Consultancy: Security/Political and Humanitarian Access Analysis Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) at UNICEF

Scope of Work

Goal and objective:

• Under the supervision of the ESARO RSA, the consultant will plan, develop, and coordinate procedures and modalities relevant to the collection, collation and analysis of security information in support of the UNICEF operations.
• Collect and compile data related to evolving situations and events in the Region and analyse information with the aim of identifying emerging trends and providing early warning of any potential situation that may affect the safety and security of UNICEF staff, premises and assets throughout the Region and that may also impact programme delivery.
• Provide analysis to understand country, and sub-regional, level dynamics, particularly when addressing issues of armed conflict, terrorism, inter-tribal conflict and population movements. Ensure the analysis addresses environmental, socio-economic and political factors that make geographical areas difficult to access and have an impact on the delivery of UNICEF programmes, particularly in areas where Security and/or Humanitarian Access has been compromised.
• Provide reporting on Security Planning and Emergency/Crisis Preparedness tailored to countries and regional specific situation and security requirements, necessary to inform strategic decision-making by the Regional Security Advisor (RSA), offering clear assessments, risk forecasts, and recommended actions aligned with evolving security requirements.
• Undertake security risk assessments as directed by the Regional Director and/or the Regional Security Advisor.
• Introduce technological innovations and approaches to security analytical reporting, procedures and systems. Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Provide details/reference to AWP areas covered:
• This consultancy will strongly complement the work and analysis being understand at the Regional Security Section.

Activities and Tasks:

• Provide detailed thematic briefing papers (10-15 pages) on Security, Political and Humanitarian Access dynamics across the ESAR
• Provide regular inputs in ESAR Security Section Analytical Documents; Support the RSA in providing strategic guidance and insights during briefings and regular meetings
• Work relationships: The consultant will undertake the research based on his/her own knowledge and networks across the ESAR countries.

Desired competencies, technical background and experience

• Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Security Risk Management, International Relations, Conflict Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Diplomatic Studies, Conflict and Security, Counter Terrorism or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional work experience, proven crisis management and strong background in political and security analysis ideally in a regional context.
• Experience working in the ESAR region, and established/varied network of contacts throughout the region is highly desirable
• Analysis/information experience from a related background context (e.g. academic, military, police, government, news media, etc.) would be considered an asset.
• Experience working with a UN Agency in a regional position is desirable