Programme Specialist, Peacebuilding

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 situation in Abyei has been characterized by the lack of an agreement on the final status of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, and South Sudan’s referendum for independence in 2011. UNDP South Sudan Country Office cover Abyei Administrative areas, one of the administrative areas governed by the Republic of South Sudan. The highly politicized environment, insecurity, and violent conflicts have created access restrictions in ways that threaten UNAFPs’ programme delivery and UNISFA’s mandate implementation in accordance with the UN principles of neutrality, impartiality, and leaving no one behind. Therefore, the United Nations Volunteer Expert is required to support the peacebuilding programme and monitoring, data compilation and reporting to inform decision making process.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Team Leader for Governance and overall guidance of Deputy Resident Representative (P) and Governance Adviser or designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Specialist – Peacebuilding will: • Support implementation of relevant peacebuilding aspects enshrined in UNISFA’s mandate (UNISFA SCR 2609 of 15 December 2021) under the joint Programme (JP) framework will include coordination of workplan activities under the signed UN2UN Agreement in terms of timeliness implementation, reporting, monitoring and evaluation to delivered as “one joint Programme • He/she will collaborate with stakeholders including Local Administration of both communities and partners. The level of collaboration includes support to community peace dialogue by the Misseriya, Ngok Dinka, and all other communities to strengthen intercommunal relationships and facilitate stability in the Abyei to foster intercommunal reconciliation and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their villages. • Engage local communities on peacebuilding initiatives, conflict prevention and mitigation and establishment of integrated rule of law support strategy to pave the way for conflict resolution and community stabilization in consultation with the Abyei Administrative government. • He/she will ensure UNDP South Sudan’s inputs contributes to Livelihoods and Peacebuilding Working Groups among others in line with UN Cooperation Framework (UNCFSS) and UNDP (CPD 2023-25) thematic areas, as well as needs identified in the Abyei area. A list of potential locations along the disengagement line and the migration corridors to be targeted has been explored during the needs assessment phase, and will be validated during the inception period of the programme. Preliminary selection criteria include: Places of high and/or regular interaction between conflict-affected groups. Limited or unequitable access to basic services for communities. Conflict hotspots. Scarcity of water, grazing land, and other shared natural resources. High number of young people with conflict carrying capacity. High number of vulnerable women, children, or other vulnerable groups. • Leads the design, development, and implementation, monitoring of UNDP South Sudan Workplan for peacebuilding response in Abyei for a coherent, efficient, and effective co-ordination and within the procedures on human rights and peacebuilding. • Assist in data analysis and research on policies in the areas of peacebuilding support on overall governance, human rights, and reconciliation responses. • Ensures effective support to South Sudan Joint Programmes coordination, implementation and reporting protocol for the immediate, and longer-term strategies. • Liaise with JP Coordinators, UNISFA Management and technical counterparts to ensure well-established relationship and functional support to the RCO and the leadership of government in Abyei Administration • Ensures coherence coordination of Annual Work Plan activities related to UNDP South Sudan in Abyei within the agreed UN Framework for Socio-Economic and Livelihood Response. • Coordinates with the Task Force under the leadership of Resident Coordination Office (RCO) regarding UN Framework Response and working in consultations with/and among other Non/UN Agencies in Abyei. • Contributes to joint accountability framework on the Abyei Programme including sharing of information, planning, and reporting and further assistance, where required. • Support the identification of strengths and weaknesses in the Abyei JP programmes in the context of Triple Nexus and provide advice/revisions on current strategies and implementation for cost-effective and efficient implementation of the JP programme. • Supports JP Working Groups and RCO Coordination mechanisms. • Support Livelihoods/Peacebuilding Working Groups (WG) on behalf of UNDP South Sudan peacebuilding in Abyei for effective, and timely implementation of peacebuilding activities in coordination with the Abyei JP Teams. • Manages the development of all UNDP South Sudan activities per the approved workplan with RCO/UNISFA leadership. • Supports preparation of inputs, where necessary participation in the Abyei JP and UN Humanitarian Coordination Team. • Participates to broader Cluster in relation to the Abyei JP response, Mixed Migration Cluster, Social Protection and Education Clusters, Women and Youth, especially TVET/VTC, and other sectoral and sub-sectoral responses. • Ensures coherent and efficient implementation of resources action and efficient implementation of project agreements (UN2UN) contract. • Ensures coherent resources implementation, and alignment for effective and efficient project execution in terms of timely implementation of all activities being undertaken, including Monitoring, and reporting within the RM Partnership with the UN Secretary General Funds • Supports the development of private sector network, where possible, through the use of private sector Resource Mobilization thinking of financing for Abyei JP development . • Assists the development and creation of new project concepts, project documents, any other documents that would be needed by the UNDP South Sudan Management. • Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results. • Conduct knowledge building and continuously mapping and updates on products in collaboration with the UNDP South Sudan communication and Acclab Unit, • Leads best practices and lessons learnt from the regional Joint Programmes and response. • The results expected include increased access to services for the people of Abyei including for livelihoods as a basis for reducing conflict drivers and grievances and thus remove key obstacles to building peace and social cohesion at grassroot mechanisms. An important component of the programme is to address perceived inequalities of access to services by communities in the Abyei Area. The broader infrastructure for peace and rehabilitation of key communities’ infrastructure should help to reduce intercommunal violence.

Institutional Arrangement • Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (P), and Governance Adviser with Direct supervision of Governance Team Leader, the Programme Specialist will lead, coordinates and implement the JP programme in Abyei through the management of preparation launch of the programme, coordination, implementation and reporting in line with the Secretary General Framework to address grievances and human rights violations in Abyei, stemming from long standing history of inter-communal violence and social prejudice that remained unaddressed Abyei. • Support any on any other administrative functions that may be assigned.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

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. Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.

Assist with the UNV Buddy Programmed 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.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority.

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• 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.

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including 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; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary.

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UNDP mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

/related to peacebuilding and/or conflict management preferably in post-conflict and communities dialogue and peace agreements to promote peace, reconciliation.

At least 5 years in the field of coordination, project management and technical advisory, preferably in a post-conflict setting.

Experience of coordinating multi-stake UNDP/UN projects and programmes or multi-project platforms.

Experience in coordinating working groups, clusters within the larger frame of UN Coordination system Excellent command of Microsoft Office, conflict analysis, research in peacebuilding, and report writing and presentation.

• Good analytical skill and negotiating skills. • Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources. • Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff working on construction projects. • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships, both within and outside the organization. • Fast learner, adapts and responds to change, tolerates ambiguity. • Ability to contribute to formulation of strategies and policies. • Good knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry. • Good understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes. • Good knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction project.

However, South Sudan is a unique country and Abyei Operation is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

16. Conditions of Service

The initial contract is issued upon arrival for the period indicated above. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment.

A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is composed of a Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three).

The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be calculated using by applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate US$ 1,631. The VLA base rate is a global rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and fluctuates on a monthly basis according to cost of living. This method ensures that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website - http://icsc.un.org.

In non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, international UN Volunteers receive a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are provided a settling-in-grant (SIG) at the start of the assignment (if the volunteer did not reside in the duty station for at least 6 months prior to taking up the assignment) and in the event of a permanent reassignment to another duty station.

UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements).

UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight tickets for periodic home visit and for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). Resettlement allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment.

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.