Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.
UNDP Mozambique Country Office (CO) is part of the United Nations system working to support the country’s development agenda. Its overall aim is to ensure that people attain a better standard of living through sustainable development. Relations between the Government of Mozambique and the United Nations system were formalized in 1976. Geographically, UNDP interventions have a national coverage with a sub-office in Cabo Delgado and a large presence through the MRF project in Sofala. Work is also carried out at decentralized levels in several provinces with strong relationships with local authorities, communities, and civil society organizations.
The work of UNDP in the country is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2022-2026 and its Country Programme Document 2022-2026 (CPD) and focuses on:
Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique has experienced a series of prolonged conflicts. The country endured a 16-year civil war between government forces and RENAMO (Mozambique Resistance Movement), which concluded with the 1992 Rome Peace Agreement. Subsequent violence erupted between the government and residual RENAMO forces over issues such as failed reintegration of ex-combatants, culminating in the Maputo Agreement in 2019. More recently, since 2017, violent extremism marked by attacks from non-state armed groups in Cabo Delgado has led to ongoing conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing close to one million people. These challenges are compounded by insurgency, pervasive poverty, economic marginalization, and vulnerability to climate change, intensifying humanitarian needs in the country.
In late 2024, UNDP Mozambique collaborated with the government to develop a Peace and Development Infrastructure, but implementation was halted after post-election violence and a change in cabinet. The October 2024 general elections led to widespread demonstrations—both peaceful and violent—following contested results, causing significant social, economic, and political disruption.
The new president, Daniel Chapo entered office on January 15th, 2025. In his inaugural speech, he prioritized dialogue and inclusiveness and reaffirmed his dedication to social harmony and consensus-building with political forces, civil society, and all Mozambicans. This signaled the beginning of a renewed relationship between the State and its citizens across the country and highlighted the need for UNDP to provide support—particularly by establishing platforms that facilitate dialogue and reconciliation efforts following a period of unrest and conflict that disrupted social cohesion. It is within that framework that the President of Republic started a series of initiatives aimed at dialogue, economic revamping, and reconciliation
In March 2025, when UNDP re-engaged with the Ministry of Justice for continuation on the peace and development infrastructure, it was informed at the highest level of the Ministry that a new presidential initiative on dialogue had been formulated into law, following the approval of the post-electoral agreement by 9 political parties, and the draft law would be submitted for approval by the Parliament.
On April 2nd, 2025, the Mozambican parliament approved by acclamation the law relating to the political commitment for an inclusive national dialogue.
The initiative, which is an effort by the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo towards an effective reconciliation of Mozambicans, aims to:
The law establishes a Technical Committee for the national dialogue, consisting of 21 members—18 chosen by the signatory political parties and three nominated by civil society through a consensus-driven process. The committee’s structure and operations have been defined by the agreement’s signatories, with the government and parties responsible for providing the necessary resources for its effective implementation.
The instrument was signed by the presidents and secretaries-general of the political parties with seats in the AR, provincial, and municipal assemblies, namely, FRELIMO (the ruling party), PODEMOS (the largest opposition party), RENAMO (the second largest opposition party), and MDM (the third largest opposition party). Furthermore, the document was also signed by dignitaries from the political parties PARENA, PAHUMO, Democratic Revolution, PARESO, and New Democracy.
The Government and Technical Committee for the National Inclusive Dialogue have requested UNDP’s support on the political dialogue process.
In view of the above, UNDP seeks to recruit a Peace and Conflict Prevention Specialist to work in the area of peacebuilding, national dialogue, conflict prevention, and reconciliation.
Scope of Work
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader of the Governance and Social Cohesion Unit, and working closely with the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) for the Democracy and Elections Project, the Project Specialist will be responsible for providing technical and advisory support to the Government of Mozambique and to the Technical Committee (COTE) in advancing the national dialogue process, peacebuilding, and social cohesion initiatives.
The incumbent will also be responsible for conducting analysis on socio-political, economic, and development trends affecting peace, social cohesion, and conflict prevention in Mozambique. S/he will contribute to strategic thinking, programme design, and implementation of initiatives aimed at strengthening national dialogue and peace infrastructures.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Specialist will carry out the following key responsibilities:
Provide technical and advisory support on national dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives
Lead project formulation, planning, and implementation
Develop strategic frameworks and strengthen institutional capacity
Engage stakeholders and strengthen partnerships
Monitor, report, and manage risks
Knowledge management, learning, and advocacy
Supervision and coordination
As the Project Specialist - Peace and Conflict Prevention, it is imperative to explicitly integrate the following approaches and principles into the development process:
Institutional Arrangements
The Project Specialist - Peace and Conflict Prevention will be part of the Governance and Social Cohesion team, housed at the CO. S/he will report to the Team Leader – Head of Governance and Social Cohesion Unit (strategic leadership and supervision). The incumbent will also be expected to work collaboratively with the Stabilization program, the Democracy and Elections, the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Gender Focal Point and colleagues in other relevant UNDP teams.
Competencies
Core Competencies
People Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found on the dedicated site.
Cross functional & technical competencies
2030 Agenda: Peace
Business Management
Business Direction and Strategy
Required Skills and Experience
Minimum Education Requirements
Minimum years of relevant work experience
Required skills
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
Required Language(s)
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
Scam alert
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