Senior Advisor on Freedom of Religion and Belief

Location: Nairobi, Kampala, or Bangkok

Organization Overview 

The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers (the Network) was founded in 2013 as a concrete response to the growing awareness among peace mediation organization and the United Nations, that religious and traditional actors are vital, but underutilized, actors in peacemaking processes. Since its founding, the Network has grown into a community of peacemakers ranging from grassroots religious and traditional actors to international NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions. The Network strengthens peacemaking through collaboratively supporting the positive role of religious and traditional actors in peacebuilding processes and through connecting them to national and international peacebuilders. Since its founding, the Network Secretariat has been hosted by Finn Church Aid (FCA), Finland’s largest development agency and provider of humanitarian aid, while the steering body of the Network, the Core Group, consist of variety of actors from UN Agencies to Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Religions for Peace and KAICIID Dialogue Center. 

About JISRA

The Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) is a partnership of 50 civil society organisations based in Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria and Uganda. This international, interreligious partnership is implementing a five-year programme to further peaceful and just societies where all enjoy Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB).

JISRA stimulates positive forces within and between religious communities for more peaceful and inclusive societies. JISRA leverages the constructive role of religious actors. This programme addresses harmful norms and narratives within religious communities, stimulates cooperation between religions and shows that different religious traditions can come together in a common vision for a better and fairer society. JISRA pays special attention to increasing the role of women and youth in setting the vision and solutions to advancing FoRB and promoting youth and women’s participation in decision-making fora. Rooted in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Freedom of Religion and Belief, JISRA contributes to SDG16 and SDG5. 

The Network will lead on and contribute to the following within the JISRA project:

• Strengthen capacity and leverage of the Muslim partners in the target countries, especially in the field of Islam and pluralism, Islam and FoRB, faith literacy, the Marrakesh declaration and strengthened networks. 
• Engage in international policy arenas on FoRB, in particular related to Islam and FoRB.
• Ensure Muslim inclusive JISRA governance within the JISRA consortium. 

Position Overview 

Reporting to the Director of Programs and Operations of the Network, the Senior Advisor on FoRB will:

• Lead the implementation of the Network’s activities under the Joint Initiative for Religious Action (JISRA) global project in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Uganda, Iraq, and Indonesia (70%).
• Provide technical expertise on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) to the Network Secretariat’s projects and programmes, including advising Network staff, members, and partners (30%).

Main Responsibilities 

• Lead the implementation of the Network’s activities as part of the JISRA project and advise JISRA consortium members and its local partners on issues of Muslim faith-literacy, Islam and pluralism, and Islam and FoRB.
• Lead the management of the Network’s responsibilities within the JISRA project including monitoring and reporting activities according to donor guidelines.
• Liaise and coordinate with other JISRA consortium members and JISRA governance bodies to align and coordinate strategies and activities.
• Advise partners and members on religious literacy and on how Islamic teaching is interpreted to be become actionable for peace and mediation.
• Create and facilitate a Community of Practice (CoP) for JISRA Muslim partners, provide capacity support and ensure their representation in relevant national and international forums.
• Represent the Network and participate in the JISRA global working groups.
• Ensure that FCA policies and guidelines are followed and oversee financial, contractual and procurement processes for the project.
• Contribute to the advancement of the Network’s strategy on FoRB-related issues. 
• Contribute to international policy arenas on FoRB issues, particularly related to Islam and FoRB.
• Strengthen the quality and impact of the Network’s work on FoRB through informed development of policies and strategies.
• Ensure that FoRB perspectives are applied through monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of Network programs.

Qualifications and Requirements 

• MA degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Theology, Islamic Studies, or Islamic Jurisprudence (Usul- al-Fiqh).
• At least 5 years of professional related experience with previous manager/advisor level experience.
• Strong capacity of inter and intra religious literacy and religious interpretation of conflict, especially in relation to Islam.
• Strong thematic expertise and experience in peace building and conflict transformation and working in conflict-torn environments.
• Well demonstrated capacity to work through intra- and interfaith processes. 
• Experience in high-level advocacy work internationally.
• Strong experience in programme and project management and development.
• Experience in managing/recruiting/inducting staff, team leadership and acting in leadership positions in international settings.
• Strong experience in finance and administration of projects and global programs.
• Fluent in oral and written English. Working knowledge of Arabic or French is an asset.
• Excellent communication, inter-personal and negotiating skills and experience in working in multi-cultural/ religious environments.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Expected Impact

• JISRA project is well managed and is strategically directed; project impact and outcomes are achieved.
• The Network strengthens its impact on FoRB globally through the implementation of its strategy and development of new initiatives.
• The Network and FCA are able to support JISRA partners, Network members and religious and traditional actors in their peacebuilding efforts globally.
• The Network and JISRA consortium members and their local partners are closely connected to national and international policymakers in their respective regions and impacts their policies.
• Information-sharing and collaboration with Network members, JISRA consortium members, and international partners in the different region is enhanced.
• The Network is recognized as trusted and professional actor in FoRB.

The position is 36 months contract, with six months’ probation period, starting as soon as possible. The compensation is based on FCA Compensation System and depends on prior work experience. Please apply by using the link no later than on 4th of December 2022. Applicants will be short-listed and contacted for an interview on a progressive basis.  For more information please contact Director of Programs and Operations, Matthias Wevelsiep by e-mail matthias.wevelsiep (at) kua.fi. 

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest development co-operation organisation and the second biggest organisation in Finland working in humanitarian aid. FCA is a founding member of the international aid alliance of churches, the ACT Alliance. We seek positive change by supporting the most vulnerable people in fragile contexts. We specialize in supporting local communities’ right to peace, livelihoods and quality education. Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.

FCA practices zero tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, including child abuse in all forms. FCA has zero tolerance concerning aid diversion and illegal actions, and may screen applicants against international lists to ensure due diligence and compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements. 

FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).