Role Overview

The post holder will work with the Principal Programme Advisor (Conflict) to develop, implement, and monitor the impact of country-level and thematic initiatives under the Conflict Programme. They will be required to produce high-quality research and analysis, and may present proposals and updates to Elders in their bi-annual board meeting. They will support delivery of the three long-term outcomes within the Conflict Programme:

• Reinforce international law and accountability in conflict contexts;
• Promote inclusive dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, including the role of women as agents for peace;
• Protect and reform the international peace and security architecture.

The Conflict Programme works flexibly in response to Elders’ priorities, and to changing developments around the world.  Currently, the conflict priorities for Elders’ engagement at country-level are Russia/Ukraine, Israel/Palestine, and Myanmar.  The post holder will need to be willing and able to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and cover thematic conflict issues at a global level.

They will work closely with other programme team members to ensure effective implementation of the Elders strategy in its entirety, and integration of cross cutting commitments into the Conflict Programme. The post holder will work closely with colleagues in the operations team to organise visits for Elders, and with colleagues in the communications team to produce public advocacy outputs.  The post holder will report to the Principal Programme Advisor (Conflict).

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Development of initiatives

• Building on research and stakeholder networking, develop proposals for Elders’ consideration for initiatives to support achievement of long-term and intermediate outcomes in the Conflict Programme, in agreement with the Principal Programme Advisor (Conflict);
• Provide advice in response to external requests for Elders’ engagement on conflict issues;
• Lead implementation of private diplomacy initiatives - for example, arranging meetings with high-level decision-makers; arranging country visits and events, and accompanying Elders on these; briefing Elders orally and in writing; drafting letters for the Elders and the CEO;  consulting and coordinating with key partners.
• Work with communications colleagues to identify and deliver effective public advocacy initiatives to achieve programme outcomes – for example, drafting Elders’ statements, op-eds for publication in major media outlets, or social media content, drafting speaking notes or contributing to speeches for Elders ahead of public events.
• Collaborate with colleagues leading the other three programmes (pandemic preparedness and response, climate crisis, and nuclear weapons) to identify synergies between programmes, and identify opportunities for joint initiatives.
• Work with cross cutting leads to ensure these commitments (multilateralism, gender equality and women in leadership, human rights and intergenerational approaches) are effectively integrated into the Conflict Programme and deliver on Elders’ priorities.
• Work with communications colleagues to identify target audiences for programme objectives and utilise audience analytics to refine our tactics and measure impact.

Policy analysis, reporting and impact monitoring

• Lead research into a range of country-level and thematic conflict issues, drawing on evidence and advice from expert stakeholders to inform the development of policy positions and initiatives.
• Contribute to writing board papers, including analysis, progress updates and recommendations, for The Elders’ bi-annual board meetings.
• Track and monitor progress towards long term outcomes and programme impact within the Conflict Programme, providing written contributions to the Secretariat’s regular impact reporting cycle and the annual report.
• Regularly review the programme theory of change and supporting analysis with the Principal Programme Advisor (Conflict), to ensure programme remains aligned to deliver on long term outcomes.
• Work with the Principal Programme Advisor (Conflict) to prepare annual operational plans.

Relationship building and representation

• Building on your existing network of contacts, lead the strategic expansion of The Elders’ external relationships on conflict – including international organisations, governments, civil society organisations, policy experts and influencers – to maximise support and potential for Elders to have influence.
• Where relevant, identify and manage strategic organisational partnerships to increase the reach, impact and achievement of programme initiatives.

Other Responsibilities

• Manage specialist consultants providing advice to The Elders where required.
• Develop risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies for specific initiatives, particularly when preparing for visits to conflict-affected countries.
• Prepare internal briefings for SMT members and colleagues, such as notes of meetings and updates on key developments.
• Undertake other duties as required by the organisation.

Person Specification

• A degree in conflict studies, international relations, international development, political science, international law or another relevant subject
• 7-12 years’ professional experience relevant to The Elders’ work (e.g. conflict resolution/mediation, international diplomacy, international development, civil society advocacy or another relevant field), including significant experience of working in and on conflict-affected countries.
• An extensive network of senior policy contacts in a range of organisations, and experience of development and maintaining senior-level stakeholder relationships.
• A track record of developing strategies, leading implementation of programme plans and activities, and achieving results.
• Experience of serving high-profile individuals, and collaborating with a range of organisations, to develop and influence policy.
• Strong diplomatic skills and keen international political acumen, experience of analysing complex global political situations, and the ability to operate with diplomatic finesse and agility across different cultural environments and world views.
• Analytical, research and communication strengths, with the ability to understand, interpret and present complex and sensitive information from a variety of sources to high-level and public audiences.
• A strong personal commitment to the mission and values of The Elders.
• A flexible style and willingness to work in a small, collaborative team.
• This role may require frequent regular international travel, sometimes at short notice and, in exceptional circumstances, for up to two weeks, including to conflict-affected countries.  Additionally, you may be required to attend staff or Elders events in the UK from time to time.

Working at The Elders

We operate a hybrid working policy, with a high degree of flexibility for staff. We ask staff to attend the office based on need, not a quota of days. We believe there are certain activities that are best conducted in person and also hold monthly “in days” when the whole team comes together. Additionally, some roles involve international travel, the timing of which is usually decided by Elders’ commitments. Aside from these obligations, staff are free to choose the balance between working remotely and working in the office that suits them best. We are based close to Green Park station in London, in a newly refurbished office.

In addition to a competitive salary we offer the following benefits:

• Private pension scheme with 10% employer contributions
• Optional private medical and dental insurance
• Group life assurance equivalent to 5 x annual salary
• 28 days of paid annual leave (with 3 of these days on stipulated dates between the Christmas/New Year holidays) plus all UK bank holidays and public holidays
• Enhanced parental leave

The Application Process

To apply, please send your up-to-date CV and Supporting statement to [email protected] or apply via the Charity People website.

The closing date is 9am on Tuesday 21 November. First interviews will be held w/c 4 December. Second stage interviews will take place w/c 11 December.

The Elders is committed to creating an inclusive working environment that values diversity and equal opportunities.  We welcome and encourage applicants of any ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. Given the Elders’ global outlook, we particularly welcome applicants originally from countries in the Global South. As we are not able to sponsor visas, all applicants must have the right to work in the country where the role they are applying for is based. We will assess purely on your abilities and fit for a role. We are happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a fair recruitment process and to enable you to be successful in your role if selected.