Result of ServiceThe incumbent will review and revise the prepared first research draft on the relationship between food security and violent extremism in Kenya and East Africa, conduct field research, prepare a field research outline, design a questionnaire to capture relevant data from sample of interviewed stakeholders in relevant communities, draft a report, develop a detailed report covering the current and historical impact of food security on terrorism, challenges and gaps in policy and practice, and provide actionable recommendations, share the preliminary draft of the report with relevant key entities that can provide feedback and validation, revise the report considering feedback and additional findings related to food security and counter-terrorism and the inputs from the WFP and NCTC, and finalize it and share it with the Programme Officer, for further comments and feedback. Work LocationHome-based Expected durationFebruary–August 2025 Duties and Responsibilities1. 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. In 2023, UNICRI launched a new research initiative to investigate the relationship between food security and violent extremism, identify good practices for addressing the challenges of food insecurity and violent extremism, and support the development of policies and actions that consider the complex interplay between food security and violent extremism. Exploring the interconnections between food security and violent extremism is essential for understanding their mutual effects - how they intensify and mutually reinforce one another. This understanding will enable the development of holistic and sustainable approaches to tackle both challenges simultaneously. As an initial draft of the report was prepared under a previous consultancy outside of this one, the next steps include reviewing what has been written and updating if needed what is already prepared, adding comments from WFP and NCTC and then completing the interviews with stakeholders (preparing comprehensively for this phase) and finalizing the report by including the findings from the field interviews to take place. 2. Purpose of the assignment: This position is located within the Counter-Terrorism Programme of UNICRI. The Consultant is envisaged to support UNICRI in its research on the relationship between food security and violent extremism in Kenya and East Africa. More specifically, the Consultant will review and redraft, where needed an analytical report on the topic, and carry out related research (desk and field) and analysis. As this is a joint research undertaking with the World Food Programme (WFP) with support from the National Counterterrorism Centre of Kenya (NCTC), regular communication will be taking place and coordination for the field activities will take place. 3. Specific tasks to be performed by the Consultant: Under the supervision of the Programme Officer (Special Assistant), the incumbent will perform the following tasks: PHASE 1: Review and revise (where necessary) the prepared first research draft • Review the research document prepared in the earlier phase and modify it as necessary; • Coordinate regularly with the UNICRI as well as the WFP and NCTC team designated for the project throughout the different phases; PHASE 2: Field Research • Based on the outcomes of the desk research, support the UNICRI, WFP and NCTC team by advising which stakeholders are most relevant in the Wajir, Garissa, Lamu and Mandera (specific counties) to carry out in-depth research and interviews. • Prepare a field research outline, including mapping actors to be interviewed and envisaging how the interviews will take place (in cooperation with NCTC and WFP who will support logistically, where possible). • Design a questionnaire (consulting with wider team) to caputure releavant data from sample of interviewed stakeholders in relevant communities. • Collect primary data through the involvement of key stakeholders, including local and national authorities, representatives of youths, nomadic and sedentary actors, women, traders and local institutions. • Interact with relevant stakeholders, collect pertinent literature, and analyze existing resources to fill gaps. • Engage with recognized specialists in UN agencies and other relevant institutions to collect insights on experiences, best practices, and challenges. PHASE 3: Report Drafting and Integration of Field Work (collation and addition of field research findings to desk research) • Based on insights from research and consultations, develop a detailed report covering the current and historical impact of food security on terrorism, challenges and gaps in policy and practice, and provide actionable recommendations (with a generic view of the region, and with a focus in the 4 selected regions in Kenya). • Share the preliminary draft of the report with relevant key entities that can provide feedback and validation. PHASE 4: Report Finalization • Revise the report considering feedback and additional findings related to food security and counter-terrorism and the inputs from the WFP and NCTC. • Finalize the report and share it with the Programme Officer, for further comments and feedback. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, international relations, history, social science or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant working experience, at national or international level, in conducting research, analysis and data collection on various topics related to Preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) is required. Previous experience on issues pertaining to violent extremism and food security in East Africa is also required. Previous work with international organizations and national organizations in East Africa, especially in the context of developing or implementing policies related to food security and counter-terrorism, is desirable. Relevant experience in conducting field research in the Horn of Africa region is highly desirable. LanguagesFor this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of one or more local languages in Kenya would be an asset (these may include Kiswahili and Kikuyu, in particular, and others including Dholuo and Kamba). Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.