The UNDP Oslo Governance Centre (OGC) is UNDP’s Global Policy Centre for policy development and applied research with an overarching focus on democratic governance and peacebuilding in crisis, conflict and transitional contexts. It engages with Norwegian, Nordic and other partners from the South in undertaking applied research and developing policy options and tools for governance support in post-crisis and post-conflict environments, in order to find practical solutions on the ground. One of the priority areas for the OGC is the advancement of the research agenda on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE). 

UNDP's approach to PVE aims to address two related trends: the rise of violent extremism, and the governance of increasingly diverse and multi-cultural societies. At the heart of UNDP's approach is a belief that better governance in diversity will lead to societies better prepared to deal with violent extremism as outlined in UNDP's strategy on 'Preventing Violent Extremism through Inclusive Development and the Promotion of Tolerance and Respect for Diversity'.

The significant implications of variability in global climate over the recent years has been adequately documented. Projected impact including from predicted rise in sea levels, adverse weather conditions, expansion of desertification, land degradation, reduction of arable land, strain on infrastructure, pressure on fresh water systems, will place significant strain on the ability of peoples to secure their livelihood systems, increase vulnerabilities and fragility and could occasion movement of populations either in search of livelihood options or as a result of displacement (IPCC, 2019). In a similar vein, UN Security Council resolutions S/RES/2408 (2018) and S/RES/2349 (2017) makes mention of the interface between climate change and regional/national stability in the Horn of Africa and the Lake Chad Basin regions specifically and calls for action including partnerships within both contexts. While it may be possible to draw a direct correlation between inter-communal conflict and climate security due to scarce resources, it is more challenging to draw the same direct correlation to violent extremism, due to the multiplicity of violent extremism drivers, including political grievances, marginalisation, etc. That said, it has been acknowledged that climate change can play the role of threat multiplier. Within this context:

1. What interlinkages exist between climate security and violent extremism in Africa?
2. Are there any examples of interventions that have taken into account climate security and PVE? If so, what are the lessons learned and best practices from these interventions.
3. What recommendations can be made at both policy and programmatic levels to address climate security and PVE. 

The award of contract will be made to the individual consultant who receives the highest combined score out of the weighted technical and financial criteria as specified above

Scope of Work

The consultant will provide support to OGC’s PVE work in the areas of research: 

Research will be split into 20 days desk-based research and writing:

 ·         Conduct desk research to collect secondary data and identify existing gaps;

• Conduct interviews, meetings, and gather relevant information;
• Drafting research paper on agreed PVE area of interest to UNDP;
• Provide policy recommendations, based on the research, that are in line with UNDP principles and approach to PVE.

The consultant will be responsible to deliver:

1. Initial concept note, which will include proposed methodology, data sources, interviewees and focus area (to be approved by OGC before continuing);
2. Forward looking 10-page policy brief on the relationship between violent extremism and climate security in Africa (Font in Calibri size 11; using UNDP referencing style);
3. Transcript of key interviews and meetings conducted at distance during research;
4. List of policy recommendations based on research;
5. 700-900 word blog/op-ed on main research paper and findings.

Functional Competencies:

• Direct on the ground experience in researching issues related to conflict/extremism/development/security/human rights;
• Knowledge and understanding of the UN’s work on preventing violent extremism;
• Excellent analytical, communication, writing and editorial skills.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, and partner organizations;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Knowledge of the UN system;
• Excellent understanding of international development and preventing violent extremism issues.

Education:

• Master’s degree (or additional 5 years of experience) in international development, communications, political science or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years' of working in the development or counter extremism field;
• Mix of academic and practical experience in working on violent extremism;
• Excellent knowledge of the political, economic, social and security situation in different regions;
• Proven ability to write papers that straddle the academic and implementation worlds;
• Ablility to produce conflict and peace building research, policy papers and training materials conflict dynamics and peace and security capacities;
• Excellent writing and communications skills.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English.