UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Violent conflict has surged in recent years, and in 2016, more countries experienced violent conflict than at any time in nearly 30 years. While the complex relationship between conflict, security and development is increasingly understood, international assistance and investment in conflict prevention have remained relatively low. At the same time, approaches to preventing conflict have been refined considerably, as policy and practice on peacebuilding have evolved – and the UN, its Member States and other partners are increasingly looking to prevention as a critical strategy for sustaining peace and nurturing development. Conflict prevention is increasingly recognized as a rational and cost-effective strategy for countries at risk of violence and for the international community.
The joint UNDP-DPPA programme on building national capacities for conflict prevention has made a ground-breaking contribution in bridging the gap between political engagement and development assistance in pursuit of preventing conflict and sustaining peace. In its new phase (2019-2023), the Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme will further strengthen the analytical capacities of national stakeholders and the UN system in support of Member States’ efforts to advance policy and programmatic coherence on conflict prevention and support strategies for sustaining peace.
The deployment of Peace and Development Advisors has been the primary instrument of the Joint Programme to provide capacity for Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams to support national partners in dialogue and national or local mediation processes, the establishment and operationalization of national infrastructures, and mechanisms for peace; and other initiatives aimed at sustaining peace.
In an effort to ensure that PDAs are better equipped and empowered to deliver on their mandates, the Joint Programme has established in a number of contexts small ‘Peace and Development teams’ where a national Peace and Development Officer provides reinforced capacity to the PDA’s engagement in support of the RCOs (Resident Coordinators Office) and UNCTs (UN Country Teams) in the area of conflict prevention and sustaining peace. There current cadre includes 120 Peace and Development Advisors deployed globally, including 40 national positions.
In some contexts, Peace and Development Officers are deployed in contexts where an international PDA is not present.
Country context – Venezuela
Two structural changes are shaping the long-term emerging state model in the aftermath of a protracted political, economic and social crisis: i) towards an economic transition that opens and reorients the economy towards new trade, technological and investment flows vested in the Anti-blockade Law and the formation of Zones for Economic Exchange; and ii) towards a political reconfiguration with preeminence of the ruling party PSUV, the military-civic union and a legislative agenda which comprises 35 projects of law including key institutional reforms, such as the reform of the Judiciary.
In 2021, there was a limited, yet important, economic stabilization for the country, and 2022 will likely see, for the first time in 8 years, a moderate growth of 5 percent of GDP according to ECLAC estimates. However, these positive changes have not addressed the structural problems that Venezuela faces: a deterioration in the provision of basic services and an economy where the monthly minimum wage only covers three per cent of the monthly basic living expenses. The size of the economy today is a quarter of what it was in 2013 and it would take at least 30 years of growth at a rate of 5 percent per year for the economy to return to the same level. Venezuela is so entering its third humanitarian cycle to assist 4.1 million Venezuelans out of 7 million people in need.
Sustainable improvements in the economy and humanitarian landscape will depend on lasting progress in the political dialogue and the evolution of international sanctions. In 2021, Venezuela transitioned toward a more favorable national and international context that places emphasis on a peaceful, negotiated solution to the crisis. Also, the regional and municipal elections held in November 2021 witnessed broad participation by all main opposition groups (for the first time since 2015) and the presence of international observer missions (for the first time since 2006), leading to the appointment of regional and local authorities whose mandates are fully recognized by all national and international actors.
In this context, the Peace and Development Team aims at strengthening national capacities for conflict transformation through dialogue for a peaceful political and social coexistence with full observance of human rights.
Position Purpose
The Peace and Development Officer works under the direct supervision and guidance of the Special Advisor of the Resident Coordinator’s Office (PDA), to provide substantive support in three main areas of activity, including:
Key duties and responsibilities
Supervisory Managerial Responsibilities: N/A
Core
Achieve Results:
LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:
LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously
LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility
LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination
LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner
LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion
LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
People Management (Insert below standard sentence if the position has direct reports.)
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)
Thematic Area
Name
Definition
Business Development
Knowledge Generation
Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
Business Management
Partnership Management
Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts, and others in line with UN strategy and policies
Business Management
Communication
Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels
Agenda 2030: People
Gender
Women, Peace, and Security
Agenda 2030: Peace
Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive
Community engagement for prevention, response, and social cohesion
Agenda 2030: Peace
Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive
Conflict Analysis and conflict sensitivity
Agenda 2030: Peace
Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive
Dialogue, Mediation, and Reconciliation
Education:
Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, Sociology, International Relations, International Economics, Law, Public Administration, or other related Social Sciences
Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, Sociology, International Relations, International Economics, Law, Public Administration, or other related Social Sciences
OR
Experience:
Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience is required in conflict analysis, development and/or conflict prevention in a governmental, multilateral, or civil society organization.
Experience in national and community-level conflict prevention and/or peacebuilding projects/programmes is required.
Proven experience in implementing national and community-level peacebuilding initiatives and activities, notably gender and youth programmes and consultations is required.
In-depth knowledge of and extensive experience in Venezuela and awareness and familiarity of key actors and stakeholders, including women and youth networks, are required.
Extensive experience in analysis, research and sound drafting skills, is an asset;
Experience knowledge of quantitative and qualitative tools and methodologies for conflict-analysis, is desirable
Experience in knowledge management and/or communications strategies is desirable
Experience working with intergovernmental organizations and/or governmental institutions is desirable.
Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience is required in conflict analysis, development and/or conflict prevention in a governmental, multilateral, or civil society organization.
Experience in national and community-level conflict prevention and/or peacebuilding projects/programmes is required.
Proven experience in implementing national and community-level peacebuilding initiatives and activities, notably gender and youth programmes and consultations is required.
In-depth knowledge of and extensive experience in Venezuela and awareness and familiarity of key actors and stakeholders, including women and youth networks, are required.
Extensive experience in analysis, research and sound drafting skills, is an asset;
Experience knowledge of quantitative and qualitative tools and methodologies for conflict-analysis, is desirable
Experience in knowledge management and/or communications strategies is desirable
Experience working with intergovernmental organizations and/or governmental institutions is desirable.
Language requirements (Required / Desired)
• Basic/working-level knowledge of English is required.
• Fluency in Spanish is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Other
Qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
Important applicant information
All posts in the NO categories are subject to local recruitment and open only to Venezuelan Nationals.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
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Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension
This vacancy is archived.