Technical Specialist (Peacebuilding, Reconciliation and Reintegration-APRP Project) Re-advertisement

Job Description

Organizational Context

The Government of Afghanistan (GoA) developed the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme (APRP) following the endorsement of the programme concept at the London Conference. The programme was also endorsed by the Consultative Peace Jirga and the Kabul Conference. A Peace and Reintegration Trust Fund (P&RTF) to finance the Afghan-led APRP has also been established. The P&RTF is a source for channeling donor and Government funding as applicable towards the APRP activities implemented through different authorities and institutional entities, including: Line Ministries, Provincial Authorities, District Authorities, and Local Communities. NGOs and Civil Society Organizations implement APRP activities as opportunities to do so emerge. The Trust Fund is divided into three windows: A-Funds are distributed to the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) National Solidarity Program (NSP); B-Funds are managed by the Joint Secretariat (JS) of the High Peace Council (HPC) under a National Implementation Modality (NIM) with oversight by UNDP; C-Funds are provided directly to the HPC/JS.

As indicated above, UNDP as one of the key partners of the GoA with respect to the APRP, is responsible for supporting the JS in managing the activities and finances of Window B. As requested by the Government, UNDP provides support and technical assistance to the peace-building, reconciliation and reintegration programme both at the national and sub-national levels. To facilitate this support to the GoA, UNDP has set up a national office and six regional offices, with UNDP national and international staff supporting the program.

Note: UNDP Afghanistan reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP Afghanistan at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.

The Technical Specialist will report directly to the UNDP Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and work under the guidance of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of APRP. The position will be based in the project office/APRP secretariat with travel to regional offices, and will lead the UNDP support field aspects of the programme to include the three main components of the program: 1. Peacebuilding and outreach 2. Reconciliation; and 3. Reintegration.

Summary of key functions:

• Develop and implement the overall peacebuilding, reconciliation and reintegration strategy and related plans;
• Technically lead the development of innovative peacebuilding and reintegration initiatives for implementation as part of APRP;
• Planning, monitoring and evaluate implementation of the peacebuilding and reintegration activities/processes under APRP;
• Provide support to the provinces in working with Provincial Joint Secretariat Teams (PJSTs), Provincial Peace Councils (PPC), Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) through APRP Regional Coordinators to facilitate delivery of APRP programme;
• Provide strategic and technical inputs to the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and APRP Senior Management on strategic programming issues.

Develop and implement the overall peacebuilding, reconciliation and reintegration strategies and related plans:

• Develop a comprehensive peacebuilding, reconciliations and reintegration strategies in line with the APRP overall objectives;
• Develop implementation plans for implementation of the peacebuilding, reconciliation and reintegration strategies;
• Develop mechanisms for facilitation of sustainable reintegration and create synergies with other programs (UNDP and cross sectoral);
• Closely monitor and periodically review the peacebuilding and reintegration process implementation and propose strategic adjustments as and when required;
• Ensures APRP projects are branded and recognized appropriately in the regions they are being implemented in.

Technically lead the development of innovative peacebuilding and reintegration initiatives for implementation as part of APRP:

• In line with the peacebuilding and reintegration strategy and plans, come up with innovative reintegration initiatives that fit well within the local context;
• Regularly review the ongoing initiatives and document lessons learned;
• Undertake studies of all target areas in order to take proactive actions vis a vis peacebuilding and reintegration initiatives;
• Mobilize local community groups, NGOS and civil society organizations to support APRP;
• Regularly meet and coordinate with UNDP sub-national governance programs to add value and efficiency to delivery of field project.

Planning, monitoring and evaluate implementation of the peacebuilding, reconciliation and reintegration activities/processes under APRP:

• Coordinate planning and monitoring activities including development Annual Work Plan (AWP), M&E plan and other planning work for APRP;
• Supervise UNV Peace Building Specialist in ensuring the effectiveness in the reintegration component / support;
• Work closely with the JS and field staff for development of peacebuilding, reconciliations and reintegration activities;
• Support the development of conflict analysis and mapping training;
• Prepare periodic progress, analytical and special reports on reintegration work.

Provide support to the provinces in working with APRP provincial institutions through APRP Regional Coordinators:

• Supervise UNDP APRP Regional Program Coordinators (RPCs) responsible for APRP support at the regional level;
• Plan and undertake regular field missions to closely monitor implementation of reintegration activities;
• Participate with the HPC field planning and implementation activities;
• Provide timely feedback to the field staff of activities to achieve improved results.

Provide technical and strategic inputs to UNDP APRP CTA and APRP Senior Management for efficient delivery of results, advice on mediation, reconciliation and analysis of the Peace Process:

• Support CTA to provides the CEO and DCEO of APRP with information on reintegration progress and challenges for informed decision making;
• Advise all stakeholders on how APRP can be utilized for sustainable peace building;
• Assists with transition strategies for a sustainable Peace Process;
• Provides analysis with detailed strategies for mainstreaming and maintaining the Peace Process.

Impact of Results

The role of Technical Specialist will be essential to ensure that peace, reconciliation and reintegration strategies and activities are in line with the overall APRP objectives and adapted to the local contexts to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the results. The Technical Specialist will utilize all sources of primary, secondary and tertiary data in order to maximise analysis and understanding of the impact of the results of the program. Sources of information include regular field visits, reports by the HPC/JS and UNDP M&E Teams, reports from other GoA Line Ministry M&E field visits, Regional Coordinator reports and reports from other stakeholders. The UNDP Communications Unit will be provided with regular results impact summary updates.

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 without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Develops a policy platform, as well as all strategic partnerships and coordination mechanisms guiding a ´community based reintegration efforts that includes gender mainstreaming in all reintegration initiatives;
• Ensures a gender-based approach to socio-economic reintegration efforts that complement and synergize with psychological and social reintegration aimed at social cohesion;
• Develops concrete linkages with community based reintegration efforts and community level governmental entities;
• Ensures an area based approach to reintegration that includes gender-specific options and opportunities for employment absorption at the community level, with special attention to the agriculture sector and community recovery initiatives;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, organization, administration, negotiation, diplomacy, team building and staff supervision.

Education:

• Master or equivalent in Peacebuilding, Post Conflict Development, International Security, International Development, or related discipline.

Experience:

• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of peacebuilding, post-conflict recovery, stabilization activities;
• Knowledge and practical experience of peacebuilding, reconciliation, conflict analysis, reintegration, in conflict-affected societies.
• Knowledge and practical experience in planning and implementing DDR and reintegration programmes;
• Familiarity with major gender and environmental issues in Afghanistan and commitment to gender equality;
• Proven report writing skills and capacity to work under constant pressure, to meet tight and multiple deadlines and to maintain flexibility to meet high demands;
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of Afghanistan’s cultural, political and development context and the priorities of the GoA.
• High motivation and ability to initiate activities without being instructed;
• Proficient in computer application programmes, particularly in MS Office;
• Management experience with UNDP or similar agencies will be a distinct advantage.

Language:

• Native Proficiency in both written and spoken English;
• Ability to effectively communicate in Dari and/or Pashto an advantage.

Interested and qualified International candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at http://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/operations/jobs/ and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at http://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/operations/jobs/ in the relevant field of the on-line application

Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af.

Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 6 weeks of the offer of appointment.

Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

About the Organization

UNDP supports stabilization, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.