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Deconfliction and Reconciliation Expert (Service provider)

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Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, the European Institute of Peace (www.eip.org) is an independent organisation working collaboratively with the parties to the conflict, those who represent people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, as well as European decision-makers and the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community.


We provide practical experience, technical expertise, and policy advice on conflict resolution. We use a variety of tools to help us do this, including analysis, mapping and design of peace processes and agreements, facilitating policy discussions, and proposing practical engagement, for example through inclusive dialogue and mediation support. 


Are you captivated by our innovative approach to peace, and do you want to contribute to the mission of our institute? Do you share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements?


We are looking for a Deconfliction and Reconciliation Expert to support the Institute’s Peace Practice and Innovation (PPI) unit in its work related to Syria. The expert will contribute to support the design and delivery of activities aimed at reducing ethnic and sectarian tensions and promoting social cohesion by strengthening local governance capacities to conduct community dialogues, establish reconciliation mechanisms, and implement effective deconfliction strategies in the governorates of Homs, Latakia, Aleppo, and Tartous.



You will

Phase 1 – Deconfliction efforts

Consultation and analysis

  • Support the selection of target communities in Homs, Latakia, Aleppo, and Tartous. 
  • Conduct conflict sensitivity analyses in selected locations, including mapping of ongoing peacebuilding initiatives and existing reconciliation mechanisms, in line with agreed analytical methodologies.
  • Co-design consultation workshops with local council members, civil society actors, and community representatives. The Expert will develop proposed agendas and guiding questions for two-day workshops aimed at identifying priority tensions and their sources (e.g., sectarian dynamics, land disputes) and exploring entry points for potential solutions.


Development of location-specific workplans 

  • Based on consultation outcomes, lead online working group sessions for each target location (including local governance actors, civil society and local technical experts) develop proposed interventions to address tensions, identify entry points, and assess local governance capacities.
  • Draft and finalise four practical, location-specific implementation workplans, that reflect the outcomes and recommendations of the working groups.


Capacity-building training materials and workplan presentation 

  • Develop tailored capacity-building materials for local governance actors on dialogue facilitation, deconfliction strategies, and the management of social tensions.
  • Design and deliver an online Training of Trainers (ToT) for facilitators based on the developed materials.
  • Participate in and technically support the delivery of one in-person capacity-building training in each target location.
  • Present and seek validation for the location-specific workplans during trainings to gather stakeholder feedback and support securing buy-in.


Phase 2 – Reconciliation Activities (expected)

Advisory Support and Implementation Guidance 

  • Provide ongoing technical advisory support to local councils in implementing the workplans, including guidance on the establishment and functioning of community dialogue processes and reconciliation committees, as well as guidance on adapting approaches to evolving local dynamics. Document advisory support materials, as well as progress, lessons learned, and recommendations, throughout implementation.


Cross-cutting

  • Undertake travel to Syria as required to support implementation and advisory functions.
  • Provide updates and technical input on programme activities and participate in coordination meetings with the Institute and partner organisations.
  • Collaborate closely with the partner organisation as required for effective delivery of activities.
  • Upon request by the Institute, participate in external meetings or events with partners.
  • Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) efforts, as required.​


Your skills and experience
  • Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in political science, governance, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, or related fields.
  • Professional experience: Minimum of 8-10 years’ overall experience, including a strong focus on supporting initiatives related to: 

​a) deconfliction, local mediation, reconciliation, and engagement with local governance actors; and

​b) planning and implementing complex activities in fragile or post-conflict environments, developing location-specific workplans, facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and capacity building, and supporting community dialogue processes.

  • Knowledge of the Syrian context: including political, security, and governance, as well as broader humanitarian, social, and post-conflict stabilisation considerations.
  • Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic (spoken Arabic and written Modern Standard Arabic).
  • Strong skills in conflict analysis, conflict mapping, and policy-oriented qualitative research; ability to synthesise findings into actionable recommendations for local governance and reconciliation processes.
  • Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and coordination skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and liaise with governance actors, civil society, community representatives, and international partners.
  • Strong communication, coordination, and writing skills; ability to adapt approaches to evolving local dynamics; understanding of conflict sensitivity and inclusive participation principles.
  • Experience designing, developing, and delivering capacity-building initiatives or technical guidance. 
  • Willing and able to travel to and within Syria.


What we are offering

Consultancy contract from March 2026 until June 2027.


Recruitment process

Closing date: 15/03/2024, midnight (CET).


Please submit in English: 

  • Your CV;
  • A concise cover letter. Candidates are encouraged to provide links or attachments to prior reports, analyses, or projects that demonstrate their professional experience and expertise. Please merge these documents together with your cover letter into one PDF prior to submission. Should you wish to provide links, please include them on a page following your cover letter within the same document.
  • Include a proposed day rate and availability in 2026.  

Our hiring team will review all applications after the closing date of the vacancy. We will keep you informed on the status of your application.

EIP firmly believes that diverse perspectives are key to our work. Therefore we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Your qualities and commitment are what matter to us, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Apply Now!