Conflict Analyst

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: Conflict Analyst

Type of Contract: Consultant

Division: EME – Emergency Preparedness and Support Response Division / Analysis and Eearly Warning Unit

Duty Station (City, Country): HQ Rome, Italy

Duration: 11 months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNEMENT:

The Emergency Operations Division (EME) is responsible for enhancing the World Food Programme’s (WFP) preparedness and response capacity in emergencies, including early warning, preparedness planning, crisis support and information management. The division provides normative guidance, technical support and capacity building to field offices and regional bureaux, as well as inter-agency coordination.

The Analysis and Early Warning (AEW) unit within EME assesses and provides early warnings for natural, conflict and economic risks as an important part for preparedness and early action planning. To fulfil these responsibilities the AEW collaborates with other units within EME, WFP’s Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping division, WFP’s Field Security analytical unit, WFP Regional Bureaux (RBs) and Country Offices (COs), other humanitarian agencies, and partners in academic and research institutions. The AEW also leads the Early Warning Early Action and Readiness (EWEAR) Report process of the Inter Agency Standing Committee Early Warning, Early Action and Readiness (IASC EWEAR) Analyst Group. The Conflict Analyst will report to the Senior Risk Analyst.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct systematic research to identify emerging conflict risks that could affect WFP’s operations and create additional humanitarian needs for assigned geographical regions, that may include Latin America or Southern Africa.
2. Provide anticipatory warnings and analytical inputs, in collaboration with other team members, relevant units in EME and WFP more broadly, to WFP’s Corporate Alert System (CAS), monthly Early Warning Watch List, Country Risk Outlooks, , tri-annual Hunger Hotspot analysis with FAO and ad-hoc Flash Alerts, 
3. Draft forward-looking conflict analysis briefs, risk assessments and on-demand analytical briefs for the Director of Emergencies and senior divisional and WFP management;
4. Support the AEW team’s input to the bi-annual Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s (IASC) Reference Group for Risks, Early Warning and Preparedness and contribute to the drafting and coordination of the Early Warning, Early Action and Readiness (EWEAR)
5. As part of AEW’s technical support to RBs and COs, and in collaboration with other EME units, contribute to the identification of COs that would benefit from support in risk and indicator identification;  
6. Conduct support missions to identified CO/RB to conduct in-country horizon-scanning and scenario planning, incl. to inform CONOPs design and operational adjustments, or conduct exercises to provide trainings on risk identification, risk analysis and indicator monitoring;
7. Contribute to specific regional, cross-regional and thematic conflict risk analysis as required;
8. Support EME partnerships and networks by establishing working-level contacts and routine liaison both externally with researchers, think-tanks, NGOs, IASC EWEAR early warning group and others as appropriate, as well as internally within EME, in HQ and with RBs/COs (e.g. security analysts, EPROs); 
9. Contribute to integrated risk analysis through close coordination with economic and natural hazard experts within the unit and WFP;
10. Provide contextual risk analysis to inform the design of WFP Country Strategic Plans;
11. Conduct research and risk analysis in line with agreed methodologies and the use of information management tools;
12. Serve as alternate conflict analyst for other regions as needed, temporarily undertaking the responsibilities of the region’s primary conflict analyst during his/her absence.
13. Be available to work remotely as needed;
14. Perform other related duties as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Production of analytical inputs to the AEW Early Warning monthly Watchlist, the bi-monthly CAS, the AEW Critical Elections Map, the IASC EWEAR Report, Hunger Hotspot early warning analysis with FAO,  as well as production of analytical briefs for the Emergency Director and Strategic Task Force meetings.
• Updated analytical profile for priority countries and other information management requirements in use by the AEW team
• Scheduled and on-demand analytical briefs, and case-specific ad-hoc research and analysis regarding conflict risks and food security impact.
• Analytical and technical support to Regional Bureaux and Country Offices.
• Effective working relationships and information sharing with internal and external partners on early warning and risk assessments in common areas of shared interest. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Advanced University degree in International Relations, Political Science, Conflict Analysis or other relevant fields.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in research and analysis related to conflict, political stability or related fields. Experience in early warning and risk analysis for risk of conflict and political instability is an advantage.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of humanitarian operations, ideally including WFP operations, particularly food security assessments, methods and systems is an advantage.
• Strong writing skills with a demonstrated ability to research and draft clear, concise analytical briefs.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills.
• Ability to work both with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver outputs by agreed deadlines, sometimes at very short notice.
• Ability to establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong ability with MS Word and Excel.  Knowledge of design or graphic software is an advantage.

Language:

  Fluent in English, including clear and concise writing skills; at least working knowledge (level B) of Spanish, French or Arabic is required

Deadline for applications: 27 October 2021

Ref.: VA No. 151228

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.