Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)- Expatriate Position

Background to the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)

Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) is a politically independent membership-based organisation working in Norway and in more than 30 countries around the world. Founded in 1939 as the labour movement’s humanitarian solidarity organisation, NPA aims to improve people’s living conditions and to create societies that are more just and more democratic. NPA’s vision is to show “Solidarity in Practice”; NPA partners with local civil society organisations dedicated to defending the rights and interests of marginalised groups. NPA believes that broad popular mobilisation and collective organising is essential to ensuring lasting change. NPA works with organisations rooted in their social, cultural and political context, which are best placed to mobilise people for a just distribution of resources and wealth and to claim rights vis-à-vis political and business elites and the state.

NPA is seeking the services of a consultant with experience in humanitarian and development programmes in conflict-affected contexts to develop and provide capacity building (training, coaching and mentoring) to the NPA staff and its local partner organisations on the countering violent extremism (CVE), combat radicalization and social reintegration of communities, survivors and women and children at risk into their communities in Iraq.

The overall aim of the consultancy is to strengthen the technical and operational capacity of NPA’s local partners, enabling them to deliver comprehensive CVE and reintegration trainings and engagement.

General description of Scope of Service:

The CVE Consultant will provide technical input on overall program strategy to NPA and its project partners to design and implement a set of capacity development and training activities to target the project’s objectives. S/he will report to the Programme Manager. This position will require travel within Iraq.

• Work with the Country Director and Projects/Programme Manager and other staff to formulate program CVE intervention strategy and identify capacity development models.
• Provide specific trainings and guidance to programme staff and local partners.
• Build constructive relationships with local CVE prevention partners and experts.
• Design and conduct research activities to support the achievement of reintegration and CVE program objectives.
• Provide needed analysis and contribute to strategic discussions and assessments with NPA and local partners.
• Assist the MEAL Manager as needed in the development of M&E tools and approaches to ensure these are CVE responsive and ensure that continuous learning is incorporated in programme planning.
• Undertake travel to target regions within Iraq.
• Develop relevant training modules and train staff and partners on developed CVE and social reintegration training tools.

Training and capacity development scope:

The consultant is expected to develop a capacity-building curricula and toolbox with content that meets the specific needs of the local partners staff and is culturally adapted to the Iraqi and specifically context and the programme sensitivity. The toolbox will include topics, concepts and a variety of methods such as:

• CVE processes: causes, factors, phases.
• CVE concepts, process, adaptation to the target groups adapting a gender-sensitive approach and analysis.
• Positive examples of successful reintegration of and CVE.
• Assisting teenagers and children in CVE processes: approaches and methods.
• Concepts of restorative justice, approaches, methods and practices.
• Identity building through biography work and the Five Pillars of Identity.
• Insider mediation: concepts and practices.

Skills and Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in a social science or other relevant field; a master’s degree in a relevant field is desired by not required.
• Minimum 10 years professional experience working on social or political issues such as conflict mitigation and peace building, improving social cohesion and social harmony, strengthening civic participation and inclusion, and strengthening democratic values. Preference for working on internationally funded programs.
• A minimum of two years working on social reintegration, de-radicalization programming or a combination of peacebuilding and CVE programming is preferred.
• Self-discipline and organized in approach, able to work on own initiative with little supervision;
• Ability to plan and work in a fast-paced and -changing context and flexible to change plans and methods to suit changing needs and circumstance.
• Working knowledge Iraq and a good understanding of its social, political, and economic context.
• Previous experience of work in challenging environments, able to work effectively in high-stress and difficult conditions, experience working with at-risk communities, women and youth.
• Written & verbal proficiency in English and fluency in Arabic verbal and writing.
• Strong experience in developing training programmes and delivering trainings.
• Excellent and innovative capacity building skills.
• Ability to adapt existing knowledge and training materials to local culture and context.
• Ability to engage local partners in project activities.
• Ability to motivate local partners, developing a close respectful professional relationship and rapport with them.
• Ability to adpat to a fast changing environment and flexible with revising plans, as and when needed.
• Ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members.
• Competency in report writing and meeting set deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness & ability to travel and work in Iraq.

Additional Considerations:

• The consultant is to abide by the policies and personal code of conduct by the Norwegian People’s Aid and represent the organization in a loyal and responsible manner.
• All offers of consultancy will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks including vetting and due diligence.