Erin McCandless

Education

  • Ph.D., International Relations, American University, Washington D.C. 2005

Emphasis: International Peace and Conflict Resolution; International Development Dissertation: Strategies and impacts of social movements on peace/human development in Zimbabwe

  • M.Sc., International Relations, London School of Economics, England 1994

Thesis: Self-determination: Alternatives to Secession; Principle Areas of Study: International Human Rights, Evolution of International Relations Theory, Nationalism, International Peace and Conflict Resolution.

  • B.A. High Honors, Peace and Conflict Studies, University of California, Berkeley 1991

Other courses:

  • Executive Course in Managing Multinational Peace Missions

Centre for Defense Studies, University of Zimbabwe and University of Witwatersrand, South Africa 2002

  • One Year of Ph.D. coursework at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution 1997-1998

George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

  • Post Graduate Certificate, Advanced International Program in Peace Studies 1992
  • European University Centre for Peace Studies, Schlaining, Austria

Professional Experience

  • Co-Executive Editor: Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Zimbabwe/Global 2000-current

Founded and edit this academic-policy-practitioner international refereed journal based out of Harare, Zimbabwe and Washington DC. JPD provides a forum for critical thinking and constructive action on issues at the intersections of conflict, development and peacebuilding.

  • Policy Advisor, Peacebuilding and Recovery

United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Liberia 4/07-7/07 Serving as focal point on issues of peacebuilding policy and program strategy for the D/SRSG (Recovery and Governance). Mainstreaming peacebuilding and conflict sensitivity into the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and working with the Government of Liberia to do the same within the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy (iPRS) and PRS. Training staff on these issues and coordinating development of integrated program proposal development, for Peacebuilding Fund submission. Working with small team to develop UNMIL’s benchmarking strategy for the mission’s plan for Consolidation, Drawdown and Withdrawal.

  • Head of Unit, Evaluation and Strategic Coordination

United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Liberia 1/06-3/07 Designed and directing a new unit directly reporting to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (Recovery and Governance) which: 1) evaluates the work of UNMIL’s Recovery and Governance Pillar (including Humanitarian Coordination Section, Civil Affairs, Reintegration, Rehabilitation and Recovery); 2) develops mechanisms (reporting, operational, policy) to promote coordination and integrated mandate goals – internally within the Mission and United Nations Country Team, while ensuring coherency with Liberian Government strategic policy frameworks and systems; 3) advises the D/SRSG on peacebuilding related issues and conducts research, analysis and training towards enhancing peacebuilding and conflict sensitive approaches within the Mission, vis-à-vis the UNCT, and with the Liberian Government; 4) undertakes strategic analysis and planning towards articulating and enhancing best practices.

  • Civil Affairs Officer: United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Liberia 6/04-12/05

Coordinated efforts to restore state authority in this high resource rich and conflict ridden (previously Phase 4) county in Liberia’s south-eastern region (Sinoe). Responsible for implementing the Mission’s civil and political affairs mandate, involving: the development of good governance and natural resource management processes and mechanisms; daily monitoring and analysis of political affairs; peacebuilding, mediation and reconciliation between leaders and their communities; evaluation and needs assessment; facilitating participatory identification of county and community priorities for reconstruction, rehabilitation and development; and liaison with donors. Also UNMIL’s security warden for the county.

  • Co-Director: South-North Centre for Peacebuilding & Development, Zimbabwe 2003-2004

Founded and co-directed this Harare-based nongovernmental trust focusing on training, research, and publishing into critical thinking and constructive action in the areas of conflict, peace and development.

  • Elections Consultant/Analyst: European Commission, Zimbabwe 2-3/02

Researched and wrote daily internal briefings for EC policymakers on the election process, political violence and peace efforts during the run-up to, and week following the presidential elections in Zimbabwe.

  • Lead Evaluator: USAID West Africa Conflict Prevention Task Order, Nigeria/Ghana 9-10/01

Hired and managed a team of four Nigerian/Ghanaian researchers for a USAID/ARD project to evaluate conflict prevention capacity of CSOs in the sub region. Interviewed 100 representatives from civil society, donor community and government and identified strategic entry points for conflict prevention work in Ghana and Nigeria.

  • Capacity Building Consultant: 5-12/00UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva

Designed mechanisms for coordination of UNCTAD’s capacity building activities in Least Developed Countries. Researching and preparing strategy documents on the potential linkages between UNCTAD and the international financial institutions on issues of poverty and global economic governance.

  • Editor/Producer: Cantilevers, Global 1996-2000

Founded, edited and produced Cantilevers, a magazine for young peacemakers from historically marginalized communities to share conflict transformation experiences, strategies and theory alongside key political actors. Research was conducted and issues produced in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Cantilevers was distributed in over 100 countries internationally.

  • Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator: Minority Rights Group (MRG)

London/South Asia 10/95-12/96 Minority and indigenous rights project work in research and publications, advocacy, education and training. Developed three-year program to increase indigenous/majority community co-operation; Conducted month-long needs assessment in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka; Researched and conceptualized 1997-98 regional reports and designed policy recommendations. Program Consultant in Bangladesh (10-12/96): Conducted feasibility study for multicultural education projects; Designed and laid groundwork for indigenous-policymaker roundtable.

  • Reconciliation Program Consultant: Gernika Gogoratuz, Gernika, Spain 7/95-9/95Designed Program and European Union proposal for a reconciliation program involving research, theory development, training manual development, seminars, and creation of a reconciliation theorist/practitioner network.
  • Project Officer/Researcher: International Alert, London, England 9/93-7/95

Conflict resolution and prevention related project work in Latin America and Cambodia—project research, design, implementation, and follow-up; Managed local partner relations, project consultants, volunteers; Traveled to Colombia for implementation of Peacemaking in Latin America project; Designed strategy for LA project work within overall International Alert program structure; Moderator of the International Alert Vision/Mission Group; 9/93-9/94: Researcher for Secretary General on self-determination, internal conflict, transformation and prevention.

  • Conference Organizer: UN World Conference on Human Rights, Vienna, Austria 6/93-7/93

Organizer for NGO parallel activities.

Teacher/Organizer: Suncokret Grassroots Relief Center, Bosnia 1/93-2/93 Assisted in design of premier international education work camp in Posuje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, for children, youth and young adults living in refugee camps in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina; Taught kindergarten class; Designed and coordinated women’s cooperative project whereby women in the camp created and sold their crafts.

  • Journalist, Program Assistant: Soros Foundation Fellowship, Tirgu-Mures, Romania 7/92 - 9/92

A Mihai Eminescui Fellow; Assisted director in design and coordination of projects related to Romanian-Hungarian conflict with Liga Pro Europa (the Human Rights League) and weekly newspaper Gazeta de Mures; Designed, organized, acquired funds for, and moderated the conference "Challenges of Transition and the Impact on Women.” Attended by 75 women and covered by national media.

TEACHING AND TRAINING, RESEARCH AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

  • Adjunct Faculty: New School for General Studies, New York 8/07 – current

Teaching course: Issues in Conflict and Security: Peacebuilding in Africa, at the Masters’ degree level.

Instructor: Peacebuilding & Development Skills Institute, American University, DC 7/07 7/06 Taught Masters and Phd students as well as NGO and government workers in 40 hour week long course on a variety of peacebuilding and development related topics, including peace and conflict impact assessment and conflict sensitivity in development programming and policy.

  • Instructor: Peace Research Capacity Building Workshop, Dakar, Senegal 11/05

Co-organizer of workshop and a lead resource person and facilitator/trainer on peace research paradigms and strategies. Conference sponsored by University for Peace (UPEACE) affiliated with the UN, the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, and participants were academics, practitioners and policymakers from across Africa.

  • Instructor: Peacebuilding & Development Skills Institute, American University, DC 11/04

Taught Masters students in a 20 hour short course: “Peacebuilding and Development Analysis and Transformation Skills Institute.” Focus: theoretical and practical linkages of peacebuilding and development.

Lecturer: Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe 2003 Taught masters students in the Institute for Peace, Leadership and Governance situated within this Pan African Methodist University. Courses taught: Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies; Conflict, Peace and Development. Assisted with curriculum design and training in courses on conflict resolution, peacebuilding and development and civil society.

  • Instructor: WATERnet, University of Zimbabwe 9/03

Instructor for a three-week skills training in “Conflict Prevention and Cooperation in International Water Resources”. Collaborative training for University of Zimbabwe students of the Masters Degree in Integrated Water Resources Management, held by the Centre for Conflict Resolution (Cape Town, South Africa) and the Institute for Peace, Leadership and Governance, Africa University (Mutare, Zimbabwe).

  • Trainer: Africa University, Institute for Peace, Leadership and Governance 5/03

Conducted a two-day skills training in conflict resolution and management skills at the interpersonal and community level. Taught a one day course in concepts and practices of peacebuilding and development.

Researcher: Human Rights Watch, Zimbabwe/New York 4-5/03 Researched with colleagues an update on 2002 HRW land report. Interviewed resettlement and communal farmers, as well farmworkers, war veterans, and other intended beneficiaries of Zimbabwe’s land reform program. Report sought to identify impacts of the farm occupations and Government’s Fast Track Program.

  • Lead Researcher: AFRODAD, Africa/Zimbabwe 11/02-2/03

Oversaw a five country research/evaluation project evaluating role of civil society in PRSP processes in Ghana, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda and Kenya; wrote a comparative report for the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development.

Consultant Researcher/Peacebuilding Advisor: MWENGO, Zimbabwe 10/02-1/03 Researched and wrote a report on the operating environment for NGOs in Zimbabwe for this Southern and East African development NGO. Report used as a discussion piece for starting a dialogue between NGOs and government. Participated in advisory committee designing this dialogue process.

  • Trainer: Shlekweni Training Center, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 4/02

Trained rural development workers in conflict resolution skills – communication, negotiation, mediation, problem-solving, and peacebuilding. A one-week course.

  • Researcher: Africa Community Publishing and Development Trust, Zimbabwe 1-2/02

Researched national level organizations with community outreach capacity for civic and peace education in the run-up to Zimbabwe’s presidential election, and post-election periods.

  • Instructor: Peacebuilding & Development Skills Institute, American University, DC 7/01

Co-trained a week-long course for twenty international practitioners, academics and policymakers working in conflict-afflicted and structurally violent developing country contexts. Participants acquired analytical and practical skills for building peace and human development, including areas of gender, human rights, and participation in policymaking.

  • Researcher/Teaching Assistant: American University, DC 9/98-6/01

Assisted with teaching, research, and curriculum design for United Nations Special Rapporteur on Structural Adjustment Fantu Cheru, in the areas of Globalization and Africa and Development and Conflict. Teaching assistant for Hizkias Assefa: Peacebuilding in Africa (1999); Johan Galtung: Reconciliation (1999); Research assistant with Professor Mohammed Abu-Nimer: Islam, Development, and peacebuilding (1999).

  • Lecturer: American University Washington Semester Program, Zimbabwe/DC 6-12/99

Taught class: Environment and Development Practicum. Planned and implemented month-long field study in Zimbabwe with 28 (23 women) American and international students during which we traveled throughout the country, meeting with dozens of orgnizations working on political, environmental and social issues.

  • Curriculum Developer: George Mason University, USA 10/97-6/98

Doctoral student representative in faculty committee at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, mandated with redesigning the Ph.D. and M.Sc. curriculum.

  • Evaluator/Researcher: Udall Public Policy Center, Arizona/California 3-8/98

Conducted research and evaluation on the Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Dispute and surrounding agreements since 1989 involving Federal agencies, local and municipal governments, businesses, civil society organizations and coalitions, and indigenous tribes.

  • Consultant/Researcher: Independent Projects Trust, Durban, South Africa 4/97

Researched and wrote two-year Annual Report for South African conflict resolution training, research, and resource development NGO throughout the KwaZulu-Natal region.

  • Trainer: Cantilevers, Cape Town, South Africa 3/97

Designed and instructed six peace and conflict resolution workshops for standard 7 (grade 9) students at Herzlia Jewish Middle School in Cape Town, South Africa.

  • Trainer: Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) 1995-1997

London, England; Cape Town/Johannesburg, South Africa Developed and facilitated Beginning and Advanced Training-for-Trainers workshops in women’s prisons and communities. Co-trained with women prisoners on life sentence.

  • Project Curriculum Assistant: Partners for Democratic Change,

Eastern Europe and the Russian Federation, Schlaining, Austria 11/92 - 12/92

  • Project Assistant to develop curriculum for trainings in conflict resolution and democratic theory in the region; Organized logistics for 5 day director's meeting; Participated in curriculum development.
  • Curriculum Developer: North Bay International Studies Program, Sonoma, California 6/91
  • Co-designed curriculum for training of secondary school faculty in international conflict resolution.

Publications

Books, Book Chapters and Journal Articles

  • Forthcoming 2008, “Zimbabwean Forms of Resistance: Social Movements, Strategic Dilemmas and Transformative Change”, Maryland: Lexington Press.
  • Forthcoming 2007, with Abdul Karim Bangura, Mary King and Ebrima Sall, Peace Research in Africa: Critical Essays on Methodology, Geneva: UN University for Peace.
  • 2007 with Samuel Doe, “Strengthening Peacebuilding Efforts in Liberia”, Discussion Document for UNMIL and the UNCT, 15 April 2007.
  • 2006 with Tyler Christie, “Natural Resource Governance, Conservation and Security: Evolving Best Practices in Post-Conflict Liberia”, in Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, V3:2.
  • 2003 With Mary Hope Schwoebel, “Towards a Theory, Method and Practice of Appreciative Inquiry for

Use in Complex Peacebuilding and Development Contexts” in (eds.) Cynthia Sampson, Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Claudia Liebler, and Diana Whitney, Positive Approaches to Peacebuilding: A Resource for Innovators. Washington, D.C.: Pact Publications.

  • 2002 With Mary-Hope Schwoebel. “From Making to Building Peace in the 21st Century: New Approaches for New Conflict Contexts, Global Almanac. This overall book was the 2002 Winner of “Outstanding Academic Title” for 2002 by Choice Magazine.
  • 2001 “The Case of Land in Zimbabwe: Cause of Conflict, Foundation for Sustained Peace” in Abu-

Nimer(ed.). Reconciliation, Justice and Co-existence. Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield Publishing Group.

  • 2000 “Reconciling Relationships While Pursuing Justice: Land Redistribution in Zimbabwe,” in Peace and Change. 25:2 (April): 225-238.
  • 1999 “Engaging Theory Towards Conflict Transformation: The Case of Northern Ireland”, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) Doctoral Student Publication, 1999.
  • 1998 with LeBaron, Michelle Duryea and Garon, Steven: Conflict and Culture, Second Edition. ICAR.

Journal Editorials

  • 2007 with Mohammed Abu-Nimer, “Security for People? The Role of SSR in Sustaining Peace”, Editorial in Journal of Peacebuilding and Development (JPD), V3:N2.
  • 2006 with Rolain Borel and Mohammed Abu-Nimer, “Environment and Natural Resource Related Conflicts: Moving Towards Transformational Approaches”, Editorial in JPD, V3:N1.
  • 2006 with Mohammed Abu-Nimer, “National Ownership in Security, Peacebuilding and Development: Grassroots Activism, Institution Building and Policymaking”, Editorial in JPD, V2:N3.
  • 2005 with Thania Paffenholz and Mohammed Abu-Nimer, “Peacebuilding and Development: Integrated Approaches to Evaluation”, Editorial in JPD, V2:N2.
  • 2004 with Mohammed Abu-Nimer, “Building Socially Accountable Peace and Development in Africa”,

Editorial in JPD, V2:N1.

  • 2004 with Mohammed Abu-Nimer, “Peacebuilding and Development: Interventions, Perceptions and

Practices”, Editorial in JPD, V1:N3.

  • 2003 with Mohammed Abu-Nimer, “Mapping Strategic Linkages: Development in Peace Processes” Editorial in JPD, V1:N2.
  • 2002 with Mohammed Abu-Nimer, “Peacebuilding and Development: the Birth of a New Journal’, Editorial in JPD, V1:N1.

Government, IGO and NGO Reports

  • 2003 With Ezekiel Pajibo, “Between Perception and Reality: Are NGOs Really Making a Difference?” Monograph for MWENGO, Harare, Zimbabwe: MWENGO.
  • 2003 “Beyond a Blocked Transition: Prospects for Nonviolent Political Change in Zimbabwe”,

United States Institute for Peace Special Report, (Written anonymously).

  • 2003 with Ezekiel Pajibo, “Can Participation Advance Poverty Reduction? PRSP Process and

Content in Five African Countries”, Harare, Zimbabwe: AFRODAD.

  • 2001 “Changing Macroeconomic Rules and Redefining Policy: Civil Society in Economic Policymaking”

CHRI Millenium Report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. India: Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI).

Reader and Compendium

  • Forthcoming, with Tony Karbo, Conflict, Peacebuilding and Development: A Critical Reader and Compendium, Geneva: UN University for Peace.

Newspaper / Web Articles

  • 2002 “Zimbabwe’s Elections: Not free and Fair by its Own Criteria – Facts for Policymakers and

Activists”. ZNET, Africa Watch. March 20, 2000. Also, in NCA Agenda, July 2002. (Written under pseudonym).

  • 2002 “Workers Under Siege in the New Zimbabwe”. Indymedia. March 15, 2002. (Written under

pseudonym).

  • 2002 “Narrowing the Space for Civic Action: Zimbabwe’s Parliament Fast-Tracking Repressive Legislation”. Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative Newsletter. (Written under pseudonym).

NGO Newsletter and Magazine Articles

  • 1999 “Reconceptualizing Self-Determination: Prospects for Peoples in a Multinational World” in Cantilevers-The Identity Dimension: Policy and Process in Northern Ireland and Quebec.6: 8-9.
  • 1997 “Land Tenure Reform in Zimbabwe: Cause for Conflict, Foundation for Sustained Peace.” Cantilevers. South Africa. Volume 4, Second Half 1997: 24-28.
  • 1997 “Bridging Reconciliation and Justice in South Africa.” Cantilevers. Vol. 3, 1997:19-23.
  • 1997 “Leading the Way? Candid Words from the National Party, the Inkatha Freedom Party, and the African National Congress about Reconciliation and the Future of South Africa.” Cantilevers. Vol.3, 1997: 12-17.
  • 1997 with Abitbol, Eric. Bi-annual Report for the Independent Projects Trust. Durban, South Africa. 1997.
  • 1996 “Women in Community and National Struggles.” Cantilevers. Vol.2, 1996:19-21.
  • 1996 with Abitbol, Eric, “Into the Heart of Tibet: the Survival of a People.” Cantilevers, Vol.2, 1996:12-18.
  • 1996 “Reconciliation: Between Israelis and Palestinians?” Cantilevers. Vol.1,1996: 14-16.
  • 1996 with Abitbol, Eric. “A Day in Hebron/Al-Khalil.” Cantilevers. Vol.1,1996: 8-11.
  • 1996 “Indigenous Peoples: the Definitional Debate Returns.” The Outsider, London: Minority Rights Group Publications. London. Number 48, October 1996: 1. “Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in the Asia/Pacific Region.” The Outsider. London: Minority Rights Group Publications. Number 47, July 1996: 4-5. “Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in the Asia/Pacific Region.” MRG Urgent Issues Briefing Paper. London: Minority Rights Group Publications. July 1996.
  • 1995 “Peacemaking in Latin America.” In the Alert. London: International Alert Publications, May 1995.
  • 1996 “Indigenous Peoples: the Definitional Debate Returns.” The Outsider, London: Minority Rights Group

Affiliations

Transcend, Member; African Conflict and Peace Review, UPEACE (UN University for Peace), Editorial Board Member; Peacemedia, Advisory Committee Member; Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), Member, Freelancers Union, Member.

Awards

2003-2004 American University School of International Service Dissertation Fellowship

2002-2003 United States Institute of Peace, Peace Scholar Fellowship

1998-2001 American University Doctoral Scholarship (Hurst Award)

2000 Alan Taylor Award for Outstanding Academic Service

1997-1998 Teaching Assistantship

1993-94 LSE School Scholarship

1992 Soros Foundation, Mihai Eminescui Fellowship in Romania

1989-1992 UC Berkeley High Honors (academic)