Department: Research
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000
Contract Type: Full-Time
Contract Duration: 1 year with the possibility of conversion to a permanent contract
Location: Remote UK / Kenya (You must have the right to work in the UK or Kenya)
Job Description
About the role
Bodhi is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic individual to take on the role of Head of Conflict and Peacebuilding. The incumbent will oversee the Conflict and Peacebuilding Team, driving strategy, research, and analysis to inform and shape our clients’ policies and programmes in complex conflict-affected contexts. This is a senior leadership position in which the incumbent will also contribute to Bodhi’s strategic direction and business development by identifying and fostering opportunities for partnership and growth. The role will be based in the UK, with flexibility for hybrid or remote work depending on the candidate’s place of residence.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement strategic plans for the Conflict and Peacebuilding (C&P) Team, aligning with Bodhi's overall mission and goals.
- Lead and manage the C&P team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
- Stay abreast of current trends and innovations in conflict and peacebuilding policy, programming, and research, integrating best practices and new methodologies into Bodhi’s work
Research and Analysis:
- Oversee and support the design and implementation of all C&P research, analysis, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) projects, ensuring quality control and quality assurance in line with Bodhi’s and our clients’ high standards of excellence.
- Provide high-level oversight and guidance on participatory peace and conflict analyses and evaluations.
- Ensure the production of sound, objective, and policy-oriented research outputs that meet the needs of humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors.
- Mentor and support senior researchers in developing and refining research designs, data collection methods, and analytical frameworks.
Business Development and Client Relations:
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including fostering partnerships with clients, donors, and stakeholders.
- Oversee the development of project proposals and tenders, ensuring alignment with client needs and organisational capabilities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key international and national actors, including donors, governments, INGOs/NGOs, and civil society organisations.
Operational Management:
- Standardise internal processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Ensure the team meets project deliverables within budget and timelines, balancing multiple projects and resource requirements.
- Manage team performance, conducting regular evaluations and providing professional development opportunities.
Person Specification
Qualification and Experience:
- Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in conflict analysis, peacebuilding, or related research, with significant fieldwork in FCAS environments.
- Proven track record of leading and managing large, complex research projects in conflict-affected contexts and on issues related to conflict and peacebuilding, including preventing/countering violent extremism, stabilisation, social cohesion, security & justice, women, peace, and security, and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.
- Demonstrated experience in business development and client relationship management.
- Proficiency in data collection software and analysis packages (e.g., SPSS, NVivo) is desirable.
- Fluency in English; proficiency in French and/or Arabic is highly desirable.
Core Competencies:
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with organisational goals.
- Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team towards achieving excellence.
- Analytical Skills: Advanced ability to analyse complex data and distill information for relevance and context.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
- Organisational Skills: Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Integrity: Strong sense of ethics and commitment to Bodhi’s research standards, including safeguarding and ‘do no harm’ principles.
- Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges, showing resilience and initiative.
Benefits:
- Work from Home Budget: Receive financial support to create your ideal home office setup.
- Access to WeWork Spaces: Available for team members based in the UK.
- Annual Leave: 28 days of holiday, plus bank holidays.
- Language Learning: Opportunities to learn a new language.
- Global Travel: Engage in substantial fieldwork around the world.
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Includes maternity coverage (if in Kenya), dental, and optical benefits.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
Bodhi is committed to diversity in its workforce. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religious beliefs, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic background or disability.