National Volunteer: Peace Building and DRR Advisor Full Time NEW

Duration: 1 year

Role Purpose: The National Volunteer – Peacebuilding & DRR Advisor supports the implementation of conflict-sensitive peacebuilding and disaster risk reduction interventions under the RECAP project. The role focuses on strengthening community-based peace mechanisms, enhancing preparedness for climate- and disaster-related shocks, and promoting peaceful coexistence and resilience in cross-border communities around Moyale, Ethiopia

1.Introduction to VSO

VSO is the world’s leading international non-governmental organisation that works through volunteers to create a fair world for everyone.

Our work centres on those who are left out by society – those living in extreme poverty or with disability and illness. Those who face discrimination and violence because of their gender, sexuality, or social status. Those who are at risk from disaster, disease, and conflict. But they are not passive beneficiaries of aid; they are the “primary actors” at the heart of our efforts. From their perspective, we define the issues, opportunities, and solutions that drive sustainable, local-led change. These individuals are the key agents of their own transformation.

2.Our Approach

Our Volunteering for Development (VfD) method supports the most vulnerable and marginalised to achieve their rights and bring about lasting change to create a fair world for everyone. Rooted in addressing the fundamental causes of – marginalisation and vulnerability, our three core approaches – social inclusion and gender, social accountability, and resilience – guide our work in inclusive education, health, and resilient livelihoods.

Our Volunteering for Development method recognises the importance of relationships in forging a shared understanding and commitment and building collective action to lasting change. With most of our volunteers being national, we build blended teams of community, national, and international volunteers, uniting diverse perspectives, and experiences to generate insight, innovation, and action that tackles the complex issues faced by our communities. This kindles the potential for active citizenship worldwide, encouraging people to step forward and lead the change that fosters a fair world for all.

3.contextual background of the Project

Resilient Borders: Advancing Climate Adaptation, Peace, Livelihoods, and Preparedness in Cross-Border Communities of Ethiopia and Kenya (RECAP) Project

RECAP is a three-year initiative targeting 21 locations across four districts, Miyo and Moyale in Ethiopia and Sololo and Moyale in Kenya. The RECAP project addresses interconnected challenges of climate change, conflict, fragile livelihoods, and disaster risks affecting cross-border communities of Ethiopia and Kenya. Moyale is a highly dynamic border area where competition over natural resources, climate shocks, and mobility intersect with long-standing conflict dynamics. Strengthening peacebuilding and disaster risk reduction (DRR) capacities at community level is critical for building sustainable resilience.

Role description

The National Volunteer – Peacebuilding & DRR Advisor supports the implementation of conflict-sensitive peacebuilding and disaster risk reduction interventions under the RECAP project. The role focuses on strengthening community-based peace mechanisms, enhancing preparedness for climate- and disaster-related shocks, and promoting peaceful coexistence and resilience in cross-border communities around Moyale and Miyo Districts, Ethiopia.

The role includes:

Peacebuilding Support

• Support implementation of community-based peacebuilding activities, including dialogue forums, mediation initiatives, and confidence-building measures.
• Assist in strengthening local peace committees, traditional conflict resolution structures, and cross-border peace platforms.
• Support facilitation of inclusive peace dialogues involving elders, women, youth, and local authorities.
• Promote conflict-sensitive and do-no-harm approaches across all project activities.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Preparedness

• Support community-based DRR initiatives, including risk assessments, preparedness planning, and early warning awareness.
• Assist communities to develop or strengthen contingency plans for climate- and disaster-related stocks such as drought and flooding.
• Promote integration of indigenous knowledge and scientific information in DRR planning.
• Support and design awareness campaigns, and community trainings on preparedness and response.

Integration with Climate Adaptation and Livelihoods

• Work with technical teams to ensure peacebuilding and DRR are integrated into climate adaptation and livelihood interventions.
• Support joint peace–livelihood or peace–resource management initiatives that reduce conflict over natural resources.
• Promote collaboration across sectors to address root causes of conflict and vulnerability.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

• Conduct community sensitization and training on peacebuilding, social cohesion, and disaster preparedness.
• Support meaningful participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in peace and DRR activities.
• Build trust and constructive relationships between communities and local institutions.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Support monitoring of peacebuilding and DRR activities and results in collaboration with the MEL team.
• Assist in collecting qualitative and quantitative data, including conflict trends, community feedback, and outcome stories.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from Moyale and surrounding communities.

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support coordination with local government offices, disaster management authorities, security actors, and peace institutions.
• Participate in cross-border coordination meetings and joint learning events with Kenyan counterparts where applicable.
• Represent the project in local peace and DRR forums as delegated.

Volunteer Conduct, Safeguarding, and Ethics

• Adhere to organizational policies, safeguarding standards, and volunteer codes of conduct.
• Uphold confidentiality, neutrality, and ethical engagement in sensitive conflict contexts.
• Support identification and reporting of risks related to conflict, disasters, or safeguarding concerns.

Personal consideration

The National Volunteer –Peace Building and DRR Advisor should possess and demonstrate the combined skills sets and experience detailed below:

Qualification

A formal qualification or equivalent experience in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Development Studies, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

Experience

• Relevant internship, or volunteer experience supporting livelihood, agriculture, or community development initiatives.
• Experience working with pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, or rural communities is an asset.
• Previous exposure to climate resilience, food security, or market-based approaches is an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong community mobilization and facilitation skills.
• Basic understanding of sustainable livelihoods and income-generating activities.
• Ability to collect field data and prepare simple reports.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness and ability to work in remote and cross-border settings.
• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, email).

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English required.
• Ability and Knowledge of relevant Afan Oromo local language spoken and the custom of the local community in project areas is highly desirable.

Personal Attributes

• Strong motivation to contribute to community resilience and development.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment.
• Expected Learning Outcomes for the Volunteer
• Practical experience in livelihoods programming within fragile and cross-border contexts.
• Enhanced skills in community engagement, monitoring, and reporting.
• Exposure to integrated approaches linking climate adaptation, peacebuilding, and livelihoods.

Equal Opportunities

VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.

VSO reserves the right to close this job early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

VSO is committed to a fair, transparent and merit-based recruitment. VSO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.

Additional Information

Allowance and accommodation

All volunteers have an allowance paid in local currency. The allowance meets reasonable living expenses in country but will not be enough to send money home.