Terms of Reference
Post Title:
Senior DDR Advisor
Duration:
6 months (with possibility of extension)
Duty Station:
Baghdad, Iraq
Background
Since the demise of the previous regime in 2003, Iraq has been subjected to a significant and debilitating
level of internal conflict throughout the country. Such violence has predominantly
manifested itself in three distinct areas: firstly, as an insurgent movement against international military [and to a lesser
degree civil] elements which have been, and continue to be, considered as occupying forces; secondly, in the form of civil
conflict, based along religious, sectarian lines; finally in the shape of a fundamentalist conflict waged by extreme Islamic
terrorist elements.
The most significant result of this ongoing belligerent environment is that the Government of Iraq
does not exercise a monopoly of force throughout the state. Illegal armed groups
(IAGs) exist throughout the country, more prevalent in some areas than others. These
IAGs exist for a multitude of reasons, and with varying objectives, but all are similar in one key area: they are not recognized
in terms of legitimate armed forces of the state. As such they continue to pose
a significant threat to Iraqi society and, in particular, the eventual political and socio-economic development of this post-conflict
environment.
The current situation in Iraq does not lend itself to the implementation of a formal ‘DDR’
programme. After consultation with the Government of Iraq, the United Nations
Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and other key stakeholders, it has been agreed to adopt the term R2D2
(Reconciliation, Reintegration, Disbandment and Disarmament) as the most appropriate implementation mechanism to deal with
IAGs. This process will be fully owned by the Iraqi Government. At the request of the GOI, and under the auspices of SCR 1770, UNAMI will assist the government by establishing
a R2D2 advisory capacity, established within the Prime Minister’s Office .
Duties and Responsibilities
General:
The Senior DDR Advisor will be located in the UNAMI offices in Baghdad, and will operate frequently
from within the structure of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office. As a key
member of the UN management group, the incumbent will report directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary General
(SRSG) on all aspects to do with R2D2 / ‘DDR’, as well as wider security sector reform issues.
Specific:
Advise and make recommendations as appropriate to the SRSG
regarding nationally owned progress on R2D2 / ‘DDR’ initiatives;
Advise and deliver capacity building value to
the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office (PMO);
Provide technical advice and recommendations on
GOI strategy and policy within SSR and specifically for R2D2 / ‘DDR’;
Report to, and fully support, the GOI ‘DDR’
Commission in all aspects of R2D2 / ‘DDR’ and SSR;
Assist the PMO with development of a national implementation
programme for R2D2 / ‘DDR’;
Advise on appropriate conceptual and operational approaches
to support Iraq’s efforts to manage reconciliation and reintegration of illegal armed groups;
Ensure comprehensive and engagement with UNAMI, UN and other
agencies, GOI, MNF-I and International Community on all aspects related to R2D2 / ‘DDR’,
to ensure effective passage of information and coordination at all times;
Ensure R2D2 / ‘DDR’ policy
coherence between elements of central government, provincial government, the UN, international military and civil entities;
In conjunction with GOI and UNAMI, prepare a comprehensive
project proposal to outline potential direct UN support to GOI in terms of capacity building in preparation for a national
R2D2 / ‘DDR’ programme;
Be prepared to undertake resource mobilization activities
with donors, in conjunction with UNAMI.
Competencies:
Effective communications skills and ability to establish
good working relationships with national and international interlocutors;
High moral integrity, sound political judgment as well as
diplomacy, impartiality and discretion and proved capacities of initiative, leadership and autonomy;
Ability to work under pressure and with discretion in a politically
sensitive, culturally diverse environment, with minimum level of comfort;
Excellent knowledge of post-conflict and recovery issues
is highly desirable;
Excellent knowledge of the UN system, and UNOPS rules and
regulations as a strong asset.
Education /
Experience / Language:
Advanced university degree in any of the following: Law,
Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Management
or any other related field; Sufficient military experience in senior positions can be considered in lieu of a formal degree;
At least 15 years of relevant experience, including working
directly in post-conflict environments;
Demonstrated practical experience in disarmament, demobilization
and reintegration at the senior management level is essential;
Excellent computer literacy.