INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT: IDENTIFICATION OF GOOD PRACTICES IN LAND CONFLICT MEDIATION IN ACHOLI

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for Uganda has developed an operational learning and research portfolio in support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) implementation (2011 -2012). The PBF programme is designed to help address major peacebuilding challenges in Northern Uganda. It comprises three joint projects (JPs) which focus respectively on human rights and access to justice, social protection, and livelihoods. A fourth project, aimed at strengthening coordination and coherence during the implementation of the PBF activities, includes a research component. The research component will support operational learning and implementation of the three PBF joint projects and improve knowledge on issues of peacebuilding relevance in Acholiland/northern Uganda. The research is organised around three main themes: land; youth and the economy; and vulnerability/marginalisation. Recent studies including the IOM-NRC land and reintegration study (2010), local governments-led durable solutions assessment in Acholi, and agency specific programme evaluations/analyses (e.g. USAID, 2010) point out land conflicts as a major challenge to sustainable peacebuilding in the Acholi sub-region. A District Human Rights Protection and Promotion (DHRPP) group mapping identified more than 10 sub-counties/parishes across the Acholi sub-region as hotspots or potential hotspots for land disputes. The combination of weak/inexistent resolution mechanisms and deficient land administration, a massive return process in Acholi averaging 96.2% in December 2010 (UNHCR), growing commercial interest in land, as well as perception of oil/natural resources availability etc have, led to increased (reports?) of land disputes across the sub-region. Although some communities are managing (resolving) specific conflicts, it is not exactly clear how these conflicts are being resolved or mediated by whom, what constitute “successful” resolution or mediation and what lessons can be drawn (lessons are hardly learned only identified) from them. This activity focuses on identification, documentation and sharing of good practices in land conflict resolution. The purpose is to understand how local (customary and formal) mechanisms are successfully addressing/resolving/mediating land disputes in Acholi. It complements planned work on land conflict monitoring; human rights and land disputes (PBF JP1) and land tenure and security (PBF JP3). The activity will be closely coordinated with COOPI (land survey –state of land conflict resolution in Pader and Agago August/September 2011), DHRPP mapping of hotspots, and ongoing work by other partners. Objectives: To understand how local (customary and formal) mechanisms are successfully addressing/resolving/mediating land disputes in Acholi Identify and document “good” practices/lessons on land conflict mediation/resolution based on a conceptualization of good practices and appropriate methodology

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities: The consultant will propose methodology and, timelines for the project. S/he will conduct lessons learning exercise for the UN and partners through the following specific tasks: Indentify land conflict areas (previous and now) including conflict issues, actors/parties, interests and local capacities, based on available information and field research. Develop/propose a conceptualisation of good practices, mediation and resolution accepted to the UN - consistent with national and international standards/approaches. Identify/propose a knowledge management tool for capturing and maintaining emerging lessons. Gather, select and analyse information from different sources. Conduct field research adopting appropriate (including political/culturally sensitive) strategies. Assess/analyse de facto practices (customary and formal) mechanisms to address land conflicts in Acholi (a justification note will be required for any case selection); assure/ensure confidentiality as applicable. Identify and document in accessible electronic format good lessons –what works, where, who is successfully mediating, what constitute resolution. Identify other relevant opportunities for further exploration/engagement. The consultant will be expected to draw on relevant historical/anthropological insights and the experiences and information contained in previous studies, including by UN agencies, funds and programmes. Key Deliverables: The consultant will produce four written products: A draft research proposal and timeline, due one week after the initiation of the contract. A research report of not more than 20 pages identifying practical mediation/resolution mechanisms and “good” practices/lessons on land conflict mediation/resolution and summary guidance notes on establishing a repository of lessons. Key recommendations for the UN, Government (district and national) and donors on tools for maintaining and promoting lessons/knowledge sharing and management among the communities and with wider audiences –including local/national and relevant UN practice networks. Annotated bibliography of related materials and summaries of field interviews as reference document S/he will work with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s office to disseminate or share the identified lessons and other relevant materials to all stakeholders. Duration and timing: Approximately 3 months (June to August 2011) Reporting: The consultant will report to the Peacebuilding Coordination Officer in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (based in the UN Area Coordination Office in Gulu, Uganda) and the consultant will be required to consult with PBF JPs 1 & 3 participating agencies and partners.

Competencies

Academic background in social sciences/studies. Experience in field research; excellent qualitative research skills. Capacity to undertake independent work, and produce high quality reports. Excellent analytical and communication skills with the ability to conceptualize. Political astute and cultural sensitivity

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Postgraduate Degree in social sciences - – cultural/social anthropology, development, law, political science/peace and conflict studies. Experience: Minimum 5 years working experience personally/ in a lead role undertaking field research in similar or related topic. Demonstrable knowledge of knowledge management, “best practices” and “lessons learning” discourse. Experience working in the region and/or post-conflict setting. Excellent conceptual and analytical skills. Excellent computer skills including electronic tools for maintaining up-to-date knowledge. Highly organized, efficient, able to work independently and meet deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work independently, and to adapt to different settings and cultures easily. Availability to commence consultancy by end May 2011 Desirable: Familiarity with peacebuilding discourse and UN approaches. Experience working in northern Uganda. Experience working on land issues. Knowledge of Acholi culture(s) is an asset. Language: Fluency and excellent command of written and spoken English is a necessity. Application Procedure - applicants are required to submit an application and proposals, which include the following: Job Proposal: Letter of Interest. Explanation as to why you consider yourself suitable for the assignment. A brief methodology on the approach and implementation of the assignment. Personal CV: Highlighting past experience in similar projects. Work references - contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees. Financial Proposal: Please submit financial proposal indicating consultancy fee, lump sum fee or unit price together with any other expenses related to the assignment (e.g. travel costs, translation interpretation, holding of workshops/focus group discussion etc). A lump sum fee will be paid against the completion of specific, measurable deliverables as identified in ‘Key Deliverables’ Please note that the system will only allow you to upload one document, therefore all the job and financial proposals are to be attached to the CV and uploaded together at once.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.