UN Consultant on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) for African Countries

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) was established to support the African Union's efforts in promoting peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security across the continent. The organization focuses on various initiatives, including the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which is crucial for addressing gender-related issues in conflict and post-conflict settings. UNOAU collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including member states, civil society organizations, and international partners, to enhance the effectiveness of peace and security measures. The organization operates in several African countries, working towards the empowerment of women and the integration of gender perspectives in peace processes.

Job Overview:
The position of UN Consultant on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) involves conducting a comprehensive study on the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in selected African countries, specifically Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The consultant will assess the current status of WPS, evaluate progress made over the past 25 years, and identify challenges and success stories. This role is critical in informing future actions and policy directions related to WPS beyond 202

• The consultant will work closely with the UNOAU WPS teams and engage in data collection, analysis, and reporting to provide actionable recommendations for strengthening accountability and decision-making in WPS implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including systematic data collection from official government sources and institutions, focusing on the four pillars of UNSCR 1325: participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery. The consultant will also conduct qualitative data collection through surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) with civil society organizations and women peacebuilders. Additionally, the consultant will perform change analysis for the period of 2000-2025, evaluating the effectiveness of National Action Plans (NAPs) and identifying good practices, challenges, and policy recommendations. The consultant will facilitate virtual consultations with stakeholders and provide detailed reports, including country profiles and a cross-country report on WPS.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, gender studies, international relations, peace and conflict studies, or a related field. They should have expertise in gender and Women, Peace and Security (WPS), as well as political and conflict analysis. Strong research and analytical report writing skills are essential. Experience working with the UN, AU, or other international/regional organizations is highly desirable, indicating a familiarity with the operational frameworks and challenges in the field of peace and security.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in relevant fields such as political science, gender studies, international relations, or peace and conflict studies. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues in peace and security contexts and for conducting thorough analyses of policies and practices related to WPS.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in research and analysis, particularly in the context of Women, Peace and Security. Experience working with international organizations, especially the United Nations or the African Union, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of conducting studies or evaluations related to gender and peacebuilding, as well as familiarity with the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and related frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may facilitate engagement with stakeholders in Francophone regions and enhance the consultant's ability to conduct interviews and gather data in diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with virtual engagement, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The expected duration of the consultancy is two months, during which the consultant will be expected to deliver a series of reports and analyses. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.