Crisis Prevention Specialist

Organizational Context

The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) is mandated by the General Assembly to provide substantive support to African Member States for peace, arms limitation, and disarmament initiatives. UNREC also cooperates with the African Union to coordinate regional activities in these areas. The Centre operates within a challenging security environment in Africa, particularly the Sahel, marked by armed attacks, proliferation of groups, terrorism, and the recruitment of young combatants.

Job Purpose

The assignment's purpose is to address the escalating security situation in Africa, particularly the Sahel, which is marked by a resurgence of armed attacks, the proliferation of armed groups, and terrorism-fueled recruitment of young combatants. The specialist will support the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) in establishing a comprehensive youth awareness-raising and training programme. This initiative aims to combat the recruitment of youth into armed groups, address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in sub-Saharan Africa, and actively promote peacebuilding and peace consolidation efforts. The role is critical for mitigating conflict risks and fostering regional stability through targeted interventions.

Responsibilities

The Crisis Prevention Specialist will organize regional photo competitions for young leaders and train approximately 80 youth leaders to engage in sensitization and awareness campaigns. Key duties include achieving a 25% completion rate for an online course across all phases, organizing at least three skills workshops and three substantive webinars to contextualize online learning, and facilitating immersive experiential learning for participants. The specialist will also provide insights on online training for international youth, organize disarmament education initiatives, and secure professional opportunities for participants through study grants. Capacity development through coaching, mentoring, and formal on-the-job training for national staff and counterparts is essential, alongside systematically applying Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspectives in all activities. Additionally, the volunteer will strengthen their understanding of volunteerism, participate in UNV activities, contribute articles on field experiences, assist with the UNV Buddy Programme, and promote online volunteering.

Work Experience

Three years of relevant experience is required in project and/or programme design, planning, and implementation. This experience should specifically cover crisis prevention, youth engagement, conflict-related risk reduction, and the prevention of violent extremism. Desirable experience includes work in sustainable development, crisis prevention, and natural and climate-related disaster risk reduction.

Skills

Required competencies include accountability, adaptability and flexibility, creativity, sound judgement and decision-making, effective planning and organizing, professionalism, and strong self-management. Key areas of expertise encompass crisis and emergency response, administration, and education. Working knowledge of both French and English is required.

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