Syria. The consultant will be responsible for conducting conflict and stakeholder analyses, establishing Community Stakeholder Committees, guiding participatory prioritization and Joint Action Planning, and providing capacity-building sessions for community representatives and Mercy Corps staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities, including:

• Conducting rapid conflict and stakeholder analyses in target communities to identify risks and opportunities that may affect project implementation.
• Facilitating the establishment and strengthening of Community Stakeholder Committees to ensure inclusive participation and transparent decision-making.
• Guiding the Mercy Corps team in participatory prioritization and Joint Action Planning with community stakeholders and local authorities.
• Designing and delivering capacity-building sessions on conflict sensitivity, inclusive governance, and participatory facilitation.
• Documenting lessons learned and providing recommendations for project implementation and close-out. Each of these activities will involve detailed planning, stakeholder engagement, and the development of various deliverables, including reports, guidelines, and training materials.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this consultancy should possess an advanced university degree in Peacebuilding, Conflict Studies, Governance, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. Additionally, the consultant should have at least 8 years of professional experience in areas such as conflict sensitivity, community governance, participatory development, or social cohesion programming. Demonstrated experience in conducting conflict and stakeholder analyses, facilitating community dialogue, and participatory planning processes is essential. A strong understanding of the Do No Harm framework and conflict-sensitive programming is required, along with experience in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Previous work experience in Syria or similar humanitarian settings is highly desirable. Excellent facilitation, analytical, and report-writing skills are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Peacebuilding, Conflict Studies, Governance, Development Studies, or Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of conflict dynamics and community governance, which are central to the consultancy's objectives.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in conflict sensitivity, community governance, and participatory development. Experience in conducting conflict and stakeholder analyses, as well as facilitating community dialogue and participatory planning processes, is critical. The consultant should also have a strong understanding of the Do No Harm framework and experience working in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, particularly in sectors related to Food Security and Livelihoods, resilience, or recovery programming.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will primarily be conducted in English. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders in Syria.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is primarily remote, with no travel, accommodation, or field transportation costs covered by Mercy Corps. The consultant will report to the CDCS Program Manager/Syria Country Manager and will collaborate closely with the Mercy Corps CDCS Program Team, PaQ Team, and Humanity & Inclusion (HI) as needed. The consultancy will involve a total of 30 days of work, with specific deliverables due at various stages throughout the consultancy period. The role emphasizes the importance of building a strong and effective team culture, fostering trust and respect, and ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment.