Senior Facilitator, Environment and Gender (Service contract)

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Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, the European Institute of Peace (www.eip.org) is an independent organisation working collaboratively with the parties to the conflict, those who represent people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, as well as European decision-makers and the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community.

We provide practical experience, technical expertise, and policy advice on conflict resolution. We use a variety of tools to help us do this, including analysis, mapping and design of peace processes and agreements, facilitating policy discussions, and proposing practical engagement, for example through inclusive dialogue and mediation support.

Are you captivated by our innovative approach to peace, and do you want to contribute to the mission of our institute? Do you share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements?

We are looking for a Senior Facilitator to support our programmatic work in Yemen. Reporting to the Gender & Peacemaking Programme Manager and the Climate and Environmental Peacemaking Programme Manager as well as working closely with both programmatic teams, the Senior Facilitator will support the delivery of the implementation of the Environmental Pathways for Reconciliation project and promote a high level of gender sensitivity and expertise in the process.

Your place in the team

The Senior Facilitator will support the implementation of the process of environmental dialogue and cooperation and contribute with expertise and insights to other workstreams and outputs related to EIP’s Climate and Environmental Peacemaking Programme (CEPM). The programme seeks to gear up conflict resolution to respond to climate change and broader environmental challenges in conflict contexts to contribute to a sustainable environment and enhance the prospects for durable peace.  The programme provide support to peace leaders and local communities to address climate and environmental concerns in the broader framework of peace processes, in conflict prevention and resolution.

The Gender and Peacemaking Programme (GPM) drives the Institute's efforts to enhance women's participation in conflict resolution and peacemaking, by promoting the inclusion of women’s roles, concerns, and priorities in the contexts where we operate. The programme focuses on strengthening internal capacity to understand and address the complex barriers to women’s political participation while advancing gender-responsive and transformative approaches in its conflict resolution efforts. By integrating these insights into our programming and our policy work, the programme aims to foster more sustainable and inclusive peace efforts and outcomes.

In collaboration the two programmes implement the Environmental Pathways for Reconciliation (EPfR) which uses environmental issues as entry points and elements of a sustainable peace in Yemen. Engaging different strata of the Yemeni society, the project identifies conflict risks related to unsustainable natural resources governance, environmental degradation, and climate change, and explores ways to reduce them through cooperation and dialogue. The project engages with key stakeholders in a dialogue process to advance responses to mitigating such risks. The nexus between environmental security concerns and gender responsive action is at the forefront of the project to ensure a comprehensive approach and foster durable solutions to core issues.

Within the framework of the project, the Institute is looking for a Senior Facilitator to support the implementation of the process of environmental dialogue and cooperation and contribute with expertise and insights to other working steams and outputs related to the project.

You will

Report to the CEPM Programme Manager and under financial supervision of the GPM Manager, you will support the delivery of the implementation of the Environmental Pathways for Reconciliation project and promote a high level of gender sensitivity and expertise in the process. The Senior Facilitator will:

Mediation and facilitation:

Lead the facilitation of the environmental dialogue between various parties aiming to improve technical cooperation in close collaboration with the Team.
Provide design support to the process tailored to the specific needs of the Yemeni context and the stakeholders directly and indirectly involved.
Facilitate direct and indirect discussions between parties participating in the dialogue on topics related to (but not limited to) environmental and climate mitigation and policies and the intersection of gender.
Ensure inclusivity and gender mainstreaming across the process and engagements including through agenda setting and facilitation techniques.
Engage regularly with the Team and provide process updates including reflections and lessons learned related to strategy, approach and techniques to foster learning

Advisory and technical support:

Support the development of a conflict and gender sensitive analysis to inform the process.
Provide expert analysis and recommendations to enhance the peace, environment and gender strategies in Yemen.
Advise senior leadership actors in Yemen on environment, gender and peace.
Support the development of a practice report capturing relevant results, lessons learned, and challenges from the process and drawing on existing expertise and experience with the aim to contribute insights to the knowledge development related to the nexus of mediation, environment and gender.

Your skills and experience

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in peacebuilding, security- and/or conflict studies, international relations, law, or another relevant discipline. Additional certifications in mediation or conflict resolution are an advantage.
Additional certifications or degrees in environmental and/or climate studies are an advantage.
At least 8 years of relevant professional experience within the fields of dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution.
Demonstrated experience in designing dialogue and facilitating it, including in complex, politically-sensitive contexts.
Experience in working with diverse stakeholders such as governments, armed groups, regional bodies, and international organisations.
Experience in working with gender dimensions of conflict resolution, security and peacebuilding and/or the Women, Peace and Security Agenda is a requirement.
Experience in the environment and climate dimensions of conflict resolution, security and peacebuilding is a requirement.
Previous experience in Yemen or the Middle East is an advantage.
Excellent diplomatic, mediation and facilitation skills.
Excellent strategic thinking, including management of multiple interests and political views, and the ability to facilitate a constructive dialogue process.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required (knowledge of Arabic is considered a very strong asset).
Excellent research and analytical skills and the ability to apply a critical and rigorous mindset to high-sensitive contexts and political issues.
Ability to work independently and as part of a small team, operate effectively under pressure and comply with deadlines.
Ability to act respectfully and inclusively and in accordance with cultural, political and gender responsive needs and circumstances as well as the ability to work in complex and volatile environments.
Ability to travel, including within the broader Middle East region and potentially to conflict contexts.

What we are offering

A consultancy contract from 15 April 2025 – 31 December 2025, with approximately 55-65 workdays.

Recruitment process

Closing date: 01/04/2025, midnight (CET).

Please submit in English:

A CV detailing relevant experience and qualifications and including two references from organisations or individuals familiar with their previous mediation, facilitation and conflict resolution work.
Motivation letter should include in a single PDF:

o A cover letter outlining a potential approach to mediation or facilitation process, detailing a climate- and gender responsive engagement with high-level stakeholders, including past successes and lessons learned. Maximum two pages.

o Example of a recent report authored or co-authored by the applicant in English.

o Certificate of Arabic language qualifications (if applicable).

o Expected daily rate, in EUR.

Our hiring team will review all applications after the closing date of the vacancy. We will keep you informed on the status of your application.

EIP firmly believes that diverse perspectives are key to our work. Therefore we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Your qualities and commitment are what matter to us, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Apply Now!