Director, Global Peacebuilding Unit

About the role

International Alert is seeking a dynamic peacebuilding expert to lead its Global Peacebuilding Unit. Reporting to the Global Director of Policy, Advocacy and Communications, you will shape the organisation’s thematic peacebuilding programming, partnerships and advocacy to influence policy and practice worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to a high‑performing team of nine specialists across Gender & Peacebuilding, Climate Crisis & Natural Resource Management, Peace Economies and the Global Conflict Hub.
• Develop, implement and monitor work plans that deliver change in the unit’s influencing priority areas.
• Strengthen partnerships with development actors to promote conflict‑sensitive and peace‑positive investment.
• Support country teams with technical assistance, ensuring cross‑organisational learning on peacebuilding themes.
• Manage the unit’s budget (approximately £1.5 million), secure new funding, maintain donor relationships and evolve the business model for long‑term sustainability.
• Represent International Alert as an expert spokesperson and coach the GPU team.

Required profile

• Extensive experience and knowledge of peacebuilding, with a proven ability to lead and motivate expert teams.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects and budgets.
• Experience in income generation, donor cultivation and strong financial acumen.
• Visionary leader, collaborator and peacebuilder with high ambition and focus.

Required skills