Peace and Conflict NGOs, as ostensibly impartial actors with humanitarian goals, can play a unique role in resolving conflict at the international, intrastate, and local level. Peace and Conflict NGOs are non-governmental organizations that work to promote reconciliation and coexistence among conflicting parties. They engage in a wide variety of techniques to promote peace, both on-the-ground in conflict areas and at the policy level. The work of these organizations may include grassroots action (letter writing, direct action, petitions, demonstrations) or work in diplomacy (promoting and arbitrating discussions). Peace and Conflict NGOs may work at the policy level, developing policy recommendations and advocating for peaceful solutions at the international and national level. In addition, Peace and Conflict NGOs contribute to peacebuilding efforts after the immediate conflict is resolved, including community building and development efforts.
Major Peace and Conflict NGOs
Viva Rio, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was created in 1993 to address the growing violence in the city. With the goal of creating a culture of peace and social inclusion, Viva Rio works in community development, human security, education, sports, communication and the protection of the environment. Viva Rio runs community outreach programs for young adults and children, collects illegal firearms, and stimulates communication and local economies by providing access to technology and the internet, and more. Viva Rio now also works in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
International Crisis Group (Crisis Group) is an international NGO that is committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict. Created in 1995 in response to the crises in Rwanda, Somalia, and Bosnia, the goal of Crisis Group is to serve as “the world’s eyes and ears for impending conflict” and to mobilize action from global policymakers. Crisis Group performs high quality field-based analysis, creates policy prescriptions, and engages in advocacy work. Crisis Groups lists open employment positions, internships and fellowship opportunities on their website. Currently available positions include the Central Africa Analyst, whose work includes researching and producing reports on security, development and conflict in the Central Africa Republic, and the UN Analyst, responsible for advocacy and research at the United Nations.
Search For Common Ground (SFCG) seeks to transform conflict into collaborative, constructive problem-solving. SFCG works closely with government and local partners to find commonalities between conflicting parties through mediation and facilitation, capacity strengthening, diplomacy, media, and the arts. SFCG works in 24 different countries to promote peace and reconciliation. SFCG hires both long-term employees and short-term interns. One available internship is the Europe Internship, based in Brussels, with responsibilities of research, writing grant proposals, and maintaining databases. Another currently available position is the West Africa Director, responsible for leading all SFCG programming in the West Africa region.
Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS) works to promote the role of women in ending conflict, to ensure that women have a voice in peacemaking agendas, and to build women’s capacity at the grassroots level. FAS advocates at the national, regional and international level for African women’s rights and concerns. FAS provides training for women leaders, organizes solidarity missions, and connects African female leaders with other international female leaders. FAS lists current openings on their website. Current opportunities include the Finance and Administrative Officer in Geneva, responsible for finance management, budget control and coordinating logistics.