Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations. 

UNDP Mozambique Country Office (CO) is part of the United Nations system working to support the country’s development agenda. Its overall aim is to ensure that people attain a better standard of living through sustainable development. Relations between the Government of Mozambique and the United Nations system were formalized in 1976. Geographically, UNDP interventions have a national coverage with a sub-office in Cabo Delgado and a large presence through the MRF project in Sofala. Work is also carried out at decentralized levels in several provinces with strong relationships with local authorities, communities, and civil society organizations.

The work of UNDP in the country is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2022-2026 and its Country Programme Document 2022-2026 (CPD) and focuses on:

1. Human development
2. Economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods; 
3. Climate resilience and sustainable use of natural resources; 
4. Peacebuilding, human rights and inclusive governance

Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique has experienced a series of prolonged conflicts. The country endured a 16-year civil war between government forces and RENAMO (Mozambique Resistance Movement), which concluded with the 1992 Rome Peace Agreement. Subsequent violence erupted between the government and residual RENAMO forces over issues such as failed reintegration of ex-combatants, culminating in the Maputo Agreement in 2019. More recently, since 2017, violent extremism marked by attacks from non-state armed groups in Cabo Delgado has led to ongoing conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing close to one million people. These challenges are compounded by insurgency, pervasive poverty, economic marginalization, and vulnerability to climate change, intensifying humanitarian needs in the country.

In late 2024, UNDP Mozambique collaborated with the government to develop a Peace and Development Infrastructure, but implementation was halted after post-election violence and a change in cabinet. The October 2024 general elections led to widespread demonstrations—both peaceful and violent—following contested results, causing significant social, economic, and political disruption.

The new president, Daniel Chapo entered office on January 15th, 2025. In his inaugural speech, he prioritized dialogue and inclusiveness and reaffirmed his dedication to social harmony and consensus-building with political forces, civil society, and all Mozambicans. This signaled the beginning of a renewed relationship between the State and its citizens across the country and highlighted the need for UNDP to provide support—particularly by establishing platforms that facilitate dialogue and reconciliation efforts following a period of unrest and conflict that disrupted social cohesion. It is within that framework that the President of Republic started a series of initiatives aimed at dialogue, economic revamping, and reconciliation 

In March 2025, when UNDP re-engaged with the Ministry of Justice for continuation on the peace and development infrastructure, it was informed at the highest level of the Ministry that a new presidential initiative on dialogue had been formulated into law, following the approval of the post-electoral agreement by 9 political parties, and the draft law would be submitted for approval by the Parliament.

On April 2^nd, 2025, the Mozambican parliament approved by acclamation the law relating to the political commitment for an inclusive national dialogue. 

The initiative, which is an effort by the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo towards an effective reconciliation of Mozambicans, aims to:

• Contribute to greater political stability and accelerate economic development in the country.
• Address issues of national unity, create social harmony while maintaining territorial integrity and political stability, strengthen state institutions, good governance, and promote an environment conducive to the implementation of efficient and effective public policies.
• Deepening of the democratization of society, well-being, social justice, progress and prosperity 

The law establishes a Technical Committee for the national dialogue, consisting of 21 members—18 chosen by the signatory political parties and three nominated by civil society through a consensus-driven process. The committee’s structure and operations have been defined by the agreement’s signatories, with the government and parties responsible for providing the necessary resources for its effective implementation.

The instrument was signed by the presidents and secretaries-general of the political parties with seats in the AR, provincial, and municipal assemblies, namely, FRELIMO (the ruling party), PODEMOS (the largest opposition party), RENAMO (the second largest opposition party), and MDM (the third largest opposition party). Furthermore, the document was also signed by dignitaries from the political parties PARENA, PAHUMO, Democratic Revolution, PARESO, and New Democracy.

The Government and Technical Committee for the National Inclusive Dialogue have requested UNDP’s support on the political dialogue process.

In view of the above, UNDP seeks to recruit a Peace and Conflict Prevention Specialist to work in the area of peacebuilding, national dialogue, conflict prevention, and reconciliation.

Scope of Work

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader of the Governance and Social Cohesion Unit, and working closely with the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) for the Democracy and Elections Project, the Project Specialist will be responsible for providing technical and advisory support to the Government of Mozambique and to the Technical Committee (COTE) in advancing the national dialogue process, peacebuilding, and social cohesion initiatives.

The incumbent will also be responsible for conducting analysis on socio-political, economic, and development trends affecting peace, social cohesion, and conflict prevention in Mozambique. S/he will contribute to strategic thinking, programme design, and implementation of initiatives aimed at strengthening national dialogue and peace infrastructures.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Specialist will carry out the following key responsibilities:

Provide technical and advisory support on national dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives

• Provide technical and policy advice to UNDP Mozambique, the COTE, and the Government of Mozambique to design, establish, and implement mechanisms for national dialogue and peacebuilding both political and broader, inclusive peace and development infrastructures;
• Conduct analytical assessments and prepare briefing notes, policy documents, and knowledge products on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and social cohesion;
• Generate innovative ideas and approaches to advance inclusive dialogue and peace infrastructures at national and community levels.

Lead project formulation, planning, and implementation

• Lead the formulation of a comprehensive Project on Peacebuilding, Political Dialogue, and Social Cohesion, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNDP strategic frameworks;
• Manage and supervise the implementation of project activities, including planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting;
• Develop annual work plans, budgets, and procurement plans, ensuring timely and quality delivery of results;
• Provide technical assistance to national institutions in the implementation of project work plans and the organization of consultations, workshops, and events.

Develop strategic frameworks and strengthen institutional capacity

• Develop and propose a Strategic Framework for National Dialogue Processes and Peace and Development Infrastructure, outlining concepts, linkages, and interventions that connect institutional and community-level peace initiatives;
• Facilitate validation meetings and consultations with national stakeholders to refine the framework and ensure ownership and sustainability;
• Build capacity of government and non-governmental actors in dialogue facilitation, conflict sensitivity, and inclusive peacebuilding approaches, including the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), Gender-Responsive Programming, and Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principles.

Engage stakeholders and strengthen partnerships

• Engage key stakeholders including government ministries, civil society organizations, academia, private sector, and community-based organizations to ensure alignment with national priorities and to foster collaboration;
• Maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with UN agencies, bilateral partners, and development actors;
• Identify opportunities for resource mobilization and support the preparation of proposals and concept notes;
• Coordinate with UNDP country office teams, sub-offices, and regional/HQ colleagues to ensure coherence and knowledge sharing across initiatives.

Monitor, report, and manage risks

• Develop monitoring frameworks and tools to track progress against project results and indicators;
• Manage and monitor project risks, including social, political, and operational risks, updating the Project Risk Log and submitting mitigation measures to the Project Board;
• Prepare regular progress and financial reports, ensuring compliance with UNDP standards;
• Oversee project audits, evaluations, and closure processes in line with UNDP’s internal control framework.

Knowledge management, learning, and advocacy

• Document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from project implementation;
• Contribute to knowledge products, communication materials, and policy dialogues that promote peacebuilding and social cohesion in Mozambique;
• Participate in and support knowledge networks and communities of practice within UNDP and with external partners;
• Promote advocacy efforts that highlight UNDP’s contributions to peace and social cohesion and encourage collaboration with national and regional partners.

Supervision and coordination

• Supervise project staff, consultants, and interns, providing technical guidance and performance feedback;
• Ensure efficient coordination between the Governance and Social Cohesion Unit, the Democracy and Elections Project, and other relevant teams and partners;
• Perform other duties as required to support the effective delivery of the Governance and Social Cohesion portfolio.

As the Project Specialist - Peace and Conflict Prevention, it is imperative to explicitly integrate the following approaches and principles into the development process: 

• Human Security Approach (HSA): Prioritize a people-centered, comprehensive, context-specific, and prevention-oriented approach to address infrastructures for peace challenges effectively and ensure that interventions promote the safety, dignity, and well-being of all population, particularly vulnerable groups. 
• Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA): Embed principles of human rights, including equality, non-discrimination, and participation, into the design and implementation of the infrastructures for peace at institutional and community levels. Advocate for the recognition and protection of the population, including access to education, employment, and social services. 
• Gender-Based Approach (GBA): Address structural barriers to gender equality and empower man and women to overcome socio-economic challenges. Promote gender-sensitive interventions that foster inclusive opportunities for all irrespective of gender identity or expression. 
• ‘Do no harm’ principle/conflict sensitive approaches: Ensure that Peace and Social cohesion infrastructures for peace interventions do not inadvertently exacerbate divisions or threaten the safety and security of individuals and communities. Adopt conflict-sensitive approaches to mitigate potential risks and promote peacebuilding efforts within the youth population.

Institutional Arrangements

The Project Specialist - Peace and Conflict Prevention will be part of the Governance and Social Cohesion team, housed at the CO. S/he will report to the Team Leader – Head of Governance and Social Cohesion Unit (strategic leadership and supervision). The incumbent will also be expected to work collaboratively with the Stabilization program, the Democracy and Elections, the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Gender Focal Point and colleagues in other relevant UNDP teams.

Competencies

Business Direction and Strategy

• System Thinking
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Education Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, Social Science, Legal Studies or related field is required. Or;
• A first level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the above-mentioned fields of study, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

• A minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of work experience in the area of peacebuilding, conflict prevention, rule of law, security, elections, or related area.

Required skills 

• Experience in project management and good knowledge of the project management tools;
• Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement including, Government entities, CSOs, international partners, community groups, etc;
• Experience with facilitating or organizing capacity building activities;
• Previous experience in designing development programmes/projects; 
• Experience in the usage of computers, multimedia, web-based management systems;
• Very good analytical, communication and writing skills/experience.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Profound knowledge of and experience in working on the political context of Mozambique, conflict prevention, peacebuilding process and/or social cohesion;
• Proven expertise in the formulation and/ evaluation of strategic documents; 
• Previous experience on effective partnership development with national/local counterparts, development partners and civil society organizations;
• Demonstrated experience in mainstreaming gender and human rights in programmes / projects;
• Good knowledge and understanding of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) processes and principles;
• Proficiency in software applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, email and key relevant online platforms.

Required Language(s)

• Excellent writing and communication skills in English and Portuguese. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP 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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.