Specialist, Dialogue and Social Cohesion , Malawi

In the past year, Malawi has witnessed a number of severe tests to its eighteen-year old democratic system, Firstly, the events of 20 and 21 July 2011 in which citizens, under the leadership of Civil Society Organizations, presented their demands (entitled Uniting for Peaceful Resistance against Poor Economic and Democratic Governance: A Better Malawi is Possible, also referred to as the Twenty-Point Agenda) to the Government of Malawi. The ensuing demonstrations left 19 people dead and resulted in an undetermined loss in business and government revenue. Following a request from both parties for the UN to facilitate the dialogue process which started on 25 August, the UN Secretary General tasked Under-Secretary General Sahle-Work Zewde to facilitate the Malawi Dialogue, with the support of the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in Malawi. The UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team worked in close collaboration with Under-Secretary General Sahle-Work Zewde in supporting the Malawi Dialogue process. Secondly, the sudden death of President Bingu Wa Mutharika last April led to a transfer of power from the ruling party, the “Democratic Progressive Party” (DPP) to a coalition Government following a transition process that was both constitutional and peaceful despite some initial challenges. At present (June 2012), the situation in Malawi remains complex and continues to have the potential for a possible violent escalation. The economy is very fragile and the current adjustment fostered by the IMF and the WB is leaving larger parts of the population and, most certainly vulnerable groups, in a precarious position. While the new President, Joyce Banda, enjoys popular support, she will face several economic and some political challenges. In addition, the country is suffering for sporadic and localized droughts that will be affecting at least 1 million people. The convergence of economic and political pressures, with a fragile humanitarian situation, leaves this new administration very vulnerable. Furthermore, the new President and Administration are adapting to the new dispensation and might have to manage a contentious election in 2014. The approach outlined by the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team is designed with a view to create a conducive environment in which, and necessary mechanisms through which, national dialogue can foster a culture of constructive, continuous multi-track dialogue for peaceful, constructive dispute resolution. This will be done through dialogue and consensus-building processes on a range of developmental and governance issues, through programmes aimed at developing constructive leadership as well as through joint strategic planning within government, civic organizations and civil society organizations. In this regard, a Dialogue and Social Cohesion Programme is being formulated focus on a) developing capacity for dialogue and strengthen multi-stakeholder dialogue processes including through the re-establishment of the platform for constructive dialogue among stakeholders, particularly between government and civil society; b) supporting efforts to expand civil society engagement in policy discourse, as well as the peaceful resolution of issues, particularly in the lead up to the 2014 elections, through strengthening civil society’s relations with the community and stakeholders and through a dedicated electoral violence prevention campaign; c) establishing and strengthening processes that ensure that the youth are well-informed on national policy issues, including through civic education. In this regard, unemployed urban youth will be engaged to play a vital role; and d) reinforcing media engagement in policy discourse, with a view to enhancing the media’s understanding of policy issues as well as the diverse perspectives of stakeholders. Support efforts to ensure accurate and non-inflammatory reporting of potentially contentious issues. The Dialogue and Social Cohesion Specialist will provide both policy-level advice and guidance to the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team and lead strategic initiatives on dialogue and leadership. The objectives of this position are to undertake initiatives for capacity development within Malawi and in the UN Country Team in Malawi. Under the guidance of the RC and in cooperation with relevant UN partners, the Specialist will facilitate the implementation of relevant programmes, including the Dialogue and Social Cohesion programme, to meet these challenges and contribute to building awareness and skills for collaborative, participatory development and governance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator/ UNDP Resident Representative, and in close consultation with UNDP Headquarters including the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR), the Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) ) and the Department of Political Affairs (DPA), the incumbent will, in addition to the summarized functions below, also develop further appropriate activities to ensure the mainstreaming of conflict-sensitivity in development and governance programmes of UNDP and other UN agencies. S/he will be responsible for providing regular analyses to the UN Country Team agencies on challenges to achieving Malawi’s developments objectives, specifically the incumbent will: Support specific, targeted initiatives, as requested by national counterparts and under the direction of the RC, such as strengthening dialogue capacities, local level skills and confidence-building activities, electoral violence prevention, conflict-sensitive reporting by the media programmes, etc. Prepare and disseminate regular updates on the political, social and economic situation in Malawi to the RC, UNCT, and relevant UN HQ units. Participate in the Reference Group for the Dialogue and Social Cohesion programme, providing technical advice in the design and formulation of the programme. Assist in the development and strengthening of relevant national institutions and processes, including through the design and delivery of experience-sharing exercises, dialogue processes, & training activities aimed at enhancing capacities among senior officials and civil society counterparts on leadership development, strategic planning, and the building of collaborative capacities towards strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms. Develop and maintain contact with relevant authorities at both central and local levels, political parties, Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, women, youth and religious organizations, and other groups to identify and support activities that might strengthen efforts at resolving national and local issues of contention. Provide periodic strategic analyses and recommendations for the UN Facilitator (when required by such), UN RC, and the UNCT, in close consultation with DPA, UNDP (RBA and BCPR) and other relevant UN system actors as required, through an interagency working group convened under the auspices of the Framework Team, so that the UN can best assist national and local initiatives; Support the efforts of the UN Country Team to enhance local capacity to facilitate dialogue and mediate in national conflicts; and establish a sustainable peace infrastructure in Malawi. Support the UN Country Team staff and local counterparts to enhance their skills and knowledge to ensure the mainstreaming of conflict-sensitivity in UNCT initiatives and in building collaborative capacity and social cohesion in order to ensure residual capacity will develop and remain within UN Malawi Country Team.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards. Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN system. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Treats all people fairly, without favouritism. Functional Competencies Communication and interpersonal skills: Communicates effectively, orally and in writing, with staff at all levels of the UN, government officials and civil society the diplomatic corps, donors and civil society. Demonstrates sensitivity, tact and diplomacy. Is culturally sensitive and demonstrates appreciation for different cultures and practices. Professional capacity: Excellent analytical skills. Able to exercise sound judgment. Able to work in a team, ready to take on a wide range of tasks. Self-motivated and able to recommend options for resolution of issues. Able to handle confidential and sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner, and applies protocol appropriately. Demonstrates strong coordination and facilitation skills. Results oriented, flexible and possesses excellent problem solving skills. Technical skills: Able to draft well and edit project documents and proposals, correspondence, briefings and speeches, etc. in English. Excellent computer skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree in social sciences with focus on international relations, political science, inter-group processes, peace-building, facilitating of dialogue processes or related fields. Experience: At least 7 years of experience at national and/or international levels in conflict prevention and peace building positions with advisory, analytical and operational experience. Extensive experience coordinating activities in consensus-building, dialogue processes, collaborative decision-making and leadership. Excellent conflict analysis and reporting skills, experience in bilateral and/or multilateral negotiations. Practical experience in capacity-building, negotiation, facilitation and training skills, leadership development, and strategy development. Strong experience in conflict sensitive programming. Previous experience in planning and operationalizing development programming in the field. Prior experience in facilitation and/or coaching in negotiation processes and dialogue activities. Familiarity with the regional as well as local context; working experience in the sub-region is a plus. Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural skills. Focus on and commitment to capacity building with a strategy that ensures a residual capacity. Experience working with senior government officials, donor representatives and civil society.

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Specialist, Dialogue and Social Cohesion