Governance, Peace & Security Specialist – UNDP Sierra Leone: A Comprehensive Role Overview

March 13, 2025

12 minutes read

The Governance, Peace & Security Specialist role with UNDP in Freetown, Sierra Leone is a senior-level position focused on strengthening governance, promoting peace and social cohesion, and enhancing security sector engagement. The job is part of UNDP’s Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Prosperity (IGPP) Portfolio under its 2025-2030 Country Programme Document (CPD). The main goal is to support national efforts in building peaceful, just, and inclusive institutions.

Research & Analysis:
- Stay updated on national and regional governance, peace, and security issues.
- Provide strategic advice to UNDP leadership.
- Prepare reports, policy briefs, and recommendations.
Programme Development & Implementation:
- Lead the design and implementation of governance, conflict prevention, and security sector reform initiatives.
- Work with national and international partners to strengthen peacebuilding efforts.
- Support legal and policy reforms related to governance, human rights, and elections.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Work with government institutions, civil society, UN agencies, and international organizations.
- Develop strategic partnerships to advance governance and peace objectives.
- Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support.
Resource Mobilization & Fundraising:
- Develop proposals and concept notes for funding.
- Engage with donors and secure financial support for governance and peace initiatives.
Knowledge Management & Advocacy:
- Document lessons learned from UNDP projects.
- Share best practices with regional and global governance, peace, and security networks.
- Represent UNDP in conferences and high-level meetings.
Leadership & Team Management:
- Oversee and mentor staff working in governance and peace-related areas.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time and meet UNDP standards.

Skills & Experience Required:@vacancyspaces.com

Education:
- A Master’s degree (with at least 5 years of experience) OR
- A Bachelor’s degree (with at least 7 years of experience)
- Preferred fields: Social Sciences, Peace & Conflict Studies, Political Science, International Development, Gender Studies, or related areas.
Experience:
- Expertise in governance, peacebuilding, security sector reform, and conflict resolution.
- Strong background in policy advocacy, strategic planning, and program implementation.
- Experience working in post-conflict settings is a plus.
- Prior work with UN agencies, international organizations, or government institutions is preferred.
- Experience in gender inclusion and peace and security frameworks (e.g., Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS)) is an advantage.
Key Competencies:
- Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to anticipate risks and opportunities.
- Project & People Management: Experience leading teams and delivering projects.
- Communication & Negotiation: Ability to engage with stakeholders and policymakers effectively.
- Fundraising & Resource Mobilization: Experience securing funding for governance and peace initiatives.
- Gender & Inclusion Awareness: Ensuring policies and programs are inclusive.

Why is this Role Important?

Sierra Leone has made significant progress in peace and governance following its civil war (1991-2002), but challenges remain, such as:

Strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Enhancing security sector reform to prevent conflicts.
Ensuring inclusive political participation (women, youth, marginalized groups).
Combating misinformation and disinformation in elections.
Promoting social cohesion and reconciliation in communities.
Addressing climate security concerns in vulnerable areas.

The UNDP Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting these efforts, working closely with national and regional actors to build a more peaceful and stable society.

Should You Apply?

If you have experience in governance, peacebuilding, security, and policy reform, and you are passionate about creating lasting peace in post-conflict and developing countries, this could be an excellent opportunity. It is a high-impact position that allows you to shape governance and security policies while working in a dynamic international environment.

Would you like help with tailoring your resume or drafting a cover letter for this role

Governance, Peace & Security Specialist – UNDP Sierra Leone: A Comprehensive Overview

The Governance, Peace & Security Specialist role with UNDP in Freetown, Sierra Leone is a high-impact position aimed at strengthening governance systems, enhancing social cohesion, promoting peacebuilding initiatives, and improving security sector engagement in a post-conflict and development-focused environment. The role aligns with the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 2025-2030 Country Programme Document (CPD), which supports Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan and the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

This job requires a seasoned governance and peacebuilding expert who can analyze emerging risks, design effective policies, lead program implementation, and engage key stakeholders at the national and international levels. The Governance, Peace & Security Specialist will work within UNDP’s Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Prosperity (IGPP) Portfolio, focusing on democratic governance, institutional strengthening, peacebuilding, and security sector reform.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Policy Analysis, Research, and Strategic Advisory

Conduct in-depth analysis of governance, peace, and security trends in Sierra Leone, considering historical conflicts, political transitions, and socio-economic factors.
Provide expert advisory services to UNDP senior management on governance, democracy, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and security reforms.
Develop policy briefs, analytical reports, and strategic recommendations for decision-makers.
Identify key political, economic, and security risks that could affect governance and peace efforts.
Collaborate with government institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international agencies to enhance democratic governance and the rule of law.

2. Programme Development and Implementation

Lead program design and implementation in governance, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and security sector reform.
Support the constitutional review process, ensuring that it is inclusive and representative of all social groups.
Promote social accountability and transparency in government institutions.
Strengthen the capacity of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), civil society, and media organizations to conduct credible and peaceful elections.
Work with justice sector actors to improve legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks for human rights protection.
Facilitate gender-sensitive governance by empowering women and youth in decision-making processes.
Address misinformation and disinformation through strategic media engagement and public awareness campaigns.

3. Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Conflict Prevention

Engage in security sector governance (SSG) to enhance oversight and accountability within security institutions.
Provide technical support for police and military reforms, ensuring a rights-based approach to law enforcement.
Promote community security programs that strengthen trust between security forces and local communities.
Assist in developing early warning systems to identify potential conflict flashpoints and coordinate response mechanisms.
Strengthen cross-border security cooperation in the West African region to combat transnational threats such as organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism.

Implement projects aimed at promoting dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation among different social groups.
Support efforts to address the root causes of conflict, including land disputes, ethnic tensions, and political divisions.
Facilitate post-conflict recovery programs that integrate former combatants and conflict-affected communities into economic and social development initiatives.
Collaborate with traditional and religious leaders to foster a culture of peace and tolerance.
Support the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth commissions and reparations programs, to promote accountability and national healing.

5. Democratic Governance and Institutional Strengthening

Strengthen democratic institutions such as parliaments, local governments, and anti-corruption agencies to enhance accountability and good governance.
Provide capacity-building support to public institutions in policy formulation, service delivery, and citizen engagement.
Assist in developing legal frameworks that align with international human rights standards.
Ensure that marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, are included in governance processes.

6. Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization

Establish and maintain strong partnerships with donors, international organizations, government agencies, and civil society to support governance and peacebuilding initiatives.
Develop and submit funding proposals to secure financial resources for UNDP programs.
Represent UNDP in high-level policy dialogues, regional conferences, and peacebuilding forums.
Engage with the private sector, academic institutions, and think tanks to advance research and innovation in governance and peace efforts.

7. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned from governance, peace, and security programs.
Develop training modules and provide capacity-building support for government officials, civil society leaders, and community peacebuilders.
Ensure that UNDP’s governance and peacebuilding programs are data-driven, evidence-based, and aligned with global best practices.
Foster south-south cooperation by facilitating knowledge exchange between Sierra Leone and other countries with similar governance challenges.

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications:

Master’s degree (with at least 5 years of experience) in Social Sciences, Political Science, Peace & Conflict Studies, International Relations, Law, or related fields.
Bachelor’s degree (with at least 7 years of experience) in the above fields will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Professional Experience:

Minimum 5-7 years of work experience in governance, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, security sector reform, or human rights advocacy.
Experience working in post-conflict environments or developing countries is highly desirable.
Prior engagement with UN agencies, regional organizations, or government institutions is an advantage.
Strong knowledge of gender-responsive governance, including Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) frameworks.
Expertise in conflict-sensitive programming and risk mitigation strategies.
Proven experience in policy advocacy, strategic planning, and program management.
Experience in resource mobilization and donor engagement is a plus.

Competencies and Skills:

Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to anticipate risks, think critically, and develop innovative solutions to complex governance and security challenges.
Communication & Negotiation Skills: Excellent ability to engage with high-level policymakers, government officials, and civil society stakeholders.
Project Management: Strong ability to plan, coordinate, and implement governance and peacebuilding initiatives within set timelines and budgets.
Analytical & Research Skills: Ability to assess conflict dynamics, security trends, and policy frameworks for informed decision-making.
Team Leadership & People Management: Experience in mentoring staff, managing teams, and fostering collaboration across different sectors.

Why This Role is Important for Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has made significant progress in consolidating peace since the end of its civil war (1991-2002), but challenges remain, such as:

Strengthening democratic governance and accountability mechanisms.
Enhancing security sector reform to prevent violence and human rights violations.
Ensuring peaceful electoral processes and political stability.
Countering misinformation and hate speech, especially during elections.
Promoting social cohesion and inter-community dialogue.
Addressing climate security risks and their impact on local conflicts.

The Governance, Peace & Security Specialist will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and shaping the future of Sierra Leone’s governance and peace landscape.

Conclusion

This is a prestigious and influential role for a highly experienced professional in governance, peacebuilding, and security sector reform. If you are passionate about creating lasting change, promoting democratic governance, and ensuring peace and security in post-conflict societies, this role with UNDP Sierra Leone presents an exciting opportunity.

Would you like assistance with tailoring your CV or crafting a compelling cover letter for this role

Certainly! Here’s a more detailed and expanded explanation of the Governance, Peace & Security Specialist role with UNDP Sierra Leone, covering all critical aspects, responsibilities, and broader global implications of the position.

Governance, Peace & Security Specialist – UNDP Sierra Leone

Introduction: The Role and Its Importance

The Governance, Peace & Security Specialist role at UNDP Sierra Leone is a pivotal position responsible for shaping the country’s governance structures, peacebuilding initiatives, and security reforms. This role is essential for ensuring democratic governance, strengthening institutions, promoting social cohesion, and preventing conflict in Sierra Leone, a country still navigating the aftermath of a civil war and ongoing socio-political challenges.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a significant role in enhancing democratic institutions, advancing peace and security policies, and fostering social and economic development in fragile and post-conflict states. In Sierra Leone, UNDP’s focus is on strengthening governance systems, building inclusive institutions, and ensuring long-term peace and stability.

This role requires an experienced expert in governance, security sector reform (SSR), conflict prevention, and human rights advocacy. The Governance, Peace & Security Specialist will work within UNDP’s Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Prosperity (IGPP) Portfolio, supporting national strategies that align with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Key Context: Governance, Peace & Security Challenges in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has made substantial progress in governance, peace, and security over the past two decades. However, several challenges remain:

1. Political and Democratic Governance Challenges

The country has transitioned from conflict to peace, but democratic consolidation remains fragile.
Political polarization, weak accountability mechanisms, and limited citizen participation pose risks to governance.
Elections remain contentious, requiring strong electoral management bodies (EMBs) and transparent electoral processes.
Corruption and weak public institutions hinder effective governance.

2. Security Sector Reform and Human Rights Protection

While post-war security sector reforms (SSR) have strengthened governance, gaps in policing, judicial oversight, and civil-military relations persist.
Law enforcement agencies often lack the resources, training, and public trust to function effectively.
Human rights violations, including gender-based violence (GBV) and police brutality, continue to be concerns.

Land disputes, ethnic tensions, and political rivalries remain sources of instability.
The youth population, which makes up a significant portion of Sierra Leone’s demographics, faces high unemployment, making them vulnerable to political manipulation and radicalization.
Strengthening community reconciliation mechanisms and promoting transitional justice initiatives are necessary for long-term peace.

4. Regional and Transnational Security Threats

Sierra Leone is part of the West African region, which faces threats from terrorism, organized crime, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Cross-border security cooperation is needed to counteract these threats.

Core Responsibilities of the Governance, Peace & Security Specialist

1. Policy Development and Strategic Advisory Services

Provide high-level policy analysis on governance, peace, and security challenges in Sierra Leone.
Advise UNDP, government agencies, and development partners on effective governance and security sector reform strategies.
Identify emerging threats and design early warning systems for conflict prevention.
Develop policy recommendations to improve democratic governance, electoral processes, and institutional accountability.
Ensure that governance and peacebuilding policies are aligned with UN frameworks, such as the SDGs and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.

2. Strengthening Governance Institutions and Democratic Processes

Support the constitutional review process, ensuring that it reflects the interests of all social groups.
Strengthen parliamentary institutions, judiciary systems, and electoral management bodies (EMBs).
Promote public sector transparency and anti-corruption initiatives.
Ensure that civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media play an active role in democratic governance.
Advocate for increased women’s political participation and youth engagement in governance.

3. Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Rule of Law Strengthening

Develop policies to improve security sector accountability and oversight mechanisms.
Strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to implement human rights-based policing.
Assist in reforming the justice sector to improve access to justice for marginalized communities.
Promote initiatives that prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and support survivors.

4. Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding, and Reconciliation

Design and implement peacebuilding programs to address social tensions and promote dialogue.
Work with local communities to strengthen inter-ethnic relations and reduce political conflicts.
Support transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth commissions and community healing initiatives.
Collaborate with traditional and religious leaders to advance reconciliation and social harmony.

5. Capacity Development and Training

Provide training for government officials, civil society leaders, and community peacebuilders on governance and peacebuilding strategies.
Develop knowledge products, including policy briefs, case studies, and best practice reports.
Foster South-South cooperation by facilitating knowledge exchange with other post-conflict countries.

6. Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization

Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, regional organizations, and national stakeholders.
Develop funding proposals to secure financial resources for governance and peacebuilding projects.
Represent UNDP in regional forums, policy dialogues, and international conferences.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Educational Background:

Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Peace & Conflict Studies, Law, or related fields.
Bachelor’s degree with additional experience may be considered.

Work Experience:

Minimum 5-7 years of experience in governance, security sector reform, peacebuilding, or human rights advocacy.
Experience in post-conflict or fragile state environments is highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of democratic governance frameworks, electoral processes, and human rights mechanisms.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Strategic Thinking & Leadership: Ability to develop long-term governance and peacebuilding strategies.
Analytical & Research Skills: Strong capacity for conducting policy analysis and risk assessments.
Negotiation & Diplomacy: Experience engaging with government officials, security actors, and civil society organizations.
Project Management: Proven ability to design and implement large-scale governance and security programs.
Communication & Advocacy: Strong public speaking, report writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Global Relevance and Impact of This Role

This role is not only critical for Sierra Leone but also aligns with global efforts in governance, peace, and security. The work directly contributes to:

SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering good governance and reducing violence.
The UN Secretary-General’s Prevention Agenda, which focuses on conflict prevention and sustaining peace.
The African Union’s Governance Framework, which promotes democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of Sierra Leone’s governance and security landscape while contributing to regional and international peacebuilding efforts.

Conclusion: Why This Role Matters

The Governance, Peace & Security Specialist role is an ideal position for a seasoned expert committed to strengthening governance, promoting democracy, and ensuring long-term peace and security. The role will directly influence policy-making, institutional reforms, and community engagement, making a lasting impact on Sierra Leone’s democratic and security future.

Would you like assistance with preparing your CV, drafting a cover letter, or tailoring your application to this role?

March 13, 2025

12 minutes read

Governance, Peace & Security Specialist – UNDP Sierra Leone: A Comprehensive Role Overview

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