Women PeaceMakers Fellow

Details•San Diego, CA

About The Position

This is a full-time, temporary, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of January 31, 2028. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding. The Women PeaceMakers Fellow advances the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice’s portfolio in gender, peace, and security by leading applied research, instruction, and public engagement that increase the Institute’s local and global impact. The role integrates academic, practitioner, and policy perspectives to generate actionable knowledge, mentor students, and build collaborations across the Kroc School and with external partners. Responsibilities include designing and delivering courses in gender, peace, and security; supervising student teams on applied projects; managing and expanding the Women Waging Peace Network; and producing research and public-facing outputs that inform gender-responsive peacebuilding and policy practice. As a resident member of the Institute community, the Fellow contributes to intellectual life, supports convenings and dialogues, and strengthens the Kroc School’s standing as a leader in gender and peacebuilding.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field such as peace and conflict studies, international relations, law, public policy, human rights, transitional justice, or security studies.
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or more of the following domains: gender and peace and security, human rights, transitional justice, or the security sector.
Demonstrated record of producing high-quality applied research, policy analysis, or learning products that inform practice or policy.
Experience engaging with international organizations, governments, or civil society partners on issues related to peace, justice, or security.
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across academic, policy, and practitioner communities.
Deep understanding of the global Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and related international frameworks, with the ability to address broader gender dynamics such as masculinities and the protection of LGBTQ persons in conflict-affected or repressive environments through policy and practice.
Ability to integrate applied research, teaching, and practice to inform real-world policy and program outcomes.
Strong analytical and writing skills with the capacity to translate complex ideas into accessible formats for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across academic, practitioner, and policy communities.
Skill in facilitating dialogue and partnership among individuals and groups with differing perspectives.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound professional judgment.
Commitment to evidence-based, impact-oriented approaches that advance peace, justice, and human rights.

Nice To Haves

Terminal degree (PhD, JD, or equivalent) in a relevant field, or significant, sustained professional practice at a senior level in peacebuilding, human rights, transitional justice, or security sector reform.
Demonstrated record of applied, policy-relevant research or practice addressing gender dimensions of conflict, justice, or security.
Experience in program or network leadership within higher education, government, or international organizations.
Proven ability to mentor students and early-career professionals engaged in applied research or field practice.
Experience in developing or contributing to funded initiatives, collaborative research, or multi-partner projects advancing peace, justice, and security.
Familiarity with evidence-based approaches to gender and peacebuilding that emphasize inclusion, practical impact, and measurable outcomes.
Experience teaching graduate level courses.

Responsibilities

Design and deliver (or co-teach) courses related to gender, peace, and security, ensuring integration with the Kroc School’s experiential learning model.
Mentor students engaged in applied research or practice projects addressing gender equality, peacebuilding, or transitional justice.
Develop innovative learning experiences that connect classroom content with real-world practice.
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Conduct and disseminate research, policy briefs, and applied outputs that advance the WPS agenda.
Collaborate with faculty, practitioners, and partners to produce co-authored publications and multimedia outputs.
Represent the Institute in public forums, conferences, and dialogues on gender, peace, and security.
Lead coordination of the Women Waging Peace Network, ensuring its strategic growth, relevance, and visibility.
Foster partnerships among network members, practitioners, and donors to strengthen collective impact.
Identify opportunities for collaborative advocacy, co-authored outputs, and joint fundraising initiatives.
Support program development and resource mobilization efforts that strengthen the broader gender, peace, and security portfolio of the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.
Serve as a visible resource and mentor for students and faculty across the Kroc School.
Support IPJ and School-wide convenings, panels, or events that highlight gender and peacebuilding.
Contribute to the Kroc Institute’s broader mission of advancing practice-based education and applied research.