About Communities in Transition (CIT)

CIT is a conflict management consulting firm that empowers communities to address conflict-related challenges in a collaborative and sustainable way. We achieve our mission by:

• Advancing the understanding of complex crisis through comprehensive conflict analysis and assessments;
• Facilitating inclusive and sustainable conflict resolution dialogue processes; and
• Insuring knowledge transfer and ownership to empower local peacemakers.

CIT currently works in the US and the Central African Republic.

Job Description

Communities in Transition is seeking applications for a Mbomou-Uele border area research consultancy opportunity. The research will be used to identify 30 villages in the Mbomou-Uele border area where CIT’s conflict resolution interventions could be useful. The researcher will be tasked to:

• Conflict assessment: the research will evaluate the conflict dynamics of the Mbomou-Uele border region and surrounding areas to understand core grievances and resiliencies, identify the drivers of conflict and mitigating factors, and understand the opportunities for increasing or decreasing conflict. This will provide CIT with entry-points, locations and engagement priorities and define where to position CIT’s assets.
• Communication analysis: the researcher will conduct a communication ecosystem analysis of the Mbomou-Uele border region to generate understanding about the relationship between communication and violence. This analysis will include identifying leverage opportunities for moving the system of relationships closer towards resolving threats to local communities in the area.
• Stakeholder mapping: the researcher will map relevant stakeholders, meet potential partners and identify existing communication platform relevant to the project to develop a coordination strategy and build relationships with others.

Qualifications

• CAR and DRC national preferred. International researchers in partnership with a local team will also be considered.
• Degree in conflict management, political science, international relations, international development, or a related field.
• 4+ years of research experience.
• Proven track-record of research on conflict dynamics in CAR and DRC research, Mbomou-Uele area preferred.
• Experience in conceptualizing research proposals and experience with USAID's conflict assessment framework a plus.
• Technical skills in operationalizing complex research designs, sampling, data collection, scripting questionnaires, data cleaning, and quality assurance methods.
• Strong analytical and writing skills with both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Ability to collect data in conflict-prone areas and travel in area with few amenities and high risks of violence. Ability to anticipate risks and come up with creative solutions under pressure.
• Experience working with armed groups, the military, police and/or government officials a must.
• Ability to conduct yourself in a professional manner with diverse stakeholders when communicating and interacting, as well as when liaising with upper management.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills.
• Cultural sensitivity, sense of humor and a "can do" attitude.
• Fluency in written and spoken French required.
• Fluency in English a plus.

Application Process

To apply for the position, please send a cover letter, an updated CV and a sample research you produced to jobs@communitiesintransition.com, including in the subject line the position you are applying for. Please include your daily consulting rate in your cover letter. Your application should also include a general work plan and timeline.

Only applicants short-listed for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Compensation will be based on experience. The position is not eligible for benefits.

Communities in Transition (CIT) team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and as such all staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and CIT policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all venues.