UNDP Jobs - 91080- National Consultant-ToR Research of Youth Subcultu

National Consultant-ToR Research of Youth Subculture

Location :

Wau, Bentiu, Rumbek, Yambio, Aweil, Juba and Torit, SOUTH SUDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

13-Apr-2020

Application Deadline :

10-Apr-20 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

8 days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

8 days

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

The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in September 2018 brought hope of setting South Sudan on the path towards peace and development. However, South Sudan remains highly fragile and the risks of relapsing into conflict are present and persistent. Whilst the ceasefire is holding, overall progress on implementation of the peace agreement has been slow and there is a risk that the positive momentum is stalling, and frustration is creeping in. Communal violence, mainly triggered by access to resources and cattle rustling, continue and pose a risk to implementation of the peace agreement and resurgence of fighting.
The country’s conflict dynamics can only be fully appreciated and understood in the context of the six decades of fighting that have gone before that caused deep and longstanding grievances; social fractures; marginalisation; injustice and exclusion. Inter- and intra-communal conflicts are prevalent and exploited by political dynamics amongst the elite seeking control of power, opportunities and resources. Further, trust between communities is low in South Sudan further slowing down the implementation of the peace agreement.
Lack of basic rights, services and security not only contributes to growing inequality, it also creates a vacuum that allows non-state actors to take control. There is a risk that with weak institutions, law enforcement and checks and balances provide a fertile ground for violent extremism. Other drivers of violent extremism include economic and political exclusion, perceptions of injustice and corruption, inequality, unemployment and alienation; all challenges that plague most South Sudanese youth.
More than half (51 percent) of the South Sudanese population is below the age of 18, and 72 percent of South Sudanese are younger than 30 years of age. Decades of civil wars have contributed to the numerous challenges that majority of the youth face today: lack of job opportunities, high levels of illiteracy, poverty, inadequate life skills, drug addiction and indulgence in criminal activities. Youth are excluded from decision-making at all levels and lack exposure to the experiences that would enable them to participate even if permitted. Young women are doubly discriminated against, expected to marry at or near puberty and to have children to gain some status in society. Deprived of livelihoods, many youth cannot marry and start a family and be recognized as full adults. The inability to fulfil social expectations of their gendered roles leads to tensions and frustrations, which often give rise to alternative practices (such as eloping, cattle raiding and joining youth subculture groups), but also makes the youth vulnerable to radicalization that could ultimately lead to violent extremism.
UNDP takes a development approach to the prevention of violent extremism and looks beyond strict security concerns to development-related causes of and solutions. For this reason, the Peace and Community Cohesion project (PaCC) seeks to engage an international consultant and 7 national consultants to conduct a sociological study on youth subculture in South Sudan. The research is to delve into what caused the emergence of the youth subculture, how it has evolved over time, what factors drive youth towards the subculture groups and what effect the groups have on peace and community cohesion.

UNDP seeks to engage seven (7) national consultants to conduct a study on youth subculture in seven locations: Juba, Wau, Bentiu, Rumbek, Yambio, Aweil and Torit. The purpose of the research is to gain a better understanding of youth subculture in South Sudan and identify entry points to actively engage these youth to play a major role in peacebuilding and community cohesion interventions.

Objectives of the research:
The main objective of the study is to provide comprehensive understanding of youth subculture in the seven areas and the root causes to inform interventions to prevent violent extremism and strengthen the role of youth as peacebuilders. This assignment aims to provide guidance on youth programming tailored to the needs of the youth associated with the subculture.

Specifically, the study aims to:

Provide a thorough understanding of the youth subcultures and social dynamics in the seven areas – Juba, Wau, Bentiu, Rumbek, Yambio, Aweil and Torit;
Identify the main drivers encouraging young people to join youth subcultures groups;
Analyse the extent to which the youth subculture members engage in crime and acts of violence and their motivations to do so;
Assess the vulnerability of the youth in these groups to radicalization;
Assess the influence of youth subculture on the realization of the peace agreement in South Sudan;
Provide recommendations on youth specific programming in the seven areas;
Provide recommendations on youth inclusion in wider programming of UNDP and other stakeholders in the locations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope:
The national consultant is expected to have knowledge and understanding of youth issues in South Sudan. The scope of the study is South Sudan, with a focus on seven areas – Juba, Wau, Bentiu, Rumbek, Yambio, Aweil and Torit. The national consultant should be based in one of the above locations.

Working with the International Consultant during the study, the national consultant is expected to:

Collect data and conduct interviews in the field with different stakeholders including youth;
Provide translation to the international consultants where necessary;
Give a historical background of youth subculture in their location from 2011 to today and identify current trends;
Identify organizations working with youth associated with subcultures and identify lessons learned in their specific programming interventions.

Methodology:

The assessment will employ a quantitative assessment method including, but not limited to:

Focus group discussions
Key informant interviews
Mapping of youth focused peacebuilding interventions in their area.

Research Products/Deliverables:
The national consultant will produce the following deliverables:

Report of the findings from the field visit as per the agreed format with UNDP.
Report of historical background of youth subculture in their location from 2011 to today and identify current trends.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Demonstrates diplomacy and tact in dealing with sensitive and complex situations;
Strong communication, team building, interpersonal, analysis, and planning skills.

Professionalism:

Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the subject matter;
Demonstrates experience in subject matter;
Demonstrates ability to negotiate and apply good judgment;
Shows pride in work and in achievements;
Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, International Development, or any other relevant university degree. On a Diploma with 3 years’ experience in research.

Experience:

Experience in the field of youth and peacebuilding programs (especially on youth subculture related project/research);
At least 2 years of experience in conducting assessments and evaluations on youth, peacebuilding programs;
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with people of different cultural, ethnic and religious background, different gender, and diverse political views;
Ability to use critical thinking, conceptualize ideas, and articulate relevant subject matter concisely.

Language:

Fluency in spoken and written English;
Knowledge the local language of the location selected is mandatory;
Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

How to Apply:

Interested persons must be a resident of the area you are applying for.

The available starting date and fees of the assignment which is subject to negotiation should be clearly stated in the Letter of Interest.

Technical proposal comprising of the following to be submitted:Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP
Personal CV indicating all prior experience and contact details (telephone number) of the Candidate and three (3) professional references

Financial proposal: Please provide the financial proposal indicating the all-inclusive, fixed total contract price for the 8 days.