For our CPS program

"Dealing with the Past, strengthening Human Rights and Networking for a resilient Civil Society" we are looking for an

International Peace Worker (f/m/d) in Sri Lanka (38,5 hours/week)

– based in Colombo, but working with Partner Organisations in different parts of Sri Lanka; Trauma Sensitivity

 These are your tasks

As an International Peace Worker, you will accompany KURVE Wustrow`s Partner Organisations in integrating a trauma-sensitive, holistic healing and wellbeing approach into their peacebuilding and reconciliation projects and support in questions related to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). You facilitate training opportunities in this scope for Partner Organisations and create and strengthen networks in this field.

You will be based in Colombo with the Center for Peacebuilding and Reconciliation (CPBR) and also work with different partners of KURVE Wustrow in Sri Lanka. In 2027 your residence might move to KURVE Wustrow`s regional CPS-Hub in Siem Reap/Cambodia.

•  Identification of holistic healing, trauma-sensitive and MHPSS related needs of the different partner organisations
• Development of strategies for the systematic inclusion of trauma-sensitive, holistic healing and psychosocial resilience aspects into organisational structures and the peacebuilding and reconciliation projects, as well as giving support during implementation.
• Support of partner organisations for a structural incorporation of practices and tools that promote Self- and Staff-Care when working with local communities and individuals affected by different forms of violence.
• Promote exchange, networking and reflection spaces between partner organisations and other institutions, organisations and individuals in the field of MHPSS and holistic healing and establish a knowledge management system as well as an institutional support system for the partner organisations.
• Ensure the proper use of funds and reporting as well as regular communication with the CPS Country Coordinator and the KURVE Wustrow main office.

 Skills you have

• A relevant university degree (e.g. peace and conflict studies, psychology, social sciences or social work) or completed training with several years of professional experience in the field of MHPSS, holistic healing and/or trauma-related work.
• Several years of practical experience and sound knowledge of different and creative methods in psychosocial support of persons who have experienced violence and/or are working under repressive conditions. The willingness to learn about and develop locally/traditionally suitable holistic healing and wellbeing approaches (including creative and artistic expressions, spirituality, community healing methods, connection with nature and earth).
• Sound knowledge of and experience in working with NGOs (preferably in intercultural teams in South(east) Asia and/or abroad) in the field of peacebuilding, civil nonviolent conflict transformation, human rights, social justice and social movements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with conflict, which can be used respectfully and sensitively in an intercultural context.
• High willingness to observe, learn and react flexibly and patiently to the structures, needs and concerns of different partner organisations; this includes the ability of self-reflection and a high degree of adaptability and flexibility as well as the ability to deal with complex situation and tolerance towards unclear situations.
• High willingness to travel regularly and extensively to different parts of Sri Lanka while living and working under simple conditions.
• Preparedness to possibly move to Cambodia (Siem Reap) in 2027 and work from a distance/online, with regular and extensive visits to Sri Lanka.
• Very good English language skills and willingness to learn either Sinhala or Tamil.

What we offer you

• A meaningful role as a peace worker who is working for the Centre for Training and Networking in Nonviolent Action – KURVE Wustrow, and the opportunity to actively and creatively advocate social change
• Participation in qualification and further training measures, regular supervision and, if necessary, participation in a corresponding language course
• Many opportunities to work independently, a high degree of creative freedom in your daily work and cooperation at eye level
• A full-time contract in accordance with the Development Workers Act (for EU citizens, EEA plus Switzerland) or a contract in alignment with the German law for development aid workers for citizens from other countries until 01.11.2028. Please note: The conditions of the German law for development aid workers precludes the application and deployment of citizens of the deployment countries.
• Benefits with comprehensive benefits in kind and social benefits (possibly also for family members); see also performance table.
• An extensive preparation period in Germany, usually two to three months, starting on 01.02.2026.

 Our organisation strives to reflect the diversity of our society and create a non-discriminatory working environment. We value teams with different backgrounds and welcome applications from people who can enrich us with their diverse perspectives and experiences.

The selection day will take place on 06.11.2025 in Wustrow (or maybe online).

Have we caught your interest? Send your online application by 22.10.2025 at the latest using our ONLINE application form (code position SL_Trauma_Sensitivity).

Do you have further questions? Then please send an e-mail to lmckown@kurvewustrow.org