Programme Management Office (PRMO) - Senior Advisor

Job Summary

The PRMO Senior Advisor delivers specialized advisory support to UN Resident Coordinators in conflict-affected regions across three main tracks: National Prevention & Transition Strategies (including IDA21 PRA/TAA mechanisms), Private Sector & Peace Finance (blended finance, MDB/DFI engagement), and Joint Assessments & Planning (Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessments - RPBAs). The advisor facilitates UN-IFI operational alignment, embeds human rights and gender equality frameworks, and records knowledge transfer across peacebuilding missions.

Areas of Specialization & Operational Responsibilities

Advisors deployed under the Surge Advisory Team operate across one or more of the following technical tracks:

1. National Prevention and Transition Strategies

• Strategy Alignment: Advise UN Resident Coordinators and government leaders on integrating UN peacebuilding objectives with IFI-supported national prevention, recovery, and transition strategies.
• IDA21 Mechanics: Guide engagement with World Bank IDA21 frameworks, specifically the Prevention and Resilience Allocation (PRA) and Turn Around Allocation (TAA) mechanisms, as well as joint UN-World Bank pilot initiatives.
• Complementary Financing: Identify strategic synergies between Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) catalytic investments and large-scale IFI financing packages to maximize peace outcomes.
• Inclusive Governance: Ensure national transition frameworks incorporate digital participation tools, human rights principles, gender equality, youth inclusion, and protections for marginalized populations.

2. Private Sector and Peace Finance

• Peace-Positive Investments: Support RCs and field teams in partnering with IFIs, DFIs, and private sector entities to stimulate job creation, economic resilience, and peace-positive commercial growth.
• Innovative Finance Models: Formulate strategies for applying blended finance, social impact bonds, and innovative peace finance instruments within fragile and conflict-affected environments.
• Policy Guidance: Develop analytical briefs, policy recommendations, and lessons-learned frameworks to inform senior-level UN-IFI dialogue on private sector engagement.

3. Joint Assessments and Planning

• Integrated Methodologies: Lead and support joint UN-IFI analytical exercises, including Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessments (RPBAs), Post-Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNAs), and customized multi-stakeholder evaluations.
• Framework Coherence: Establish formal coordination and consultation platforms connecting governments, UN entities, MDBs, donors, and civil society.
• PBF Alignment: Ensure joint assessment outcomes directly inform Peacebuilding Fund priorities and long-term MDB country engagement frameworks.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Educational Background & Experience Requirements

• Advanced Degree Track: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Development, International Relations, International Law, Development Economics, or a related field + 10 years of relevant professional experience in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, or international development.
• Bachelor's Degree Track: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline + 12 years of relevant professional experience.

Desirable Expertise

• Demonstrated track record working alongside International Financial Institutions (World Bank, IMF), Multilateral Development Banks (AfDB, ADB, IDB, EBRD), or Development Finance Institutions (IFC, DFC).
• Proven advisory experience supporting senior UN leadership (Resident Coordinators, Special Representatives), multi-stakeholder platforms, or government cabinets in fragile states.
• Hands-on experience with joint diagnostic frameworks (RPBA, PDNA) or World Bank fragility allocations (PRA / TAA).
• Deep understanding of peace finance, blended finance, or private sector development in crisis zones.
• Practical experience integrating gender equality, youth, peace, and security (YPS) mandates, and human rights approaches into strategic policy.

Language Competencies

• English: Complete professional fluency (Required).
• French: Professional fluency (Highly Desirable).
• Spanish: Professional fluency (Desirable).

Key Competencies & Strategic Leadership

• Strategic Orientation: Ability to evaluate long-term political economy dynamics and align multilateral financing with root-cause conflict resolution.
• Stakeholder Management: Capability to build trust, bridge institutional cultures between traditional diplomatic bodies and financial institutions, and negotiate shared outcomes.
• Inclusivity & Ethics: Role model for diversity, equity, human rights, and absolute adherence to UN standards of conduct.

Skills Required:

• Legal / Law
• Political / Science / Ir