United States of America: Consultant, Children and Armed Conflict and SCR 1325 Desk Review and DDR Guidelines
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 09 Aug 2013
Terms of ReferenceAU Expert Meeting Children and Armed Conflict and SCR 1325 Desk Review and DDR Guidelines
Category and Grade Level International Consultant Type of Contract Consultancy
Length of Contract 60 working Days starting August 15 Duty Station Home based and 2 missions to Addis Ababa each of one week duration
Reporting to Director, Defense and Security Division, African Union Commission for Peace and SecurityTechnical Supervision UNICEF
Background
In February 2012, the African Union Commission, through the Peace and Security Department (PSD), initiated the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Capacity Program (DDRCP) in consultation with the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RMs). The purpose of the DDRCP is to strengthen capacities within the AU to work with its Member States and the RECs/ RMs in-order to strengthen national and regional DDR initiatives on the continent by providing technical, logistical and political support.
Within the DDRCP, the AU will develop DDR Operational Guidelines that will be consistent with the Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS) but will also draw from the wide array of DDR experiences in African as well as the policy and project documents already developed by the AU and other sources. The purpose of the Operational Guidelines is to generate consensus on DDR practice and ultimately to provide guidance to DDR practitioners as well as form the basis of future AU policy documents. Given UNICEF’s leading role in the area of child protection and women, as well as DDR, and on the basis of the strengthening relationship between the AU and UNICEF to better protect children and women affected by armed conflict, the agency is requested to provide the necessary technical assistance.
The DDR guidelines will address the specific protection concerns and needs boys, girls and women. The equal participation of women in decision-making will be promoted as vital to successful DDR and critical in strengthening local ownership and effective delivery of security services, as well as improving oversight and accountability. A key challenge that should be addressed in these guidelines with respect to gender and DDR is how best to identify children and women who have been recruited or used by armed forces and armed groups, in order to provide them with adequate assistance.
As part of the on-going partnership with the AUC, in support of the children and armed conflict (CAAC) agenda, UNICEF together with the OSRSG CAAC is supporting the planning and preparation for an upcoming expert meeting of the AUC, to be convened 17-18 September in Addis Ababa. This meeting will facilitate a platform in which experts from Member States have the opportunity to discuss and explore how they can learn from and contribute to initiatives to protect children affected by armed conflict. The rights of the child must not only by safeguarded by the AU member states but also in AU Peace Support Operations (PSOs), and in the African Stand-by forces, as they continue to deploy in support of peacekeeping in situations of armed conflict.
Objectives
Key objectives of the meeting include:
- Highlight key areas of achievement and progress at the national and international levels and update the children affected by armed conflict agenda in view of the current global policy environment;
- Highlight key areas of achievement and progress at the national and international levels and update the women, peace and security agenda in view of the current global policy environment;
- Identify emerging challenges, new threats, priorities, and comprehensive strategies;
- Refresh and reframe multi-stakeholder engagement and action.
In order to support the meeting UNICEF is requested to conduct a desk study on behalf of the organizing committee, and to develop DDR Operational Guidelines:
- Prepare desk study for Experts Meeting on CAAC to take place in Addis Ababa from 17-19 September 2013, including coverage of key areas of achievement and progress related to the children and armed conflict agenda and the women, peace and security agenda, also reviewing progress in the implementation of National Action Plans related to DDR.
- Develop draft DDR Guidelines for children and for women, addressing specific gender concerns, needs and priorities, consistent with the Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS to be presented for validation in November 2013).
Methodology
The Consultant will, inter-alia use all or a combination of the following methods and techniques:
Desk Study for CAAC Expert Meeting• Develop template for progress in the implementation of Action Plans for SCR 1325 (1-2 pages).• Develop template for national strategies and progress in addressing CAAC issues including implementation of Action Plans (1-2 Page).• Provide analytical summary of key issues, good practices and challenges as a summary for the workshop addressing both CAAC (5 pages) and SCR 1325 (5 pages).
Children and Women DDR Guidelines • Review existing guidance developed by both the AU and UN.• Review African Union DDR experiences via selected interviews with key personnel in the Department of Peace and Security. • Review normative framework including AU and UN instruments such as relevant Security Council Resolutions. • Consider existing and emerging nature of AU peace support and enforcement operations and reality of asymmetrical warfare context - and implications for DDR – considering mandates of existing and future missions. • Attend, as observer, the Expert Meeting on CAAC, Addis Ababa, 17-19 September 2013.• Present the AU DDR guidelines for validation exercise in November 2013 to RECs and REMs.
Reporting
• Work in close consultation with the DDR Core Team and report on progress to the Head of the AU Defense and Security Division, in his role as head of the DDR Core Team. This will include clearance of draft guidelines. • Work in close consultation with the focal point from the AUC for CAAC/1325 Workshop including clearance of template documents and clearance of complete desk study. • Contractual and administrative issues will be managed by UNICEF Headquarters in New York, via a nominated focal point at the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO).
Start Date
Start date: 15 August 2013 End date: 15 November 2013
Expected results
Outputs/deliverables DeadlineDesk Review for expert meeting (20 days) 12 SeptDDR Operational Guidelines Women of approx. 10 pages (20 days) 30 October DDR Operational Guidelines Children of approx. 10 pages(20 days) 30 October
Key competencies and skills
• Significant knowledge of DDR concepts, terminology, research and policy literature particularly in the African continent is required. • Awareness of current developments in DDR and demonstration of willingness to learn from others.• Knowledge of the origin, vision, structure and relevance of the African Union and African Union Peace Support Operations.• Self motivated team worker.• Good interpersonal skills.• Strong writing skills in English.• Knowledge of international legal frameworks regarding detention a plus.
Education/Experience
• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, law or any related Social Sciences or security sector related background and education. • Experience in diplomacy, international relations, conflict management, arms management, defense, peace and security or military service especially in the African context will be an advantage.• At least eight (8) years of work experience with five (5) of such years devoted to work related to peace and security, conflict management, arms management, defense or the military in Africa.• Demonstrated competence and practical experience in social and security issues, with emphasis on the African continent, is essential. Previous experience with DDR is a requirement.
General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants / Individual Contractors
- Legal StatusThe individual engaged by UNICEF under this contract as a consultant or individual contractors (the “Contractor”) is engaged in a personal capacity and not as representatives of a Government or of any other entity external to the United Nations. The Contractor is neither a "staff member" under the Staff Regulations of the United Nations and UNICEF policies and procedures nor an "official" for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, 1946. The Contractor may, however, be afforded the status of "Experts on Mission" in the sense of Section 22 of Article VI of the Convention and the Contractor is required by UNICEF to travel in order to fulfill the requirements of this contract, the Contractor may be issued a United Nations Certificate in accordance with Section 26 of Article VII of the Convention.
- ObligationsThe Contractor shall complete the assignment set out in the Terms of Reference for this contract with due diligence, efficiency and economy, in accordance with generally accepted professional techniques and practices.
The Contractor must respect the impartiality and independence of UNICEF and the United Nations and in connection with this contract must neither seek nor accept instructions from anyone other than UNICEF. During the term of this contract the Contractor must refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on UNICEF or the United Nations and must not engage in any activity that is incompatible with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICEF. The Contractor must exercise the utmost discretion in all matters relating to this contract.
In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, the Contractor (a) will conduct him- or herself in a manner consistent with the Standards of Conduct in the International Civil Service; and (b) will comply with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICE relating to fraud and corruption; information disclosure; use of electronic communication assets; harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority; and the requirements set forth in the Secretary General's Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate official in the office concerned, the Contractor must not communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government or other entity external to UNICEF any information that has not been made public and which has become known to the Contractor by reason of his or her association with UNICEF or the United Nations. The Contractor may not use such information without the written authorization of UNICEF, and shall under no circumstances use such information for his or her private advantage or that of others. These obligations do not lapse upon termination of this contact.3. Title rightsUNICEF shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights and trademarks, with regard to material created by the Contractor which bears a direct relation to, or is made in order to perform, this contract. At the request of UNICEF, the Contractor shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to UNICEF in compliance with the requirements of the law governing such rights.4. TravelIf UNICEF determines that the Contractor needs to travel in order to perform this contract, that travel shall be specified in the contract and the Contractor’s travel costs shall be set out in the contract, on the following basis: (a) UNICEF will pay for travel in economy class via the most direct and economical route; provided however that in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons, travel in business class may be approved by UNICEF on a case-by-case basis.
(b) UNICEF will reimburse the Contractor for out-of-pocket expenses associated with such travel by paying an amount equivalent to the daily subsistence allowance that would be paid to staff members undertaking similar travel for official purposes.
Statement of good healthBefore commencing work, the Contractor must deliver to UNICEF a certified self-statement of good health and to take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement. In addition, the Contractor must include in this statement of good health (a) confirmation that he or she has been informed regarding inoculations required for him or her to receive, at his or her own cost and from his or her own medical practitioner or other party, for travel to the country or countries to which travel is authorized; and (b) a statement he or she is covered by medical/health insurance and that, if required to travel beyond commuting distance from his or her usual place or residence to UNICEF (other than to duty station(s) with hardship ratings “H” and “A”, a list of which has been provided to the Contractor) the Contractor’s medical/health insurance covers medical evacuations. The Contractor will be responsible for assuming all costs that may be occurred in relation to the statement of good health.
InsuranceThe Contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the term of this contract as he or she considers appropriate taking into account, among other things, the requirements of paragraph 5 above. The Contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members. The responsibility of UNICEF and the United Nations is limited solely to the payment of compensation under the conditions described in paragraph 7 below.
Service incurred death, injury or illness If the Contractor is travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF's expense in order to perform his or her obligations under this contract, or is performing his or her obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval, the Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate), shall be entitled to compensation from UNICEF in the event of death, injury or illness attributable to the fact that the Contractor was travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF's expense in order to perform his or her obligations under this contractor, or was performing his or her obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval. Such compensation will be paid through a third party insurance provider retained by UNICEF and shall be capped at the amounts set out in the Administrative Instruction on Individual Consultants and Contractors. Under no circumstances will UNICEF be liable for any other or greater payments to the Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate).
Arbitration(a) Any dispute arising out of or, in connection with, this contract shall be resolved through amicable negotiation between the parties.
(b) If the parties are not able to reach agreement after attempting amicable negotiation for a period of thirty (30) days after one party has notified the other of such a dispute, either party may submit the matter to arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL procedures within fifteen (15) days thereafter. If neither party submits the matter for arbitration within the specified time the dispute will be deemed resolved to the full satisfaction of both parties. Such arbitration shall take place in New York before a single arbitrator agreed to by both parties; provided however that should the parties be unable to agree on a single arbitrator within thirty days of the request for arbitration, the arbitrator shall be designated by the United Nations Legal Counsel. The decision rendered in the arbitration shall constitute final adjudication of the dispute.Penalties for UnderperformancePayment of fees to the Contractor under this contractor, including each installment or periodic payment (if any), is subject to the Contractor’s full and complete performance of his or her obligations under this contract with regard to such payment to UNICEF’s satisfaction, and UNICEF’s certification to that effect.
Termination of ContractThis contract may be terminated by either party before its specified termination date by giving notice in writing to the other party. The period of notice shall be five (5) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a total period of less than two (2) months and ten (10) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a longer period; provided however that in the event of termination on the grounds of impropriety or other misconduct by the Contractor (including but not limited to breach by the Contractor of relevant UNICEF policies, procedures, and administrative instructions), UNICEF shall be entitled to terminate the contract without notice. If this contract is terminated in accordance with this paragraph 10, the Contractor shall be paid on a pro rata basis determined by UNICEF for the actual amount of work performed to UNICEF’s satisfaction at the time of termination. UNICEF will also pay any outstanding reimbursement claims related to travel by the Contractor. Any additional costs incurred by UNICEF resulting from the termination of the contract by either party may be withheld from any amount otherwise due to the Contractor under this paragraph 10.
TaxationUNICEF and the United Nations accept no liability for any taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the consultant and individual contractor on payments made under this contract. Neither UNICEF nor the United Nations will issue a statement of earnings to the consultant and individual contractor
How to apply:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, and signed P11 form, which can be downloaded at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html to pdconsultants@unicef.org with subject line “Consultant, Children and Armed Conflict and SCR 1325 Desk Review and DDR Guidelines” by 9 August 2013, 5:00pm EST. Please indicate your ability, availability and daily rate to undertake the terms of reference above.
Applications submitted without a daily (or monthly) rate will not be considered.
Joint applications of two or more individuals are not accepted.
