Background
Following the serious security and political crisis that hit Mali from January 2012 to January 2013, Mali embarked on a process of restoring peace and security, promoting social cohesion and national reconciliation the culmination of which is the signing of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement signed in May 2015 and confirmed in June of the same year marking the end of the negotiations resulting from the Algiers process.
The peace process has seen a major breakthrough with the establishment of interim authorities in the regions of Timbuktu, Gao, Kidal, Ménaka and Taoudéni, the holding of communal elections over much of the territory in October 2016, the revival of the decentralization policy with the increased transfer of competences to the local authorities and the corresponding larger resources as well as the creation of the Regional Development Agencies (ADR) for the reinforcement of the role of the territorial collectivities in the control of work and the improvement of the basic infrastructure and social services.
Nevertheless the political and security situation remains volatile. New sources of tension have emerged with the proliferation of intra and inter-communal conflicts as well as the increase of terrorist attacks in the Center of the Country and the Inner Niger Delta that threaten the peace and stability of the country.
The restoration work of the State Authority in the North and some localities of the Center remains important, complex and sensitive. The state, the local authorities, the populations still need assistance to bring back not only peace, stability and restore basic services, but also and above all, restore the authority of the State, the trust between ‘State and citizens through improving the provision of public services.
In this context, UNDP Mali has remained committed alongside the Government, local authorities, civil society and populations in the effort to consolidate peace and security, promote social cohesion and reconciliation strengthening the resilience of vulnerable groups affected by the crisis, especially women and young people, and giving people peace dividends, particularly through the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation.
The UNDP Program of Cooperation with Mali (CPD 2015-2019), aligned with the priorities of the Government, provides strategic responses particularly in the areas of democratic governance, environment and adaptation to climate change and sustainable development inclusive in line with the strategic plan of UNDP. This program is in line with the United Nations System Cooperation Framework and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (UNDAF +) in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
UNDP Mali intends to provide specific and innovative responses to support the Government of Mali in this critical and extremely fragile period, accompanying the peace consolidation process, the return of the Administration, particularly in the northern regions, rebuilding the hard-pressed social contract with a view to securing a lasting recovery.
The UNDP strategy in the area of governance is implemented through projects and programs structuring including: Support for the Restoration of the Authority of Eta and Access to Justice, Strengthening social cohesion and Promotion of National Dialogue; Border Management for Stability and Social Cohesion, Interim Authority Support; Promotion of community safety and social cohesion in the Liptako-Gourma region (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso); Capacity building for local, inclusive and sustainable governance in the region of Segou and Sikasso, Support to the Parliament, Strengthening Women’s Resilience Capacities in the Menaka Region, TOKTEN and Electoral Cycle Support etc …
The implementation of this important programmatic portfolio and the need to provide the Government and technical and financial partners particularly in the context of the coordination of thematic groups, strategic advice and quality assurance of the program require that the UNDP Office Mali strengthens its capabilities in the field. In this context, the UNDP Office is recruiting a Democratic Governance Adviser.
The Advisor will also be the focal point for the follow-up on behalf of UNDP Mali for the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel.
Required Skills and Experience
Education :
Experience :
Language: