Application Guide

How to Apply for Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Project Specialist, OSF

at Pax Sapiens

🏢 About Pax Sapiens

Pax Sapiens is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to global peace and security, with a strong emphasis on integrating gender perspectives. Working here means contributing to meaningful change at the intersection of women's rights and conflict resolution, supported by a remote-first culture that values flexibility and impact.

About This Role

As the WPS Project Specialist, you will lead and coordinate projects that advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda, driving gender equality in peace and security contexts. This role offers the opportunity to shape organizational strategies and engage with key stakeholders to ensure WPS principles are embedded in programs, making a tangible difference in conflict-affected communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with your team to align on project milestones, followed by drafting a stakeholder engagement plan for a new WPS initiative. Afternoon could involve reviewing a partner's gender analysis report and preparing talking points for an upcoming advocacy call with a government official.

🎯 Who Pax Sapiens Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in women, peace, and security issues, with a solid understanding of UNSCR 1325 and related frameworks.
  • Expert project management skills, including the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives remotely.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, with experience in advocacy and coalition-building.
  • A strategic mindset with the ability to translate WPS principles into actionable programs and measure impact.

📝 Tips for Applying to Pax Sapiens

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific WPS projects you've led or contributed to, using quantifiable outcomes.

2

In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with Pax Sapiens' mission and how your work aligns with their approach to peace and security.

3

Demonstrate remote collaboration experience, as this is a remote role; mention tools (e.g., Slack, Asana) and successful virtual team leadership.

4

Include a brief example of how you've engaged with diverse stakeholders (e.g., governments, NGOs) to advance gender equality.

5

Research Pax Sapiens' recent publications or projects on WPS and reference them to show genuine interest and knowledge.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your specific experience with the WPS agenda, including any work on UNSCR 1325 or National Action Plans.', 'Showcase your ability to lead projects from conception to evaluation, with examples of successful outcomes.', 'Highlight your stakeholder engagement skills, particularly in conflict-affected or politically sensitive environments.', "Express passion for gender equality and peacebuilding, linking your personal motivation to Pax Sapiens' mission."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review Pax Sapiens' website and any published reports on their peace and security programs, especially those mentioning gender.
  • Look into the founder's background and the organization's founding principles to understand their unique approach.
  • Check if Pax Sapiens has partnerships with UN Women, OSF, or other entities, and understand those collaborations.
  • Read recent news or articles where Pax Sapiens is mentioned in relation to WPS or conflict resolution.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a WPS strategy for an organization working in multiple conflict regions?
2 Describe a time you had to manage a project with remote stakeholders across different time zones.
3 What are the key challenges in implementing WPS principles in practice, and how would you address them?
4 How do you measure the impact of gender equality initiatives in peace and security contexts?
5 Can you discuss a recent WPS development (e.g., new UN resolution) and its implications for our work?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention WPS or the specific role at Pax Sapiens.
  • Failing to highlight remote work experience or skills, as this is a fully remote position.
  • Overlooking the need for concrete examples of project management and stakeholder engagement in your application.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Pax Sapiens!