Request for Applications: Youth Policy Fellows for EU-Funded Next-Generation Peacemakers Project, Banjul, Gambia

Position: Request for Applications: Youth Policy Fellows for EU-Funded Next-Generation Peacemakers Project

Location:

Banjul, Gambia

Job Id: 1131

# of Openings: 3

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS: YOUTH POLICY FELLOWS FOR EU-FUNDED NEXT-GENERATION PEACEMAKERS PROJECT

INTRODUCTION

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is working with Democracy International (DI) to implement activities under the EU-funded Nextgen Peacemakers Project, in partnership with the National Youth Council (NYC), Alliance of Victim-Led Organizations (AVLO), Think Young Women (TYW), and the Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD).

The goal of this project is to empower young women and men as positive agents of change for peace in their communities and in the public arena by building youth skills and assets, creating opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in policy and politics, and supporting youth and government alike to navigate a complex social, cultural, and political environment.

DI is supporting the MOJ to recruit suitably qualified persons to serve as Youth Policy Fellows to support implementation of MOJ's activities under the Project. Youth Policy Fellows will be embedded within the MOJ Post-TRRC Unit (PTU) and/or key transitional justice and peacebuilding bodies, contributing directly to peace and security policy. The Fellowship will provide early-career professionals and young civil society leaders with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in government, advance good governance and reform, and build lasting professional skills and networks.

The Youth Policy Fellows will be supervised by the DI Youth Engagement Advisor and PTU, and will participate in a community of practice with other youth fellows and changemakers engaged in peace and security across government ministries and civil society.

FELLOWSHIP PLACEMENT AREAS

Fellows may be placed in one of the following priority areas based on qualifications, experience, and interest:

• Victims Reparations Commission

• The National Assembly passed the Victim Reparations Act in 2023 to establish a fund for victims of human rights abuses and violations during the Jammeh regime. Fellows may support the Commission as it begins operationalizing the Victims' Fund, contributing to one or more of the following:

  • Development and administration of a victims database
  • Commission policies and procedures
  • Communication, coordination, and resource mobilization
  • Outreach and coordination with victim communities, including in rural areas
  • Support for the Commission's Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) functions
  • Other tasks required by the Commission
  • Special Prosecutor's Office and Special Accountability Mechanism

  • With the SPO and SAM Acts passed, The Gambia will soon appoint a Special Prosecutor and begin formal investigations into Jammeh-era crimes. Fellows will support this process in areas such as:

    • Community outreach and communications
    • Evidence management
    • Victim participation and coordination
    • Research and documentation
    • Other tasks required by the SPO and SAM
    • Peace and Reconciliation Commission / Ministry of Interior Peacebuilding Unit

    • The Ministry of Interior (MOI) Peacebuilding Unit is advancing the implementation of relevant TRRC recommendations and coordinating peacebuilding activities across The Gambia. Fellows may support the Unit's work, potentially including:

      • Internal research and analysis to support TRRC recommendation implementation particularly as it relates to the establishment of a permanent Peace and Reconciliation Commission
      • Coordination with the Infrastructure for Peace Technical Working Group
      • Support to the creation of the Peace Committee on Kerr Mot Ali
      • Policy analysis and documentation

      SCOPE OF WORK

      Specific duties will be tailored to each fellow's placement area and individual qualifications and will be developed in close coordination with the host institution and DI. All fellows will be expected to:

      • Contribute to the day-to-day work of their host institution on transitional justice, peacebuilding, and/or reconciliation
      • Support outreach and communications with youth communities, victims, civil society, and/or government partners
      • Produce written work products (briefs, reports, summaries, databases, tools) as assigned
      • Participate in regular check-ins, trainings, and capacity building
      • Engage with other youth fellows, youth changemakers, and NYC CSO members working on YPS issues
      • Contribute to monitoring and evaluation data collection and reporting
      • Represent their host institution professionally at relevant meetings, workshops, and events

      DELIVERABLES

      Each fellow will develop individualized deliverables with the host institution and DI at the start of their fellowship. Fellows are expected to produce at minimum:

      • Monthly progress updates to the DI Youth Engagement Advisor
      • A final fellowship report covering key contributions, lessons learned, and recommendations

      DURATION OF FELLOWSHIP

      The duration of this Fellowship is twelve months, with the possibility of extension subject to Fellow's performance and availability of funding.

      QUALIFICATIONS

      Required

      • Gambian citizenship and current residency in The Gambia
      • Bachelor's degree in law, political science, social science, public policy, international relations, or a related field (candidates nearing completion of their degree will be considered)
      • Demonstrated interest in transitional justice, peacebuilding, youth engagement, human rights, or a related field
      • Strong written and oral communication skills in English
      • Commitment to youth, peace, and security values and to the advancement of Gambia's post-TRRC agenda

      Preferred

      • Prior experience or coursework in transitional justice, human rights law, peacebuilding, public policy, or a related area
      • Experience working with or in civil society, government, or community organizations in The Gambia
      • Familiarity with the TRRC process, the Victims Reparations Act, the Special Accountability Mechanism, or related national processes
      • Strong research, analysis, or data management skills
      • Proficiency in local languages is an asset
      • Experience in communications, media, or community outreach
      • Persons with disabilities, and the children or relatives of victims recognized by the TRRC or the Reparations Commission are encouraged to apply

      STIPEND

      The Fellowship positions attract a monthly stipend of GMD 15,000.00 (fifteen thousand dalasi) per month.

      HOW TO APPLY

      Interested applicants may submit their applications. All applications must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae (CV) including 2 professional and/or academic references, and a cover letter. The deadline for submission of applications is 15^th March 2025.

      Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

      About the Organization:

      DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

      DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.