Internship Opportunity: Governance in Post-Conflict Transitions

Evidence shows that most of the world current violent conflicts occur in countries which are also the poorest in the world. It is also proven that armed conflicts are now the leading cause of world hunger. Specifically, the poorest countries are affected by conflict include: 9 out of 10 countries with the lowest Human Development Index; 7 out of 10 countries with the lowest GDP; 5 out of 10 with the lowest life expectancy; 9 out of 10 with the highest infant mortality and child mortality; 9 out of 18 whose Human Development Index declined in the 1990s. Countries experiencing conflict or recovering from major violent crisis also face the highest obstacles towards adequate progress to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Democratic, accountable, and structurally stable governments and a healthy civil society is usually accompanied by stronger and/or robust institutions and mechanisms that are capable of effective crisis prevention and crisis management. Moreover, good governance is an important component of sound early recovery responses and a critical one to generate sustainable, longer term socio-economic recovery and/or peace-building. While the prevention of violent conflict and natural disasters may require very different interventions, there is an increasing body of evidence that points out to weaknesses and failures of governance as major contributory factors to the causes of crisis. UNDP’s experience highlights that both in preventative and in structural responses to crisis it is vital to support good governance (e.g. strengthening state institutions, promoting greater levels of accountability and transparency; developing effective interfaces between the state and the polity, etc). However, governance interventions in crisis contexts pose its own particular challenges and characteristics. In a way it is “business unusual”. In conflict and post-conflict contexts, technical approaches to supporting democratic policies, processes and institutions (e.g. constitution making, elections, parliamentary support, local governance, etc) must take on board realities not present on normal development circumstances (e.g. multiple processes related to development, security and institutions re-building; competing priorities, polarized and emerging new political environments, power sharing issues, extreme capacity development challenges, managing security and governance, inclusion and protections issues for DDR and IDPs, etc) and build into the design and implementation strategies to address the needs resulting from post-conflict transition and reconstruction. The UNDP strategic plan 2008-2011 in its Outcomes and Outputs for CPR has prioritized: Building capacities for the prevention of crisis Enhancing conflict and disaster risk management capabilities Reinstating governance capacities following a crisis Restoring community security and social cohesion BCPR has initiated various projects and initiatives that are envisaged to proactively respond to the new Strategic Plan, e.g.: A cross practice discussion on the issues of governance and crisis with the aim of developing a framing document that identifies the linkages between crisis and governance, provides key entry points for UNDP’s programming and help delineate roles, responsibilities and cooperation between UNDP and the UN system and between bureaus within UNDP. BCPR and BDP/OGC have been working in the development of a Practice Note on Governance and Conflict Prevention. This publication helps establish the links between conflict and governance, suggesting entry points for UNDP colleagues and partners to enhance conflict prevention and peace building with governance interventions. Given UNDP’s substantive experience and contribution towards stability, state building and good governance in post-conflict crisis it is important to reflect on what works and what does not, on the lessons over time from integrated programmes or from smaller individual initiatives. Decision and policy makers, UNDP partners and practitioners on the ground are asking for tools, methodologies and approaches that would facilitate understanding of the challenges and opportunities and, above all, support to design effective interventions. Ultimately, it is envisaged to develop a framework to assess lessons learned on capacity development for state-building post-conflict transitions from UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Crisis Governance Adviser, undertake secondary data analysis and research on areas related to capacity development, governance and post-conflict transitions in support to the development of knowledge products, communities of practice and country office programme development. Support the Crisis Governance Adviser in the completion of publications including gathering and consolidating feedback, helping with bids for designers and printers and preparation consultative sessions, reviewing proofs, etc. Produce resource packages for participants to workshops and meetings. Provide organizational support (e.g. venue, tickets, participants lists, etc) to the Crisis Governance Unit in the preparation of other larger consultations and workshops, etc. Support the organization of teleconferences, consultations and workshops as appropriate. This will include setting up meetings, taking minutes and distributing them.

Competencies

To provide research, analytical and organizational support and the organization of events to the Crisis Governance Team.

Required Skills and Experience

Student at post-graduate level (enrollment in a university course is compulsory); Undergraduate degree on social sciences, history, international relations, conflict, development or other relevant field; Demonstrable excellent analytical and research skills; Some professional experience would be a important advantage; Knowledge of the UN system will be an advantage; Ability to work under pressure and with a multi-disciplinary and multicultural team; Respect for diversity; Excellent team-building, diplomatic and inter-personal skills; Resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment; Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, tact and diplomacy; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive and constructive attitude; Proven excellent written and communication skills in English. French knowledge would be an asset.

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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.

Internship Opportunity: Governance in Post-Conflict Transitions