Senior Technical Specialist - Conflict and Stabilisation

Background Since formally launching Chemonics UK in May 2019, we have established a strong and diverse portfolio of UK Aid-funded programmes as well as partnerships with donors including International Development Banks and European bilateral donors. We work with government and development sector counterparts across three continents to deliver programmes in sectors including climate action, education, governance, peacebuilding, stabilisation, social cohesion, and research. The Conflict and Stabilisation Team At the beginning of 2024, Chemonics UK restructured and established four technical practices, with one of these being the Conflict and Stabilisation (C&S) practice. Practices are responsible for oversight of all practice programmes, business development, technical quality assurance and thought leadership. The C&S practice team currently includes programmes in Yemen, Western Balkans and Ukraine, as well as a cross-border conflict research programme. There are also numerous Chemonics International relevant thematic projects globally and a healthy pipeline of C&S opportunities. In addition to countries/regions where Chemonics UK already implements C&S projects (Ukraine, Yemen, Western Balkans and Jordan – through a Women, Peace and Security programme overseen by the Human Development Practice), the following are priority countries for 2025: Syria, Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territories/Israel, Sudan/Ethiopia/Horn of Africa. Main purpose of the role The Senior Technical Specialist will work closely with the C&S practice lead (and alongside programme directors (PDs), team leaders (TLs), other senior technical specialists, and practice associates from the Chemonics UK C&S portfolio and the wider pool of Chemonics talent interested in C&S), to design, update, and coordinate the implementation of the C&S strategy in order to expand and deliver a high-quality Chemonics UK Conflict & Stabilisation programme portfolio. As well as helping develop, coordinate and implement the C&S strategy, the Senior Technical Specialist will also coordinate and lead select ‘capture’ work (identifying and positioning for new opportunities), country engagement plans, and concept note design in key geographies and thematic areas; represent the C&S practice externally with clients, potential clients and at events; maintain close relations with selected key C&S partners and consultants; develop thought leadership (blogs, events etc) on key themes and help identify and share key lessons and success stories across the C&S and wider Chemonics portfolio; take on proposal roles (in particular technical writing and proposal lead); and conduct key technical deliverables where expertise can enhance the delivery of current C&S programmes and maintain a c.30% target of this person’s billability to project budgets. The Senior Technical Specialist will also work closely with the practice lead on financial forecasting, resource management, and planning against the annual C&S budget and contributions to Chemonics UK’s annual financial performance. Main responsibilities Technical Liaise with PL, PDs and TLs to identify and conduct billable technical assignments within the practice’s portfolio– typically where this links either to programme needs and/or links to positioning for related new strategic programmes/bids and/or supports the application of technical expertise to programme’s technical goals and objectives. It is envisaged that these assignments will be short term (max 4-6 weeks’ continuous work), but will exceed 30% of their time over a year’s period. Build their own and Chemonics UK’s subject matter expertise in C&S through supporting the advancement of the body of knowledge (e.g., innovations, best practices, lessons learned) and quality standards amongst C&S programmes; liaising with PDs, TLs and US technical practices and projects; coordinating with the MEL practice and PM Centre of Excellence and sharing lessons learned and success stories; supporting the development of technical approaches to guide project work and new business efforts; and advising on technical trends and programming priorities for FCDO, and potentially other donors. Identify and share best practices and innovative methodologies from current portfolio and wider C&S sector and support inclusion in current practice programme/s and proposals. Develop the practice network and promote Chemonics by helping identify and manage relationships and information sharing with key partners and consultants; supporting and managing outreach to professional societies; identifying opportunities for and attending external events and networking with clients and counterparts; and supporting practice improvement or preparation of technical and development practitioner publications. As required, support quality assurance of key programme documentation or reporting, when considered strategic by practice lead (e.g. if linked to a bid, to support a programme’s needs, or as a way to get greater understanding of the C&S portfolio and requested/or PDs or TLs and/or specific shortages of resource from programme teams. Market Positioning and Business Development Support the growth of the C&S portfolio by contributing to strategy setting, and coordinating and monitoring strategy implementation. Upstream business development. Promote Chemonics by articulating a solid understanding of Chemonics’ past and present portfolio; effectively representing the company’s history, values, and standards; and identifying and developing new business leads. Working with the PL/C&S team, proactively track upcoming new opportunities and market opportunities with new clients. Coordinate and lead select capture work, country engagement plans, and concept note design in key geographies and thematic areas. Work with New Business, HR, and Chemonics US colleagues to map Chemonics staff and projects relevant to practice strategy growth pillars (e.g. to inform country prioritisation, and pipeline management). Work with PL and capture leads to prepare for bid decision committees. Track, analyse, and share development trends and priorities within the relevant practice sector(s). Proposal roles. Take on technical writing and proposal lead roles for bids; and take part in other programme design and/or review meetings. As referenced above – practice network development, and sharing of best practices and innovations. In addition, and in coordination with the PL and team: Support practice engagement with clients and partners on relevant frameworks (i.e., ISF (formerly CSSF), GDDF) and help prepare and deliver C&S events. Cultivate strategic partnerships for growth with other organisations and consultants. Develop and deliver, with support from Chemonics UK comms team, external communications that support the positioning of Chemonics UK as a thought leader within the practice sector. As required, travel periodically to explore new business opportunities. Interact with key client and counterpart staff related to new programming opportunities. Programme / Project Management As required, support project teams in the development and delivery of technical approaches. Support project MEL, including but not limited to providing input to project reporting (i.e., quarterly and annual reports), contributing to project lessons learned, and providing feedback on MEL design (i.e., Theory of Change, indicators). Management / Leadership Mentors and advises staff across Chemonics UK (e.g. associates, programme managers, and others) as appropriate on a range of topics, including career mapping, business development, technical work, and project management. Demonstrates inclusive behaviours and leadership consistent with Chemonics’ values and leadership competencies. Serves in the acting director capacity as required. Performs other duties as required, including as Acting Programme Director. Client Engagement As required, in partnership with the practice lead and project teams, develop effective working relationships with internal and external clients, counterparts and stakeholders. Develop a deep understanding of the changing client requirements and priorities, supporting project adaptation as necessary and/or seek opportunities for new funding. Provide any relevant client insights to the new business team. Corporate Compliance In support of the practice lead/team, coordinate meetings with diverse stakeholders; synthesise and explain technical and administrative requirements based on UK and European regulations and guidance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform this role. Person specification Recognised by others as an experienced international development practitioner in at least one relevant C&S technical area (e.g. stabilisation, peacebuilding, security and/or justice sector reform; preventing violent extremism, governance in FCAS). Experience and/or the skills and understanding of conflict contexts to be able to position for new business and lead successful proposals. Experience working on C&S proposals ideally for FCDO (especially ISF, formerly CSSF). Experience working on proposals for European donors is an advantage. Understanding of, and experience in any of the key geographies for current and future Chemonics UK C&S projects is an advantage: Eastern Europe (especially Ukraine and Western Balkans); Middle East (especially Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Occupied Palestinian territories/Israel), Iraq; Sudan/Ethiopia/Horn of Africa. Experience managing programmes, conducting short or long-term project office roles in FCAS, and/or research roles for FCDO C&S projects and fluency in FCDO requirements is highly desired. Subject to conflict of interest, experience working for FCDO or other donors on C&S issues is also welcomed. Demonstrated progressive professional experience, including positions requiring supervision and mentorship of staff. Strong management, organisational, and decision-making skills. Experience delivering or contributing to high quality standards for the research and writing of technical documents (reports, proposals etc). Leads effective meetings and has demonstrable written and oral presentation skills. Demonstrates versatility and integrity. Ability to work as part of teams and independently. Previous experience of living or conducting work in developing countries is preferred. Willingness to travel and work abroad up to 3 months per year. Fluency in and demonstrated application of financial and project management systems is an advantage. Potential and interest to take on leadership roles for C&S projects (Programme Director, Team Leader, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead, Deputy Team Leader etc) in the future as part of their career progression. Works effectively both independently and as part of a team. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Foreign language proficiency in a relevant region we operate in preferred. Ability to comply with corporate and client codes of conduct. Education / Professional Skills Degree in relevant field or equivalent work experience required; advanced degree preferred. Other UK work authorisation or ability to obtain it required. The protection of your personal data is important to Chemonics. Please review the Chemonics Privacy Policy . If you are located in the UK, please also read our EU Recruiting Data Privacy Notice to learn how we process your personal data. #J-18808-Ljbffr