Secretary, Women, Youth, Peace & Security WG – West Africa & Sahel

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.
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In 2009, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) facilitated the establishment of the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel (WGWYPS-WAS), for which it continues to serve as coordinator. The Working Group provides a platform for dialogue, reflection, experience-sharing, and the exchange of good practices among United Nations entities, academic institutions, training centres, and civil society organizations engaged in the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 (2000) and subsequent Women, Peace and Security resolutions in West Africa and the Sahel.
The Working Group’s efforts led to the organization of a Regional Forum in 2010 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of UNSCR 1325 (2000). Following the Forum, stakeholders across West Africa adopted a five-year regional action plan for the implementation of UNSCRs 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008).
In 2015, five years after the implementation of the regional action plan, UNOWAS and its partners undertook a final evaluation of the plan, in line with the spirit of UNSCR 2122 (2013). The evaluation was followed by the development of a new regional action plan for submission to ministers responsible for women’s and gender issues across the subregion. This process culminated in the organization of a commemorative forum marking the fifteenth anniversary of UNSCR 1325 (2000).
UNOWAS continues to host and support the Secretariat of the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel (WGWYPS-WAS), including through the implementation of its annual workplans and the coordination of its activities.
To this end, UNOWAS seeks the services of a consultant to serve as Secretary of the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel (WGWYPS-WAS) and to support the coordination, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of its activities and annual workplans.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Gender and Youth Unit, Ms. Agathe Kemealo Telou, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

•Support the implementation of the Working Group’s annual activities at both regional and country levels;

•Organize and facilitate meetings of the Working Group’s member organizations;

•Produce and disseminate the Group’s semi-annual newsletter;

•Manage and regularly update the Working Group’s website, social media platforms (including Facebook), and other online forums and knowledge-sharing platforms to which the Group subscribes;

•Maintain regular communication and coordination with country-level focal points and representatives of the Working Group;

•Conduct an annual research study on a theme selected by the members of the Working Group;

•Draft and disseminate meeting reports, analytical papers, and other relevant documentation;

•Prepare and circulate information notes and briefing materials for thematic discussions and exchanges;

•Maintain, update, and expand the Working Group’s database and contact directories;

•Support monitoring, reporting, and follow-up on the implementation of the Working Group’s annual workplan.

Competencies:

•Professionalism

•Demonstrated knowledge of political issues, women's rights, and gender equality in West Africa and the Sahel;

•Proven expertise in gender mainstreaming and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda;

•Strong understanding of peace and security issues in West Africa and the Sahel;

•Sound knowledge of regional mechanisms and frameworks related to democracy, good governance, gender equality, and women’s rights;

•Excellent research, analytical, drafting, and reporting skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise written outputs;

•Experience in coordinating civil society activities, networks, and multi-stakeholder initiatives;

•Strong understanding of the socio-political and economic dynamics of West Africa and the Sahel;

•Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, efficiency, and commitment to achieving results within established deadlines;

•Ability to promote gender equality and ensure the integration of gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all activities.

Planning and Organizing:

•Proven ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate, and monitor workplans and activities;

•Ability to facilitate and coordinate a large regional network of stakeholders;

•Capacity to respond effectively to requests from different sections and stakeholders while working under tight deadlines and managing competing priorities.

Technological Awareness:

•Proficiency in standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.);

•Familiarity with online communication and collaboration platforms, website management, and social media tools;

•Ability to leverage technology to improve work processes and outputs;

•Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.



During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.