Assignment Title: International Conflict Sensitivity Consultant
Duty Station: Yangon with travel to Nay Pyi Taw and possibly other states and regions.
Duration: 6 months with possibility of renewal up to 11 months
Starting date: As soon as possible
Closing Date for Application: 7th July 2016
The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Representative of UNFPA, with close coordination, guidance and support from the census coordinator in Yangon. The consultant will work in close collaboration with the national conflict sensitivity adviser and the Department of Population. The consultant is expected to maintain links with relevant government ministries, national institutions and the international development community as needed.
Summary of the assignment:
UNFPA wishes to enlist the services of an international consultant with experience in conflict sensitivity, consultation and peace and security to ensure that political risks, sensitivities and mitigation measures continue to be integrated and addressed in all aspects of ongoing census work.
The 2014 Population and Housing Census conducted enumeration in April 2014 after more than 30 years without a Census. Main results from the Census were released on the 29th of May 2015, in-print and on-line.
Building trust in the census process and capacity to use the data are a priority focus of UNFPA’s peace and conflict sensitivity efforts. Awareness and capacity building strategies have been guided by recommendations from consultations held in States and Regions by a team of national and international experts. In the next phase of the census project, UNFPA must take into account a range of channels and modalities to disseminate results as part of efforts to build understanding and capacity to use census results. Among these are plans to capitalize on the momentum and networks of engaged CSOs and communities that UNFPA has already established across the country, with the end goal of increasing capacity to use census results for development.
Context-sensitivity analysis will be an important aspect in identifying the most effective and locally appropriate modalities to engage local government, civil society and other stakeholders in the dissemination and use of results. Other phases that will require the engagement of a context sensitive expert include the integration of context sensitivity in the review of the thematic reports, the consultations around the classification of ethnicity, the analysis of possible entry points to build ownership of census data by local communities in areas that are characterized by inter-communal tensions and in areas not controlled by Government.
Scope of Work
1. Bring forward the strategic recommendations and action plan as these relate to conflict sensitivity, sensitization and building trust and ownership of census data;
2. Continue to update, with the national expert, the risk mitigation matrix and develop scenarios for specific evolving sensitivities for the period July, 2016-June, 2017;
3. Build capacity of the Department of Population and other relevant Ministries on messaging and communications for conflict mitigation;
4. Maintain regular engagement with and further identify a critical mass of actors familiar with the sensitivities and social dynamics in Myanmar in the current context of political reform and peace process; these will include a broad range of stakeholders and interest groups from civil society, donors, academia, Government ministries, local administration, religious groups, politicians and policy makers (national, regional and non-state controlled); this includes re-engaging stakeholders that were met by previous advisers in the period from 2014-2016 to reestablish relations, strengthen networks, identify resource persons for collecting information about local realities and perceptions;
5. Maintain and update a contact list of all persons met and consulted with;
6. Gather inputs and suggestions for establishing and informing a high-level, inclusive and transparent consultative process to review ethnic groupings, to advise the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population (MOLIP) on this process;
7. Undertake, together with the national conflict expert, intense consultations to identify actions and opportunities to address concerns and tensions that could emanate from the released data (and the data still to be released) and to incorporate these in the dissemination strategy; these will be in consideration of the changing political landscape and peace process, and in consideration of those groups that could be most affected, vulnerable or disadvantaged by the release of such data;
8. Develop and conduct sensitization and awareness raising meetings, together with the national experts, of Government departments and local level administration, as it applies to their census related work and in consultation with the census coordinator;
9. Review concept notes, dissemination plan for townships, thematic reports and other census materials for context sensitivity and advise on most effective language and modalities;
10. Attend and contribute to workshops with the NAC, ITAB and UN/CSO meetings, as well as sata-user consultations;
11. Coordinate and work closely with the national conflict sensitivity expert and the census program team at UNFPA.
Expected Deliverables
- Updated conflict sensitivity report;
- Regular updates to UNFPA on political and conflict sensitive analysis relevant to census operations in the stages of data release and dissemination;
- Notes to file on all consultations and meetings held and persons met with contact details, and identification of ‘champions’;
- Updates list of contacts;
- Final summary analysis report of the major actors, entry points, opportunities, challenges and recommendation on the modalities and approaches to adopt in data release and dissemination;
- Scenario planning and risk matrix regularly developed and updated;
- Advance work plans on a monthly basis;
Estimated total working days and remuneration
Preferably full time for a duration of 6months with possibility of renewal up to 11 months. Starting time is as soon as possible.
Terms and conditions will be in accordance with UN service contract procedures. Remuneration will be based on years of work experience in the area of conflict sensitivity and standard rates for UN consultancy.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- Advanced university degree in Political Science, Sociology, Peace Studies, Anthropology, Conflict sensitivity or related;
- Five to ten years of professional experience in the field of social and political analysis including conflict sensitivity, inter-faith work, peace process, social cohesion, local development, community level facilitation and consultation;
- Strong understanding and experience in working with diversity, with strong demonstrated knowledge of and experience with ethnic, socio-cultural, political and historical context, in conflict and post-conflict countries;
- Knowledge and experience working in Myanmar on issues of conflict sensitivity, community level consultation;
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills and fluency in written and spoken English;
- Strong analytical skills;
- Dedication and belief in upholding the highest ethical standards and respect for differences, privacy and confidentiality;
- Adaptability and ability to work with people from different socio-cultural backgrounds and across different managerial levels;
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants with the required qualifications and experience should submit a written letter of application, a copy of curriculum vitae (CV), completed UN P11 form (http://countryoffice.unfpa.org/filemanager/files/myanmar/hr/P11_Form.doc), relevant education certificates and the names and contact information of three references.
Applications should be addressed to UNFPA Representative. Attention: International Operations Manager, Room A07, UNFPA, No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon.
Email: myanmar.office@unfpa.org
For further details, please refer the attached detailed VAs and also at UNFPA website
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Only those candidates in who meet all qualifications and experience will be contacted for further consideration.