Conflict Sensitivity Advisor in Caritas Switzerland

Caritas Switzerland (CACH) is one of the leading Swiss NGOs in the field of poverty reduction in Switzerland and abroad. International Cooperation programmes focus on humanitarian aid, income generation, climate change and migration. Caritas Switzerland works through local implementing partners in the Ukraine Crisis Response, focusing on providing technical value-added specifically in livelihoods, protection, shelter, and WASH.

Project: REMARKET - Recovery and Empowerment through Market Access and Resilient Economic Transformation in Ukraine

Position: Conflict Sensitivity Advisor

Location: Kyiv and project locations

Duration: 1 year (with a possibility of extension)

Reporting to: Project Manager, Caritas Switzerland

1. Background Information

The REMARKET Project seeks to address the economic and social challenges faced by IDPs, returnees, and host community members in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. The project aims to enhance market access, promote economic empowerment, and foster social cohesion in a conflict-sensitive manner. Ensuring that project interventions do not exacerbate existing tensions and contribute to peacebuilding is critical to the project's success.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created a complex and sensitive environment, with varying degrees of tension between different groups. The Conflict Sensitivity Advisor will play a key role in ensuring that the project’s activities are designed and implemented in a way that minimizes potential conflicts and fosters positive interactions among different community groups.

2. Objectives

The primary objective of the Conflict Sensitivity Advisor is to ensure that all project activities are conflict-sensitive and contribute to social cohesion. The advisor will focus on minimizing the risk of exacerbating tensions and promoting positive interactions between IDPs, returnees, and host communities.

Specific Objectives:

• Develop a conflict sensitivity strategy and action plan that aligns with the project's goals.
• Ensure the integration of conflict sensitivity into Outcome 1 (Entrepreneurship and MSME support) and Outcome 2 (TVET and skills training) activities.
• Build the capacity of project staff and local partners to implement conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of project activities on conflict dynamics and social cohesion.

3. Scope of Work

The Conflict Sensitivity Advisor will work across all project components to ensure that conflict sensitivity is integrated into the design, implementation, and evaluation of activities. The scope of work includes:

• Strategic Planning: Develop a detailed conflict sensitivity action plan that addresses the specific needs and conflict dynamics in the project’s target areas.
• To identify potential risks and opportunities associated with the project and context as it pertains to applying a conflict sensitive approach  
• Provide training and support to project staff and local partners on conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the MEAL team to develop conflict sensitivity-related indicators and contribute to the overall M&E framework of the project.

4. Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the conflict sensitivity strategy for the project, ensuring it is evidence-based and aligned with best practices.
• Work with partners to ensure that conflict sensitivity is integrated into all project activities.
• Provide training to project staff, partners, and local service providers on conflict-sensitive programming and peacebuilding.
• Develop conflict sensitivity-related indicators and contribute to the project’s M&E framework.

5. Duration & Timeline

The Conflict Sensitivity Advisor will be engaged for the full duration of the project, from January 2024 to December 2026, with a focus on the following key milestones:

• Year 1 (14 days): Develop the conflict sensitivity strategy and begin capacity-building activities.
• Year 2 (14 days): Monitor progress, provide ongoing support, and adjust activities based on feedback. Evaluate the project’s impact on conflict dynamics, integrate lessons learned, and develop recommendations on sustainability and handover plans for conflict-sensitive interventions.

6. Reporting Requirements and Sustainability

The Conflict Sensitivity Advisor will be required to provide regular reports to the Project Manager, including:

• A report detailing conflict sensitivity-related activities, challenges, progress, and any necessary adjustments to the strategy or interventions (Year 1).
• Present findings from conflict sensitivity-related activities and discuss any changes needed to improve effectiveness. A comprehensive report summarizing the impact of conflict sensitivity interventions, highlighting key achievements and challenges, and providing recommendations for future projects (Year 2).

As the project nears completion, the Conflict Sensitivity Advisor will be responsible for developing a sustainability plan. This plan will ensure that conflict-sensitive approaches are maintained beyond the project’s lifespan, and that local partners are equipped to continue promoting conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding independently.

7. Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Advanced degree in Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field from a recognized institution.

Experience:

• Local Expertise: Minimum of 7 years of experience in conflict-sensitive programming and peacebuilding in Ukraine, particularly in conflict-affected settings.
• Conflict Analysis: Proven experience in conducting conflict analyses and developing conflict-sensitive interventions in development or humanitarian projects.
• Capacity Building: Demonstrated experience in training and capacity building of local staff, NGOs, and community leaders in conflict-sensitive approaches.

Skills:

• Languages: Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory. Proficiency in English is highly desirable.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with beneficiaries, local partners, and stakeholders in conflict-affected areas.
• Conflict Sensitivity: Experience in working in high-stress, high-risk environments with a focus on conflict-sensitive approaches.

Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to lead conflict sensitivity-related initiatives within a multi-disciplinary team, providing strategic direction and oversight for conflict-sensitive interventions.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the changing needs of conflict-affected populations in Ukraine, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
• Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding high ethical standards in conflict-sensitive work, including respect for cultural differences and promoting inclusive approaches.

8. Additional Considerations

• Risk Management: The Conflict Sensitivity Advisor will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks related to conflict-sensitive activities, including addressing cultural sensitivities, access to services in conflict zones, and ensuring confidentiality and trust-building with beneficiaries.
• Inclusion: The Conflict Sensitivity Advisor will ensure that all conflict sensitivity-related interventions are inclusive, taking into account the specific needs of different community groups.

However, any questions related to this opportunity can be addressed to: [email protected]