Dialogue Facilitators -5 Required

1. Introduction:

Positive Action for Development (PAD) is an indigenous, non-governmental, non-profit, secular, and legally registered Ethiopian Civil Society Organization (Registration No. 2330). PAD is committed to promoting a just, compassionate, and inclusive society where all people can thrive. Guided by the values of optimism, integrity, kindness, excellence, and impactful action, PAD works to provide effective humanitarian and development support to communities in need.

PAD is currently seeking qualified and motivated individuals for the following position(s)

Position: Dialogue Facilitators

Number required: 5 (Five) (1 per each woreda)

Duty Station: Setit Humera, Kafta Humera, Dansha, Wolkait, and Maitsberi

Employment Type: Contract

Job Summary

The Dialogue Facilitator is responsible for driving peacebuilding and social cohesion at the grassroots level by facilitating inclusive community dialogues, strengthening local conflict-resolution mechanisms, and supporting the active involvement of all community segments in reconciliation efforts. Working closely with Social Workers and under the guidance of the Protection Officer, the Dialogue Facilitator organizes structured dialogue sessions, promotes early warning and rapid response activities, and ensures that community-led peace initiatives are linked to the broader protection framework. The role demands exceptional facilitation skills, deep cultural sensitivity, and a sustained commitment to rebuilding trust in communities affected by conflict and displacement.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Community Dialogue and Conflict Resolution

• Plan, organize, and facilitate regular community dialogue sessions that bring together diverse groups (youth, women, elders, displaced persons, and host community members) to discuss sources of tension and collectively identify solutions.
• Support the revitalization of traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, working with clan and community elders to blend customary practices with universal human rights standards.
• Mediate low-level community disputes where appropriate, de-escalating tensions and referring complex cases to the Protection Officer or appropriate structures.
• Help establish and maintain community early warning and rapid response systems by training community focal points, collecting conflict-sensitivity information, and flagging potential risks.

2. Peacebuilding and Prevention Activities

• Lead the organization of social and cultural events (sports, theatre, traditional celebrations) in rehabilitated shared spaces to strengthen inter-group understanding and social bonds.
• Facilitate youth-focused peace advocacy initiatives, including peer education, peace clubs, and youth-led awareness campaigns.
• Promote inclusive decision-making by encouraging marginalized groups to participate in local governance structures and peace forums.
• Disseminate accurate information on the project’s peacebuilding and social cohesion aims, countering rumors and misinformation that could fuel conflict.

3. Reporting and Coordination

• Document dialogue sessions, peace forum meetings, and community peace initiatives using standard reporting formats, including key discussion themes, agreements reached, and follow-up actions.
• Collect, summarize, and submit weekly/monthly activity reports to the Protection Officer, including qualitative community feedback and early warning observations.
• Participate in regular coordination meetings with Social Workers, local authorities, and other partners to align peacebuilding efforts and share progress and challenges.

4. Competencies

Core Competencies

• Facilitation and Mediation: Natural ability to guide diverse groups toward constructive conversation and agreement, remaining neutral and respectful.
• Cultural and Contextual Awareness: Intimate knowledge of local customs, power dynamics, and conflict drivers, and ability to work within culturally appropriate frameworks.
• Inclusiveness: Strong commitment to ensuring the voices of women, youth, and marginalized individuals are heard and respected.
• Integrity: Adherence to humanitarian principles, including confidentiality and ‘Do No Harm’, especially in sensitive conflict-related discussions.

Technical Competencies

• Dialogue and Peacebuilding Techniques: Knowledge of structured dialogue methodologies, restorative practices, and community conflict resolution.
• Early Warning Systems: Understanding of basic conflict monitoring, information gathering, and risk reporting.
• Community Mobilization: Proven experience in organizing community events and facilitating group activities.
• Reporting Skills: Ability to capture qualitative information accurately and provide clear, concise written updates.

5. Additional Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Minimum Diploma (Degree preferred) in Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, Community Development, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in facilitating community dialogues, peacebuilding, or conflict resolution activities; prior experience in the target regions is a significant advantage.
• Local Residency and Acceptance: Must be accepted and trusted by the community, with a demonstrated ability to engage with elders, local leaders, and diverse groups.
• Language: Fluency in the relevant local language(s) is mandatory; basic working proficiency in English is an advantage.
• Training: Certification or formal training in dialogue facilitation, mediation, conflict sensitivity, or peacebuilding is highly desirable.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working with traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms in rural or conflict-affected settings.
• Ability to work independently and maintain impartiality in politically sensitive environments.
• Willingness to live and travel in remote kebeles and adapt to challenging field conditions.

Other Considerations:

• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations, including remote areas.
• Commitment to upholding humanitarian values and the organization’s mission.

Competencies

• Action facilitations
• Communications
• Ethics & Values
• Teamwork
• Behavioral Flexibility
• Client Orientation
• Initiative
• Interpersonal Relations
• Reasonable Judgment

1. Equal Employment Opportunity

PAD promotes fairness, equity, and diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other personal status.

Hiring decisions are made solely based on skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
PAD is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment where all staff can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally.

2. Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

PAD maintains zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, exploitation, or misuse of power. All staff, volunteers, and partners are expected to follow PAD’s policies and uphold our values at all times.
All successful candidates will undergo background checks and must adhere to PAD’s code of conduct and safeguarding principles.

3. Recruitment Flexibility

PAD reserves the right to:

• Recruit more than the required candidates from this announcement.
• Keep qualified applicants in our database for future similar roles.

4. Important Notice on Recruitment Fraud

If you encounter any misconduct, fraud, or corruption related to PAD’s recruitment process or operations, please report immediately via:

• Email: safeguarding@padethiopia.org
• Link: https://one-pad.org/guest_new/public_add_issue
• Toll Free Hotline: 9135

PAD treats all reports confidentially and takes them seriously, ensuring appropriate action is taken.