Peace and Inclusive Development Specialist
Contribute to UNDP’s work in peacebuilding and inclusive governance in Angola.
Overview
Contribute to UNDP’s work in peacebuilding and inclusive governance in Angola.
You have:
- Experience in peacebuilding and conflict prevention
- Experience in democratic governance and political participation
- Experience in gender equality and Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
- Experience in youth engagement and civic participation
- Experience in programme/project management in development contexts
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Excellent drafting and communication skills
- Ability to work with diverse stakeholders
- Knowledge of gender mainstreaming and inclusive approaches
- Results-based management and reporting skills
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
Angola offers a dynamic context for peacebuilding, governance, and inclusive development. Regionally, it plays a growing leadership role in peace and security across Central and Southern Africa through mediation efforts, peacekeeping contributions, and the promotion of a culture of peace.
Nationally, Angola has made progress in political stability following the 2017 transition and the 2022 elections. However, voter abstention reached 55%, particularly among youth—who represent nearly 60% of the population—highlighting ongoing challenges in political inclusion. While women’s representation has improved, this has not yet translated into broader socio-economic gains. As the country approaches the 2027 elections, strengthening participation, trust in institutions, and women’s engagement remains critical. These governance challenges intersect with structural issues, including youth unemployment, gender inequality, economic exclusion, and social cohesion pressures.
Climate-related shocks, such as droughts and flooding, further exacerbate vulnerabilities and strain local governance systems. In response, UNDP Angola is expanding its work on conflict prevention and peacebuilding through integrated approaches linking governance, gender equality, youth engagement, and climate resilience. The focus is on promoting inclusive participation and strengthening participatory governance processes, particularly for youth and women. This assignment offers an opportunity to contribute to UNDP’s work at the nexus of peacebuilding and development. The UN Volunteer will gain practical experience in programme design, stakeholder engagement, and policy support, working with government, civil society, and UN partners to advance inclusive and resilient development aligned with Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda.
This assignment is designed in line with the Republic of Korea’s commitment to supporting young professionals through the UNV programme. The role provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in peacebuilding and inclusive development within a UNDP country office. The UN Volunteer will benefit from structured mentoring, coaching, and exposure to UNDP’s programmatic and operational approaches, while contributing to national development priorities in Angola. The assignment emphasizes learning, knowledge exchange, and professional development in line with UNV’s capacity-building mandate.
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Sustainable Development and Institutional Capacities Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
Support the design, implementation, and monitoring of programmes on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and inclusive governance, aligned with UNDP CPD 2024–2028 priorities.
Contribute to the integration of gender equality and Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325) principles across programme activities, including support to national action plans and gender-responsive policies.
Assist in strengthening youth engagement and civic participation, including support to initiatives promoting political inclusion and participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Provide technical and coordination support for stakeholder engagement, including government institutions, civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, and development partners.
Support the development of analytical products, policy briefs, and knowledge products on peacebuilding, governance, and social cohesion.
Contribute to the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience into governance and peacebuilding programming.
Assist in organizing workshops, consultations, and dialogues to promote inclusive decision-making and social cohesion.
Support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of programme activities, including results tracking and documentation of lessons learned and best practices.
Contribute to resource mobilization efforts, including preparation of concept notes and project proposals.
Promote volunteerism and support UNV visibility initiatives within UNDP Angola.
During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance
- Accountability
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Commitment and Motivation -Commitment to Continuous Learning -Communication -Creativity -Ethics and Values -Integrity -Judgement and Decision-making -Knowledge Sharing -Leadership -Managing Performance -Planning and Organizing -Professionalism -Respect for Diversity -Self-Management -Technological Awareness -Vision -Working in Teams
Experience in: - Peacebuilding and conflict prevention - Democratic governance and political participation - Gender equality and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) - Youth engagement and civic participation - Programme/project management in development contexts - Stakeholder coordination and partnerships - Experience in Africa or similar contexts is an asset
Skills in: - Strong analytical and research skills - Excellent drafting and communication skills - Ability to work with diverse stakeholders - Project coordination and organizational skills - Knowledge of gender mainstreaming and inclusive approaches - Results-based management and reporting skills
Luanda, the capital of Angola, is a large and dynamic coastal city that serves as the country’s main economic, political, and cultural hub. Living conditions have improved in recent years, with access to supermarkets, restaurants, international schools, private healthcare facilities, and a range of accommodation options—often located in secure apartment or housing complexes. However, Luanda remains a challenging duty station due to a high cost of living, particularly for housing, imported goods, and private healthcare, as well as heavy traffic congestion and occasional interruptions to basic utilities. Security conditions are generally stable, and UN personnel benefit from established safety and security systems. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials and should be prepared for the city’s challenges while also benefiting from its active social life and opportunities for cultural engagement within Angola’s development context.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a successful peacebuilding initiative you have been a part of and what your role was. | This assesses the candidate's hands-on experience and understanding of peacebuilding. | Provide specific examples of your contributions and the outcomes achieved. |
| How do you approach integrating gender equality into governance programs? | This evaluates the candidate's understanding of gender issues in governance. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Discuss a time you facilitated youth engagement in a democratic process. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you've worked with multiple stakeholders on a project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methodologies do you apply in monitoring and evaluation of development programs? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain your experience with resource mobilization for development projects. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What role does social cohesion play in peacebuilding, according to you? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure your programs are culturally sensitive and inclusive? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |