Peace and Development Analyst

Host entity: UNRCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Disarmament, peacebuilding, rule of law, Governance, elections

Application deadline: 16/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) supports the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) in their roles to work with UN entities to improve the impact, efficiency and effectiveness of the UN’s operational activities for development at the country level. As designated representative of the UN Secretary-General, the RC in Malawi leads and strategically positions the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in support of national priorities, development strategies, and plans. The UNRCO in Malawi provides inter-agency coordination support to the UN Country Team (UNCT) and its various sub-groups (Programme Management Team - PMT, Operations Management Team - OMT and UN Communications Group - UNCG). The support includes strategic planning, programme and operations management, policy guidance, data management and results reporting as well as knowledge management, advocacy and communications – all seeking to enhance UN coherence and improve overall programme impact to better achieve development results.

Assignment context

Politically, Malawi is a generally peaceful country and has had stable governments since independence in 1964. This notwithstanding, Malawi remains a country with deep-seated social, economic and political inequalities, tensions and grievances that have from time to time manifested in conflict and violent incidences, especially during elections. The 2019 elections and the court processes that led to the nullification of the presidential election have exposed Malawi's vulnerability to socio-economic, political and religious risks and threats. The social and political violence, conflicts/tensions that resulted from civil society-led demonstrations across the country, and the level of violence experienced during the Fresh Presidential Election held on 23 June 2020 have been unprecedented in Malawi's history. All these point to the fact that there are longstanding, unaddressed socio-economic and political grievances, that could derail Malawi's efforts at national cohesion and national healing. The situation is further compounded by climate change effects which exacerbate conflicts. In 2026, Malawi is projected to experience a severe food crisis after an El Niño-induced drought. The effects will likely range from lower agricultural yields to commodity price inflation, effects on human health, education participation, lower economic growth rates, and increased poverty and vulnerability of people experiencing poverty. The adverse effects of El Niño also come on the back of already high inflation, particularly food inflation, and the cumulative impacts of shocks in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the country causing loss of life, livelihoods, infrastructure damage and a total economic cost estimated at 0.5 percent of GDP. The cyclone also hit the country on the heels of Tropical Storm Ana and Cyclone Gombe (2022). Crop estimates by the Ministry of Agriculture show that the country has not harvested enough food to satisfy the national consumption requirements.



For this reason, the UN, is supporting the strengthening of national capacities for peace and conflict prevention through the full implementation of the National Peace Policy (NPP) and Malawi Peace and Unity Act that led to the establishment of the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC). The MPUC will ensure the institutionalization of a National Peace Architecture to enhance socio-economic and political dialogue, conflict prevention and create spaces for dialogue and civil society participation in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and early warning. The UN will support the Government of Malawi, MPUC and civil society organizations among others to strengthen the Peace-Development-Humanitarian nexus and address the wider governance and social cohesion challenges . These include the intersection of political and economic dynamics that affect sustainable development, at both the national and local levels.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of The Peace and Development Advisor, or his/her delegate, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Peacebuilding and conflict analysis (primary focus) Conduct research and analysis on conflict dynamics, governance, and socio-political developments. Support conflict early warning monitoring and reporting. Draft analytical briefs, reports, and background notes. Contribute to conflict-sensitive and peacebuilding approaches across UN initiatives.

2. Programme and partnership support Support the implementation of peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives. Assist engagement with government counterparts, civil society, and UN partners. Support monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management activities. Contribute to stakeholder mapping and information gathering.

3. Youth engagement Support youth consultations, dialogues, and engagement activities. Engage with youth networks and youth-led organizations. Promote the inclusion of youth perspectives in UN processes and programmes. Contribute to documenting lessons learned and good practices from youth engagement initiatives.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and foundational knowledge in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, governance, and/or sustainable development.

Ability to support drafting of analytical reports, briefs, speeches and concept notes.

Familiarity with youth engagement approaches, including working with youth-led organizations, networks, or student groups.

Strong interest in promoting meaningful youth participation in decision-making and development processes.

Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.



Skills in:

research, data collection, and analysis, including socio-economic, political, or conflict-related contexts.

Competencies and values

Accountability

Adaptability and Flexibility

Building Trust

Communication

Ethics and Values

Integrity

Planning and Organizing

Respect for Diversity

Technological Awareness

Working in Teams

Living conditions

Malawi is a stable and democratic country and has no major security problem. The population of Malawi is about 19 million and the major languages are English and Chichewa, with several other local languages spoken across the country. Living conditions in the major cities are modest with basic supplies/amenities available. Health services and international schools are available in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and Zomba. Malaria is prevalent throughout the country. Social infrastructure, though limited, can be found in all 4 major cities.



The UN Volunteer will be based in the capital of the country, Lilongwe. Conditions in Lilongwe are generally good and have reasonable public health services complemented by private health service providers. Housing in Lilongwe varies, and it is possible to rent apartments in safe areas from US$500/month upwards. The UNV Field Unit assists with providing temporary accommodation options at a UNDSS-approved lodge while assisting in getting permanent accommodation. The Government Department of Housing has a provision for government houses to UN staff, and when available, a UN Volunteer is allocated one.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.