PAX is the largest peace organisation in the Netherlands. For the past 75 years, we have been working with local partners in conflict areas worldwide to protect civilians. Against violence of war, towards ending armed conflict and building inclusive peace. If you also believe that everyone has the right to a dignified life in a peaceful society, come work with us!
To strengthen our capacity to develop and deliver training to military, law enforcement and civilians in conflict affected countries and internationally, we are looking for an experienced
Military Trainer / Advisor
(32 – 36 hours per week)
The candidate has a military or law enforcement background, a thorough understanding of Protection of Civilians concepts and policies and a track record as a trainer and course developer. The job requires frequent travel to conflict affected countries including Burkina Faso, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen and sporadic travel to the Netherlands and other locations. The job also requires willingness to work in diverse training locations with military, law enforcement, and civilian entities. The candidate can work remote or from one of the PAX offices.
The candidate has a deep understanding of concepts and policies relating to Protection of Civilians (PoC), Human Security and Civilian Harm Mitigation and experience working in international missions and organizations. An understanding of IHL, and of military command structures are necessary.
Background
Since 2016, the PAX Protection of Civilians Team has been involved in development and delivery of a wide range of PoC policies, concepts, SoPs, curriculums, courses, and exercise scenarios, in close cooperation with a multitude of international institutions, and a wide range of national military, law enforcement and civilian institutions – more on www.protectionofcivilians.org. Our current program focusses on training and advising institutions involved in the protection of civilians in four countries specifically: Burkina Faso, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen. Next to that, we continue to support and advise international institutions on protection, security and harm mitigation, notably the United Nations, NATO and the EU.
The Military Trainer / Advisor will report to the Project Lead Training and Advice Mr. Wilbert van der Zeijden.
Who are we looking for?
Skills
The candidate possesses exceptional cross-cultural communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to engage diverse audiences and deliver impactful training sessions. Experience in designing and developing engaging training materials, including presentations, workshops, and online modules, is essential. A strong understanding of adult learning principles and the ability to adapt training methodologies to meet varied learning styles is highly valued. Proficiency in utilizing various training technologies and platforms is also preferred. The ability to quickly adapt to technological limitations of training locations is necessary. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who takes the lead in the development and maintenance of our catalogue of training modules and exercise scenarios.
Education
The candidate should have a formal qualification as a trainer that specifies what type of training (topics, type, levels) the trainer has qualified for.
Experience and abilities
The candidate should have:
-
- 5 or more years of experience as a trainer in a military / law enforcement setting
-
- Relevant professional experience with Human Security, Protection of Civilians or Civilian Harm Mitigation.
-
- Proven history of and future ability to travel to and work in conflict affected countries.
Knowledge
The candidate should have in depth knowledge of military and/or law enforcement command structures, knowledge of topics relevant to this job, including humanitarian law, protection of civilians, human security, civilian harm mitigation and response.
Languages
-
- English: native / bilingual proficiency is required
-
- French or Arabic: professional working proficiency is desirable
What do we offer?
-
- An interesting position in a dynamic, informal and internationally oriented work environment;
-
- Appointment for 32 – 36 hours per week (0,89 – 1 fte), initially for 12 months with possible renewal;
-
- Start date as soon as possible;
-
- Salary is based on or equivalent to the PKN Collective Labour Agreement salary scale 10 (depending on experience);
-
- Travel costs and technical support are covered separately.
Procedure and information
For more information about PoC see: www.protectionofcivilians.org.
Do you have any questions? Please contact Wilbert van der Zeijden, Project Lead, via vanderzeijden@paxforpeace.nl for further information.
Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV and motivation letter addressed to Wilbert van der Zeijden solely via the application form in Nmbrs Hire.
The closing date for applications to this position is Monday 15 December 2025 at midnight GMT +1.
Screening for integrity is part of the application process at PAX. PAX believes it is important to guarantee the reliability, professionalism and integrity of its organisation and employees. For this reason, PAX will request a Declaration of Conduct or equivalent for new employees.
At PAX we are looking for motivated colleagues with passion and courage, to build a diverse, inclusive and authentic working environment together. Even if you do not tick all the boxes, we still encourage you to apply, because who knows, we might be a good match together!
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
