Gender and PVE in Sahel

Result of Service

- Appointment of relevant government representatives in the Project Review Committee;
- Relevant government representatives involved and engaged in project activities;
- Data in the target areas in the three target countries (Mauritania, Mali and Niger) collected in a coordinated manner;
- Relevant stakeholders to support data collection successfully identified;
- Information on potential risks or challenges provided to UNICRI;
- Technical expertise and assistance provided to UNICRI in accordance with agreed workplan.

Work Location

Home based with possible travels to project locations (i.e. Mali, Niger, Mauritania)

Expected duration

Jan-June 2023 (renewable)

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Background of the assignment:

United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is a United Nations entity established in 1968 to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice. UNICRI is mandated to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. UNICRI's goals are:
- to advance understanding of crime-related problems;
- to foster just and efficient criminal justice systems;
- to support the respect of international instruments and other standards;
- to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance.

2. Purpose of the assignment:

This position is located within the Counter-Terrorism Programme of UNICRI. The consultant is envisaged to provide expert and specialized support to UNICRI in the implementation of the project “Gender-based Discrimination and Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in the Sahel”, aimed at building gender-sensitive resilience to violent extremism in the region. During the first phase of this project, the Institute will conduct research in Mauritania, Mali, and Niger to generate knowledge on the impact of gender-based discrimination on radicalization leading to violent extremism. The research findings will form the basis for the development of tailor-made training modules for national authorities as well as for civil society organizations from each of the three countries, with the final aim to support the development of effective PVE policies and programmes. In this context, the Consultant will support the work of UNICRI, with particular reference to the engagement of local and national stakeholders’ and the monitoring and coordination of field activities.

3. Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant:

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, and in close collaboration with the project team, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

- Identify relevant stakeholders responsible for PVE and gender issues at the governmental level in the three target countries;
- Liaise with national and local authorities in the three target countries (Mauritania, Mali and Niger) to ensure their continued involvement throughout project activities;
- Facilitate the appointment of relevant government representatives as members of the Project Review Committee;
- Coordinate the collection of data in the target areas in the three countries;
- Provide support to UNICRI researchers in the field by facilitating the identification of relevant key informant interviewees and focus groups participants;
- Participate and provide inputs in technical and monitoring meetings, when required;
- Provide technical expertise and advise UNICRI about potential risks or challenges to project implementation;
- Contribute to the assessment of quality of deliverables and of selected projects' outputs;
- Perform other work-related duties as requested.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (i.e. Master or equivalent) in security studies, criminology, political science, international relations, law or other related field is required.
A minimum of 7 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in the field of countering violent extremism, and/or conflict mitigation, and/or gender issues and/or democratic governance is required.
Relevant experience in the Sahel region (with particular reference to the three target countries) is required.
Previous relevant experience with the United Nations is required.
Previous experience with governmental authorities and civil society organizations in the Sahel region is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.