Youth Peace and Security Officer

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 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) brought renewed impetus towards stabilizing the fragile situation in the country. Even so, South Sudan continues to face immense political, institutional, social and economic challenges which include; a) weak infrastructure for peace; b) illegal long-standing practices like cattle raiding, child and forced marriages and age set youth; c) exclusion of women, youth, minorities and other special interest groups in peacebuilding initiatives, development and governance; d) proliferation and misuse of firearms; and e) climate change induced and resource based conflicts. Left unattended, these factors have the potential to reverse peacebuilding gains, increase fragility; impede healing, trust and confidence building and reconciliation and undermine implementation of key R-ARCSS milestones like security sector reforms, demobilization and disarmament processes and gender equality provisions.

Working in existing and new conflict clusters, Peace and Community Cohesion Phase II Project (PaCC II) will support the central and subnational governments and authorities to; a) establish and enhance the capacity of peace infrastructures to manage conflicts peacefully; b) deepen social, cultural and economic cohesion among communities to foster healing, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence; c) empower citizens, with added emphasis on women, youth and other marginalized groups for voice, agency and participation in governance and peacebuilding initiatives and demand accountability; d) implement legal, policy and civilian frameworks on small arms and light weapons; and e) promote conflict sensitive access, use and control of natural resources by pastoral and farming communities in targeted conflict clusters.

The Phase II of the project is implemented in seven conflict clusters; Bor, Torit, Rumbek, Aweil, Bentiu, Kwajok and Malakal clusters. The project is also implemented at national level and works in collaboration with government counterparts and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), other UN Agencies, women, and youth amongst other relevant partners.

In this regard, PaCC is seeking to recruit a Youth Peace and Security Officer to be based in Juba, Central Equatoria, with occasional field travel. The Officer will work closely with National and State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, other relevant government counterparts, other UN Agencies, youth and youth organisations, communities, amongst other stakeholders.

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP South Sudan’s Democratic Governance and Stabilization Unit (DGSU) Team Leader and the direct supervision of the Project Manager for the Peace and Community Cohesion, the Youth Peace and Security Officer will execute the following key functions and duties.

More information on the PaCC project can be found via the following web link: https://www.ss.undp.org/content/south_sudan/en/home/projects/peace-and-community-cohesion-project.html

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager and Advisor, PaCC, the Youth Peace and Security Officer will undertake the following tasks:

Support the implementation of peace and community cohesion related activities:  Support the development of Youth, Peace and Security (YPS)-related programming in UNDP  Coordinate mainstreaming of youth-related perspectives within PaCC overall programming  Coordinate the development of innovative strategies for amplifying youth voices in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, leadership, and governance  Support a gender-inclusive approach to YPS policy and programming, particularly in relation to young women and the intersection of the YPS and WPS agendas  Support to PaCC to ensure the project is responsive to national policies, priorities, and strategic plans on youth  Support implementation, monitoring and reporting of youth projects and initiatives within PaCC  Support the projects being implemented by PaCC youth partners and support capacity strengthening of youth and youth organisations on YPS and related issues  Review implementing partners’ financial and narrative reports

Support conflict analysis, research, assessments, monitoring and evaluation:  Conduct YPS context analysis and research in order to advance UNDP’s YPS-related agenda by regularly reviewing the national, regional, continental and international policies, priorities, strategic plans and developments on youth and produce reports on periodic updates and briefs to inform the PaCC work on youth, peace and security  Coordinate and support research, assessments, monitoring and evaluations on youth, peace, and security and other PaCC thematic areas

Support communication and documentation:  Coordinate information sharing, exchange and documentation of good practices, tools and approaches on youth, peace and security among youth organizations and other relevant stakeholders  Contribute to online and offline campaigns and communication on YPS Agenda for projects within PaCC  Support preparation of reports

Strengthen synergies, partnerships and collaborations on Youth, Peace and Security:  Coordinate the development of a collaborative platform to amplify youth voices and advance the YPS agenda  Facilitating collaboration and partnership with youth organizations, other organizations working on youth, peace and security and government counterparts  Maintain regular communication and coordination with other UN Agencies, youth CSOs, national and state Government counterparts in charge of youth to ensure timely implementation of project activities  Participate in different working groups and interagency working groups, YPS forums, events, conferences, and policy fora  Contribute to sub-regional, regional, and inter-agency initiatives related to youth issues.

Other tasks:  Support resource mobilization on youth and related issues  Perform other duties and tasks as 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 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.

Results/expected outputs  Quarterly project reports on YPS interventions under PaCC highlighting project achievements, lessons, challenges and recommendations.  Project partners (youth CSOs) activities and youth related activities with government counterparts supported and capacity of youth counterparts strengthened.  Project partners (youth CSOs) reports are results oriented and capture lessons.  Continuous conflict and gender analysis conducted and quarterly reports on the same developed.  Collaborative platform to amplify youth voices and advance the YPS agenda established, supported and sustained.  Gender-inclusive approach to YPS policy and programming, particularly in relation to young women and the intersection of the YPS and WPS agendas is strengthened  Innovative strategies, ideas and new approaches for amplifying youth voices in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, leadership, and governance developed and implemented.  PaCC’s annual report on responsiveness to national policies, priorities, and strategic plans on youth  Monitoring of youth related initiatives conducted.  Effective partnerships and working relationships with internal and external parties in a multi-cultural environment established and maintained.  UNDP’s YPS agenda in inter-agency meetings represented and promoted. Successes and lessons learnt on YPS documented and dissemination and reports and presentation on YPS produced to support Project implementation.  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.

 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 behaviours 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 behaviour; 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’s and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

youth, peace and security, and/or peacebuilding, developmental or humanitarian work.  Demonstrated experience in conflict analysis, research, report writing and presentation.  Demonstrated experience in working inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, and youth organizations/networks, and authorities at different levels.  Demonstrated experience in working and adapting professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; and ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.  Strong understanding of the local context and experience and/or interest on youth inclusion.  Good oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.  Experience and/or familiarity with database management.  Experience in supporting knowledge management and learning efforts.  Strong interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive.  Familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.  Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms  Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; and ability to work with tight deadlines.  Handles confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner  Experience with International Organizations and UN is an asset.  Demonstrates ability to extract, interpret, analyse data and present it in a comprehensive and reader-friendly way.

Language Requirements:  Demonstrated excellent command of spoken and written English.  Knowledge of Arabic and one or more of the local languages will be an advantage.

Living Conditions:

South Sudan is a difficult duty station, which is classified as a non-family duty station as there is basic infrastructure in the capital Juba and the country. South Sudan is Security Phase III level. There is a UN imposed curfew from 7:00pm to 6:00am due to security and crime issues.

The widely used currency for business transaction is the South Sudan Pounds (SSP). Banking facilities are widely available, but the use of bank credit and debit cards is very limited. There are several mobile telephone companies including ZAIN and MTN providing services and sim cards can be easily bought with cash after registration with the service provider. There are no fixed telephone lines in South Sudan/Juba.

South Sudan electricity on the national grid is almost non-existent. Juba is mostly powered by individual household generators. Running water is dependent on water tankers that deliver water to households at a fee. There are restaurants serving food from different regions of the world. Markets and shops are fairly well-stocked with food items, clothes and other household goods. There are also local markets for vegetables and other farm produce. The cost of living is generally high as almost all of the goods are imported.

UN personnel are provided medical services in the UN Agency clinic. Other medical services can be obtained at the UNMISS Level 2 hospital. The highly recommended vaccination in South Sudan is Yellow Fever. Please note that without evidence of yellow fever vaccination access to South Sudan is restricted.

South Sudan 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.

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.