Result of Service

Deliverable 1: Inception report (maximum 3 pages) The inception report will include methodology for relevant data collection, a detailed work plan. Deliverable 2: 1st Mapping report The report will summarize the mapping of existing policies, strategies, and key stakeholders in the field of climate security and violent extremism, including identified needs and priorities in West Africa and the Sahel. Deliverable 3: Methodology roadmap report Report highlighting the main steps and approaches for developing or refining a risk assessment methodology based on extensive research, analysis of existing tools, and collaboration with experts and/or institutions. Deliverable 4: Design workshop plan report A comprehensive plan for conducting the Design Workshop, including logistics, agenda, and participant list.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

March 2024 – May 2024

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Background of the assignment: The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is a United Nations entity established in 1968 to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice. UNICRI is mandated to assist intergovernmental, governmental, and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. UNICRI’s goals are: to advance understanding of crime-related problems; to foster just and efficient criminal justice systems; to support the respect of international instruments and other standards; to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance. UNICRI and the United Nations Office for West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS) are leading a project to develop and enhance strategies and policies at both national and regional levels to effectively address climate-related security and violent extremism risks. The main objectives include heightened understanding and awareness on the climate security and violent extremism risks among stakeholders, utilizing a validated methodology, and fostering greater ownership and collaboration across actors and levels, from local to regional, in West Africa and the Sahel. 2. Purpose of the assignment: The project aims to develop a context-specific climate security and violent extremism risk assessment methodology focused on West Africa and the Sahel to further support the development and improvement of strategies and policies at both national and regional levels. In this context, the consultancy is tasked with conducting an extensive mapping of stakeholders and existing initiatives, climate profiles, strategies and plans (including National adaptations Plans and Nationally Determined Contributions), existing methodologies on climate security and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel; the consultant will also look at existing Institutional arrangements and governance mechanisms with respects to climate security and violent extremism particularly in Senegal and Mauritania. The main objective will be to identify the capacity needs, gaps, and priorities at national and regional level. This will then inform the development of the climate security and PVE risk assessment methodology. The risk assessment methodology should be conceptualized as a step-by-step guide, including details on the approach, and providing comprehensive recommendations and guidance for successful implementation. This strategic document should be based on comprehensive research and knowledge of existing risk assessment methodologies in the area of climate security and the established practices/steps to their development (e.g. data collection, scenario modelling, stakeholder engagement, etc.). Collaboration with experts and/or institutions that have prior experience in developing climate security risk assessment methodologies is encouraged. Within this framework, the consultant is also tasked with preparing a comprehensive plan to support a design workshop on a context-specific methodology by incorporating local perspectives. During the workshop, participants will be presented with the findings of the mapping developed by the consultant and consulted on the risk assessment methodology’s structure, objectives, and modalities. The workshop’s aim will be for participants to agree on the design of a methodology based on existing challenges, incorporating local knowledge as well as a youth and gender perspectives. Among other things, the plan should delineate key stakeholders to be involved and discussion topics to ensure a productive and engaging event. The resulting plan should not only serve as a practical guide but also contribute to the overall success and efficacy of the Design Workshop in the subsequent conception of the context-specific climate security and violent extremism risk assessment methodology. 3. Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant: Under the overall supervision of the Associate Expert, and in coordination with relevant UNICRI Research Experts and with support from UNOWAS, the incumbent will perform the following tasks: PHASE 1: Prepare a brief inception report Prepare inception report (maximum 3 pages) outlining: The key steps with specific deliverables and timeline; The existing relevant literature and projects related to climate security and violent extremism to be explored; The strategy for contextual analysis; The development of the research strategy for relevant data collection; Meeting with the supervisor to discuss scope, deliverables, strategy, and timeline. PHASE 2: Research and analysis Conduct a comprehensive mapping of existing policies, strategies, methodological tools, and key stakeholders in West Africa and the Sahel, utilizing both desk research and surveys to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The survey, incorporating sex, age, and context disaggregation, should provide equitable consideration of the varying perceptions of women and men on the relevant issues. The mapping should identify needs, gaps, and national and regional context/gender-sensitive priorities to best inform and guide the focus of the climate security and PVE risk assessment methodology. Develop a clear roadmap for designing or updating a risk assessment methodology, incorporating local and international stakeholder inputs aimed to be collected during the design workshop in late June. PHASE 3: Prepare, present, and finalize the draft report Based on the analysis, prepare two separate comprehensive and evidence-based reports highlighting the main findings of the research (mapping) and outlining/recommending steps for the design of the climate security and violent extremism risk assessment methodology (roadmap). Present relevant sections of the reports to the supervisor, address any comments they may have in the document, and prepare a final improved document based on feedback. PHASE 5: Design Workshop Plan Draft a detailed plan for organizing and preparing a Design Workshop, specifying objectives, expected outcomes, and participant engagement strategies to ensure the methodology reflects diverse perspectives. This document should be informed by the results obtained in the research analysis and mapping phase (relevant stakeholders, gaps, needs, etc.) as well as the recommendations made in the roadmap for the development of the risk assessment methodology.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, gender studies, climate, international relations/security, or related fields is required. A PhD in the same fields is desirable. At least 5 years of relevant experience in climate security, violent extremism, or related areas, with a strong background in research, stakeholder mapping, and workshop planning is required. Solid research background, including the design of research methodologies and stakeholder mapping is required. Familiarity with West Africa and the Sahel region’s context is required. Experience designing risk assessments in climate security or peace-building is desirable. Previous experience with the United Nations or similar international organizations is also desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is strongly desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.