Peace and Development Analyst

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Following an electoral Need Assessment Mission in 2021, the UN and development partners have also started preparation for the provision of support to the Electoral Commission, Human Rights Commission, Office of National Security and Police, among other institutions, to provide them with the necessary technical and advisory support to conduct the general elections.

At the same time, the prevention of hate speech - disseminated through social media and, frequently, involving the Sierra Leone diaspora abroad – as well as the prevention of youth involvement in electoral violence and inter-party conflicts will continue to be at the center of the UN’ attention in order to support the government to prevent a pre, during and post-electoral crisis and sustain peace in the country.

A UNCT coordination is also in place to provide support to the government to address the different challenges experienced by young people, including participation, inclusion and unemployment. The PDA initiated the coordination and is currently providing technical support to the UN co-leads, namely UNDP and UNFPA. Two UN-government peacebuilding projects are currently ongoing to address and mitigate youth vulnerability and engagement in the growing phenomenon of cliques and gangs as well as to promote youth participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts at community levels.

The primary purpose of this position, therefore, is to assist the Peace and Development Advisor: (i) on multidimensional and gender-sensitive research, analyses and preventive actions to support the holding of peaceful and inclusive elections, (ii) in enhancing coordination with civil society organization to prevent and counter hate speech and, (iii)in coordinating and supporting the work of the UNCT group on Youth.

Under the direct supervision of the Peace and Development Advisor, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for supporting the following tasks: 1.Assisting on research, information-gathering and analysis with specific focus on supporting and promoting peacebuilding and conflict prevention: •Gather and process data and information relevant to the UN’s role and activities in Sierra Leone and the sub-region as relevant, with specific focus on supporting and promoting peacebuilding, so-cial cohesion, conflict prevention and sustainable development in view of the upcoming general elections in 2023; •Support the PDA with data collection in undertaking political, political economy and/or conflict analysis, monitoring the situation in the country, and reporting of issues related to peace and secu-rity, including through analysis of local sources; •Maintain up to date the Sierra Leone’s Crisis Risk Dashboard (CRD) researching and uploading rele-vant data in collaboration with UNDP CPR.

2.Identifying entry-points and support inclusive and conflict-sensitive approaches in efforts to build national capacities for conflict prevention, particularly with regard to civil society, includ-ing women’s and youth networks: •Assist the PDA in identifying areas of programmatic engagement with national stakeholders related to social cohesion, dialogue, conflict prevention and consensus building; and contribute to the de-velopment of conflict-sensitive approaches; •Support the PDA on advise on mainstreaming conflict-sensitive approaches; including provision of training UN Country Team staff and key national partners on conflict analysis, conflict prevention and/or conflict-sensitive development; •Under the guidance of the PDA, undertake mappings and analysis of civil society actors’ (including youth, women, and marginalized groups) capacities for conflict prevention/ peacebuilding at local and national level, using the exercise to inform the support provided by the PDA to the UNCT throughout the duration of the assignment. •Support the PDA in her engagement with the UNCT and civil society organizations in the current efforts against hate speech, including exploring global initiatives and best practices that can be rep-licated in Sierra Leone.

3.Provide technical support for coordination, partnerships and M&E: •Support the PDA in her coordination efforts with existing partnerships with different stakeholders (political parties, government, civil society, private sector and the international community, and the UN system, including the DPPA-DPO Western Africa Division). •In close collaboration with the PDA and the Joint Programme Secretariat, support monitoring and evaluation function, including collecting, processing and analyzing data in the framework of peace and development team workplan; and •Support knowledge management and sharing of good practices on conflict prevention and peace-building, particularly on efforts against hate speech; ensure that stories and lessons learned are shared with the Joint Programme Secretariat; and respond to specific requests for information.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Integrity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Working in Teams

the field of social development involving national and international interlocutors (i.e. international community, civil sector, public institutions) is required. Professional experience in data management is desirable. •Computer skills: Excellent knowledge of different computer packages •Strong communication, strategic thinking, public relations and advisory skills, including written and presentations is required; •Demonstrated knowledge of human rights-based approach and gender mainstreaming in pro-gramme development/coordination is desirable •Demonstrated ability in data collection and organization and innovation, also using new tech-nologies is desirable; •Demonstrated networking and partnership building skills are required; •Strong expertise in coordinating activities is required; •Relevant, proven work experience in the UN system is an asset; •Peacebuilding and conflict transformation experience is an asset;

Freetown is a vibrant, hilly city, with a population of just over one million. Set on a peninsula, you can see the sea from almost any point in the city and you are never far away from some spectacular beaches for swimming and surfing. Living conditions are reasonable. Infrastructures, transportation and social services are acceptable in general, and amenities (restaurants, bars, transport, etc) tend to be a little bit expensive, but it is possible to obtain most essential items of food and clothing etc. Provision of electricity and water supplies is increasingly improving, though people still rely on generators. Mobile and internet services are available. The number of international flight connections to Sierra Leone is limited, but airlines are flying on a daily basis within Africa and to Europe and Washington DC. The overall Security Level in Sierra Leone is classified as Low (Level 2) as per the UN security management system. Crime is classified as moderate, with incidents primarily related to property thefts, house break-ins and robberies. Housing in Freetown ranges from independent houses to apartments - available furnished and un-furnished. Most long-stay accommodation are rented by the year or the half-year. Most staff stay in apartments, which come equipped with generators, water supply, and security guards. Local banks are dealing in both local and foreign currencies, though sometime they run out of cash. Credit cards and travellers’ checks are not accepted. Sierra Leone is a family duty station. There are a limited number of international schools in Freetown, with the American international school being the best option, as well as a few smaller independent schools which follow either American or British curricula. UN staff children attend a variety of primary schools. Staff can access a limited number of healthcare facilities, but a UN Clinic is established with improved services and health facilities are available in Ghana and Nigeria, if needed. Political situation is unstable, but violence has been experienced only during by-elections periods and during clashes between youth and security forces. UNDSS has a well-established office in the country and is in charge of staff security. UN compound is located in a safe location.