Conflict Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to help implement projects for the UN and its partners. The organization focuses on providing infrastructure, project management, and procurement services to various UN agencies, governments, and international organizations. UNOPS operates in multiple countries across the globe, with a significant presence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The mission of UNOPS is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development by providing efficient and effective project management and operational support. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality services and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, while also promoting sustainability and inclusivity in all its operations. UNOPS employs a diverse workforce and values the contributions of its employees, fostering an inclusive environment that respects and promotes diversity.

Job Overview:
The Conflict Analyst position at UNOPS in Thailand is a critical role that involves monitoring and analyzing political and conflict dynamics in the region, particularly focusing on Myanmar. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Fund Director and will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to political developments and armed conflicts. This role requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, ensuring that relationships with key stakeholders are established and maintained to gather insights and foster collaboration. The Conflict Analyst will contribute to decision-making processes by providing contextual analysis and timely updates on emerging issues. The position also involves supporting programmatic activities through analytical support, ensuring that gender, conflict sensitivity, and risk management are integrated into operations. The successful candidate will play a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness of UNOPS programming in the region, contributing to the organization's mission of promoting peace and stability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Political and Conflict Analysis: The Conflict Analyst will be responsible for the daily collection of primary data to monitor developments in political and armed conflict contexts. This includes tracking dynamics, providing contextual analysis, and contributing to decision-making processes related to UNOPS programming. The analyst will also provide flash updates on emerging issues and translate statements from stakeholders and news media. Monitoring news sources, including social media, and systematically reviewing context and situation updates will be essential. The analyst will draft weekly, monthly, and ad hoc analytical context updates, ensuring the quality and credibility of all information included in reports.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establishing and maintaining working relationships with key stakeholders is crucial for gathering insights and fostering collaboration. The Conflict Analyst will support UNOPS senior leadership in stakeholder engagement by providing relevant data and analysis. This role will also involve providing guidance in relation to program engagements with stakeholders.
• Analytical Programme Support: The analyst will participate in program appraisals, studies, and evaluations as required. Reviewing implementing partners' written project outputs will be part of the responsibilities, along with supporting the mainstreaming of gender, conflict sensitivity, and risk management across operations.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Conflict Analyst position should possess a Master's Degree in political science, peace and conflict studies, or a relevant social sciences discipline. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (e.g., Bachelor's Degree) combined with two additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of two years of professional experience in an international institution, donor agency, NGO, or INGO working on context analysis, public policy, or political research is required. Additionally, at least two years of experience working in or on Myanmar is essential. Candidates should have a sound understanding of regional conflict and political contexts, as well as the associated stakeholder landscape. Proven capacity to write analytical reports on political dynamics and carry out analytical desk reviews is required. Experience in applying analysis to programming relevant to UNOPS' mandate is highly preferred, along with direct experience in gender mainstreaming, conflict sensitivity, risk assessments, and gender inclusion in program activities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's Degree in political science, peace and conflict studies, or a related social sciences discipline. In cases where a candidate holds a first-level university degree (Bachelor's Degree), they must also have two additional years of progressively relevant experience to be considered for the position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in an international institution, donor agency, NGO, or INGO, specifically in the areas of context analysis, public policy, or political research. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of experience working in or on Myanmar, demonstrating a deep understanding of the regional conflict and political contexts. The ability to write clear and analytical reports on political dynamics and conduct desk reviews is crucial. Experience in applying analytical insights to programming relevant to UNOPS' mandate is highly preferred, along with a background in gender mainstreaming and conflict sensitivity.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Burmese is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication and analysis related to the Myanmar context. Knowledge of Thai or any Myanmar minority ethnic languages is also considered desirable, as it may enhance stakeholder engagement and understanding of the local context.

Additional Notes:
The Conflict Analyst position is offered under an International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) at the IICA-1 (ICS-9) level. The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. It is important to note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process, which includes various assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunity, ensuring an inclusive working environment for its workforce. All personnel are expected to perform their duties in accordance with UN Charter and UNOPS policies, demonstrating an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.