Closing date: 02 Nov 2015
Background & Rationale
One-third of the world’s population is located in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Women and children are disproportionately impacted by armed conflict. Globally, an estimated 230 million children live in countries and areas affected by armed conflicts.[1]Out of the 34 countries furthest from reaching the MDGs in 2015, 22 are either mired in or emerging from conflict. Various global studies estimate that between 23 per cent to 40 per cent of countries that have experienced recent conflict are destined to relapse into violent conflict, and in 2014 some 90 per cent of conflicts in the world occurred in countries that have previously experienced civil war – a clear and sobering illustration of what has been referred to as ‘the Conflict Trap’.[2]
Most conflicts today are rooted in inequalities and exclusions experienced in communities and in the resulting loss of trust in the state to address these issues. Local government remains the most accessible level of engagement with public authority and decision-makers affecting people’s daily lives. Therefore, in fragile and conflict-affected settings, the local level plays a critical role in shaping state-society relations and in contributing to sustainable peacebuilding.
Given the organizational emphasis of UNICEF on more explicit integration of humanitarian and development programming to promote resilience[3] and the global focus on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, including effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels (SDG 16), UNICEF engagement in peacebuilding through DeLoG in fragile and conflict-affected settings is expected to become more prominent. However, the complexity of this work and the potential risks of engaging in this area, requires clear and evidence-based technical guidance.[4]
Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to support evidence-based UNICEF programming on peacebuilding through DeLoG in different fragile and conflict affected contexts.
Expected results: (measurable results)
The specific objectives of the assignment are to a) identify international best-practice and lessons learned in peacebuilding within a decentralization and local governance (DeLoG) framework in different types of settings based on a literature review, b) to document and assess UNICEF engagement in peacebuilding within a DeLoG context through a desk review of UNICEF documentation and remote interviews with country and regional offices, c) to formulate specific approaches through which UNICEF can more systematically support peacebuilding within a DeLoG framework in different fragile and conflict-affected settings in the form of a 15-20 paged technical guidance note, and d) presentation of technical note/findings in the form of a webinar for UNICEF staff.
Duty Station
The assignment will be off site, with travel to UNICEF HQ, New York for a presentation and validation of findings.
TIMEFRAME
Start date: 15 November 2015
End date: 15 March 2016
Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline
· Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in public policies, social science or other related fields.
· A minimum of 10 years of working experience (Senior level) in the fields of decentralization, local governance and peacebuilding, including hands-on expertise providing technical support and advisory to local governments.
· Experience and knowledge of UNICEF programming is an asset.
· Fluency in written and spoken English, French an asset.
· Proven strong writing, research, analysis, presentation and editing skills
[1] http://www.unicef.org/media/media_78058.html
[2]Collier, Paul, et al. Breaking the Conflict Trap: Civil War and Development Policy, Volume 1, World Bank, 2003.
[3] The UNICEF Strategic Plan 2014-2017
[4] Stocktake UNICEF engagement in Decentralization and Local Governance (DeLoG)
How to apply:
How to Apply
Applicants are requested to send their submissions to <**pdconsultants@unicef.org>with subject line: “Peacebuilding through Decentralization and Local Governance – Consultant”**by 2nd November 2015, 5:00pm EST.
Applications must include:
· Cover letter,
· CV, and
· P-11 form[1]
· Indicate where you heard about this advertisement
Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.
NOTE: Files should not exceed 5.0MB limit
[1]*P 11 form can be downloaded from our website at*http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc