Position description
The NYU Center on International Cooperation (CIC) seeks an Associate Director, Prevention and Peacebuilding to lead its work in preventing violent conflict and violent extremism, while advancing peacebuilding efforts supported by sustainable financing and the institutionalization of frameworks that address the drivers and root causes of violence. This role is designed to deliver innovative, evidence-based solutions at global, national, and local levels in ways that are collaborative and respectful of established and emerging cultures of peace, mediation, and prevention. The Associate Director should have proven experience and knowledge of the United Nations system and a demonstrated ability to lead data-driven analysis while leveraging technological tools to enhance productivity and targeted outreach. Additionally, the candidate must excel in navigating the complexities of field research in challenging environments, adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct, risk management, and accountability. By working effectively with governments, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and civil society, the Associate Director will position CIC as a global leader in delivering transformative prevention and peacebuilding initiatives.
Strategic Leadership and Program Development
- Define and implement program strategies that complement CIC’s efforts in mediation and conflict resolution, peacekeeping, security sector governance, and enhancing multilateral effectiveness in peace and security.
- Develop innovative approaches to strengthen preventive capacities, such as early-warning systems, mediation tools, and frameworks for addressing violent extremism and conflict.
- Ensure that program objectives align with CIC’s mission and drive forward a vision for global leadership in prevention and peacebuilding.
- Develop and implement the prevention and peacebuilding program goals and deliverables as outlined in the CIC Business Plan, including responsibility in contributing to the development of new research objectives and opportunities for impact.
- Integrate and coordinate the program’s activities with other CIC initiatives to create synergies, ensure coherence, and maximize the impact of CIC’s overall efforts in advancing peace, security, and governance.
Research, Technology, and Evidence-Based Innovation
- Lead the production of high-quality, actionable research that addresses the root causes and drivers of violence, with a focus on scalable interventions.
- Utilize data visualization, conflict monitoring tools, and other technological systems to synthesize insights and guide targeted outreach and policy recommendations.
- Oversee the development and dissemination of evidence-based frameworks for prevention and peacebuilding, ensuring they are practical and adaptable to diverse contexts
Operational and Staff Management
- Manage a growing team of researchers, consultants, and project staff, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment with program goals.
- Oversee operational workflows, ensuring that deliverables are timely, impactful, and meet high standards of quality.
- Foster a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and professional development within the team.
- Ensure robust project management systems are in place to track performance, budgets, and program impact.
Fundraising and Financial Stewardship
- Develop and execute a fundraising strategy to secure sustainable financing for the program.
- Cultivate relationships with donors, ensuring transparency and alignment with CIC’s mission.
- Report on program impact and value for money, demonstrating the effectiveness of CIC’s work to potential and current funders
Partnerships and Advocacy
- Cultivate partnerships with governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector, and civil society to advance peacebuilding and prevention-focused initiatives.
- Represent CIC at high-level forums, presenting research findings and advocating for innovative and sustainable solutions to global challenges.
- Facilitate technical working groups and cross-sector collaborations to promote practical, locally informed prevention and peacebuilding strategies.
Other tasks assigned by CIC’s Executive
Qualifications
Required Education
Master’s Degree or PhD in a relevant field, combined with relevant practical experience.
Required Experience
- At least 10 years of practical experience in conflict prevention, countering violent extremism, and peacebuilding.
- Proven track record in producing high-quality research and translating findings into actionable policies and frameworks.
- Extensive knowledge of the United Nations system, particularly its peace and security pillar, as well as an appreciation for local and national processes related to prevention and peacebuilding.
- Experience conducting field research in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, with a strong commitment to ethical and risk-responsive practices.
- Expertise in leveraging technology for prevention, such as data visualization tools, conflict monitoring systems, and early-warning platforms.
- Success in designing and managing large, multi-stakeholder projects and fostering collaboration among diverse partners.
- Demonstrated ability to secure funding and manage budgets for complex initiatives.
- Practical experience providing research findings and policy advice to governments, multilateral organizations, and civil society in different regions.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to navigate and build relationships across diverse cultural, social, and political contexts, ensuring inclusive and equitable solutions.
- Strong political acumen and advanced diplomatic skills to engage effectively with governments, multilateral organizations, donors, and civil society.
- Comprehensive understanding of the interconnected drivers of conflict, fragility, and violent extremism, with the ability to apply systems-thinking approaches to prevention.
- Expertise in designing and implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks to measure impact, adapt strategies, and enhance program effectiveness.
- Technological foresight to identify and integrate emerging tools-such as AI, data visualization, and conflict monitoring systems-into prevention and peacebuilding initiatives.
- Proven ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams and foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and present effectively for technical and policy-oriented audiences.
- Proficiency in at least one UN language (fluency in two or more preferred).
Preferred Education
Preferred Experience
- Proven practical experience working in fragile and conflict-affected settings on issues related to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, or humanitarian assistance.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies for preventing violent conflict and extremism in diverse and challenging environments.
- Experience conducting field research in conflict zones or other high-risk settings, with a strong commitment to ethical practices and risk management.
- A track record of producing influential, policy-oriented research and translating findings into actionable recommendations for governments, multilateral organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Proficiency in applying quantitative and qualitative data analysis to inform prevention and peacebuilding strategies.
- Practical experience managing multi-stakeholder initiatives, including partnerships with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
- Experience leveraging technology to enhance program outcomes.
- Familiarity with innovative financing mechanisms to support sustainable prevention and peacebuilding efforts.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
None
Application instructions
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