Online Curriculum Design Consultant: Building Local Protection Networks

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Online Curriculum Design Consultant: Building Local Protection Networks

Company: Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) - UCP Academy

Location: Remote (Home-based, Switzerland)

Job Type: Consultant / Contractor

Category: Curriculum Design / Training Development / Peacebuilding Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop a comprehensive, practice-based, and pedagogically sound online training curriculum focused on building local protection networks.

• Translate Nonviolent Peaceforce's (NP) Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) methodologies and field-tested practices into accessible adult learning content.

• Conduct in-depth consultations with NP field teams and academic partners to ensure curriculum relevance, accuracy, and alignment with current UCP scholarship.

• Design engaging learning modules, assessment strategies, and learner engagement elements suitable for a digital platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the UCP Academy's expansion, requiring a consultant to bridge field operations, academic research, and instructional design principles within the specialized domain of Unarmed Civilian Protection. The "Building Local Protection Networks" focus indicates a need for deep understanding of community engagement, conflict analysis, and grassroots peacebuilding strategies. The output is a "digitalisation-ready" curriculum, meaning the consultant provides the instructional content and structure, not the technical platform development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct a thorough review of existing NP internal guidance, field tools, and relevant external literature on local protection networks and community-based protection.

• Design the overall curriculum architecture, defining learning pathways, modules, session structures, learning objectives, and estimated learning times.

• Develop detailed module content, including session outlines, facilitator/narration scripts, practical exercises, reflection prompts, and curated resource lists.

• Create case studies drawn directly from NP field experience, ensuring anonymization and adherence to do-no-harm principles where sensitive information is involved.

• Design effective assessment mechanisms, including knowledge checks, quizzes, and a final assessment to evaluate learner comprehension and course completion.

• Facilitate a validation session with the UCP Academy Manager and other stakeholders to present the draft curriculum and gather feedback for final revisions.

• Produce a "digitalisation-ready" curriculum package, including a guidance note for technical implementation and a comprehensive resource list.

📝 Enhancement Note: The scope emphasizes a blend of research, fieldwork (remote consultation), instructional design, and stakeholder management. The requirement to consult with field teams and academic partners is a key differentiator, demanding strong communication and interview skills to extract practical insights and integrate academic rigor into the curriculum. The focus on "digitalisation-ready" implies the consultant must anticipate how content will translate to an online learning environment, considering pacing, interactivity, and assessment delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, International Humanitarian Law, Education, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in designing adult learning curricula, with a strong preference for experience in online or blended learning delivery.

Required Skills:

• Substantive, demonstrated knowledge of Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP), including concepts like protection networks, early warning and early response, and community-based protection.

• Proven ability to translate complex field practices and operational realities into accessible and effective learning content.

• Expertise in adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies for both in-person and digital learning environments.

• Strong research and analytical skills to review existing materials and synthesize information from diverse sources.

• Excellent remote consultation and interview skills to effectively engage with field teams across different country programs.

• Ability to independently manage workload, work remotely across multiple time zones, and meet strict deadlines.

• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, for clear communication and content development. Preferred Skills:

• Prior work experience with Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) or comparable Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) organizations.

• Experience in developing curricula for international NGOs or humanitarian organizations.

• Familiarity with academic research and engagement, particularly with initiatives like "Creating Safer Space."

• Understanding of safeguarding principles and do-no-harm approaches in program design and content development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Substantive knowledge of UCP" is a non-negotiable requirement, indicating that candidates without this specific expertise will likely not be considered. The emphasis on translating field practice to learning content highlights the need for a consultant who understands the practical application of UCP principles, not just theoretical knowledge. The remote work and cross-time zone collaboration requirement points to the need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Evidence of designing comprehensive adult learning curricula, preferably with a focus on humanitarian, peacebuilding, or social justice topics.

• Examples of learning pathways, module breakdowns, and detailed session outlines that demonstrate pedagogical soundness and logical progression.

• Case studies or project summaries showcasing the development of engaging exercises, reflection prompts, and assessment tools.

• Documentation illustrating the ability to integrate field-based or practical knowledge into structured learning materials.

• A clear demonstration of experience in adapting content for online or blended learning environments. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of methodologies used for needs assessments and curriculum development from initial concept to final draft.

• Examples of how feedback from stakeholders (e.g., field teams, subject matter experts) was incorporated into the curriculum design process.

• Documentation of experience in developing facilitator guides or scripts that ensure consistent delivery of learning content.

• Presentation of how learning objectives were mapped to specific content, activities, and assessment methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio" in the traditional sense for operations roles, the application requires a "short technical proposal outlining approach and indicative module structure" and a "relevant work sample." This implies candidates should prepare examples demonstrating their curriculum design process, ability to structure learning content, and experience in creating practical learning materials. The focus is on the instructional design process and the output quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The maximum budget for this consultancy is CHF 8,000, equivalent to CHF 400 per working day, for a maximum of 20 working days.

Benefits:

• This is a consultancy position, so standard employee benefits (health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions) are not typically included.

• The consultant will be responsible for their own equipment and software.

• NP will facilitate introductions to field teams and academic partners and provide access to existing relevant resources.

• The consultant is responsible for managing their own tax obligations in their country of residence.

Working Hours: The engagement is for 20 working days, to be completed within the contract period of 1 November 2026 – 31 December 2026. The consultant will work remotely and independently, with flexibility in scheduling daily work hours, provided progress is made and regular check-ins are attended.

📝 Enhancement Note: The daily rate of CHF 400 is competitive for specialized consulting work in the non-profit sector, especially for a niche area like UCP curriculum design. Candidates should factor in their own expenses and tax liabilities when considering this rate. The "all-inclusive" nature of the budget means it covers all fees, taxes, and incidental costs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) focused on Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Aid.

Company Size: Nonviolent Peaceforce operates globally with a significant number of employees and field teams. While exact numbers aren't provided, their reach implies a medium to large organizational structure with dedicated departments like the UCP Academy.

Founded: Nonviolent Peaceforce was founded in 2002, signifying a mature organization with established methodologies and a commitment to its mission over two decades.

Team Structure:

• The consultant will report directly to the UCP Academy Manager, indicating a structured reporting line within the Academy department.

• Collaboration will involve NP field teams across various country programs and academic partners, requiring coordination across different departments and external entities.

• The UCP Academy itself functions as an internal learning and development unit, aiming to disseminate NP's expertise. Methodology:

• The core methodology of NP is Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP), which emphasizes nonviolent intervention, community engagement, and building local capacity for peace.

• The UCP Academy aims to institutionalize and scale this methodology through training and education.

• The curriculum design process itself will be iterative, involving research, consultation, content development, and validation.

Company Website: https://nonviolentpeaceforce.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: NP's mission is centered on preventing violence and building peace through unarmed civilian protection. This mission permeates its culture, fostering a commitment to nonviolence, community empowerment, and rigorous practice. The UCP Academy is a strategic initiative to operationalize and share this expertise, suggesting a culture that values learning, knowledge dissemination, and practical impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a specialized consultancy, falling into the expert or senior specialist category within instructional design and peacebuilding operations. It requires significant prior experience and a high degree of autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The consultant reports to the UCP Academy Manager, ensuring clear oversight and alignment with organizational learning objectives. This structure provides direct access to the decision-maker for curriculum approval.

Operations Impact: The successful completion of this consultancy will directly enhance NP's capacity to train practitioners and communities in vital local protection network methodologies. This has a ripple effect, strengthening NP's operational effectiveness and its overall mission of preventing violence and building peace globally through scalable and accessible education.

Growth Opportunities:

• For individuals with a background in peacebuilding and education, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a leading UCP organization and shape its core training content.

• It provides hands-on experience in curriculum design for a specialized, in-demand field, which can be a significant addition to a professional portfolio.

• The consultancy allows for networking with NP field operations and academic researchers, potentially opening doors for future collaborations or roles within the peacebuilding sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term consultancy, the experience gained in designing a curriculum for a reputable international NGO in a specialized field like UCP can be highly valuable for future roles in international development, humanitarian affairs, peacebuilding, or corporate training and development. It demonstrates expertise in translating complex operational needs into structured educational programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote consultancy. The consultant will work from their own home office.

Office Location(s): The role is based remotely, with the primary "duty station" listed as Switzerland, suggesting that the organization may have a legal or administrative presence there, but the work itself is performed from anywhere.

Workspace Context:

• The consultant will require their own reliable internet connection, computer, and software for content creation and communication.

• Communication will primarily be via email, video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Teams), and potentially project management tools.

• The work environment necessitates strong self-discipline, time management, and the ability to work autonomously without direct supervision.

Work Schedule: The consultant has flexibility in managing their daily work schedule to achieve the 20 working days within the contract period. However, they must be available for scheduled check-ins and the validation session with the UCP Academy Manager and other stakeholders, which may require coordination across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the consultancy is a key feature, offering flexibility. However, it also demands a high degree of self-motivation and proactive communication to ensure alignment and timely delivery, especially when collaborating with teams in different geographical locations and time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit a CV, a short technical proposal (max 3 pages) outlining their approach and indicative module structure, a relevant work sample, and their all-inclusive daily rate.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed against the essential requirements, with a focus on UCP knowledge, curriculum design experience, and the quality of the technical proposal and work sample.

• Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment. This assignment could involve outlining a specific module, developing a learning objective, or proposing an exercise related to local protection networks.

• Interview: Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview, likely with the UCP Academy Manager and potentially other relevant NP staff. This interview will assess their understanding of UCP, their pedagogical approach, their ability to manage the project scope, and their fit with NP's values.

• Selection: Final selection will be based on the overall assessment of the application, technical assignment (if any), and interview performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Technical Proposal: Clearly articulate your methodology for curriculum design, emphasizing how you will gather information from field teams and academic partners. Include a preliminary outline of the curriculum structure, showing logical module progression and key learning themes.

• Work Sample: Select a sample that best demonstrates your ability to create engaging, practice-based learning content for adults. If possible, choose something that relates to community engagement, conflict resolution, or similar fields. Highlight the pedagogical principles used and the intended learning outcomes.

• Daily Rate: Clearly state your all-inclusive daily rate in CHF, ensuring it aligns with the stated budget of CHF 400 per day.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Assignment: If provided, treat this as a mini-project. Demonstrate your understanding of UCP principles and your ability to translate them into actionable learning content. Be concise, clear, and professional in your response.

• Interview: Be prepared to discuss your experience in curriculum design specifically for online delivery. Articulate how you would approach the consultation phase with NP field teams and academic partners. Be ready to provide examples of how you've handled sensitive information or adapted content for different audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "short technical proposal" and a "relevant work sample" means candidates need to invest time in preparing these documents. The technical assignment for shortlisted candidates is a practical test of their skills and approach. Being able to articulate "how" you would do the work, not just "what" you have done, will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Creation Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word for scripts and outlines, PowerPoint for presentations/visuals if needed), Google Workspace (Docs, Slides).

• Communication Platforms: Email, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or similar video conferencing tools for remote meetings and consultations.

• Project Management (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, NP might use tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for project tracking; familiarity is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• The consultant will need to analyze findings from field consultations and academic research to inform curriculum content.

• Reporting on progress will be through written updates and potentially structured reports for deliverables. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this consultancy role, as it focuses on content creation rather than system management. However, understanding how learning management systems (LMS) function is beneficial for creating "digitalisation-ready" content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for remote consulting work. The key is the ability to produce professional, editable documents and communicate effectively. While no specific LMS is mentioned, understanding its general capabilities will help the consultant structure content optimally for online delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Peace: A deep dedication to Nonviolent Peaceforce's mission of preventing violence and building sustainable peace through unarmed civilian protection.

• Community-Centric: A focus on empowering local communities and ensuring protection efforts are grounded in their needs and contexts.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Adherence to high ethical standards, including safeguarding and do-no-harm principles, and maintaining professionalism in all interactions.

• Learning and Adaptation: A culture that values continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and adapting methodologies based on field experience and academic research.

• Collaboration: An emphasis on working collaboratively across diverse teams, cultures, and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote and Cross-Cultural: The consultant must be adept at collaborating remotely with individuals from diverse backgrounds and operational contexts.

• Consultative and Responsive: The design process requires active consultation with NP field teams and academic partners, necessitating a responsive and collaborative approach to feedback and input.

• Knowledge Sharing: NP values the sharing of expertise, and this consultancy is a prime example of knowledge transfer from field operations and academic scholarship into a scalable training product.

📝 Enhancement Note: NP's values are deeply rooted in its peacebuilding mission. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values, particularly regarding nonviolence, community empowerment, and ethical conduct. The ability to collaborate effectively in a remote, international, and cross-cultural setting is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Field Nuance: Accurately capturing the complex, context-specific realities of field operations and translating them into universally applicable, yet adaptable, curriculum content.

• Balancing Theory and Practice: Integrating academic scholarship with practical, field-tested UCP methodologies to create a curriculum that is both rigorous and actionable.

• Remote Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively consulting and gathering comprehensive, honest feedback from busy field teams across multiple time zones and potentially challenging operational environments.

• Content Adaptability: Designing content that is "digitalisation-ready" and can be effectively delivered through an online platform, considering the limitations and opportunities of digital learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into UCP: Gain an in-depth understanding of NP's specific UCP methodologies, particularly regarding the establishment and support of local protection networks.

• Instructional Design for Social Impact: Enhance skills in designing impactful learning experiences for critical social issues, building a portfolio with significant real-world application.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Develop stronger competencies in remote collaboration and communication within a global humanitarian context.

• Contribution to Peacebuilding Education: Play a direct role in shaping the educational resources of a leading organization in the peacebuilding sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the synthesis of diverse inputs (field practice, academic research, pedagogical theory) into a cohesive and effective online curriculum. For the consultant, this represents a significant opportunity to deepen their expertise in both UCP and instructional design for social impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing an adult learning curriculum, from initial needs assessment to final deliverable, especially when working remotely with diverse stakeholders."

• "How would you approach consulting with Nonviolent Peaceforce field teams to gather accurate and actionable insights on building local protection networks, ensuring you capture nuanced field realities?"

• "Given the focus on Unarmed Civilian Protection, what specific pedagogical approaches would you consider to effectively teach concepts like early warning, early response, and community-based protection in an online format?"

• "How do you ensure that curriculum content is not only pedagogically sound but also reflects the latest research and best practices in a field like UCP, especially when engaging with academic partners?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Nonviolent Peaceforce's mission and the UCP methodology?"

• "How do you approach safeguarding and do-no-harm principles in curriculum development, particularly when dealing with sensitive case material?"

• "Describe your experience working independently and managing your time effectively in a remote consultancy role."

• "How would you ensure the final curriculum package is truly 'digitalisation-ready' and meets the needs of the UCP Academy?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Technical Proposal: Be ready to walk through your proposed curriculum architecture, explaining the rationale behind your module sequencing and learning objectives.

• Work Sample: Be prepared to discuss the chosen work sample in detail. Explain the learning objectives, the target audience, the design choices made, and the intended outcomes or assessment methods. Highlight how your approach aligns with NP's mission and UCP principles.

• Approach: Clearly articulate your understanding of the project scope, the key challenges, and your proposed methodology for overcoming them. Demonstrate your ability to manage the project lifecycle effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a strong understanding of both Unarmed Civilian Protection principles and advanced instructional design methodologies. Your ability to articulate your process, demonstrate relevant experience through your portfolio, and show alignment with NP's mission and values will be key. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Nonviolent Peaceforce careers website (https://nonviolentpeaceforce.bamboohr.com/careers/705).

• Curate your CV: Ensure it highlights your advanced degree, extensive experience in adult learning/curriculum design (especially online), and specific knowledge of UCP or related peacebuilding/humanitarian fields. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Develop your Technical Proposal: Craft a concise (max 3 pages) proposal that clearly outlines your methodology, approach to stakeholder consultation, and an indicative module structure for the "Building Local Protection Networks" curriculum.

• Select a Relevant Work Sample: Choose a piece of work that best showcases your ability to create engaging, practice-based learning materials for adults, ideally related to humanitarian, peacebuilding, or community development topics. Be prepared to discuss its design and impact.

• Research Nonviolent Peaceforce: Familiarize yourself with NP's mission, values, and the principles of Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). Understand their work in building local protection networks to tailor your application and responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.