NOROBS is seeking a Peacebuilding Advisor (Colombia) - Expert Deployment/ NORCAP

The Norwegian Standby Roster for Civilian Observers (NOROBS) is a sub-roster of NORCAP and provides observers to monitoring mechanisms and civilian capacity to peace support operations.

Background 

Over five decades of conflict in Colombia has resulted in mass displacement, human rights violations, undermining development and the State presence particularly at the regional and local levels. The country still registers more than 7 million IDPs across the country. In recent years there has been a great effort to promote an end to the conflict, which is reflected in the recent peace agreement between the government and the FARC, the largest guerrilla group. This is a sign of hope for the country and its citizens. While the peace process with the FARC is a great achievement, challenges remain, with respect to implementation of the Peace Agreement, re-building trust with affected communities and victims, and guaranteeing effective access of the population to rights and solutions. In addition recent national referendum in which a significant portion of the population voted No to the peace agreement reflects deep political and social polarization, that will need to be overcome to build a lasting peace.

Job description

• Under the direct guidance of UN Resident Coordinator (RC), the Peacebuilding Advisor will provide strategic direction as well as concrete advice on peace and development issues to support programme implementation in the context of expected UN system support to the implementation of the peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP. He/she will provide technical, policy and political advice as critical inputs into inter-agency processes related to peace-building, particularly UN support to early implementation of peace agreements and the Government of Colombia's rapid response strategy for early peace dividends.
• The Advisor will work closely with relevant UNCT colleagues, the UN Monitoring and Verification Mission, the UN Department for Political Affairs (DPA), as well as relevant Government institutions, donors, private sector and civil society organizations to promote dialogue and consensus building, and provide advice on conflict-sensitive programming.
• The Advisor will be responsible for the effective functioning of the UNCT interagency Peace Group. He/she will liaise closely with the United Nation Mission in Colombia with an eye to ensuring close coordination and sharing of information and analysis regarding peace implementation.
• The Advisor will participate on behalf of the RC in relevant national fora and represent the UN system where necessary, liaising with key stakeholders in peace-related work.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to the RC and UNCT on issues of peace implementation and advances to support the UN system assistance to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals;
• Undertake regular political and conflict analysis in support of RC, UNCT and HQ-NY; liaise closely with the United Nations Mission in Colombia.
• Identify areas of programmatic engagement with national stakeholders and support programme development, providing expert advice in the preparation of the UN response to government requests related peace and reconciliation;
• Build capacity of local and national actors;
• Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of professional humanitarian experience from the field of peacebuilding (equivalent to the UN P5 level or higher)

• Extensive knowledge of peace building processes and humanitarian programming
• Higher university degree in a social science or related discipline

• Experience in capacity building and coordination

• Demonstrable understanding of the UN inter-agency mechanism, UN agencies’ mandates, and the main humanitarian frameworks and tools

• Proven ability to negotiate and strategically influence change with a wide range of stakeholders (including at senior level) through team/coalition building and advocacy

• Excellent analytical, strategic planning, oral and written communication skills

• Fluency in English and Spanish

We offer

• A great opportunity to work in an international setting for a world recognised organisation.
• Significant life experiences through challenges and self-development.