UCP Academy Manager

Job Title: UCP Academy Manager

Function: Programming & Operations

Duty Station: Geneva

Period: 12-month fixed term, ideal start February 2026

Line Manager: Global Head of Programming

Line Management Responsibility: N/A

ABOUT US

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work alongside people affected by violent conflict to enhance their safety, security, and dignity through unarmed civilian protection (UCP). Our teams reduce violence, protect civilians, and help transform how the world responds to conflict.

JOB PURPOSE

NP has recently launched the UCP Academy, a global learning platform designed to expand access to practical, values-driven UCP knowledge and skills. As the Academy moves beyond its soft launch toward a more structured and financially sustainable model, NP is seeking an entrepreneurial relationship-builder who can strengthen partnerships, broaden the Academy’s reach, and support the development of viable fee-for-service pathways.

This role is ideal for someone who blends strategic partnership development, with outreach and marketing instincts, and comfort with overseeing a digital learning platform. You will cultivate a diverse ecosystem of institutional partners, universities, donors, and training participants; help position the UCP Academy as a leading resource in peacebuilding and civilian protection; and contribute to its long-term sustainability. You do not need to be a course developer or an UCP expert. Rather, we are looking for someone who can translate NP’s mission into compelling opportunities that broaden awareness, deepen skills, and expand access to UCP learning worldwide. You will play a central role in stewarding the Academy’s growth and impact.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Partnerships & Outreach

• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with high-potential partners across civil society, academic institutions, networks, and mission-aligned sectors.
• Support the development of institutional pathways for engagement, including jointly delivered trainings, co-branded opportunities, or collaborative learning initiatives.
• Build and maintain a forward-looking pipeline of prospective partners and training participants.
• Represent the UCP Academy in external events, convenings, and sector forums to increase visibility and engagement.

2. Branding, Communications & Market Positioning

• Lead outreach and promotional efforts for the Academy in close collaboration with NP’s Communications team.
• Support the development of accessible materials that clearly communicate the Academy’s offerings to diverse audiences.
• Ensure that Academy branding aligns with NP’s identity and values while reaching emerging audiences in peace and security learning communities.

3. Financing, Sustainability & Resource Mobilization

• Contribute to the development of fee-for-service structures, donation pathways, and other models that strengthen the Academy’s financial sustainability.
• Support the conversion of inquiries into training engagements, ensuring clarity of process and alignment with NP’s values.
• Monitor user engagement, participation trends, and basic performance metrics to inform strategic decision-making.
• Engage with donors and partners to identify opportunities for funding or collaboration that broaden the Academy’s learning offer or deepen its global reach.
• Manage small grants directly related to the Academy and support coordination of larger funded initiatives.

4. Platform Oversight & User Experience

• Oversee the Academy’s online platform and website to ensure it remains user-friendly, accessible, and up to date
• Coordinate content uploads, translations, updates, and interface improvements, engaging web designers or technical support as needed.
• Strengthen the user journey from inquiry to course completion by ensuring clear pathways, troubleshooting mechanisms, and responsive communication.

5. Quality Assurance & Learning Offer Development

• Maintain quality standards for courses and resources hosted on the Academy.
• Work with NP trainers, Creating Safer Space, and the Global UCP Community of Practice to identify and curate new learning opportunities.
• Support the development of certified (paid) course pathways alongside freely available community-developed materials.

6. Resource Library & Knowledge Ecosystem

• Maintain and expand the Academy’s digital resource library in line with user needs and sector developments.
• Coordinate interns, students, or volunteers to track emerging publications, tools, and learning materials relevant to UCP.

7. Internal Coordination & Integration

• Map and streamline the Academy’s internal support ecosystem, ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, and communication channels between NP, Creating Safer Space, and other collaborators.
• Work closely with NP’s Global Programming and HR teams to integrate the Academy into organizational learning, staff development pathways, and field-based training modalities.
• Ensure alignment with the UCP Community of Practice and contribute to broader efforts to scale UCP learning globally.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Master’s degree in education, instructional design, international development, peacebuilding, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in online learning management, training initiatives, partnerships coordination, or programming roles.
• Proven experience supporting outreach, fundraising, or marketing efforts within NGO, academic, or social sector settings.
• Familiarity with e-learning technologies, digital learning platforms, and user experience considerations.
• Strong analytical, communication, presentation, and writing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Desirable

• Experience in peacebuilding, protection, humanitarian action, or adjacent fields.
• Experience with basic data analytics to inform programme improvement.
• Familiarity with multimedia production, instructional design, or interactive learning approaches.
• Understanding of communities of practice and global learning ecosystems.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and navigate diverse stakeholder environments.
• Adaptability, creativity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to varied audiences.
• Sensitivity to NP’s mission, values, and principles of nonviolence.

COMMITMENT TO NP PRINCIPLES

• All NP staff are expected to work in accordance with our guiding principles:
  Nonviolence
• Direct action
• Radical connection
• Process-orientation
• Independence
• Nonpartisanship
• Redemption and healing
• Pluriversality
• Accountability

These values guide our actions and relationships as we work alongside communities affected by violent conflict.

HOW TO APPLY

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page) through our website, detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is Thursday, 8th January 2026
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date, apply early
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an interview.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.
NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.