UNDP Jobs - 19327- Peace and Development Specialist

Peace and Development Specialist

Location :

Niamey, NIGER

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Nov-2010

Application Deadline :

10-Oct-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

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

In 2009, there were unconstitutional changes in Niger characterized by the dissolution of the National Assembly and the nation’s high court, and the pushing through of a new Constitution that extended former President’s Tandja tenure by three years and removed term limits. These developments rolled back hard-fought democratic gains in the country. The long lead to the overthrow of President Tandja was hence dominated by fierce opposition at home and international opprobrium.

On 18 February 2010, Niger’s military carried out a coup d’état (the 4th since the independence) and established a Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD). Even though the transitional administration announced its intention to return to constitutional order as soon as possible, it is currently challenged by a multifaceted crisis relating to the restoration of democracy, a significant food security crisis, the necessity to address urgent development needs, and a volatile security situation . To address these challenges, the government formally requested the support of the UN in dealing with the food crisis, carrying out the necessary governance reforms, and preparing for the elections. Accordingly, the following priority areas will require attention in the coming months: (i) institutional reforms for a restoration of democratic order; (ii) the electoral process; (iii) donor mobilization to resume socio-economic programmes to prevent an aggravation of the poverty/vulnerability situation; (iv) response to the food crisis; and (v) dedicated programming to build confidence, trust and the capacity for collaborative decision-making among members of Nigerien society working in and with the transitional administration as well as at other levels in the country.

It is in this context that UNDP Niger is looking for a Peace and Development Advisor to undertake initiatives that bolster Niger’s national, institutional and civil society capacities for consensus-building, leadership, and democratic processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator / UNDP Resident Representative, and in close cooperation with DPA and UNDP’s BDP, RBA and CPR bureaus, and in coordination with the activities of the UNOWA based Senior Mediation Advisor for Niger, the Peace and Development Advisor will be responsible for the following:

Support the RC/RR in her activities related to peace and development;
Assist in analyzing emerging developments in Niger, with a view to identifying risks factors pertinent to the implementation of conflict prevention strategies, programmes and projects;
As necessary, develop and maintain contacts with political parties, consultative bodies, civil society actors, faith-based groups, traditional leaders, and development partners to advise on inclusive dialogue and consultative processes at the national and regional levels;
Design and facilitate activities that assist various stakeholders to develop and utilize skills to resolve national and local issues of contention and infuse such capacities for consensus-based decision-making into governance institutions in a sustainable manner.
Provide technical advice on UNCT’s governance and CPR initiatives with a view to support the political transition and programming related to electoral violence-prevention;
In conjunction with the UNCT, and international, regional and national partners (including UNDP/BDP DPA’s EAD, UNOWA and MSU), assist in the development of a support programme targeting democratic institutions, political parties, and civil society organizations, ensuring full engagement of women and the youth in this process;
Ensure coordination with the activities of the UNOWA based Senior Mediation Advisor on Niger.
Support UNDP resource and donor mobilization efforts for the transitional and electoral processes as required.
Support through training and knowledge management, sharing of information within the UNCT, UNDP and with other partners on crisis prevention and management, calling on BCPR support, as required;
Strengthen UNCT capacity to develop conflict prevention programmes and to mainstream these into their core activities.
Support the UNCT staff and local counterparts to enhance their skills and knowledge to mainstream conflict sensitivity into governance and development programmes so as to ensure that residual capacity will develop and remain within the UN Niger Country Office.

Competencies

Excellent analytical skills in socio-political and conflict issues;
Experience in managing external relations and effective communication with stakeholders at all levels: UN and government officials, development partners, civil society representatives;
Proven ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner and applies protocol appropriately;
Strong communication skills, and capacity to sustain difficult positions or argumentations as required;
Demonstrated sensitivity, tact and diplomacy and appreciation for different cultures and practices;
Excellent conflict analysis, reporting, conflict sensitive programming, training and capacity-building skills.
Excellent computer skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Advanced University degree completion from an accredited institution in social sciences with focus on international relations, development, political sciences, peace and conflict studies, international law, peace building or related discipline.

Experience

At least 7 years of professional experience at national and international level in advisory and managerial positions, including extensive experience in crisis and post-crisis countries;
Established knowledge in conflict prevention and management, as well as negotiation mechanisms;
Experience in facilitating national dialogues and peace building processes, consensus-building and collaborative decision-making;
Working experience in West Africa and sound knowledge of the socio-political context of the region;
Demonstrated ability to conduct appropriate analyses, needs assessments and project formulation on peace building issues taking into account the local culture ;
Ability to draft and edit analytical reports, strategy documents, project proposals, correspondence, briefings and speeches;
Sound knowledge of the UN System, practices and procedures.

Languages

Fluency in both English and French.