Peacebuilding and Community Resilience Specialist

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.

Mexico’s UNDP Country Office has identified that the prevalence of high rates of violence is one of the main challenges for consolidating effective governance in the country. A factor related to the high rates of violence in Mexico is the large number of weapons circulating illegally throughout the national territory. According to the government’s statistics, Mexico ranks sixth place within the countries with more armed civilians. As part of its commitment to supporting effective policies to prevent violence, UNDP Mexico is currently collaborating with the Ministry for Public Security and Citizen Protection to support the Peace Fairs and Voluntary Disarmament Programme.

The selected candidate will strategically support the Country Office to revamp the current Effective Governance and Democracy Unit’s offer. Precisely, addressing peacebuilding challenges in Mexico, build capacities, exchange knowledge, and support top-quality advisory services to relevant stakeholders.

Also, the UNV will contribute to position UNDP as a leading UN agency in promoting peacebuilding and conflict prevention, from an approach that considers its nexus with the 2030 Agenda.

Under the direct supervision of Effective Governance and Democracy National Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Strengthen the Country Office’s support to the National Strategy for Peace and Security 2018-2024 implemented by the Ministry for Public Security and Citizen Protection, focused on peacebuilding, transitional justice, reintegration, and social cohesion in compliance with donor requirements.
  • Contribute to ensuring that Country Office’s support is deployed according to UNDP´s best practices on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, gathering inputs and fostering the involvement of relevant counterparts and stakeholders.
  • Assist the National Officer’s efforts to mainstream peacebuilding and conflict prevention within the Effective Governance and Democracy Unit’s project portfolio.
  • Provide technical assistance in elaborating concept notes, background papers, and policy briefs on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and security.
  • Cooperate with the Unit’s team to design a strategy aimed at consolidating programmatic linkages with relevant government agencies, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, CSO, and UN Agencies.
• Support the National Officer in preparing proposals, applications, and funding requests for new peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

The results and expected outputs of the assignment are:

• The Peace Fairs and Voluntary Disarmament Programme implemented by the Ministry for Public Security and Citizen Protection and supported by UNDP’s Country Office is strengthened.
• Best practices on peacebuilding and conflict prevention are identified.

• Capacities to mainstream peacebuilding and conflict prevention within the Unit’s project portfolio are reinforced.

  • The elaboration of concept notes, background papers, and policy briefs on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and security are technically strengthened.
  • The strategy to consolidate programmatic linkages is fostered.
  • Proposals, applications, and funding requests for new initiatives are improved with technical inputs.
  • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
  • Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment

  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

  • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly desirable.

  • Experience working in community organization and/or development cooperation projects.
  • Understanding or familiarity with political and drivers of violence in Latin America and Mexico will be considered an asset.
  • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills.
  • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team dedicated to serve others.
  • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences.
  • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions.
  • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

Competencies and Values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Knowledge Sharing
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Vision
• Working in Teams

Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Reconciliation, Peace and Development, Governance, Mediation/Facilitation, and/or Security Sector Reform. Relevant experience in other areas or institutions, as well as the private sector, will also be considered.

Mexico City is the capital of the United Mexican States. It is in the center of the country, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. It covers a total area of 1,485 square kilometers and its population is approximately 8.8 million people.

Climate: Daily high temperature is around 26°C throughout the year, exceeding 29°C or dropping below 22°C. Daily low temperatures range from 9°C to 11°C, falling below 6°C or exceeding 13°C. Carrying a light sweater is strongly recommended.

Local currency: The national currency is the Mexican peso ($). The exchange rate against the United States dollar fluctuates around 22.00 pesos. The official exchange rate can be found by visiting the following link: www.banxico.org.mx/portal-mercado-cambiario/index.html. Money may be exchanged in hotels, at the airport, banks and bureaux of change. Banking hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. You MUST present your passport in banks. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most commercial establishments; however, it is recommended that you carry some cash, as there are small establishments that do not accept credit cards.

Local time: Mexico City’s time zone is UTC/GMT-6

Electricity: 110 volts, 60 hertz (similar to the United States), and wall sockets may be for two- or three-pin plugs. Visitors wishing to use devices not designed for use in North America should bring an adapter with a voltage transformer.

Water: Drinking tap water is not recommended; visitors are advised to consume only boiled or bottled water.

Sales tax and tipping: Value added tax of 16% is levied on most products and services. In restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of between 10% and 15% of the total bill.

Emergency phone numbers: Within Mexico City

911 Emergencies

5658-1111 LOCATEL (Public directory enquiries service)

Altitude: Mexico City stands at 2,239 metres above sea level, and visitors may experience some discomfort.