Peace and Development Analyst

Organizational Context

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Malawi supports the UN Resident Coordinator in enhancing the impact, efficiency, and effectiveness of UN operational activities for development. It provides inter-agency coordination, strategic planning, and policy guidance to the UN Country Team (UNCT). Malawi faces deep-seated socio-economic and political inequalities, exacerbated by climate change impacts like droughts and cyclones, which threaten national cohesion and development efforts. The UN supports strengthening national capacities for peace and conflict prevention.

Job Purpose

This role supports the UN's efforts to strengthen national capacities for peace and conflict prevention in Malawi, aligning with the National Peace Policy and the Malawi Peace and Unity Act. The UN Volunteer will contribute to institutionalizing a National Peace Architecture, fostering socio-economic and political dialogue, and creating spaces for civil society participation in peacebuilding. The assignment aims to enhance the Peace-Development-Humanitarian nexus and address governance and social cohesion challenges, particularly the intersection of political and economic dynamics affecting sustainable development at national and local levels. The role is crucial for promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development in a context marked by historical grievances and environmental vulnerabilities.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will conduct research and analysis on conflict dynamics, governance, and socio-political developments, supporting early warning monitoring and reporting, and drafting analytical briefs. They will contribute to conflict-sensitive and peacebuilding approaches across UN initiatives. The role involves supporting the implementation of peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives, assisting engagement with government counterparts, civil society, and UN partners, and contributing to monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management. Additionally, the volunteer will support youth consultations, dialogues, and engagement activities, working with youth networks and organizations to promote youth perspectives in UN processes and programmes, and documenting lessons learned from these initiatives.

Work Experience

No prior experience is required, but a demonstrated interest and foundational knowledge in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, governance, or sustainable development is essential. The ability to support the drafting of analytical reports and concept notes is needed. Familiarity with youth engagement approaches and a strong interest in promoting youth participation are beneficial. Previous volunteer experience or cross-cultural exposure is highly regarded. Skills in research, data collection, and analysis are important.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, building trust, communication, ethics, integrity, planning, organizing, respect for diversity, technological awareness, and teamwork. Specific expertise areas include disarmament, peacebuilding, rule of law, governance, and elections.

Explore related opportunities