Programme Associate (Youth, Peace Security and Gender)
Onsite
Senegal
12 months

General
Description of assignment title
Programme Associate (Youth, Peace Security and Gender)
Assignment country Senegal
Expected start date 01/02/2023
Sustainable Development Goal 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category International UN Youth Volunteer

DoA reserved for persons with disabilities
No

Host entity
UNOWAS Senegal
Type Onsite
Duration 12 months
Number of assignments1

Details
Mission and objectives
The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) is a political mission managed by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).
UNOWAS has the responsibility for preventive diplomacy, good offices and political mediation and facilitation efforts in West Africa and the Sahel. UNOWAS also works to consolidate peace and democratic governance in countries emerging from conflict or political crises.
UNOWAS works closely with the African Union, ECOWAS, the Mano River Union, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, the G5 Sahel, as well as other regional partners to support regional solutions to cross-cutting threats to peace and security, such as terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organized crime, piracy and maritime insecurity.
UNOWAS assists regional institutions and member states to enhance their capacities to promote good governance and respect for the rule of law, human rights and the mainstreaming of gender in conflict prevention.
UNOWAS leads the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel, endorsed by the Security Council in June 2013. The strategy includes a range of programs and initiatives in the areas of Governance, Security and Resilience.

Context
On 9 December 2015, the United Nations Security Council, through Resolution 2250 (2015), invited the entities of the United Nations System to better coordinate their actions in addressing the needs of young people in times of conflict and post-conflict. In response to this invitation and in line with its roles of coordination, of being in charge of the United Nations report on peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel, and of supporting regional organizations including ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel, UNOWAS has undertaken concrete actions to promote the efficient and effective implementation of the said Resolution in West Africa and the Sahel; as well as Resolutions 2419 (2018) and 2535 (2020) to accelerate the first one for the benefit of youth.
In addition, UNOWAS and ECOWAS built partnership for organizing a regional youth conference for peace and security, with the first one held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in 2018, the second one in Abuja, in December 2021, and the third one in Bissau, in December 2022. Participants to the two-event adopted Ouagadougou Declaration and Abuja Call to Action that recommended key interventions for enhancing young women and men contribution to establishing a climate of peace and serenity and building economically and socially strong communities.
For supporting UNOWAS gender mainstreaming strategy implementation, the UNV will be in constant contact of stakeholders in the 17 countries where the Working group on women, youth, peace and security has a country representative.

Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Gender, Women and Youth Unit, the incumbent performs the following duties:
a. Develop and manage appropriate socio medias facilitating interactions within young women and men organizations and networks around West Africa and the Sahel re-gion;
b. Produce quarterly newsletters on West Africa and Sahel youth activities;
c. Produce the WGWYPS-WAS newsletters on West Africa and Sahel stakeholders work on YPS and WPS issues.
d. Assume all relevant duties contributing to visibility of UNOWAS work on YPS and WPS agendas.
e. Contribute to the organization of special events.
f. Support the secretariat of the Working group on women, youth, peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel.
g. Assist in research action and proposal development in all of the 17 countries.
h. Performs other duties as assigned.

Eligibility criteria
Age
18 - 26

Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by the Government of the Republic of Ireland and therefore specific criteria apply:
- The age criteria is broadened to include candidates who will be between 18 and 29 years of age throughout the assignment.
- Only the following are eligible to apply: Irish citizens or a European Economic Area nationals with an unrestricted right to reside in Ireland or have a declaration of refugee status from the Minister for Justice and Law Reform.

Selected candidates will be invited for an Assignment Preparation Training (online) in February 2023.
The start of the assignment is scheduled for February/March 2023.

Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Donor priorities
-

Requirements
Required experience
0 years of experience in the development field
• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in project and program development technics;
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
• Preferably experience in multi-country work;
• Strong ability to translate data into effective, strategic, well-written reports
• Experience working in the West African sub-region would be an asset;
• Good knowledge of youth associations and movements in West Africa and the Sahel would be an asset;
• Willing to actively work and collaborate with the UN system (alignment and comple-mentary of programme of work; joint advocacy and programming ; etc.. )

Area(s) of expertise
Development programmes, Administration, Communication

Driving license
-

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
French, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Portuguese, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Sciences or development studies

Competencies and values
• Client Orientation
• Commitment and Motivation
• Communication
• Creativity
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory, and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

According to ANSD/RGPHAE 2020 official estimates, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million people. The total population of Senegal is 16 705 608 inhabitants (ANSD 2020). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall.

The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st March 2021, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 535,913XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town.
A valid passport is required to enter Senegal and a negative COVID-19 test. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required an entry visa or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel.

Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy