Search for Common Ground is seeking a Consultant Critical Minerals Specialist to support peacebuilding, research, and multi-stakeholder coordination activities under the Grassroots to Global: Strengthening Peacebuilding to Tackle New Challenges project.
The consultancy opportunity is based in Kenya and focuses on addressing conflict linked to critical mineral extraction, governance, and resource management in Africa.
The role forms part of a project funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and will run from June 2026 to September 2027.
About Search for Common Ground
Search for Common Ground is an international peacebuilding organization that promotes dialogue, collaboration, and conflict transformation across communities worldwide.
The organization has operated in Kenya since 2007 and has implemented programmes focused on:
Democracy and governance
Youth peace and security
Women, peace, and security
Digital peacebuilding
Natural resource management
Social and economic empowerment
Refugee and IDP inclusion
Countering violent extremism
Access to justice
The organization currently works across several Kenyan counties, including:
Mombasa
Kwale
Kilifi
Lamu
Tana River
Garissa
Nairobi
About the Consultancy
The Consultant Critical Minerals Specialist will lead project activities focused on strengthening peacebuilding responses to conflict in the critical minerals sector, particularly in Kenya’s Kwale and Mrima Hills regions.
The role will involve:
Convening stakeholders
Supporting research initiatives
Facilitating policy discussions
Strengthening regional coordination
Promoting responsible mineral governance
The consultant will also act as a focal point on critical minerals issues across Search for Common Ground’s regional teams.
Key Responsibilities
The selected consultant will:
Provide research-based evidence on critical minerals and conflict
Participate in multi-stakeholder engagement forums
Produce research papers on minerals, conflict, and peacebuilding
Coordinate regional and cross-continental exchanges
Support policy dialogue and advocacy efforts
Facilitate learning exchanges among stakeholders
Lead project implementation activities
Document lessons learned and project outcomes
Develop detailed costed work plans and activity plans
Support coordination with donors, policymakers, and partners
The role also includes improving coordination and knowledge sharing related to:
Gold mining
Extractive industries
Responsible sourcing
Voluntary Principles initiatives
Mineral governance systems
Project Phases and Deliverables
Phase 1: Evidence Generation and Stakeholder Engagement (May – September 2026)
The consultant will:
Organize 2–3 stakeholder convenings in Kenya and the DRC
Support African expert participation in high-level forums
Generate two research papers focused on Kenya and the DRC
Strengthen evidence on links between mineral extraction and conflict
Phase 2: Cross-Continental Coordination and Accountability (October 2026 – September 2027)
Responsibilities will include:
Organizing three cross-continental virtual convenings
Producing a follow-up research paper
Facilitating dialogues with international private sector actors
Coordinating four regional virtual learning exchanges
Supporting evidence-based policymaking initiatives
The work aims to improve regional capacity to address:
Land-use conflicts
Mobility-related disputes
Resource governance tensions
Supply chain accountability challenges
Qualifications and Experience Required
Applicants should possess:
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification related to critical minerals or extractive industries
Minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience
Experience working on projects focused on:
Gold
Critical minerals
Extractive sector governance
Required Skills
The organization seeks candidates with:
Strong project management skills
Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability
Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
Strong oral and written English communication abilities
Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Knowledge of project management technologies and tools
Safeguarding and Inclusion
Search for Common Ground emphasizes safeguarding, ethical conduct, and inclusive participation throughout the consultancy.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
Only applicants with the legal right to live and work in Kenya will be considered for the position.
Consultancy Duration
Start Date: June 2026
End Date: September 2027
Application Deadline
Why Professionals Should Apply
The consultancy offers a valuable opportunity to:
Contribute to peacebuilding and conflict prevention
Shape critical minerals governance in Africa
Engage with regional and international stakeholders
Support evidence-based policy development
Work on cross-continental research and dialogue initiatives
Strengthen responsible sourcing and accountability systems
The role is especially suitable for professionals working in:
Peacebuilding
Natural resource governance
Extractive industries
International development
Human rights
Conflict resolution
Policy research
Final Thoughts
The Consultant Critical Minerals Specialist role at Search for Common Ground presents a significant opportunity for experienced professionals interested in mineral governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in Africa.
Qualified candidates with expertise in extractive industries, conflict analysis, and stakeholder engagement are encouraged to apply before the May 28, 2026 deadline.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
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