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.

The Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention deployed a PDA in Côte d’Ivoire in October 2018. Côte d’Ivoire has been undergoing a transition from peacekeeping to peace building following the withdrawal of the PKO in June 2017. The country is making efforts towards the reinforcement of democratic governance. Though the October 2020 presidential election was marked by some violence, with part of the opposition boycotting the process, there is a political dialogue launched since early 2021. This has contributed to the return of most political exiles. The UN System and particularly the PDA unit is supporting this dialogue and reconciliation efforts, through close collaboration with the Ministry of Reconciliation and National Cohesion, and in coordination with relevant CSOs. This, in line with the priorities of the UNSCDF signed with the Government in January 2021.

Since 2014, the Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme has partnered with United Nations Volunteers to deploy UN Volunteers with a profile in peace and development in countries where PDAs are deployed. UN Volunteers are deployed to work closely with the PDAs, to augment the capacity on both conflict/political analysis and support to programming responses, with a particular emphasis placed on engaging with civil society actors in a manner consistent with UNV’s mandate.

Under the direct supervision of the PDA, the UN Volunteer will undertake 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 Cote d’Ivoire and the subregion as relevant, with specific focus on supporting and promoting peacebuilding, social cohesion, conflict prevention and sustainable development; •Support the PDA in undertaking political, political economy and/or conflict analysis, monitoring the situation in the country, and reporting of issues related to peace and security, including through analysis of local sources; •Carry out and coordinate research on particular issues and thematic areas, in particular on the peace and security and development nexus; on judicial governance and on evolving regional con-flict dynamics.

2. Identifying entry-points and support inclusive approaches in efforts to build national capacities for conflict prevention, particularly with regard to civil society, including 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 development of conflict-sensitive approaches; •Under the guidance of the PDA, support the exploration of entry points with key national counterparts including the Government and civil society; •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; •Undertake mappings and analysis with 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 and UNCT throughout the duration of the assignment; •Support the PDA in their engagement with national and local stakeholders, focusing particularly on engaging with civil society actors at local level and academia, to help link local initiatives to national-level institutions, structures and processes, as well as reinforcing dialogue between gov-ernment and civil society and/or people-to-people dialogues.

3. Provide technical support for coordination, partnerships, knowledge management and M&E: •Support the external coordination of existing partnerships between stakeholders (government, civil society, private sector and the international community, including the UN system). •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; •Support the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the UNSCDF, using tools available such as UNINFO and in close coordination with M&E specialists of the UNCT; •Support knowledge management and sharing of good practices on conflict prevention and peace-building; ensure that stories and lessons learned are shared with the Joint Programme Secretariat; and respond to specific requests for information; •In coordination with the National Peacebuilding Coordinator, support with the implementation of the PBF portfolio, to ensure timely development, implementation and evaluation of PBF projects.

•Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. •Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. •Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. •Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. •Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; •Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, includ-ing ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer in-formation and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; •Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to trans-fer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; •Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

the field of social development involving national and international interlocutors (i.e. international community, civil sector, public institutions) is required.

•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; The incumbent must be a dynamic, team-oriented, multi-functional person who supports the UNCT with professionalism and dedication

Abidjan is a family duty station. There is a wide variety of accommodation available (apartments, houses). Accommodations closer to the business district of Plateau where the RCO office is located tend to be in the expensive range. General security conditions in Abidjan are reasonable.