Overview of position

The UNSMIL-UNDP project Towards National Reconciliation in Libya assists Libyan national and local authorities, civil society and other partners in their effort to promote an inclusive vision for national reconciliation. In support of the political process and the United Nations Action Plan for Libya, the project has contributed to facilitating dialogue between communities and the signing of reconciliation agreements in different parts of Libya.
Community conflicts in Libya are often dealt with locally, through negotiation led by traditional leaders, building upon customary arbitration practices that occur outside of the formal justice system. These local peace efforts are important and Libyan-owned mechanisms for building stability within the country, ahead of efforts to address the structural causes of conflict at local and national levels.
So far, however, local reconciliation initiatives have remained mostly ad hoc and limited to these constituencies. They often consist of a “light” version of reconciliation, i.e. a ceasefire agreement with some minimal confidence-building measures, often involving an exchange of prisoners, the payment of compensation, the re-opening of some roads and the establishment of regular channels of communications to avoid isolated incidents escalating into new rounds of violence.
This approach, while contributing to temporarily ceasing hostilities, does not bring sustainable peace and fails to address the structural causes of violence, thereby leaving a return to violence in the near future possible. Focusing only on the micro-level also bears the risk of further fragmenting the social fabric, while the lack of real monitoring mechanisms, in the absence of state support have rendered these efforts less efficient on the ground. More synergies and linkages between national and local reconciliation initiatives should be developed.
One of the synergies that can support reconciliation efforts while building community resiliency and improving services is support to the MMR Community Solar (MMR CS) project. This project is designed to improve the reliability of electricity to both the MMR and communities in southern Libya by establishing 5 MW solar stations along the length of the transmission line. This design is intended to increase power supply as well as improve grid stability. By improving electricity supply and creating employment for local communities, the project intends to incentivize these communities to protect MMR infrastructure as well as improve inter-community relations by working on a project for the common good of communities in the south.

Role objectives

This consultancy is part of Outcome 1 of the Project, which aims at developing more local dialogues and reconciliation initiatives in all regions of Libya, contributing to stabilizing the country through a bottom-up approach to peacebuilding, which supports the political process and the UN Action Plan for Libya.
The consultant should map out the stakeholders in the area between Shwerif and Brak al Shati and other communities identifying the communities’ history, structure and socio-economic needs and concerns. In particular, it should identify and describe the structure, personalities and inter-relationship between the tribal networks, civil society, security actors and municipalities so as to enable the MMR CS project to effectively engage with these communities to receive their input and support for the project. The consultancy should also examine the relationship between the Maghariha and Hassawna communities as well as their relationship with the national polities of the PC/GNA in Tripoli and the Interim Government/LNA in the east.
Additionally, the consultant will be asked to analyze conflict dynamics and solution pathways in the municipalities throughout the Fezzan. The consultant will support the Project team in its efforts to facilitate dialogue initiatives for reconciliation between opposing parties.

Scope of Work
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and the overall strategic guidance of UNSMIL/Political Affairs Service, the consultant will provide technical support to help sustain local dialogue processes and implement new reconciliation initiatives.
The consultant will support the project throughout the implementation of the dialogue initiatives, including through: preparing the parties to the dialogues; obtaining the necessary buy-in; building networks, and; sharing information and monitoring the implementation of the dialogues’ agreed outcomes.
The expert’s technical assistance outputs will be expected to adhere to the UN Secretary General’s Guidance Note on Transitional Justice, which emphasizes that UN support in the area of reconciliation should promote transparent, inclusive, participatory and nationally owned and led processes appropriate to the local context.

Expected Deliverables:
The local expert is expected to deliver the following:

A report that includes a stakeholder analysis, & conflict analysis on Shwerif & Brak Al Shati and other local communities as well as a strategy for engaging these communities in a participatory planning process with the MMR CS project and reconciliation efforts.
Act as a liaison for the UN in establishing a constructive and durable relationship with these communities with a view to ensuring that the MMR CP is a win-win for both the MMR and the local communities and that it is done in a manner that builds trust between local communities and with the national government.

All other analysis and dialogue support needed in the South during the duration of the contract period.

Performance indicators:

The Project team is aware of the complex conflict dynamics in each of the designated geographic locations and within and between the identified communities.
Relevant key stakeholders support the local dialogues and are ready to participate.
Risks are assessed, and potential spoilers identified.A community engagement strategy is established.

Project reporting

Reporting to the project manager.

Key competencies

• Minimum 5 years with master’s degree and 7 years with bachelor’s degree working experience in Reconciliation, Peacebuilding, Human rights, Law, Governance, political analysis and mediation.
• Working Knowledge of English (both oral and written) is preferred.
• Fluency in Arabic (both oral and written) is required.
Experience
• Demonstrated experience working with civil society, grassroots activists, militias and political actors in Libya across the political and regional spectrum.
• Demonstrated networking and communications skills.
• Knowledge of the local issues in the Shwerif & Brak al Shati and other communities on social/political/security levels with analysis skills.
• Technical knowledge of issues relating to mediation, conflict resolution, local dialogue processes and reconciliation.
• Proven advisory experience and track record of engaging with Libyan authorities, activists, militias and IDPs, on topics related to national reconciliation, conflict resolution, and peaceful dialogue.
• Proven intellectual and practical capacity to understand and interpret national and local development and political issues, particularly in recovery situation/post crisis settings.
• Proven records of writing skills, including preferably in English.
• Excellent communications and mediation skills.
• Reputation of impartiality and legitimacy among all concerned actors.

Team management

This role doesn't require management field.

Further information

To be advised

This vacancy is archived.

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