Background

Malawi has since independence remained generally a peaceful country with a few isolated incidences of violent conflicts. This has been possible through the use of traditional conflict management mechanisms and practices in resolving local and national conflicts.

Government, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders have provided and instituted various forms of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. These institutions include the Judiciary, District Labour Offices, the Office of the Ombudsman, Malawi Human Rights Commission, Public Affairs Committee, National Forum for Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts, etc. While some of these institutions have played a critical role in managing national conflicts, their efforts have been impeded by two main challenges, namely; lack of enabling legislation and absence of a national peace architecture that promotes pro-active rather than reactive conflict management in the country. As a result, their efforts have mostly been ad-hoc and unsustainable. 

The UNDP Country Office in Malawi has responded to this challenge by supporting the Government of Malawi in its endeavour to establish a National Peace Architecture (NPA) that will provide a platform for collaborative dialogue, peace building and conflict prevention.

The primary purpose of this position, therefore, is to provide support to UNDP’s Peace and Development Advisor (PDA) in the development of a policy document and strategic plan, to spearhead the establishment of a National Peace Architecture for Malawi through the Social Cohesion project of the Country Office. Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Peace and Development Adviser, the position will also work closely with the UNDP Governance Cluster and CO Team.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Social Cohesion policies, strategies and programmes

  • Support the Peace and Development Advisor in the design and appraisal of social cohesion and conflict prevention programmes/projects. This activity would result into quality policies and programme that would enhance national capacities for Peace, collaborative leadership and dialogue

 

 Improved delivery of programme output/outcomes of the Social Cohesion Project.

  • Assist in the process of analysis and monitoring of current and potential societal tensions, in order to assess and enhance the effectiveness of current initiatives and capacities, identify and elaborate gaps and potential entry points, and make recommendations on improving developmental responses to build collaboration and social cohesion

 Effectiveness of the implementing partners of the UNDP Social Cohesion Project to effectively deliver on their mandate;

  • Undertake result based monitoring, and facilitating programme/project evaluations. This is vital to ensure that the programme output delivery is timely and that any problems which programmes face are dealt with appropriately.

 Improved programme management;

  • Assist PDA to contribute to the UN joint programming and implementation in order to support the UNDP mandate in the joint programmes and also ensure that conflict sensitivity is mainstreamed in UN programming

Joint programme formulattion and implementation;

  • Undertake partnership development, networking and resource mobilisation to further improve the work relationships between UNDP and its international and national stakeholders and also generate resources for programme implementation

Competencies

CORPORATE COMPETENCIES

  • Demonstrates integrity by championing the UN’s values and ethics.
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Ability to lead in the design, appraisal, analysis, and formulation of policies, strategies and programme/projects.
  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • In – depth practical knowledge of the inter-disciplinary development issues.
  • Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context, and identify practical approaches to overcome challenging circumstances.

MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES

  • Develops strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and results for clients and responds effectively to feedback.
  • Demonstrates openness to change, and ability to manage complexities.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Proven team building and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to develop partnerships and networks.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

  • Treats all people fairly
  • Willingness to work with others in a team.
  • Willingness to work with people of different beliefs and cultural orientations

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced University Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communication, Education, Business Administration, and Development Studies

 

Experience:

  • At least two years in public policy analysis, development planning, development management, and institutional development or capacity development. Experience in Peacebuilding will be an advantage. Knowledge of UNDP focus areas, ATLAS and UN rules and regulation would be preferred

Language Requirements:

  • Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of one of the local languages like Chichewa, Tumbuka, Yao or Lomwe would be an added advantage.