UNDP Jobs - 48775- International Consultant on Conflict Analysis

International Consultant on Conflict Analysis

Location :

Rangamati, Bangladesh, BANGLADESH

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2014

Application Deadline :

16-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

02 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

02 months

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

Twenty five years of protracted conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts have left the majority of its inhabitants in conditions of extreme poverty, and tensions over land tenure, resource access, and ethno-demographics remain challenges to sustainable development. Three quarters of the population live below the national poverty line; 50% of primary-enrolled children drop out in their first few years; and it is estimated that 40% of the CHTs’ workforce is either unemployed or underemployed.

A CHT Peace Accord was signed in December 1997 and was recognized as a significant political achievement for the region which is home to 11 distinctive indigenous groups and Bengalis. It raised high expectations that it would serve as the cornerstone of a successful peace building process and as a means for opening up new opportunities for development. Relevant institutions have been established to support this process although not all subjects as per the CHT Peace Accord have yet been transferred to them, and several parts of the Peace Accord are yet to be implemented.

In partnership with the Government, CHT communities and NGOs, UNDP supports the Promotion of Development and Confidence Building in the Chittagong Hill Tracts through the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Facility. The CHT Development Facility (CHTDF) plays a very important role ensuring a successful peace building process and improving the development conditions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) people. The support is focused on:

CHT governance institutions functioning and national systems developed in support of Peace Accord implementation;
Confidence is built to solve long-standing problems critical to sustainable development and peace in CHT;
Economic development opportunities enhanced for CHT;
Literacy increased through an education scheme adapted to local context;
Access to quality preventive and curative health services at the community level;
Local organizations and communities empowered and their capacities enhanced to manage their own development;

With an annual budget of USD 20 million and 120 staff in five offices, CHTDF is one of UNDP’s large interventions spanning governance, peace-building, livelihoods and multiple sectors within one facility.

In addition to UNDP’s own resources, funds have been made available by the European Union, Canada (CIDA), Denmark (DANIDA), USA (USAID), Norway, Australia (AusAID) and the Embassy of Japan since the inception. The Facility manages the respective donor agreements within one programmatic framework.

The Facility is led by a Director and a Senior Management Team consisting of three Chiefs leading programme sections and one Chief Operations.

Given the current post conflict socio-economic and political backdrop in CHT (Chittagong Hill Tracts), confidence building (CB) initiatives of the project in the region will focus on creating an environment that is conducive to building trust and cooperation among and between all concerned to sustain peace and development at the local level. CHTDF, working in partnership with the Ministry of CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) and various relevant CHT institutions, is supporting the government of Bangladesh in its efforts to implement the CHT Accord fully.

Duties and Responsibilities

Main objectives, responsibilities and description of the proposed analytical work

The consultancy is expected to support the project with the following objectives:

Systematic conflict analysis of the CHT, identify conflict profile, causes, actors and dynamics;
Review and evaluation of CHTDF strategies in confidence building and in its support to implement the CHT accord;
Recommend revised/improved strategies.

Scope of work, responsibilities and description of the proposed analytical work

The International Consultant is based at UNDP-CHTDF Rangamati office with travel to Dhaka. Under direct supervision of CHTDF director the International Consultant will perform the following tasks:

Analysis of data from reports pertaining to the post conflict situation in the CHT and strategies followed by CHTDF in building confidence and in support of the implementation of the CHT accord;
Identify key issues in the post-conflict analysis, on which the consultancy will focus;
Further in-depth analysis of data on key issues and stakeholder (internal and external) consultations;
Draft recommendations for improved strategies.

Deliverables/Outputs of the assignment/service:

Inception report: outcome of first analysis of data, proposed key issues consultancy will focus on, plan of action to conduct consultancy
Critical analysis on post-conflict situation in CHT and past CHTDF strategies
Report on recommended strategies on confidence building and in support of CHT accord implementation.

Tentative Payment Schedule:

Upon submission inception report 20% of the contract value will be paid;
Upon submission Critical analysis on post-conflict situation in CHT and past CHTDF strategies report 30% of the contract value will be paid;
Upon submission Report on recommended strategies on confidence building and in support of CHT accord implementation 50% of the contract value.

Competencies

Technical

Thorough knowledge and extensive experience in post-conflict, conflict prevention policy development, programming and advocacy;
Nuanced knowledge of conflict and post-conflict analysis tools and methodologies;
Proven ability to advocate and provide policy advisory services.

Functional:

Excellent speaking and writing skills in English are necessary;
Excellent analytical skills;
Strong IT skills, including ability to work regularly with MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint;
Uses information and internet technology applications effectively as tool and resource;
Proven cross-cultural communication.

Corporate:

Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all persons fairly without favoritism.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Development studies, Political Science or related field.

Experience:

7 years of progressive experience in international development including experience in conflict and post-conflict countries focusing on conflict prevention and recovery issues;
Experience with conflict prevention, recovery and peacebuilding projects/programs in support of implementation of peace accord agreements;
Experience in multi-stakeholder participatory post-conflict/conflict analysis processes/methodologies and advising on high level conflict prevention/recovery strategies;
Proven ability to advocate and provide policy advisory services;
Experience in South and Southeast Asia is desirable;
Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in working in the CHT;

Language:

Proven English professional writing skills.