Location : Islamabad, PAKISTAN
Application Deadline : 28-Oct-13
Additional Category Crisis Prevention and Recovery
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 11-Nov-2013
Duration of Initial Contract : 30 working days spread over 2 months
Expected Duration of Assignment : 30 working days spread over 2 months
Background
The crisis between the militants and armed forces in Swat, Buner, Dir, and Shangla districts of Malakand Division in 2009 had forced over 2.3 million people to leave their homes. Due to a prolonged gap in economic activity, the majority of crisis-affected families lacked basic income-generating options, and the displacements had depleted their minimal savings. The magnitude of destruction was massive. Swat district suffered the most infrastructural damage, with some estimates comparing the levels to those witnessed after the 2005 earthquake. This crisis followed by the 2010 floods, caused enormous damage to the economy of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KPK). The damage to community infrastructure and collapse of the relevant institutions deprived communities' access to basic services and facilities. In the aftermath of the IDPs crises in 2009, UNDP in cooperation with the Provincial Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Authority (PaRRSA) has implemented a three year Programme 'Sustainable Development through Peace Building, Governance and Economic Recovery in KPK'. The programme was mandated to support sustainable return of IDPs through targeted early recovery activities and contribute towards addressing the structural causes of conflict through governance and peace building interventions.
The programme has achieved significant milestones bringing visible change in the socio-economic fabric of the people of target area. Capacity of Provincial Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Settlement Authority (PaRRSA) has been enhanced for reconstruction related projects in Malakand Division. The crisis affected communities have started their livelihoods through vocational skills trainings, cash grants, assets replacement and enterprise development. Public service delivery was supported by the programme through the rehabilitation of damaged government buildings in the region. Resultantly, peace and hope in the regions has been restored with people's confidence in the government service delivery institutions and they have started their normal life activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Purpose of the study:
To undertake research study for designing community based approaches to address radicalization of ex-combatants.
Scope and Methodology of research study: De-radicalization has long been identified as a priority for Pakistan and the wider region, as it seeks to counter the ideological force of 'Talibanization' which has been exacerbated by the political, economic and cultural repercussions of the US-led 'war on terror'. In fact, the fourth strategic priority area of the pioneering Post-Crisis Needs Assessment (PCNA, 2010) focused on counter-radicalization and reconciliation, recognizing that the simple provision of 'development' would not fully address extremism. However, attempts at de-radicalizing key segments of the population in KP and FATA have not had sustained success, despite notable exceptions, due at least in part to the fact that no systematic analysis of the issues and methodologies required have been undertaken on a large enough scale. The variables are complex, as are the potential target groups, and a comprehensive account of this ideological, cultural, political, social and economic terrain needs to be made if a set of key strategies and approaches are to be devised. Excellent initiatives in the past have foundered partly because they were not well-integrated nor linked to each other systemically, so their relative isolation allowed for violent disruption and worse. Lessons can be learned from similar yet different contexts such as Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia among others, but it is necessary to adapt them to the specific context of Pakistan. A general shared conclusion, which should form the basis of this research work, is, however, that isolated approaches are far less effective or sustainable than those that creatively and respectfully engage the wider community. Proposals are invited to fulfill this gap, and should include the following components:- A comprehensive analysis of the need and scope for de-radicalization of former combatants, related groups and their families, which would involve both quantitative and qualitative research;
- An assessment of similar initiatives undertaken locally and internationally by the government, armed forces or development partners; in terms of the insights they can provide for Pakistan on de-radicalisation and reintegration;
- Review the drivers or factors of de-radicalisation and the role various civil society and other actors can play to advocate clear messages;
- Share some case studies that would be relevant to the local context and state how the programme can help reintegration of ex-combatants;
- Review the information provided by the national consultant and carry out an analysis of the trends of increase in militancy and ex-combatants and see what kind of de-radicalization strategies would be suitable for the country;
- A detailed set of approaches and methodologies recommended for implementation in KP and/or FATA, based on the findings of 1 and 2 above. This would include proposed possible interventions with measurable outputs for the recovery and reintegration of the ex-combatants.
Responsibilities:
- Finalize the methodology for the research study;
- Finalize the data collection tools and guidelines ( clearly defining terms and base the data on a statistical analysis);
- Arrange debriefing and share the initial findings;
- Produce final report and present the findings and recommendations to the wider group.
Deliverable:
- Present the Draft report to key stakeholders for comments;
- Revised final report based on feedback to the draft;
- Revise the project document to ensure that the strategy is incorporated and implementation strategy is clearly. articulated.
Timeline:
- The complete research study should not take longer than 30 days.
Competencies
- Excellent report writing skills;
- Excellent social research and data analysis skills;
- Knowledge of the development and social issues in Pakistan and the responses of various development partners;
- Proven record of undertaking research/impact studies of similar nature projects/programs of UN agencies and International Donor organizations;
- Knowledge of local context, geography and Pashto language would be additional assets.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Post-graduate degree in peace and Conflict Studies , Political Science , International Relations, Social Studies, and/or in other related field.
Experience:
- At least 5 years of solid and diversified experience of issues pertaining to conflict and post conflict in Pakistan, Afghanistan, South Asia and preferably extensive experience in Pakistan's crisis regions, and social issues, social cohesion, rehabilitation and rebuilding, etc. in the thematic areas of crisis and peace building;
- A credible profile of conducting research studies and producing knowledge products at international level;
- Experience in the use of participatory methodologies.
Language Requirements:
- Proficiency in English.
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.
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