Expert in Youth Inclusive Peace Processes

Job title:

Expert in Youth Inclusive Peace Processes

Company

United Nations

Job description

The final product of this consultancy will be a comprehensive study submitted to the UN Youth Office. This study will: 1. Provide a detailed case study on youth inclusion in MENA region including a case study on Yemen’s peace processes, highlighting barriers, enablers, and actionable recommendations. 2. Include an annex compiling detailed insights and data from consultations, workshops, and other engagements conducted during the consultancy. 3. Serve as a key advocacy tool to advance the implementation of youth-inclusive practices regionally and globally.Work LocationRemoteExpected duration4.5 monthsDuties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Setting, Purpose, and Objective: A. Background Youth often represent the largest demographic in countries undergoing peace processes, yet they are among the most affected by ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises. With conflicts becoming more internationalized and displacement levels reaching unprecedented highs, young people bear a significant burden. However, research shows that their inclusion in peace processes leads to more sustainable outcomes. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, this inclusion is particularly crucial, as youth are disproportionately impacted by conflict yet remain largely excluded from peace processes and mediation efforts. In Yemen, for instance, over 45% of the population is under 15, and 23% are between 15 and 24. Recognizing the importance of youth engagement, efforts have been made to involve young people in peace processes. Notably, in 2021, the EU supported the establishment of Youth Mediation Support Teams, which played a pivotal role in facilitating coordination among local mediators and addressing key issues such as missing persons and access to services. These teams also contributed to critical negotiations in conflict-affected areas like Taiz, restoring essential services and advancing conflict resolution. Despite these promising initiatives, significant barriers persist, including limited resources, systemic exclusion, and the lack of recognition of youth as key stakeholders. To ensure the meaningful inclusion of youth in Yemen’s peace process and beyond, further efforts are needed. These experiences offer valuable lessons and best practices for advancing youth-inclusive peace strategies at both national and regional levels. To address gaps in youth inclusion in peace processes, global and regional frameworks provide clear guidance. United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250, for example, calls on all relevant actors to enhance the inclusive representation of youth in conflict prevention and resolution, particularly during the negotiation and implementation of peace agreements. It emphasizes that the meaningful participation of young people is essential, as their marginalization undermines sustainable peace. Additionally, the Five-Year Strategic Action Plan for Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes, launched in January 2022, represents a significant milestone in integrating youth voices in peacebuilding and decision-making. This strategy focuses on institutionalization, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the creation of a community of practice to promote meaningful youth participation in peace processes worldwide. At the regional level, the League of Arab States’ Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Strategy reinforces these efforts. Specifically, Objective 3 highlights the importance of raising the capacity and awareness of officials and other key actors to integrate youth voices at various stages of peace processes. By empowering young people to actively engage in peace efforts, these frameworks not only address their needs and aspirations but also promote more inclusive, resilient, and long-lasting peace across the region. However, to effectively implement these global and regional frameworks in the MENA context, more evidence and best practices are needed to showcase successful youth inclusion in peace processes. This consultancy aims to leverage lessons learned from Yemen’s experience to support the implementation of the Five-Year Strategy in the MENA region. The resulting case study will serve as a key advocacy tool, demonstrating the impact of youth engagement and offering actionable recommendations for scaling similar initiatives regionally and globally. B. Objective and Scope of Work The objective is to produce a comprehensive study on youth inclusion in peace processes in the MENA region , including a specific case study on Yemen. It will highlight best practices, identify key barriers and enablers, and provide actionable recommendations to advance the Five-Year Strategy for Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes and promote global youth engagement in peace processes. The study could draw from the model presented in the Policy Paper: We are Here an integrated approach to youth inclusive peace processes , which highlights how young people can engage in the peace process through a multilayered approach: in the room, around the room, and outside the room. By providing evidence-based insights, it will support efforts to enhance youth inclusion in peace processes and contribute to sustainable peace in the region. To achieve this, the following methodology and data collection approaches will be employed: 1. Preparation of Inception Report: o Develop an inception report that outlines the detailed methodology, data collection methods, and a stakeholder engagement plan. o Define key objectives, target stakeholders, and timelines to guide the study. 2. Desk Review: o Analyze existing literature, policies, and frameworks on youth inclusion in peace processes, with a particular focus on Yemen. 3. Stakeholder Consultations: o Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection through interviews, focus groups, and surveys with youth leaders, policymakers, and UN entities. 4. Workshops and Engagements: o Organize validation workshops to engage stakeholders, gather additional insights, and ensure the accuracy and relevance of findings. 5. Advocacy and Dissemination: o Support the development of advocacy materials, including social media content, to effectively highlight the findings and recommendations for regional and global audiences. C. Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will: 1. Prepare an inception report that highlights the methodology and stakeholders engagement plan. 2. Conduct a desk review of existing literature and frameworks on youth inclusion in peace processes, with a focus on Yemen and other countries in MENA region. 3. Engage with key stakeholders, including youth leaders, policymakers, and UN entities, to gather qualitative and quantitative insights. 4. Develop a draft and final case study in English, ready for translation into Arabic for regional dissemination. 5. Create advocacy materials and social media content to highlight findings. 6. Facilitate or participate in the the high-level launch event to present the case study. D: Expected Outputs: 1. Inception report with study methodology, stakeholder engagement plan, and detailed workplan. 2. Desk Review Report: Comprehensive review of existing literature and frameworks on youth inclusion in peace processes in Yemen and other selected countries in the MENA region. 3. Stakeholder Engagement Summary report: Documentation of insights from consultations with youth leaders, policymakers, and UN entities. 4. Draft Case Study: Initial draft highlighting barriers, enablers, and recommendations for youth inclusion in Yemen and other selected countries in the MENA region’s peace processes. 5. Final Case Study: Revised case study, ready translation into Arabic and dissemination. 6. Advocacy Materials and Launch Event: Advocacy content and a summary of the high-level launch event proceedings.Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced University degree (Masters or PhD) in international relations, law, diplomacy, peace and security, Middle Eastern Studies, development, social sciences, or similar areas. A first-level university degree with a combination of two years professional experience and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in youth, peace and security policy analysis, or related areas is required. Expertise in producing high-quality case studies is desirable. Experience in managing projects or initiatives focused on youth-inclusive peace processes is desirable. Familiarity with the socio-political context with the MENA region is desirable. Experience with multi-stakeholder coordination, including working with UN agencies, youth organizations, and governmental entities is desirable. Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops or consultations is desirable. Professional experience working in and/or for the Middle East and Northern Africa region is desirable.LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required. Proficiency in other UN Languages is desirable.Additional InformationNot available.No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Expected salary

Location

New York City, NY

Job date

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:30:20 GMT

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