UNDP
General
Description of assignment title
Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Officer
Assignment country
Malawi
Expected start date
01/06/2023
Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Specialist
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities
No
Host entity
UNDP
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Lilongwe
Details
Mission and objectives
UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results. UNDP has been present in Malawi since 1964. Working closely with the Government of Malawi, civil society and the private sector, UNDP’ s work aims to contribute to economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance and accountability in Malawi. UNDP’s Country Programme Document is closely aligned to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and supports Malawi’s aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. UNDP ‘s programme is designed to address the interlinked issues of poverty, inequality and vulnerability to shocks and is managed within two portfolios: Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement which works towards strengthening effective, accountable and inclusive governance that promotes civic engagement, respect for human rights, rule of law, peace and democracy. It also works towards strengthening data generation and analysis. Resilience and Sustainable Growth which focusses on enhancing economic innovation, inclusive business, job creation, and renewable energy access. It also works towards helping Malawi adapt to climate change and build resilience to disasters.
Context
UNDP Malawi has been supporting the Government of Malawi in operationalizing National Peace Architecture through the establishment of Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) and District Peace and Unity Committees (DPUCs) to strengthen institutional capacities for conflict prevention under Social Cohesion programme. In coordination with other UN agencies, UNDP will implement conflict prevention and peacebuilding projects funded by the SDG-Accelerator Fund, Peacebuilding Fund and the Japanese Supplementary Budget. In this context, the UNDP Governance Portfolio is looking for candidates with experience in implementing programming in the field of conflict prevention and peacebuilding to support the delivery of the social cohesion programme at UNDP Malawi.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Portfolio Manager, Governance or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Officer will: Facilitate day-to-day implementation of programme/project activities. Support the timely delivery of the programme workplans. Support the development of timely reporting, including internal and donor reports. Support administrative requirements for the timely delivery of project activities, including procurement, travel and finance arrangements. Organize and attend project-related meetings and missions. Coordinate with administrative and project staff for project activities. Contribute to the development of procurement plans and follows up on the status of procurements to implement project activities. Facilitating coordination among the Ministry, NPUC and DPUC members, TAs and community members toward the operationalization of MPUC and DPUCs. Support the collection of conflict data and analysis. Develop and deliver high-quality public information to highlight UNDP’s work in peacebuilding and conflict prevention in cooperation with UNDP comms team. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day) Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in development, governance and/or conflict prevention and peacebuilding or other relevant programmes at the national and/or international level Hands-on knowledge and experience in conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Malawi is an asset. Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. Sound security awareness. Have affinity with or interest in governance, peacebuilding and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development and the UN System.
Area(s) of expertise
Development programmes
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required Chichewa, Level: Mother tongue, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Public Policy, Political Sciences, Conflict Prevention or related areas
Competencies and values
Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to United Nations Development Programme; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to United Nations Development Programme’s procedures and rules Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and United Nations Development Programme in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards United Nations Development Programme’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.