Youth Led Social Cohesion Advisor

The role

While much of the world’s youth population has stopped expanding, evidence suggests that Africa’s youth will continue to expand, doubling in 2055. In the Sahel, almost half of the population is under 14 years old and two-thirds under the age of 24. At the same time the region is showing amongst the lowest development indicators in the world. This is a dangerous mix for states with persistent underdevelopment and incomplete peacebuilding and state-building in certain areas, such as the Sahel region. While violent extremist groups may logistically exploit relatively ‘ungoverned’ terrain in the Sahel, they have also developed compelling narratives that speak to the grievances of communities and youth living in neglected circumstances. However, with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security (2015), there has been a normative shift in the way young people are recognized as key actors in the international peace and security agenda. Solutions identified by youths have a great potential to address the root causes of the conflict and promote Social Cohesion.

The Youth-led Social Cohesion Advisor is a key position to drive Save the Children’s vision to protect the rights of children and youth affected by conflict and fragility by supporting communities to build more resilient, inclusive and peaceful societies. The position will ensure that Save the Children puts children and youth at the centre, building relationships between communities and governments, strengthening social cohesion within communities, and supporting children and young people themselves to participate in forging peace and development in their communities.

The scope of the technical advisory role will be threefold:

• providing guidance to mainstream conflict sensitivity within SC’s programming in the Sahel,
• developing and supporting Youth-led social cohesion programming in the Sahel working closely with youth-led civil society groups
• representing internally and externally SC’s vision on youth engagement to sustain peace and build more resilient and inclusive societies

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Master’s degree in Peace-related studies or international relations with a focus on social cohesion and conflict management/mitigation.
• At least 5 years of experience in developing and implementing peacebuilding and/or conflict prevention strategies targeting the Youth in the Sahel
• Substantial experience engaging youth networks and authorities for peacebuilding, conflict resolution and social cohesion
• Successful track record in designing and developing youth-led advocacy and/or social cohesion proposals
• In-depth knowledge of national and regional socio-political context and understanding of relevant contextual needs in the Sahel and conflict dynamics
• Successful track record in facilitating (preferably youth- led) conflict analysis and assessment
• Excellent writing and communications skills in English and French
• Experience in facilitation, presentation, and coordination skills
• Willingness to travel regularly to provide direct support to country offices.
• Positive attitude to work and ability to work under pressure in a multicultural environment.

Desired

• Advanced Training on Conflict Sensitivity principles and tools
• Strong qualitative skills and demonstrated capacity to perform research on youth-led social cohesion and/or peacebuilding initiatives

Contract length: 2 years extendable

Location : WCA/ Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger. Preference for Bamako based role

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. 

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. 

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Applicants are advised that Save the Children International does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as contrary to the values and practices of our organization.