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The Organization
In a world often divided, Search for Common Ground (Search) stands for the power of bringing diverse people together to find solutions. By meeting this moment with Search, you join a powerful global peace movement that believes in the profound impact of courageous multipartiality – that all voices should be heard and respected in shaping a better, more connected world and collaborative vision is essential for lasting peace.
Search for Common Ground takes a dynamic approach by building solutions that are based on the needs of communities. We engage with leaders and elected officials to advance dialogue and collaboration. We are community leaders. We are youth activists. We are Peacebuilders. We have been doing this work for over 40 years, we have developed our understanding of what peace looks like, being able to quantify our impact and design more effective programming. Peace moves at the speed of trust, so we invest for the long haul. When we’re no longer needed, we leave, leaving behind people and institutions with the ability to manage future conflicts.
Search established Operation in Kenya in 2007. Since then Kenya Office has implemented projects in the fields of Democracy and Governance, Youth Peace and Security, Women, Peace, and Security, Digital Peacebuilding, Transforming Violent Extremism, Freedom of Religion and Belief, Access to Justice, Social and Economic Empowerment, Cross Border Peace and Security, Natural Resource Management, Social and Economic advancement of Refugees and IDPs, Blue Economy, and Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Together with its implementing partners, Search is implementing projects that seek to foster collaborative and inclusive community-led prevention of election-related conflicts in Coastal Kenya as well as peaceful and just societies where all enjoy freedom of religion and belief.
We have a proven track record, and have earned a reputation for impartiality, in bringing together diverse stakeholders to find cooperative solutions to peace.
Geographic Focus: Search is active in 5 out 6 Coastal Counties: Mombasa, Lamu, Tana River, Kwale, and Kilifi, as well as one county in Kenya’s North Eastern County, Garissa, and the capital, Nairobi.
The Assignment
The Consultant will lead project activities under the Grassroots to Global : Strengthening Peacebuilding to Tackle New Challenges project funded by the Carnegie Corporation. S/he will be responsible for strengthening multi-stakeholder efforts to address conflict in the new minerals economy in Kenya and especially Kwale. The Consultant will serve as a convener and connector – linking peacebuilding scholars and practitioners in Kenya especially for Kwale Mrima Hills as well as with domestic and international policymakers and creating space for diverse actors to co-develop and shape policy responses to address conflict in the new minerals economy. This role will support African-led efforts to confront the urgent and growing risks posed by unregulated mineral extraction.
The Consultant will also serve as a focal point on critical minerals across Search’s teams and work to improve coordination, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for teams whose work touches on critical minerals and related issues (e.g. gold, extractive industries, Voluntary Principles).
Please note that only applicants who hold the right to live and work in Kenya will be considered.
Expectation
Provide research-based evidence and participate in multi-stakeholder engagements around precious and critical minerals
Scale dialogue and influence by advancing cross-continental coordination and private sector accountability
Produce a follow-up research paper on the critical minerals role in conflict and peacebuilding
Coordinate cross-continental exchanges focusing on regional capacity to address land use and mobility-related conflicts strengthened through learning exchanges amongst stakeholders
Lead on project specific activities and document lessons learned
Prepare detailed costed work plan and activity plan that tracks outputs in liaison with the Global Program Officer regional and Multi country teams
Ensure effective communication with project stakeholders, draft materials for stakeholders (donor/partner/governmental meetings – e.g., agenda, presentations, etc.)
Serve as a focal point on critical minerals across Search’s teams and work to improve coordination, knowledge sharing, resource mobilization and capacity building for teams whose work touches on critical minerals and related issues (e.g. gold, extractive industries, Voluntary Principles).
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to maintain and develop professional working relationships at all levels, both internally and externally
Ability to articulate project goals and objectives within and external to Search and develop project objectives that reflect broader Search strategies and approaches
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, creatively solve problems, and work with minimum supervision
Excellent interpersonal skills, energetic, and culturally sensitive
Excellent oral and written communication skills (English)
Has knowledge of project management tools including technology as resources for efficiency and reduction of stress.
Education and Experience
Typically BS/BA with minimum 9 years’ relevant experience. Education related to critical minerals required.
Experience with projects focused on gold and critical minerals required.
Safeguarding and Child Protection: The Consultant will remain alert and responsive to any safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable him/her to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct self in a manner consistent with the Search Safeguarding Policy.
Timeframe: The consultancy will take place between June 2026 and September 2027
Women are Encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Please apply here