Background

In an attempt to address the political crisis in South Sudan, H.E. President Salva Kiir called a National Dialogue on December 14, 2016. The President noted that the National Dialogue is both a forum and process through which the people of South Sudan can come together to redefine the basis of their unity as it relates to nationhood, and a sense of belonging. The National Dialogue is not meant to replace the peace agreement and it is envisioned as bottom-up conversations, powered by grassroots consultations. The local consultations will inform the agendas of regional peace conferences, and ultimately the national conference.

UNDP is providing support to enhance inclusivity, wider participation, transparency and credibility of the dialogue process. As part of providing this support, UNDP is seeking the services of a world class development expert to assist the Secretariat of the National Dialogue. This development expert will create and justify feasible steps that will help to reinforce and solidify the National Dialogue process by linking it to the on-going peace initiatives at the local level. For instance, preliminary messages from grassroots consultations by two subcommittees of the National Dialogue Steering Committee are already indicating that unless youth and current combatants are offered hope for improved livelihoods in their villages, sustained peace would be difficult to achieve. These messages will be formulated into thematic topics for both Regional Dialogue Forums (RDFs) and National Dialogue Forum (NDF). In this way, the Secretariat of the National Dialogue with support of the UNDP (i.e. development expert) will be able to articulate thematic issues, such as governance, state, institutions, youth empowerment, women empowerment, etc.. that would be discussed at the RDFs and NDF. The work will result in discussion papers and development themes for both Regional Dialogue Forums (RDFs) and National Dialogue Forum (NDF), which will in turn help enrich the current national conversations about the future of the country. All participants in the various dialogues must understand that sustainable peace is impossible without improved prospects for sustainable livelihoods. Civil conflict is a symptom of missing livelihood prospects.

Duties and Responsibilities

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;

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• PhD in Economics, Political Science, or International Relations.

Experience:

• More than 10 years’ of experience in creating development initiatives in countries plagued by civil conflict and economic dysfunction;

• Extensive experience in creating action programs based on the results of political dialogue and mediation;

• Extensive knowledge and network with relevant political actors in South Sudan.

• Extensive knowledge of political economy of South Sudan and East Africa.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Selection Criteria

Qualifications of the candidate in the required area or course applied for 20%

• PhD in Economics, Political Science, or international relations,

Experience of the candidate 50%

• Extensive knowledge of local context
• Experience in facilitating high level mediation/dialogue
• Extensive knowledge and network with relevant political actors in South Sudan.
• Knowledge of political economy of South Sudan

Financial Proposal 30%