Peacebuilding through practice and partnership


FHI 360 was recently awarded a five-year contract to support the efforts of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to advance conflict-sensitive development. The Programming Effectively Against Conflict and Extremism (PEACE) Indefinite Quality Contract (IQC) will enable FHI 360 to expand its work to support conflict mitigation and peacebuilding globally.


Why is the PEACE IQC significant?

Through the PEACE IQC, USAID can draw upon experienced and trusted partners to respond to crisis and fragility and to develop a comprehensive program across sectors. Task orders issued under the PEACE IQC will ensure that USAID and its partners understand the causes of conflict, identify the best approaches for mitigating conflict, and gather learning and evidence to inform future programming against conflict and extremism.

What is unique about the approach of FHI 360 and the PEACE Consortium?

FHI 360’s PEACE Consortium, comprised of 18 member organizations, is uniquely able to assist in conflict-affected contexts because we bring an integrated approach to addressing the varied root causes of social and political tensions. With almost two decades experience, we have learned there is never a single driver of conflict, and we have developed the tools to identify the sources and then design cross-sectorial interventions that address the real needs on the ground. We offer an integrated model that encompasses experts working across 122 countries, with the ability to mobilize high-quality teams in quick response to crises.

How will FHI 360 contribute to peacebuilding worldwide through the PEACE IQC?

Through learning and knowledge sharing, we are creating a community of practice that embraces conflict-sensitive programming. Ultimately, we aim to facilitate the design and delivery of programming that assists countries in moving away from fragility and improves the quality and effectiveness of current and future interventions. Our goal is to create a global environment where countries’ development efforts are sustained without the threat of violent conflict.

How will FHI 360 work with participating USAID missions and offices through the PEACE IQC?

With limited notice, missions can turn to the PEACE IQC partners to develop peacebuilding programs and conflict-sensitive interventions in conflict-affected countries. The PEACE IQC will also play a central role in evidence gathering, training, and ultimately, dissemination of knowledge that informs how future peacebuilding programming is implemented.

What gaps does the PEACE IQC fill?

The field of peacebuilding and conflict management in development is still relatively new, and there are significant knowledge gaps about effective approaches to designing and sustaining conflict-sensitive programs. The PEACE IQC is raising awareness of the increasing importance for multi-sectorial approaches within the field. It is also providing solutions and expert counsel to combat violent extremism, which no other IQC is currently addressing. Finally, it is helping to promote conflict mitigation as a strategy for protecting development gains in other sectors.

Also important, we are demonstrating thought leadership and advancing human development as a whole by demonstrating the value of avoiding violence and conflict as fundamental to all efforts instead of as an afterthought. Through technical assistance, field program implementation and the dissemination of evidence, the PEACE IQC will address these gaps.

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