Peace and Conflict Analyst Roster

 

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles

 

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance

 

 

Job Title: Peace and Conflict Analyst Roster

Type of Contract: Consultant

Division: PROP -

Duty Station (City, Country): to be defined

Duration: 3 months (with possibility of extension)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

 

This is a call for applications to a roster of experts to respond to future function-specific opportunities, determined by emerging needs. The vacancy is not linked to a current vacancy. Successful applicants will be included in the UNWFP P&C roster, with the possibility of being contacted in case of an assignment, for which they possess relevant qualifications. Inclusion into the roster does not carry any commitment by UNWFP to use the services of the expert.

 

As the largest humanitarian agency in the world, WFP is well-known for it's ability to respond to crises and deliver assistance to people in need, either in-kind or in the form of cash-based transfers (CBT). At a minimum, WFP has a responsibility to ensure that these activities are "conflict sensitives", in the sense of ensuring that WFP's operations are notinadvertently getting caught up in, and contributing to, tensions or conflict. This latter area has received comparatively little attention in the past, to the detriment of some operations in the different countries WFP is present.

Yet as a dual-mandated agency, WFP is also committed to supporting countries to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 related to Zero Hunger. This involves longer term efforts in partnership with Governments to address some of the underlying, structural causes of food insecurity and malnutrition. In many countries where WFP has an operational presence, these challenges are directly linked to fragility and conflict.

 

For this reason, WFP has committed to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDP/” Triple” Nexus) and is a signatory to the ‘Peace Promise’. WFP is also working with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in order to better understand how its programmes can improve long-term prospects for peace. At the same time, a growing number of country offices (COs) are developing proposals for the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

 

One critical entry point for enhanced conflict sensitive practice and strengthening the peace contribution of programming is WFP’s Country Strategic Planning (CSP) process. Many WFP COs undertaking CSPs have identified the need to build on a stronger conflict analyses. Support from HQ is beginning to chart a path for more detailed steps in conflict analysis, identification of how programming can support peace, and identify potential conflict sensitivity concerns. Detailed conflict analysis, by experienced and trained professionals can not only identify areas where WFP programming might inadvertently cause harm, but also several areas where a contribution to peace could be made.

 

 

 

ROLE OF THE CONSULTANT:

 

The Peace and Conflict Analyst will be responsible for producing a high quality, in-depth and succinct analysis of conflict(s) in the designated area (local, national and/or regional). The consultant will assess existing conflict analyses, extracting relevant information to WFP and identifying gaps, and conducting additional research to fill critical gaps to inform strategy and programme design. This will entail researching and analyzing the social, political, ethnic, regional, sectarian, gender etc. context, as well as the main actors in the conflict. The consultant should utilize WFP’s Conflict Analysis and Conflict Sensitivity Risk Assessment Guidance and draw on existing work to articulate theories of change for potential peace contribution and identify programmatic entry points and considerations for programme design that could incorporate peace outcomes.

The analysis will consider conflict sensitivity concerns and possible peace contributions from across all programmes. As part of this process, the consultant should drill down to identify:

• Possible risks where WFP programming could get caught up in, and contribute to conflict (from local to macro level).
• Plausible causal pathways for how WFP programmes can make contributions to peace (captured as theories of change), backed by relevant local / international evidence
• Potential approaches to measure the peace contribution over the longer term.

This analysis will inform the CO strategic plan and narrative on its role within the conflict/peace dynamics, inform risk registers (national / local) and shape measurement systems to track contributions to peace and potentially also conflict sensitivity issues.

 

When travel is impossible for practical reasons (pandemic; instability; inaccessibility etc) the consultancy will be conducted remotely. The consultant will have to demonstrate initiative and determination to ensure that the appropriate CO staff participate in the analysis and facilitate information gathering, including Key Informant Interviews and integrating questions into WFP’s planned/routine surveys & monitoring processes.

 

This is a generic term of reference – a tailored terms of reference will be developed for each assignment. Consultations with CO & SO management and the Peace & Conflict team in HQ will determine focus (local, national and/or regional level(s)).

 

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme in the CO, and with technical oversight from the Senior Peace and Conflict Advisor in HQ responsible for the region where the CA is conducted, the Conflict Analyst will be responsible for the following:

 

 

1. Detailed review of existing in-house and external documented conflict analysis WFP often has some form existing internal conflict analysis which should be absorbed by the consultant. The consultant is also expected to conduct an extensive desk review of the literature, including books, academic articles, media sources and the analyses of sister agencies and other major players. A note on the state of the evidence and its relevance to WFP must be drafted and discussed, along with a detailed bibliography of sources used, to help focus further research by CO staff.

 

 

2. Discussions with staff/partners to understand and capture existing, but undocumented, knowledge of conflict – In close cooperation with a specifically designated liaison within the CO staff, the consultant will explore the undocumented knowledge of the context among staff and partners, and identify if there are important assumptions that should be further tested. Capturing and examining existing knowledge within WFP about the context is central to consultancy.

 

 

3. Interviews with conflict experts and field-based stakeholders to capture local perspectives and flesh out critical gaps in conflict analysis

– The consultant will capture a variety of perspectives to fill identified gaps in conflict analysis. This should include conflict experts, peers operating in the same regions, and - where and if possible - actual beneficiary communities.

 

 

4. Conflict sensitivity – Throughout the desk review, field research and interviews (internal and external), the consultant will seek to identify specific risks of programming getting caught up in conflict, as well as successful implemented and potential mitigation measures.

 

 

5. Contribution to peace – Throughout the literature review, field research and interviews (internal and external), the consultant will consider how programming is/could support peace at different levels (local to macro). Earlier work to set out causal pathways for peace contributions should be reviewed and updated in light of the findings of this research. Evidence from other relevant programming to be synthesized to demonstrate the appropriateness / effectiveness of such approaches in this context.

 

 

6. Draft a report capturing new insights in line with corporate guidance – It is critical that the consultant discuss emerging findings and research methodologies at regular intervals with relevant CO counterparts to ensure the research speaks to the needs of the CO. The outline structure for the report should be shared for review by Peace & Conflict team in HQ as well as the CO. A draft to be shared with a view to incorporating feedback prior to finalization. The final report to be presented to the CO and remotely to HQ.

 

 

7. Participation and support to CSP workshops – In order to inform the CSP design, the findings should be discussed in a specific session in the CSP Line of Sight workshop(s) of the CO (in which key top line design decisions for the portfolio are made), and the consultant should accompany the wider workshop processes to ensure application of findings to CSP design as it is further developed in detail.

 

 

8. Engage with Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding Team in HQ to discuss methods – Identifying conflict sensitivity risks and possible contributions to peace is central to WFP’s approach to the Peace Promise and HDP Nexus. As a result, the Peace & Conflict team in HQ has issued a Guidance Note on Conflict Analysis and Conflict Sensitivity Risks Assessment. The consultant will align the analysis with this guidance note, as well as with other relevant best practices from the sector. When appropriate the consultant will engage in the piloting of new methods in discussion with the Peace & Conflict team.

 

 

 

DELIVERABLES:

 

By the end of this 3 months consultancy:

• As a preliminary deliverable: a note summarizing existing internal / external conflict analysis and relevant gaps pertinent to WFP programmes and planned methodology to fill evidence gaps.
• A detailed bibliography of relevant sources used in the desk review;
• A detailed report prepared in line with WFP’s guidance note on Conflict Analysis and Conflict Sensitivity Needs Assessment. The report should:
  • Offer up to date insights on the conflict (from the local to macro levels) in the designated area of analysis;
  • Identify context-specific conflict sensitivity risks as well as specific recommendations for mitigating such risks;
  • Provide specific descriptions of opportunities for programming adjustments to make contributions to peace in line with WFP’s commitment to the HDP Nexus;
  • Provide potential approaches for measuring the contribution to peace.
• Participation in CSP workshop(s)
• Make a professional presentation of the findings of the analysis to CO and HQ;
• A separate debriefing with the HQ Peace & Conflict team, complete with relevant notes and detailed feedback, on the on process and the utility of the corporate guidance.
• A note on the pros and cons of the WFP corporate Guidance Note on Conflict Analysis and Conflict Sensitivity Needs Assessment;

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

 

Education:

 

Advanced academic degree in international relations, history, development studies,

conflict studies, or another relevant discipline.

 

Experience:

 

1. At least 8 years of professional experience in undertaking conflict analysis and conflict sensitivity assessments, with specific in-depth knowledge/work experience of/in the relevant country/region
2. An extensive network of expert informants relevant to conflict/peace to inform research;
3. A demonstrated knowledge of relevant theories, standards, best practices and latest developments with the fields of both humanitarian action and peace contribution;
4. Experience providing technical support to integrate conflict sensitivity and better peacebuilding practice into programmes at field level
5. Solid knowledge of peacebuilding programme design, including the articulation of theories of change / causal pathways

 

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

 

6. At least 8 years of professional experience in undertaking conflict analysis and conflict
7. Commitment to WFP’s mission and values;
8. Excellent writing skills, with the ability to present complex ideas in an engaging and easily understood style;
9. Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to explain the purpose, impact and findings of the conflict analysis to relevant parties
10. Strong analytical skills;
11. Strong communication skills;
12. Strong influencing and networking skills;
13. Ability to work independently under minimal supervision
14. Proficiency in Window MS office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)

 

Competencies:

 

Knowledge of WFP’s operation and previous experience with WFP is considered an asset;

Ability to hit the ground running in conducting conflict analysis;

Ability to rapidly integrate into, and work with, a new team.

 

Languages:

 

Fluency in English is a must. Working knowledge of at least French, Spanish, Portuguese

and Arabic (oral and written) is considered an asset.

 

Working arrangement:

 

The consultant will be home based with travel to the country selected

 

 

INCLUSION IN THE ROSTER DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY FUTURE CONTRACTUAL RELATION WITH THE WFP

 

Terms and Conditions

 

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.

http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

 

 

Deadline for applications: 09 July 2021

Ref.: VA No. 142651

 

 

 

 

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status

 

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.