-Federal ADR Network
Deborah S. Laufer, Director

Notices of ADR Developments,
Trainings, Jobs and Resources

14 March 2010

“Life is the only game in which the object of the game is to learn the rules”
Ashleigh Brilliant

Table of Contents

1. Resources for Careers in Peacebuilding
2. USDA and Department of Justice Announce Historic Settlement in Lawsuit by Black Farmers Claiming Discrimination
3. Gates Foundation Considering Ombuds
4. UOC opens enrolment for 4-month online specialization course “Armed Conflicts”
5. Association for Conflict Resolution, 10th Annual Conference: "Many Paths, One Destination"
6. Conflict Transformation Skills Workshop Sponsored by the Baltimore Federal Executive Board
7. Job Opportunity: Program Manager - Conflict Management and Mitigation (CMM), Mercy Corps
8. Job Opportunity: Chief Circuit Mediator, 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
9. Job Opportunity: Director of Conflict Resolution, DePaul University International Human Rights Law Institute
10. Job Opportunity: Peace Group Advisor in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R, Mennonite Central Committee

1. CAREERS IN PEACEBUILDING

Craig Zelizer's Peace and Collaborative Development Network
http://www.internationalpeaceandconflict.org/

Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. In pursuit of this vision, AI’s mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights. For positions at AI, see http://www.amnesty.org/jobs

CANADEM is a non-profit agency dedicated to advancing international peace and security through the recruitment, screening, promotion and rapid mobilization of Canadian expertise. For positions at CANADEM, see http://www.canadem.ca/jobpostings
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is about helping people to help themselves. In just one generation, progress has been made in numerous developing countries around the world, with help from countries like Canada. CIDA administers most of Canada's $2.87-billion development assistance program. CIDA works closely with the Department of National Defence and Foreign Affairs Canada in delivering Canadian assistance to countries affected by poverty, conflict, or natural disasters. This approach is known as the three "Ds": diplomacy, defence, and development. For positions at CIDA, see http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/workin-e.htm

DEVNETJOBS is a gateway to International Development Jobs and Consultancy Assignments in International NGOs, Foundations, UN, Bilateral and Multilateral Agencies. For positions available through DEVNETJOBS, see www.DevNetJobs.org . Free jobs newsletter, see http://216.197.119.113/
Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) supports Canadians abroad, works towards a more peaceful and secure world, and promotes our culture and values internationally. The former Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) has been split into two separate departments. All services, programs and activities previously offered by DFAIT are now offered by: Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) and International Trade Canada (ITCan) . For positions at Foreign Affairs Canada, see http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/ni-ka/employment-en.asp
The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on 17 July 1998, when 120 States participating in the "United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court" adopted the Statute. This is the first ever permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to promote the rule of law and ensure that the gravest international crimes do not go unpunished. For positions at the ICC, see http://www.icc-cpi.int/jobs/guidelines.html
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the Movement in situations of conflict. It also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. For positions at the Red Cross/Red Crescent, see http://www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/jobs?OpenDocument
International Job Vacancies - This website was conceived as a tool to assist the visitors in their search for an international employment. This is an ads-free, non-commercial resourse. INTJOBS.ORG is not an official publisher of vacancies for any of the organizations and we do not guarantee correctness of provided information. see http://intjobs.org/
Save the Children is a leading nonprofit humanitarian relief and development organization working in more than 40 countries throughout the developing world and the United States. Our mission is to create lasting, positive change in the lives of children in need. For positions at Save the Children, see http://www.savethechildren.org/careers/index.asp
The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN: membership totals 191 countries*. When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes: to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations. For positions at the UN, see https://jobs.un.org/release1/vacancy/vacancy.asp . Also, see the organization chart of UN organizations at http://www.un.org/aboutun/chart.html which has links to the respective web sites (and you can search for positions there).
UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund) is, as indicated in our mission statement: Mandated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and help them reach their full potential ... For positions at UNICEF, see http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.html
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - For this specialized United Nations agency, it is not enough to build classrooms in devastated countries or to publish scientific breakthroughs. Education, Social and Natural Science, Culture and Communication are the means to a far more ambitious goal : to build peace in the minds of men. (more) For positions at UNESCO, see http://www.unesco.org/per/index.html
The World Bank Group’s mission is to fight poverty and improve the living standards of people in the developing world. It is a development Bank which provides loans, policy advice, technical assistance and knowledge sharing services to low and middle income countries to reduce poverty. The Bank promotes growth to create jobs and to empower poor people to take advantage of these opportunities ...more For positions at the World Bank Group, see http://www.worldbank.org/careers
World Health Organization ("WHO") is the United Nations specialized agency for health. For positions at WHO, see http://www.who.int/employment/en/


2. USDA AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCE HISTORIC SETTLEMENT IN LAWSUIT BY BLACK FARMERS CLAIMING DISCRIMINATION BY USDA
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2010 - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the successful resolution of the longstanding litigation known as Pigford II. The settlement agreement reached today, which is contingent on appropriation by Congress, will provide a total of $1.25 billion to African American farmers who alleged that they suffered racial discrimination in USDA farm loan programs. The settlement sets up a non-judicial claims process through which individual farmers may demonstrate their entitlement to cash damages awards and debt relief.
Below is a statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack:
"USDA has made it a top priority to ensure all farmers are treated fairly and equally. We have worked hard to address USDA's checkered past so we can get to the business of helping farmers succeed. The agreement reached today is an important milestone in putting these discriminatory claims behind us for good and in achieving finality for this group of farmers with longstanding grievances.
"Because this Administration firmly believed that a full and final class-wide settlement was possible, the Administration requested $1.15 billion in the 2010 budget, on top of the $100 million already provided by Congress, to facilitate a settlement. I now urge Congress to provide the funding necessary to ensure that that these farmers and USDA can close this sad chapter and move on. .
"As I testified before Congress during my confirmation hearings last year, the USDA under the Obama Administration has made civil rights a top priority, which is why we are working to implement a comprehensive program to take definitive action to move USDA into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider."
Below is a statement from Attorney General Eric Holder:
"Bringing this litigation to a close has been a priority for this Administration. With the settlement announced today, USDA and the African American farmers who brought this litigation can move on to focus on their future. The plaintiffs can move forward and have their claims heard - with the federal government standing not as an adversary, but as a partner."
In 1999, the USDA entered into a consent agreement with black farmers in which the agency agreed to pay farmers for past discrimination in lending and other USDA programs. Thousands of claims have been adjudicated, but thousands of other claims were not considered on their merits because the affected farmers submitted their claims after the settlement claims deadline.
To address the remaining claims, Congress provided these farmers another avenue for restitution in the 2008 Farm Bill by providing a right to file a claim in federal court. The total amount offered by the federal government in the agreement announced today, $1.25 billion, includes the $100 million appropriated by Congress in Section 14012 of the Farm Bill.
Last May, President Obama announced his plans to include settlement funds for black farmers in the FY 2010 budget to bring closure to their long-standing litigation against the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The settlement is contingent on Congress appropriating the $1.15 billion that the President requested. Following the appropriation, class members may pursue their individual claims through a non-judicial claims process in front of a neutral arbitrator. Claimants who establish their credit-related claims will be entitled to receive up to $50,000 and debt relief. A separate track may provide actual damages of up to $250,000 through a more rigorous process. The actual value of awards may be reduced based on the total amount of funds made available and the number of successful claims.
A moratorium on foreclosures of most claimants' farms will be in place until after claimants have gone through the claims process or the Secretary is notified that a claim has been denied.The claims process agreed to by the parties may provide payments to successful claimants beginning in the middle fo 2011.
Ensuring equitable treatment of all USDA employees and clients is a top priority for Secretary Vilsack. He has issued a clear policy and a comprehensive plan to improve USDA's record on Civil Rights and made it clear to all employees that discrimination of any form will not be tolerated at USDA. Some of the actions taken to transform USDA into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider include:
USDA revamped the program civil rights complaints system to improve the complaint process. For the first time since 1997, USDA now has investigators on staff to do the field work needed to investigate complaints.
After a competitive bidding process, USDA has hired outside, private firm to do an independent external analysis of the department's service delivery programs to identify problem areas and fixes. The firm will consider programs at USDA to identify barriers to equal and fair access for all USDA customers.
In April, USDA suspended all foreclosures in the Farm Service Agency's loan program for 90 days to provide an opportunity to review loans that could have been related to discriminatory conduct.
USDA's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights has initiated a series of unprecedented civil rights trainings for USDA field leadership teams and required trainings for all political appointees and senior departmental leadership.
To try and resolve internal disputes and conflicts early and to enhance the use of alternative dispute resolution at USDA, the department is also establishing a congressionally mandated Ombudsman office to improve dispute resolution efforts.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/%21ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidon...
USDA News Release
Release No. 0072.10
Contact:
USDA Office of Communications
(202)720-4623
U.S. Dept of Justice Office of Communications
(202) 514-2007

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3. Gates Foundation Considering Ombuds
February 11, 2010
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is implementing a number of changes to improve its work internally and with beneficiaries. The foundation has an endowment in excess of $30 billion and has tripled its staff in the past four years. B&MGF's Chief Executive, Jeff Raikes, has already revised internal operations. In addition, Raikes promised changes by June to enhance communications with charities, including the possibility of an Ombuds position. As it considers an Ombuds program the Gates Foundation would be well advised to consult another leading nonprofit, the American Red Cross, which created an Ombuds office with similar objectives in 2007. (Chronicle of Philanthrophy; Puget Sound Business Journal.)

Related posts: Philanthropic Foundations Urged to Implement Ombuds; Red Cross Issues Second Annual Report.

http://ombuds-blog.blogspot.com/2010/02/gates-foundation-considerin...

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4. UOC opens enrolment for 4-month online Specialisation Course “Armed Conflicts”
Posted by Nicole Jenne on February 11, 2010 at 12:49pm in Scholarship, Fellowship Opportunities and Academic Programs
View Discussions
The Open University of Catalonia has opened the matriculation process for the new Specialisation Course “Armed Conflicts”. The 4-month program is taught on a virtual basis by a group of international specialists and treats the main approaches in the contemporary study of armed conflict.

Program
Introdutcion to Conflictology
Deconstructing War
Global Trends in Armed Conflicts and Collective Violence
Economy and Conflict

Further information can be found in the brochure at http://theglobalonlineuniversity.uoc.edu/new-global-courses/conflic...

Please leave your contact details at http://theglobalonlineuniversity.uoc.edu/contact-form/ and we will get in touch with you.
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5. What? Association for Conflict Resolution, 10th Annual Conference: "Many Paths, One Destination"
When? September 1-4, 2010

Where? Hyatt Regency Hotel, Chicago, Illinois
Why? ACR’s 10th Annual Conference will be the major event of the year for conflict resolution practitioners! Over 1000 professionals will attend and participate in over 100 thought provoking workshops. There will be ample networking opportunities held throughout the conference. Bring your families and discover the magic that is Chicago!
This year’s conference theme is, “Many Paths: One Destination.” Come celebrate the oneness, unity and the common goal we share in reaching our destination, peaceful conflict resolution.
Information on conference registration, exhibiting, advertising and sponsorship will be posted on the ACR website (www.acrnet.org) in early March. For more information contact Beth Murray at bmurray@acrnet.org.
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6. Conflict Transformation Skills Workshop Sponsored by the Baltimore Federal Executive Board

When: Tuesday, June 8th, 2010; 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Fallon Federal Building, Conference Room G033, Level G, 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201
Trainer: Louise Phipps Senft & Associates, Baltimore Mediation

This workshop offers mediators and individuals with experience in or exposure to the mediation process knowledge and skills to work through problems and achieve lasting outcomes.Now more than ever Federal agencies need innovative, timely and cost-effective approaches to managing conflict and resolving disputes, complaints, and grievances. The Baltimore Federal Executive Board provides mediators through the Shared Neutrals Program to assist with early resolution. Through our combined efforts, we are hoping to bolster the Shared Neutrals Program.

ABOUT YOUR TRAINER:
Louise Phipps Senft chose to leave a large corporate law firm to found Baltimore Mediation nearly two decades ago with a vision and a dedication to transform how people manage conflict interpersonally and with others. In her early years as a litigator, Louise recognized the benefits when people felt heard and understood and began to fully explore the methods of how to purposefully invite and engage “the enemy” in authentic dialogue.

REGISTRATION: Please call 443-524-0833
or visit http://www.baltimoremediation.com/paymentform.pdf
Cost is $185. Please make checks payable to Baltimore Mediation.
Credit cards accepted.
Fax to 443-524-0850
Limited enrollment. To guarantee your spot, reservation form and payment must be received by
May 26th, 2010. Thereafter, call for availability.
Refunds until May 10th, 2010 minus a $25 processing fee.
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7. Posted February 11, 2010 with April 6 close.
Program Manager - Conflict Management and Mitigation (CMM), Mercy Corps
This position is contingent upon funding.
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps works almost exclusively in high-risk conflict and post-conflict environments. While we recognize that these are difficult places to operate, we believe that transitional environments – countries affected by civil wars, economic and political crisis, or natural disasters – also offer tremendous opportunities for positive change. We currently implement 34 peacebuilding programs in some of the world’s toughest places, including Iraq, Somalia, and Sudan. Our current work builds on an exceptionally strong historical foundation. Since the late 1990s, Mercy Corps has implemented over 95 peacebuilding programs in over 30 countries and regions, making Mercy Corps a true leader in the field.
Mercy Corps has been working in Somalia since January 2005, in support of Peace Building, Livelihoods Recovery and Emergency Response programs throughout much of the Country. Since 2005, funding has been a mix of private donations, European Commission and USAID. Currently, Mercy Corps Somalia has offices in Bossaso in the north, Mogadishu in the south and Hargeisa. The program is growing at a healthy pace and will soon open several more field offices to support newly funded programs.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Conflict Mitigation and Management (CMM) Program Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day administration and implementation of a USAID-funded peacebuilding program in Somalia. This will include strengthening the capacity of local partners in the areas of peacebuilding and conflict management, training and curriculum development, reviewing the design and implementation of peacebuilding projects, and ensuring rigorous measurement of program impact and timely reporting.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Manage and oversee all conflict management/mitigation program activities in cooperation with key project stakeholders, including local non-governmental organizations, local government officials, community-based organizations, and key donors;
Supervise and regularly coordinate with project staff to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of program activities;
Ensure compliance with donor regulations and procedures, through sound financial and grant management;
Maintain good working relationships with the donor, the host country government, partner agencies, and other key stakeholders;
Increase staff capacity by designing and leading technical training sessions on conflict management for Mercy Corps staff and local partners;
Promote learning and knowledge management through documentation and knowledge sharing around best practices and lessons learned;
Ensure the timely and quality completion of all designated deliverables to donors;
Coordinate with other Mercy Corps program managers in Somalia to ensure a well-integrated country-wide portfolio of programs
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Organizational Learning
s part of Mercy Corps' agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Conflict resolution facilitators
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Director of Programs, Somalia
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Mercy Corps Somalia finance, logistics, and monitoring and evaluation officers. Also works directly with local national staff directly affiliated relevant Mercy Corps headquarters units as necessary, including Mercy Corps' Conflict Management Group and various administrative/financial units.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Masters degree in conflict mitigation, social sciences, international relations or other relevant field preferred.
Minimum 5 years' relevant professional experience implementing conflict management and reconciliation, youth, or livelihoods programs, preferably in insecure or transitional environments
Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills.
Experience managing national and international staff
Familiarity and experience with USAID regulations preferred.
Fluency in written and spoken English required; knowledge of local languages preferred.
Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Program Manager will have an ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work under tight deadlines within a complex team. S/he will demonstrate strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and be committed to the values and mission of Mercy Corps. S/he will take initiative and contribute to team efforts, as well as demonstrate an ability to communicate, assume leadership, and make solid decisions while working remotely from country leadership.
LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The CMM Program Manager will be based in Hargeisa where the living conditions are relatively good. Hargeisa is slightly more peaceful as compared to other cities in Somalia. There are good restaurants that provide essential food and other services. Mercy Corps staff live in shared staff housing with internet connections. The CMM program Manager will also travel to other Mercy Corps field offices where many program activities will occur. Some of these areas have either recently experienced, or are still experiencing, some level of instability and violence. Conditions are rugged and amenities will be basic to non-existent in many of these areas. However movements to these areas will be subject to clearance by the country security advisor.
Many program activities will occur in areas that have either recently experienced, or are still experiencing, some level of instability and violence. Conditions are rugged and amenities will be basic to non-existent in many of these areas.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app....
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8. Chief Circuit Mediator, 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Salary: $138,519 to $165,300 (JSP 16 - 17) (Salary is commensurate with experience)
Tour of Duty: Full-Time Permanent
The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Judicial Circuit has an opening for the position of Chief Circuit Mediator. This is an executive position consisting of legal and administrative responsibilities. Click here for full announcement (http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/internet/employment/documents/ChiefMedi...)
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9. Posted January 22, 2010 with March 31 closing date.
Director of Conflict Resolution, DePaul University International Human Rights Law Institute
Location: Iraq - Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan
General Summary
The Director of Conflict Resolution is the primary in-country DePaul staff person responsible for managing activities and Iraqi staff and consultants for NGO programming related to a large project conducted from 2009 through 2011. The Director of Conflict Resolution is responsible for overseeing project staff and consultants, programming, project design and management and facilities relationships with Iraqi partner NGOs working on this initiative. This position reports to the Chief-of-Party and the Managing Director of International Projects. The Director of Conflict Resolution is an international hire and works out of the IHRLI/DePaul office in Sulaimaniyah in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts degree and advanced degree (MA, JD,LLM,PhD etc.) with program management experience.
Experience in Social justice and human rights with 2-3 years background in human rights documentation and analysis.
Foreign languages, ideally with relevant skills in Arabic and Kurdish.
Must be able to travel to and work in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq.
Full announcement - https://jobs-depaul.icims.com/jobs/16111/job
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10. Posted December 24, 2009 with date required April 12, 2010.
Peace Group Advisor in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R, Mennonite Central Committee
Term: 3 years
Date Opened: December 22, 2009
Date Required: April 12, 2010
Synopsis:
The purpose of the advisor position is to assist the Mittapab ("friendship" in Lao) group, a peace building group of young adult volunteers in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. Since its inception several years ago, the group�s purpose has been to build the capacity of its volunteers in peace building knowledge and in their ability as trainers in order to pass that knowledge on to school children in the Vientiane area. The Peace Group Advisor's responsibilities center on providing peace building and conflict transformation training and contributing to the current activities and future development of the group.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or significant training and experience in peace & conflict studies
Experience as a trainer preferred
Experience working in cross cultural settings an asset
Experience with project planning and development an asset
Ability to relate well to young people (ages 18-24)
Excellent communication skills to explain the nuances of peace building across language and cultural differences
Collaborative style of working that encourages others� participation in planning and decision-making
Willingness to learn Lao language and play an active role in the MCC Laos team
http://www.mcc.org/work/positions/peace-group-advisor

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