Individual Contractor on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration Expected Duration: 6 months with a possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funding and work requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities 1. General Background

The ‘International Hub on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism’ has been established as a UNOCT Programme Office in Doha, the State of Qatar, through an Agreement signed between UNOCT and the State of Qatar on 15 December 2019, as well as a contribution agreement signed on 8 December 2020, to perform three core functions: (conduct and advance research in behavioural sciences to better understand the drivers and factors contributing to radicalization leading to violent extremism and terrorism; provide capacity-building assistance to Member States, regional organizations and civil society partners to develop and implement programmes, projects and initiatives that integrate behavioural insights to counter terrorism; and promote communication, outreach and partnerships to share knowledge, expertise, experiences and lessons learned on behaviourally informed counter-terrorism interventions.

Behavioural insights, through a combination of diverse disciplines such as psychology, behavioural economics, cognitive science and social science, examines how people think, behave and make decisions. This approach focuses on understanding what actually influences the decisions and behaviours of people, rather than relying on assumptions of how they should act based on traditional models. In doing so, it ensures policies and programmes reflect actual needs and motivators for greater impact and effectiveness. Insights from behavioural science help us gain a better understanding of the threat of terrorism and violent extremism, which require evidence-based research and analysis of individual, contextual and structural factors affecting human motivations, actions, interactions and responses. There is no single set of drivers that push or pull an individual into violent extremist action. Research shows the presence of certain recurrent drivers, which either in isolation or in combination with other factors, lead to radicalization and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Many of these drivers have behavioural roots and require behavioural tools such as education, strategic messaging, rehabilitation, youth empowerment, employment facilitation, skills development, community engagement, gender equality, inclusion and conflict resolution.

A behavioural insights approach enables the identification of risk and resilience factors and the development of empirically validated interventions for policymakers and practitioners to effectively prevent and counter violent extremism. Under the overall guidance of the UNOCT Office in UN Headquarters and supervision of the Chief of the Programme Office, this position will support the implementation of its programme of activities. The incumbent will contribute to research in behavioural sciences to better understand the drivers and factors contributing to radicalization leading to violent extremism and terrorism.

2. Responsibilities:

• Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources, focusing on the application of behavioural insights to prevent and counter terrorism.
• Drafts and reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, practical guides and applicable tools etc. At least 1 knowledge product is to be produced before the end of the assignment with topic to be agreed on during the first month of the contract.
• Conducts policy reviews, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Provide technical expertise and substantive backstopping to in-house consultations and other meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying experts/guest speakers, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. for initiates and outreach activities; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Implements programme/project activities in accordance with the United Nations Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Supports the team of the BI Hub in planning and implementing initiatives using knowledge products and good practices on the application of behavioural insights in PVE/CT programming, tailored to the local context, including the organization of conferences, workshops, seminars, and delivery of trainings.

• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

  Qualifications/special skills Competency: •Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. Knowledge and understanding of tools and methodologies related to planning, executing and monitoring of programmes/projects. Knowledge and understanding of evidence-based and innovative trends, approaches, policies and initiatives on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems and to manage sensitive information. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. •Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. •Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. •Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise and is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Academic Qualifications: Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in psychology, business administration, management, economics, criminology or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in area pertaining to behavioral insights to counter terrorism is required. Experience working on issues related to counter-terrorism or prevention of violent extremism is required. Experience in conducting research or drafting reports, statements and briefing materials for senior management on behavioral insights to counter terrorism is an advantage.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Additional Information Please apply to Job Opening by 21 December 2021.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.