Significant progress has been achieved in the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the past decade. The local and regional peace processes initiated at that time laid the foundation for relative peace and stability in large parts of the country and the Government has begun some reforms with a view to facilitating economic recovery and democratization. However, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has continued to suffer from recurring cycles of conflict and persistent violence by armed groups, both Congolese and foreign.
The consequences of this violence have been nothing short of devastating. Acts of sexual violence and series violations of human rights are used regularly and almost daily as weapons of war. Displacement figures are among the highest in the world and persistently hover near two million people. The implementation of the country’s reconstruction, security sector reform and poverty alleviation program is regularly disrupted. The length and scale of the conflict have led to significant repercussions for the wider region, with many countries in the Great Lakes experiencing conflict dynamics that have been shaped or further exacerbated by violence in the DRC. Not only does this result in the flow of refugees originating from the DRC, illegal arms flows and the movement of armed militias have also thrived. The regional dimensions of the conflict are well-reflected in the PSC Framework, which also identifies some key interventions to attempt to address these challenges. These were also discussed with the RC/RRs from the region in the Kinshasa meeting, held on 1-2 July 2013, to agree on a regional approach to development for the Great Lakes region as well as to more concrete support in the implementation of the PSC(F). In light of this context, the PDA will work across borders, with relevant UNCTs and UNDP Country Offices to in the region with a view to fulfilling the objectives outlined in the PSC Framework and helping to contribute to stability in border regions.
Despite the above-cited challenges, the recent crisis has created a window of opportunity to address the root causes of the conflict and put an end to recurring cycles of violence. Building on the efforts already underway by the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region and the Southern African Development Community as well as the ongoing efforts of the UNCTs in the region the signing of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region (referred to as the PSC Framework) represents a core element of a comprehensive approach that considers the structural causes fuelling instability in the country and in the wider region. The PSC Framework includes the establishment of national and regional oversight mechanisms to follow up implementation of the commitments of the signatories.
The regional oversight mechanism, to be supported by a Technical Committee, will involve representatives from each of the signatories to the PSC, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Burundi, the Republic of Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of South Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of Zambia with the good office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Chairperson of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, and the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (the “11 + 4” configuration). This broad endorsement reflects a growing consensus on the key areas of focus going forward as well as the milestones to be achieved in order to support a more peaceful, democratic future for both the DRC and the wider region. To this end, a Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region has been appointed to lead, coordinate, and assess the implementation of national and regional commitments under the PSC Framework.
The PSC Framework, and the Security Council Resolution 2098 which followed, identify a number of key areas of focus for the Special Envoy, both in her Good Offices capacity as well as the role of ensuring coordination and complementarities between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO, the state signatories to the PSC Framework and the UNCTs in the region. To that end, a Peace and Development Advisor is to be deployed in the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region based in Nairobi to support the Special Envoy in the delivery of her mandate.
Summary of key results:
- Strengthened synergies between UN’s support including coordination between the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the RCs within the region, including joint action to strengthen local peace processes in the respective countries;
- Effective programmatic engagement with national and sub national stakeholders related to dialogue and consensus building, conflict prevention and peacebuilding;
- Strengthened strategic partnerships with key national and regional stakeholders, on peace building and conflict prevention programming issues in the target countries;
- Close liaison maintained with relevant donors and other actors supporting relevant UNDP CO and RBA peace building efforts and the implementation of the PSC Framework;
- Close contact sustained with relevant staff in UN Headquarters including relevant focal points at UNDP/RBA, UNDP/BCPR and UN/DPA.
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Under the overall supervision of the Special Envoy to the Secretary General (SESG), the Assistant Secretary General (ASG), and, reporting through the Chief of Staff, the Peace and Development Advisor (PDA) will:
- Support the monitoring of the implementation of the commitments made under the PSC Framework;
- Provide regular updates to the Head of the Office and the Resident Coordinators of the relevant UNCTs (if no PDAs are deployed in those countries) on the conflict dynamics and trends that impact on the implementation of development interventions that respond to the PSC Framework;
- In the context of the PSC Framework and further to the conclusions of the meeting of RCs/RRs in the Great Lakes region in Kinshasa, support the RCs, the UNDP Country Offices and Governments of the region on programming to promote dialogue, facilitate inter-group and inter ethnic conflict resolution and reconciliation;
- Advise the Special Advisor, the Resident Coordinators and UNCTs in the region, as appropriate, on ways to ensure appropriate entry points for supporting the Governments in their efforts to implement their commitments under the PSC Framework;
- Support coordination between the O/SESG and the UNCTs, and provide the necessary technical and strategic support to ensure the actions of the Special Envoy and the UNCT are executed in a conflict-sensitive manner;
- In close consultation with relevant UN entities on the ground and working closely with PDAs in neighbouring countries assist in the implementation of community level programmes that promote reconciliation, trust and confidence building, early warning and early response and increased cooperation and collaboration between border and other communities and security agencies from the neighbouring countries in line with the PSC Framework;
- Strengthen capacity of UNDP Offices and UNCTs in the region to undertake conflict, peace and development analysis, to mainstream conflict sensitivity in regular programming and to identify entry points in programming.
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Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of DPA and UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Good knowledge of UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices;
- Good understanding of the UN system;
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism.
Functional Competencies:
- Possesses specialist knowledge in the area of conflict prevention, social cohesion, dialogue and governance reform or related areas, as well as in-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
- Sound political acumen and extensive experience of providing policy advice;
- Sound skills and demonstrated experience in facilitation, consensus-building, multi-stakeholder processes and negotiation;
- Sound analytical skills. Experience and specialist knowledge in building national capacities in good governance and building national reconciliation;
- Proven facilitation, training, networking, coordination, team-building, consensus-building and organizational skills;
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships with internal and external parties in a multi-cultural environment;
- In-depth knowledge of human development situation in the Great Lakes Region and recent history/events/transitions;
- Ability to contribute to strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
- Ability to advise and oversee formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects and programmes;
- Sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of national counterparts;
- Proven ability to incorporate into his/her work relevant international practices.
Management and Leadership:
- Strong team-building, diplomatic, and interpersonal skills. Resourcefulness, initiative, and maturity of judgment;
- Communication and advocacy skills;
- Sound time management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks;
- Ability to build strong relationships with clients and external actors;
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Capacity to work under pressure, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations.
Behavioural Competencies:
- Team player, self-motivated and initiative taking, dedicated, creative, resourceful, flexible, energetic and sound judgment;
- Builds strong relationships with partners, focusing on impact and results;
- Demonstrates creativity, openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
- Possesses positive and constructive attitudes to work;
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development.
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Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in political science, conflict resolution, sociology, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or other related social sciences.
Experience:
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in conflict analysis, policy, and strategy development, as well as conflict prevention programming in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization;
- Specific experience in multi-stakeholder facilitation, consensus building and reconciliation efforts, preferably in fragile and conflict situations;
- A proven policy, advisory and advocacy experience and track record of engagement with senior levels of government, United Nations, and donors;
- Experience working within a UN agency and experience in Great Lakes Region of Africa would be a major asset.
- Sound knowledge of and extensive experience in Great Lakes Region of Africa, including in dialogue and conflict prevention initiatives, is an advantage.
Language requirements:
- Fluent written and spoken English and French is required for this position.
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