Field Coordinator

Sustainable Peace Foundation (SPF) is an Iraqi feminist Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) striving to build and sustain positive peace through vertical and horizontal approaches and participatory methods; addressing root causes of tensions and conflicts challenging positive peace in Iraq. SPF strives to achieve this by working on the grassroots level to reinstate and strengthen the lost trust between Iraq’s diverse ethno-religious communities; increase community resilience, empower and building the capacities of the very effected communities so they can mitigate and transform conflicts through dialogue and non-violent means.

SPF strives to achieve these objectives by working with vulnerable groups such as, youth, women and girls, people with special needs and IDPs through developing their capacities to take leadership roles and to actively participate in the peace and reconciliation processes; economically empower communities by offering them vocational trainings and providing them with livelihood means to ensure stability and a dignified living standard.

SPF also strives to engage local authority and security actors with the local communities through advocacy, round table dialogue sessions and developing local peace mechanisms and structures capable to acts as soundboards conveying their communities’ needs and challenges.

SPF also provides consultations for local and international NGOs on peacebuilding and social cohesion programming, such as: context analysis, needs assessments, actor and service mapping etc.

SPF’s focuses on minority protection, but through its Do-no-Harm approach, which ensures that SPF programming and implementation creates cohesion instead of doing harm.

Job Description:

The Sustainable Peace Foundation (SPF) seeks proactive and experienced Field Coordinators to support the implementation of “Building Bridges: Strengthening Social Cohesion and Reintegration through Local Peace Committees in Anbar.” This initiative, under the UNDP Iraq Social Cohesion Programme (ISCP) and CRRISA, focuses on empowering Local Peace Committees (LPCs) to address socio-economic and security challenges, rebuild trust, and foster reconciliation in communities affected by conflict, displacement, and reintegration.

Key Responsibilities

 

Community Engagement:

– Act as the primary liaison between SPF, LPC members, community stakeholders, and beneficiaries.

– Build trust and partnerships with local authorities, tribal leaders, religious figures, women, and youth to ensure broad-based community participation.

– Address grievances and concerns raised by community members during project activities, ensuring inclusivity and conflict sensitivity.

 

Field Coordination:

– Plan, coordinate, and execute project activities in assigned locations, including workshops, training sessions, and LPC-led community initiatives.

– Provide logistical and operational support for all field activities, ensuring they are delivered effectively and on schedule.

– Oversee and support LPC members in the development and implementation of initiatives that address local community needs.

 

Capacity Building:

– Assist in delivering training sessions for LPC members on conflict resolution, mediation, community engagement, and participatory development.

– Facilitate peer-to-peer learning opportunities among LPCs, fostering knowledge-sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

 

Monitoring and Data Collection:

– Conduct field monitoring visits to assess the progress and impact of activities.

– Collect and document field data, including attendance sheets, feedback forms, and pre- and post-activity surveys.

– Report on changes in community attitudes toward reintegration and social cohesion using qualitative and quantitative methods.

 

Communication and Reporting:

– Maintain regular communication with the Project Manager to provide updates on field activities, challenges, and recommendations.

– Document success stories, lessons learned, and best practices to inform project improvements.

– Ensure project visibility through high-quality documentation, including photos, videos, and social media content.

Terms of Reference 

The Field Coordinators will play a central role in ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of all field-level activities. Below is a detailed breakdown of their responsibilities:

 

1. On-ground Representation and Community Liaison

– Act as SPF’s representative in the field, ensuring that all interactions with stakeholders reflect the organisation’s values of inclusivity, transparency, and conflict sensitivity.

– Establish and maintain productive relationships with key community actors, including LPC members, local authorities, tribal leaders, religious figures, and vulnerable groups.

– Mediate and resolve conflicts or challenges arising during field activities to maintain community trust and support.

 

2. Activity Implementation and Support

– Coordinate and supervise all field activities, ensuring they align with the project’s objectives and adhere to the timeline and budget.

– Assist LPCs in planning and executing initiatives that foster peacebuilding, reintegration, and social cohesion.

– Provide technical and logistical support to ensure workshops, training sessions, and community events are conducted successfully.

 

3. Capacity Building for Local Peace Committees (LPCs)

– Assist in the design and delivery of tailored training programs for LPC members, focusing on skills such as conflict resolution, mediation, and community engagement.

– Support LPC members in designing and implementing community initiatives that adhere to the “Do No Harm” principles and promote inclusivity.

– Foster cross-learning opportunities among LPCs by organizing twinning activities and knowledge-sharing events.

 

4. Monitoring and Reporting

– Monitor the effectiveness of project activities by collecting qualitative and quantitative data in the field.

– Conduct regular assessments of LPC-led initiatives to evaluate their impact on community attitudes and reintegration outcomes.

– Compile and submit field reports that include activity progress, success stories, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

 

5. Risk Management and Conflict Sensitivity

– Identify and assess risks to the successful implementation of project activities, including security concerns and community resistance.

– Work closely with LPCs and stakeholders to mitigate risks and adapt activities to changing circumstances.

– Ensure all activities comply with SPF’s principles of gender equity, conflict sensitivity, and cultural appropriateness.

 

6. Documentation and Visibility

– Ensure high-quality documentation of all field activities, including photos, videos, and written narratives, for use in reports and public communication.

– Collaborate with the communications team to promote project activities and outcomes through social media and other platforms, fostering greater visibility and community engagement.

 

7. Compliance and Ethical Standards

– Adhere to SPF’s organizational policies, including Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and ensure these standards are upheld in all project interactions.

– Maintain the highest ethical standards in all field activities, particularly in interactions with vulnerable populations, ensuring their dignity and safety.

 

Essential Skills and Qualifications

 

Education:

Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, or related fields.

 

Experience:

– Minimum 3 years of experience in field coordination, community engagement, or similar roles, preferably in conflict-affected areas.

– Proven experience working with diverse community groups, including marginalised populations, in sensitive environments.

– Familiarity with peacebuilding, social cohesion, and reintegration methodologies.

 

Technical Skills:

– Strong organisational and coordination skills for managing multiple field activities.

– Basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks and data collection tools.

– Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and basic project management software.

 

Soft Skills:

– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work effectively in culturally diverse environments.

– Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to navigate field challenges.

– Ability to build trust and partnerships with stakeholders at all levels.

 

Languages:

Fluency in Arabic is required; knowledge of English and/or Kurdish is an asset.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and social cohesion in one of Iraq’s most conflict-affected regions. Join SPF in empowering communities and fostering sustainable peace.

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter (applications without a cover letter will not be considered) outlining their relevant experience and motivation for the role to hr@sustainablepeacefoundation.org. Please include “Field Coordinator – Social Cohesion” in the subject line of your email.

For more information about the Sustainable Peace Foundation visit our website at www.sustainablepeacefoundation.org. 

SPF is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ethnic origin, disability or age.