Peacebuilding Strategy Consultant                         

Job Summary:

The Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies is seeking a Peacebuilding Strategy Consultant to support its ongoing efforts to develop strategic, participatory frameworks to inform peace process engagement in Yemen. The consultant will contribute to shaping a practical and inclusive strategy, informed by thematic analysis and stakeholder-led processes. While familiarity with the Yemeni peace process is an asset, the consultancy is open to experienced peacebuilders with relevant regional or international expertise.

We are a dynamic, highly mobile, multi-lingual team with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Our main office is in Yemen, while most of our team works remotely from locations across Yemen, the Middle East, and major cities around the world. Among our core strengths are our versatility, initiative, access, networks, and audacity. We seek new team members who would complement this dynamic.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The consultant will work closely with four thematic expert teams (political, economic, transitional justice and environment) and the corecoordination team to carry out the following:

Facilitate Strategic Dialogue

• Guide participatory sessions with thematic working groups focused on various peace process dimensions.
• Apply scenario-building and road mapping methodologies to structure discussions.

Support Policy Development

• Assist expert teams in stockpiling policy positions, recommendations, and research relevant to peacebuilding.
• Ensure outputs are aligned with ongoing political dynamics and responsive to future scenarios.

Strategy Design

• Lead the facilitation of a consultative process to develop a strategy plan for engagement with the peace process.
• Ensure the strategy is informed by group deliberations, inclusive participation, and evidence-based input.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to produce the following:

• A Methodology Document outlining the approach to facilitation, stockpiling, and road-mapping.
• A Strategy Development Plan with defined timelines and stages.
• A desk review of relevant reports.
• Meeting Agendas and Summary Notes from participatory workshops and group discussions.
• A final Strategy Document, integrating input from all thematic teams and aligned with stakeholder perspectives.

Qualification and Skills:

• Proven experience of at least 7 years in peacebuilding, peace process design, or strategy development, supported by a degree in a relevant field such as political science, conflict studies, international relations, or a related discipline.
• Strong facilitation skills and familiarity with participatory methodologies.
• Ability to apply scenario planning, road mapping, and other strategic tools.
• Familiarity with the Yemeni context and/or peace processes in comparable settings is an asset.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills in English (Arabic is a plus).

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop forward-looking, actionable strategies in complex environments.
• Political Acumen: Strong grasp of conflict dynamics, peace processes, and regional geopolitics.
• Analytical Skills: Advanced ability to synthesize and distill key points from diverse perspectives and data sources.
• Foresight & Scenario Planning: Familiarity with foresight methodologies, scenario building, and strategic road mapping.
• Policy Understanding: Solid understanding of policy development and outreach.
• Facilitation & Mediation: Skilled in guiding multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in fluid, high-pressure contexts with evolving priorities.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse teams, partners, and stakeholders.

Position Details:

• Reports to: Executive Director for Knowledge Production
• Contract type: Service Agreement
• Duration: June – December 2025
• Starting salary: To be determined based on experience.
• Location: Remote
• Joining date: As soon as possible

The Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies

Founded in 2014, the Sana’a Center is one of the few independent research centers that has continued to operate in Yemen throughout the ongoing conflict. While the Center maintains cordial relations with all key stakeholders, it has remained fiercely unaligned with any of the belligerent parties. The Sana’a Center has thus maintained a unique position and the ability to work throughout Yemen and beyond.

The Center maintains a strong network across Yemen with access to key political, military and security figures, tribal leaders, the financial sector, economists, journalists, humanitarian actors, civil society, and other important stakeholders. The Center has also established a broad network and presence within the international community, connecting it to international organizations, diplomatic circles, regional and international policymakers, research centers and global forums.

The Sana’a Center’s reports and researchers are widely quoted in local, regional, and international media outlets, while the analysis of the Center’s experts is regularly sought out by local and international stakeholders.