Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development in the IGAD Region.

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has its origin in the Inter-governmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD) which was established in 1986 to combat the recurring severe droughts and other natural disasters which resulted in famine, ecological degradation and economic hardship for people in the Horn of Africa. IGAD superseded IGADD in 1996 with an extended mandate including a mandate to promote peace and stability in the sub-region and create mechanisms within the sub-region for the prevention, management and resolution of inter- and intra-state conflicts through dialogue. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is composed of eight member-states, namely Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, and the Republic of South Sudan. The organization being a statutory body established by an agreement between Member States and charged with the mandate of working for peace and security and   regional integration in the region wishes to engage a consultant to develop a post-conflict working framework that will guide Post-conflict activities in the IGAD region. The IGAD peace and security programs in general term focus on four strategic pillars that include: Early Warning and Response mechanism; Preventive Diplomacy which basically covers institutionalizing  Mediation i.e. operationalization of a Mediation Support Unit; Facilitation and follow up of peace agreements and processes; Security Sector program, and cross-cutting issues such as Governance and Gender.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective of the assignment: This assignment aims to briefly examine the IGAD peace and security programs, review challenges of post-conflict transitions in some of the countries in the region and come up with a working framework that will guide post-conflict regional initiatives within the span of the IGAD peace and security strategy. Scope of the task: Countries that have gone through intense and prolonged conflict are different from others pursuing development in a peaceful situation. This is because countries in post-conflict transitions generally face challenges of reconciling the need and aspiration of the post-conflict society for development with the limited resources in a post-war economy.  Somalia and South Sudan in the IGAD region can be cited as countries struggling with the burden of reconstruction and national reconciliation in the IGAD region. The situation in the region is far more complicated for at least two reasons. One is the delicacy of peace and stability in Somalia though greatly improved, is not yet in a complete post-war situation, and secondly South Sudan which is not only a post-war society but the newest state that requires strengthened assistance from IGAD. So, in order to meaningfully engage in a post-conflict program, IGAD will need a comprehensive framework that will guide its initiatives that are to be planned and executed in a different setting.     Therefore the consultant shall: Briefly review the peace building efforts in the post-war countries in the region i.e. Somalia and South Sudan; Examine how regional organizations such as IGAD can assist in a meaningful way complimenting government efforts for peace and stability; Look at the possibilities of building up on cross-cutting issues such as gender and governance and how political reform interacts with conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction; Since post-conflict issues are often overlooked by governments and international supporters, it is imperative to have a look at relevant government policies for recovery and reconstruction and highlight the threats and opportunities that exist in achieving those policies and also recommend how best IGAD can compliment  these efforts; Assess whether there are DDR program and how it is being carried out. This is important since the end of war does not necessarily show a return to peace, ensure disarmament and guarantee the safety of civilians or former combatants; Examine how much of the social fabric has been affected due to the war and analyze the significance of reconciliations; Look at the possibilities of security sector reform programs since DDR is a process introduced following a conflict and aimed at primarily at ensuring the transition of combatants to civilian life and since it involves security arrangement; and Look into ways on how the public can engage in post conflict reconstruction and development.

Competencies

Strong analytical and research skills; Good knowledge of IGAD countries and the conflict dynamics; Ability to work and deliver with tight schedule; Ability and readiness to travel to post-conflict courtiers.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s degree in any social sciences. Experience: Minimum of 5 years experience in the area of research. Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

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