Head of Peacebuilding

Children in Crossfire; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization based in Derry/Londonderry is seeking a Head of Peacebuilding to lead its initiatives in fostering peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. This role requires strategic development of peacebuilding programmes and engagement with various stakeholders while ensuring funding sustainability. The position emphasizes compassionate approaches and aims to empower individuals and communities to become agents of positive change. Ideal candidates will have experience in peacebuilding and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in peacebuilding and community engagement.
• Strong understanding of reconciliation processes.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development and implementation of the peacebuilding programme.
• Secure sustainable funding for the programme.
• Implement Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) systems.
• Provide support to the wider Children in Crossfire team.

Skills

Strategic development

Stakeholder engagement

Monitoring and Evaluation

Capacity building

Funding acquisition

Compassion-based approaches

Job description

Location: Head Office Derry/Londonderry (with flexibility)

Responsible to: CEO

Contract: Fixed Term, 3 Years

Background

Children in Crossfire is a registered charity in Ireland that facilitates International Development and Global Citizenship Education programme activities.

Our vision is a compassionate world where all children can reach their potential. We work in partnership with local organisations in Tanzania and Ethiopia to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged young children, with the particular focus on Early Childhood Development and Early Childhood Education. By improving childhood care, we are changing lives and empowering young children, their families, and their communities to build a better future.

In Ireland, we work through our Educating the Heart programme to deliver Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in formal and informal sectors to engage communities, networks and organisations with compassion‑based approaches to GCE.

Context of the role

The Head of Peacebuilding at Children in Crossfire will lead the strategic development and implementation of a transformative peacebuilding programme across both formal and informal sectors in Northern Ireland and the border counties. Rooted in the organisation’s ‘Educating the Heart’ ethos of compassion, empathy, and active citizenship, this role will champion initiatives that empower young people and adults to become agents of positive change in their communities. Central to this work is a commitment to reconciliation—creating safe spaces for dialogue, healing, and mutual understanding among diverse groups affected by division and conflict. The Head of Peacebuilding will oversee programme design, stakeholder engagement, and capacity‑building efforts, ensuring that all activities reflect Children in Crossfire’s commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue, mutual understanding, and sustainable peace. Through collaborative practice, the Head of Peacebuilding will help cultivate environments where voices are heard, valued, and mobilised for a more just and peaceful society.

Major Responsibilities:

• To develop and implement a peacebuilding strategy that aligns with Children in Crossfire’s ‘Educating the Heart’ ethos;
• To secure sustainable funding for Children in Crossfire’s peacebuilding programme;
• To implement Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) systems that underpin the Peacebuilding programme;
• To work closely with the wider Children in Crossfire team providing support as required.

For more information, read the FULL JOB DESCRIPTION at https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/head-of-peacebuilding/

This role is considered to present a medium rating of safeguarding risk. The role will be primarily office-based, with some contact with children/vulnerable adults.

All applicants are required to complete a Children in Crossfire Application Form and email to: [e-mail]

This is a Fixed Term post for 3 years.

The closing date for applications is 12noon on 5th December 2025.

Seniority level: Executive

Employment type: Full-time

Industries: International Trade and Development