UNDP Jobs - 38979- Policy Specialist (Peace and Development)

Policy Specialist (Peace and Development)

Location :

Tunis, TUNISIA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

31-Jul-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

Arabic English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Following the January 2011 revolution, the UN system in Tunisia developed a strategy, in consultation with the transitional authorities, to effectively support the country’s transition, particularly in the area of democratic governance. The country’s transition is still in the process of consolidation, with the constitutional process and elections being key milestones. In order to fulfill the need for a meaningful and coordinated response to Tunisia’s transition priorities and evolving situation, the RC/RR seeks the support of a Policy Advisor who will provide strategic and programmatic guidance, in particular in the area of confidence building and development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide strategic analyses and recommendations on issues related to the transition in Tunisia for the RC/RR and the UN system:

Produce regular briefings and analysis (at least on a monthly basis) to the RC/RR on the transition situation in Tunisia and its potential impact on the design and implementation of the UN system’s programmes;
Identify relevant ‘entry points’ for dialogue and confidence-building and develop appropriate strategic and programmatic responses for the UN system – including entry points and responses where the UN can engage the international community – to best assist national and local actors/initiatives;
Maintain regular communication with relevant departments and agencies at HQ and country-level, including through establishing a strong working relationship with the different UNCT partners, so as to support the RC and elicit collaboration across sectors on strategic and programmatic matters.
Support the design and implementation of on-ground, country-specific initiatives and strategies in the field in close collaboration with concerned agencies, projects and programmes:
At the request of the RC/RR, and in close collaboration with the concerned agencies, support and build on specific targeted initiatives, such as political violence prevention, political party dialogue, and the development of conflict-sensitive reporting by the media, conflict-sensitive governance initiatives, etc.;
As required, support related confidence-building activities such as dialogue processes; skills building for negotiation, mediation and reconciliation processes; participatory conflict analyses; etc.;
Contribute to programme development and management exercises including: formulation of project documents, logframes, monitoring & evaluation, for current and future initiatives;
Contribute to resource mobilization including donor liaison, and proposal preparation, in collaboration with the concerned UN agencies.
Provide substantive analytical and advisory support to the RC/RR and to the relevant UN agencies:
Support the mainstreaming of conflict prevention into UN and national development plans and programmes, including through training and capacity-building of UN staff and national partners, including civil society groups;
Contribute to the UNCT coordination mechanisms, in particular the Governance Thematic Group;
Facilitate the knowledge sharing on issues related to confidence-building and development, in particular relevant regional and global experiences and best practices;
Share substantive analysis, as appropriate, with UN agencies and HQ to inform messaging and policy recommendations and ensure coherence between HQ and the field.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Good understanding of UNDP and UN programming modalities, particularly in crisis and transition settings;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional/Technical Competencies:

Specialist knowledge in the area of confidence-building, dialogue, conflict transformation, and conflict sensitive development;
Knowledge of relevant methodologies for conducting conflict analyses, conflict impact assessments, and M&E of peace and development activities;
Demonstrable ability to engage with sensitivity, strategic foresight, and political acumen in situations involving multiple actors and stakeholders;
Mastery in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc);
Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
Excellent supervisory, team-building, diplomatic and interpersonal skills;
Resourcefulness, initiative and maturity of judgment;
Strong communications, advocacy and resource mobilization skills;
Excellent networking skills;
Excellent analytical, organizational and negotiation skills, especially resource management systems.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in political sciences, social sciences, international relations, or other related field, preferably with specialization in peace and conflict studies and/or peace building.

Experience:

Substantive international experience of 7 years in policy and strategy development, development and/or conflict prevention programming;
Demonstrated experience in facilitation, consensus-building, multi-stakeholder dialogue processes, mediation, negotiation, dispute resolution, preferably in transition situations;
Proven experience in strategy and programme development, and in the provision of advisory services at the international level;
Proven experience in producing political analysis;
Prior knowledge or work experience in the Arab countries and knowledge of the Arab Spring context are greatly desirable;
Strong Human Rights background and experience in enhancing women’s participation in dialogue and reconciliation processes are also highly desirable.

Language requirements:

Fluent in spoken and written French and English;
Working knowledge of Arabic would be an asset.