Background
In line with the UNDP Strategic Plan (2014-2017), and the Regional Programme Document for the Arab States (2014-2017), RBAS is in a process of developing a regional programme that focuses on promoting social cohesion in the Arab States. Responding to very specific needs at enhancing social cohesion and social contract through the instrumentality of law, strengthening institutions that include and engage people and that mediate conflicts and improving trust, UNDP will seek to add value to ongoing efforts in the Arab region, with particular emphasis in transition and conflict affected countries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Advisor and the overall guidance of the Chief of the regional programme division at the Regional Bureau for Arab States, the consultant will perform the following duties:
Undertake a desk review and analysis of available literature. The analysis will identify specific regional challenges and country contexts that affecting social cohesion. The analysis will identify stakeholders and the capacities that UNDP need to support to promote social cohesion through a systematic approach across countries. The review and analysis will include preparing 4-5 country profiles and compiling baseline data and the regional consultation inputs into the project document.
Undertake phone interviews and organize follow-up discussions with participants identified jointly with UNDP to further formulate the programme. Prepare, as necessary, reporting on all meetings, carry out correspondences, and facilitate stakeholder networks for engagement to follow up on the regional consultations and facilitate the initiative's launch.
Draft and finalize the regional project document on “Promoting Social Cohesion in the Arab Region”.
Support the project's initiation phase including its approval process and introduction to the partners and donors.
Methodology
The methodology of the consultancy will include the following:
- Desk review;
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data and info collected through desk review and interviews; preparation of all relevant background materials, and drafting of the project document for UNDP approvals.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
- Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment;
Functional Competencies:
- Fluency in spoken and written English is a must, knowledge of Arabic will be a strong plus;
- Deep knowledge of different approaches to social cohesion, mediation, multi-stakeholder dialogue and facilitation;
- Excellent knowledge of development issues and internationally-agreed development goals;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as very good networking skills;
- Good knowledge of the socio-economic and political situation of the countries in the Arab region;
- Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills;
- Excellent drafting and formulation skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master, PhD) relevant to the thematic area.
Experience:
- At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in social cohesion related programming, including relevant field experience, especially in transition, crisis or post-conflict settings;
- Extensive technical knowledge of peace building, facilitation, mediation and managing social cohesion related initiatives;
- Proven intellectual and practical capacity to understand and interpret national development issues, particularly in crisis-affected, post-crisis and/or fragile settings;
- Theoretical and practical experience in drafting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating public policies, strategies or concepts relevant to conflict prevention;
- Proven and recent experience with technical assistance for project development, implementation, management and/or evaluation;
- Proven record of official reports or papers/studies in the selected area.
Languages:
- Fluency in spoken and written English is a must, knowledge of Arabic will be a strong plus.
Application:
Kindly refer to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice and all related Annexes by visiting the below link:
Please make sure to submit all the requested documents/information; otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete.