Durable Solutions Analyst

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System. It serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a continuous spectrum of in-depth local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UN Guiding Principles) is widely recognized as the most authoritative, normative framework guiding efforts to reduce or eliminate the adverse impact of business operations on human rights. Experts have described it as the single most important innovation in promoting sustainable business practices in the last 25 years – a role that is reinforced by its inclusion as one of the Means of Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda).

Ethiopia is addressing the complex humanitarian and development challenges stemming from climate-related hazards, including drought, flooding, and disease outbreaks, alongside the impacts of conflict and insecurity. The convergence of conflicts, environmental hazards, and socio-political instability has resulted in significant internal displacement, exacerbating vulnerabilities and disrupting livelihoods across the country. As a result, ensuring durable solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is critical to achieving sustainable peace, stability, and development.

In response, Ethiopia has made notable strides toward addressing the underlying causes of internal displacement, with a strong emphasis on resilience, reintegration, and recovery. In 2019, Ethiopia launched the Durable Solutions Initiative (DSI) that provides a principled operational framework and platform to design and implement durable solutions in support of IDPs and host communities at locations of return, relocation, or local integration. The launch of the National Solutions Pathway to Internal Displacement strategy in November 2024 represents a significant policy shift, transitioning from a focus on immediate relief to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach towards resilience and socio-economic reintegration. This framework is grounded in principles of equity and human rights, ensuring that displaced populations are seen as active participants in the development process.

As part of the UN's broader response to forced displacement, UNDP has actively engaged in promoting development solutions for IDPs in Ethiopia. The shift towards a development-oriented approach is also embedded in the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda, instrumentalizing the shift in thinking of IDPs from beneficiaries to citizens with displacement-specific needs within accountable governance frameworks. This shift is essential to ensuring that IDPs contribute to and benefit from national development efforts.

In alignment with the UNDP’s Institutional Strategy on Development Solutions to Internal Displacement (2023), UNDP is engaged in addressing the complex development challenges posed by internal displacement in Ethiopia. The focus is on a human development and people-cantered approach, emphasizing the fundamental rights of affected communities, including their right to access vital services, safety, protection, and opportunities to build resilient futures. Through catalytic funding and technical support, UNDP collaborates closely with the government to facilitate the advancement of durable solutions. UNDP’s involvement has been critical in promoting the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus, ensuring that the diverse needs of displaced populations are integrated into long-term development strategies. The ongoing program in northern Ethiopia and the Somali regions is pivotal in supporting regional government-led solutions, empowering affected communities, and advancing policy and advocacy.

This National Volunteer assignment provides a unique opportunity for hands-on experience in the design, implementation, and monitoring of interventions for displaced communities, with a focus on durable solutions.

Under the guidance and close supervision of the Durable Solutions Specialist, the National Volunteer will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of UNDP led durable solutions program for IDPs in Ethiopia. The National Volunteer will be involved in the following key tasks:

• Collaboration & Coordination:
Support ensuring of seamless coordination with regional teams in Afar, Amhara, Tigray, and Somali regions. This will include the timely completion of relevant documentation and ensuring adherence to operational protocols to maintain smooth program flow.

• Programme Support:
Assist in gathering key background information for the elaboration of national solutions roadmap and regional strategies, and support the design, planning, and execution of solutions-driven projects tailored to the needs of IDPs and host communities.

• Communication & Reporting:
Facilitate communication between regional colleagues, implementing partners, and stakeholders. Provide regular updates on the progress of the national durable solutions strategy, including developments such as the endorsement of the national roadmap, IDP proclamation approval, donor engagements, and policy advancements.

• Durable Solutions Working Group (DSWG) coordination:
Support the efficient functioning of the Federal and Regional Durable Solutions Working Group by actively taking part in meetings, tracking action points, and synthesizing key messages to ensure effective decision-making and progress.

• Documentation & Data Management:
Contribute to systematically compiling and maintain comprehensive reports on ongoing durable solutions projects, including IDSF, Finance4Peace, and integrated development initiatives for IDPs and host communities. Proactively identify and leverage synergies with broader UNDP initiatives in Ethiopia to enhance strategic alignment and maximize the impact of the portfolio approach.

• Event Coordination:
Assist in the planning and logistics of key events, including workshops, field missions, and meetings. Responsibilities will encompass venue arrangements, materials preparation, and ensuring smooth event execution, among other things.

• Analytical & Administrative Support:
Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and policy briefs that analyse the status, opportunities, and challenges of ongoing durable solutions initiatives, identifying key areas for strategic engagement and improvement to inform decision-making.