Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) Project Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

In a sub-region that was once considered to be relatively peaceful and stable, countries in the Gulf of Guinea (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo) have recently been confronted with the expansion of violent extremism, terrorism, transnational criminality, and other threats related to maritime piracy and drug trafficking, which are now threatening their stability. The increasing risk of the spread of extremist and terrorist groups from the Sahel (particularly from Burkina Faso and Mali) towards coastal states, raises fears of what is termed as a “spill-over” effect that could have serious consequences for the stability of these areas. With the increased threat of local radicalization into violent extremism and cases of terrorist recruitment documented in the region, as have the cross-border movements of extremist groups reported by local communities in border areas, as well as violent incidences, the prevention of violent extremism (PVE) is of paramount importance to mitigate the risk of violent extremism. Therefore, to bolster efforts to prevent violent extremism in this sub-region, the UNDP regional project, entitled “Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in the Atlantic Corridor“ (2023-2025) covering Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo, seeks to apply a complementary regional prevention approach to address the challenges of violent extremism at the national and sub-regional level through the following outputs: (1) National coordination and capacities on preventing violent extremism (PVE) strengthened in target countries to develop, coordinate and effectively implement PVE interventions at the national, subregional and local levels; (2) At-risk communities in target locations respond to radicalization factors leading to violent extremism and their resilience is strengthened to prevent radicalization at hyper-local levels; (3) National PVE strategies and programming are informed by regional research and analysis on violent extremism. As such, this project seeks to prevent and address the immediate drivers of radicalization leading to violent extremism in the sub-region, known to fuel and foster recruitment, while providing support to strengthening the ‘infrastructures for peace’, namely mechanisms for early warning, and early response, through dedicated support to NAP implementation and coordination, and enhanced crossregional collaboration and knowledge management. The project is positioned under the West Africa sub-regional window of the UNDP PVE Regional Project entitled “Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in Africa and Arab States: A Development Approach” 2022-2025. It is aligned with the Prevention and Early Action Pillar (1) of the Renewed Governance and Peacebuilding Framework for Africa 2022-2025, which aims to sustain support to regional and national institutions to implement existing frameworks for ensuring inclusive political transitions, addressing structural vulnerabilities, building resilience, strengthening infrastructures for peace and early warning, and encouraging early action to prevent conflicts and violent extremism. The PVE Project Officer will be responsible for providing technical and operational support in the day-to-day oversight, monitoring and implementation of the project, working closely with the country project management team in close coordination with implementing partners.

Under the direct supervision of the Peace and Governance Analyst and overall guidance of the Head of the Inclusive Growth & Accountable Governance cluster the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: I. Support implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation and reporting of PVE programmatic interventions in the regional project: Support the oversight and implementation of PVE programmatic interventions in the country office of the project, including through coordination, communication, and knowledge sharing, as appropriate. Support progress reporting based on project M&E framework in line with requirements and reporting schedule and contribute efforts to coordinate and facilitate regular inputs and data from implementing partners and field offices in the elaboration of reports, including in relation to baseline studies and SDG 16 indicator reporting. Support the elaboration of M&E and risk management plans while reflecting contextual indicators and measures for mitigation and contribute to the development of innovative project monitoring and data collections tools for more effective project management. Support the development of Terms of References for implementing partners, monitor the progress of activities delivered by the selected implementing partners Continuously promote conflict and gender-sensitive project perspectives in project oversight, implementation of activities and partner engagement. Assist in planning and organization of necessary administrative support to missions, workshops/webinars, other project activities. II. Stakeholder and partners coordination: Help to maintain relations with relevant national, regional/sub-regional and international stakeholders and partners including UN agencies, government, civil society, and PVE networks, including (updating stakeholders and partners’ mapping documents and spreadsheets). Support the close coordination with national and local counterparts and partners through regular engagement throughout the implementation of the project. Support the coordination of partnerships/relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, donors, and partners to understand needs, identify resources and gain support. Analyse and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation; accompany the identification of opportunities for initiation of new areas of cooperation; support exchange at regional level through initiatives and sharing of lessons learned and good practices. III. Communication and knowledge management Provide support to enhance the visibility and strengthen concerted, joint communication efforts, in close consultation with UNDP regional and country-specific communications teams, including through providing support to the monitoring and implementation of country-specific communication action plans, while contributing with innovative ideas on advancing storytelling initiates and fostering greater visibility of the project. Contribute to update the Regional Crisis Risk Dashboard in the Gulf of Guinea as interactive data visualization tools, and contribute to the formulation of country-specific indicators to strengthen monitoring efforts and risk informed programming. Contribute to plan sessions under the sub-regional PVE Community of Practice (CoP) platform which seeks to promote cross-regional analysis, coordination and collaboration among experts, researchers, practitioners and key stakeholders to deepen the evidence-base of the project. Perform analysis and research in the thematic areas across the region through online sources and virtual libraries to help the team and network practitioners be abreast of trends and developments (both on VE policies and initiatives around issues of gender, human rights, rule of law, media, etc.). Contribute to research for various analytical and communication products including draft working papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, issue de-briefings, inputs to presentations, publications, etc. Perform any other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams.

working on Prevention of Violent Extremism, Conflict Prevention, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, Resilience-building or related fields, such as gender and youth, Strong previous experience with project implementation is required. Solid previous experience in coordinating activities, and organizing events is highly regarded. Knowledge of UNDP rules and procedures is an asset. Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in peace and development and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Location: The UN Volunteer will be based in Tamale, Ghana which is currently classified as hardship category B. Weather: At sea level, the climate of the country is tropical-hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27oC (80oF) and little daily variation. At the interior's higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 20oC (68oF), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 500 centimetres (200 in.) on the southwestern slopes to 100 centimetres (40 in.) in the northern lowlands. The rainy season runs from May to October and the dry season from November to April which is usually dusty and dry. Safety and Security: General security threats are assessed as 'Low'. Armed Conflict is Minimal, Terrorism is Moderate, Civil Unrest is Moderate, Crime is also Moderate, while Hazard is also Moderate. Political activities intensify during the election of Party Executives and also election year. Crime even though moderate in the sector, highway robbery is a common event. UNDSS and the Area Security Coordinator in North Security Area would be available for any specific security related advice for staff. Main Risk to UN staff in the Sector (Area) are street crime involving mostly theft, armed robberies, Highway Robbery, house break-ins (Burglary) and road traffic accidents. Staff must be careful of Civil Unrest issues and also take note of Communities with curfew. Personnel or dependents arriving in the Security Area must maintain vigilance over their belongings and self, while checking in and out of taxis or hotels. They are advised to take a registered taxi from the airport or hotel to their destination. All usual precautions should be taken by staff and dependents, apart from seek and follow UNDSS advice. Staff must avoid the use of commercial Motor/tricycles in the sector. Security Briefing is mandatory for all new arrivals in Tamale and those on mission in any place in the sector, which are held immediately on arrival. All staff must endeavour to report to Tamale SOC (Radio Room) for this mandatory security briefing on arrival. Health and Vaccination Vaccination against Yellow Fever is required rules for entry into Ghana. UN Department for Safety and Security is in the Tamale and provide advice. Transportation and housing: Regarding accommodation and food, houses and apartments can be rented from 100$ to 1000$ per month and meals at the restaurant cost between 10$ and 60$. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices. Ghana has a public transport system with various services including UBER, and taxis etc. An entry visa is required for all travellers and must be obtained prior to arrival from an embassy. The Cedi is the local currency and according to the UN exchange rate system, a USD 1 is equivalent to 11.894 GHS in November 2023. Some commercial banks are operating in the country and Visa cards are accepted in very limited hotels. Health Services: There are several specialist health facilities in the country and the UN Clinic is also available in Accra. There are recommended health facilities that can be visited in the area. Language: Ghana has over 50 local languages, English is the official language.