Environmental and Women, Peace and Security Research Consultants

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?

The Institute is seeking two Research Consultants to support our “Breaking Barriers, Making Peace”-project which aims to contribute to the identification and advancement of good practice when it comes to women’s meaningful through climate security discussions and leveraging environmental peacebuilding opportunities. The Research Consultants will be working in a team of two in one of the specified contexts: Sudan, Ethiopia, or Myanmar (travel in the country/region is foreseen). 

The Research Consultants will contribute to the achievement of the project objectives by increasing access to knowledge and evidence on how to overcome barriers to women’s meaningful participation in country-specific peace processes (this may include a focus on a specific period or phase of the given peace process). The research efforts will further complement a global review of good practices conducted by a Women Peace and Security (WPS) Specialist. 

Your place in the team

Reporting to the Gender and Peacemaking Senior Programme Officer, the Research Consultants will be supporting the Programme within the Peace Practice and Innovation Unit (PPI).  
You will

• Conduct a qualitative analysis of data and information retrieved from a literature review and a key-informant interview process to identify good practices related to overcoming barriers to women’s meaningful participation through climate security discussions and leveraging environmental peacebuilding opportunities.
• Engage relevant national and international stakeholders including the Women, Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), peer organisations and focus group discussions with peacebuilders and women’s rights organisations, environmental organisations, think tanks and state ministries (where appropriate) as well as other relevant actors.
• In coordination with project team, plan and conduct at least two focus group discussions (minimum total of 20-25 people) to identify good practices to enhance women’s meaningful participation and leadership in peace processes, including in relation to responses to scarcity of natural resources and food insecurity, as well as climate and environment changes.
• In coordination with project team, assist in managing logistics related to research and the conduction of interviews and FGDs.
• Produce a 10-12 page report based on the country analysis presenting key findings and reflections on good practice on women’s meaningful participation elevated through environmental peacebuilding and climate security actions and discussions. 
• Contribute to the preparation of other project outputs such as presentations, resource library, and briefing materials based on research findings.
• Participate in regular coordination meetings with the project team and the WPS Specialist.

Your skills and experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in political or social sciences, peace studies, environmental studies, human rights, gender and/or women’s rights studies or international development or equivalent work experience. 
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience within the fields of environmental peacebuilding, climate security, WPS, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, governance and reform, and/or related fields.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the context of Sudan, Ethiopia, or Myanmar.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, and related international policy framework, including relevant state and institutional policies on the countries of research.
• Record of conducting high-quality research in peace processes, particularly with a focus on women’s meaningful participation and intersection with climate security, peace processes, and gender inclusion. 
• Proven analytical or research experience on natural resources, the environment, and climate aspects of peace and security.
• Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Local language proficiency is a significant advantage, including Sudanese or Omdurmani Arabic for Sudan, Oromo or Amharic for Ethiopia, and Burmese for Myanmar.

What we are offering

The consultancy will begin at the beginning of September 2024 and end in March 2025 and comprise of approximately 8 working days/per month.

Recruitment process

Closing date: 14/08/2024, midnight (CEST).

Please submit in English the following documents using this webform:

• CV of no more than 3 pages including relevant experience. 
• Methodology and budget, which should include: 

        - Motivation letter of no more than 2 pages, containing information on scope and approach of the assignment including selection of country: Ethiopia, Sudan or Myanmar. 

         - Example of a recent English language report authored or co-authored by applicant (applications will be disregarded if they do not include this).   

          - Financial Proposal 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.

The Institute 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.