Broker of Expert Assistance
A Constitutional Reform Commission in an African country comes to PeaceNexus looking for a constitutional expert who has specific experience in one or two complex constitutional topics at stake. PeaceNexus searches its database and provides the Commission with one or more names of experts with the background desired, ideally from Africa. The Commission then follows up directly with the individual expert, and PeaceNexus’s role is complete.
Coordinator of Expert Team
Following on from the example above, the Commission could be looking for a more robust constitution writing expertise. Following an initial assessment with the Commission on the specific requirements needed, PeaceNexus would either find one person with all the characteristics required, or propose a team of experts meeting the needs as identified (eg for land rights, power-sharing, organization of the judiciary, family law etc.). We would focus, as possible, on African experts or other experts from the Global South who have real experience of working in similar environments. PeaceNexus would then lead the team to develop a proposal for an integrated solution on a robust constitutional writing process. PeaceNexus would investigate best practice for such projects and build on lessons learned. Implementation stays in the hands of the Commission.
Partner in Process Management
If the Commission is asking PeaceNexus to assist in the management of the whole constitutional reform process, PeaceNexus would first assess thoroughly not only the required expertise and the capacity of the Commission, but also more broadly, the best practice, and the context and role of the Commission and other appropriate actors. Subsequently it would partner with the Commission, assisting in the identification and the direction of a team of experts (as above), and in the participation of other relevant partners (e.g. civil society organizations, international partners, consultation with external stakeholders as required), and, if wished by the Commission, look into capacity-building of its members. Depending on the agreed collaboration with the Commission, PeaceNexus would stay on involved in monitoring and, if required, eventually evaluating the process.
Partner Selection or Assessment
A foundation comes to PeaceNexus looking to provide grants in the area of local reintegration of ex-combatants in Asia. They ask PeaceNexus to link them together with local NGOs and other individuals who have expertise, and are known and respected, in providing these services. We would work with the foundation and relevant actors to assess the principal gaps in DDR services in the country, and what was the best practice (both in terms of DDR and its repercussions on other peacebuilding efforts), and so understand how the foundation can have the greatest impact for its investment and with whom it could work.
Information Gathering and Policy Recommendations
Topic – CASE A government comes to PeaceNexus looking for information regarding a potential developing or unstable conflict situation. They are looking for local information and opinions from front-line sources that they do not have the resources or ability to reach. In addition, they are requesting analysis on possible future scenarios, and the various policy options and strategies that are available to them to respond. Drawing on a team of partners, both in-country and with expertise in risk analysis and policy-making, PeaceNexus will pull together a comprehensive assessment of the situation on the ground, likely scenarios, and possible policy options and preventive strategies.
Complex Expert Assistance
A government comes to PeaceNexus about to implement a major infrastructure project with the private sector in an unstable region of Latin America. They ask PeaceNexus to put together a team of experts in a variety of areas including economic development, social sector support, security, and mediation, to design a broader developmental and security context into which the infrastructure project can be implemented. PeaceNexus would bring together a team comprised of members from the private sector (local, national and international as necessary), government, civil society, and NGO’s to create a comprehensive local (and national as needed) policy solution for the government.
If requested, this project could be extended if the government wanted PeaceNexus to provide an ongoing (every three to six months) advisory role to ensure that the implementation is going according to plan and that Stakeholders are complying with the defined rules.
If in the process of this project PeaceNexus finds specific local organizations or individuals who have been particularly helpful in assisting in the development and ongoing implementation of this project, then we would consider providing longer-term support to that institution, to monitor the process and to build capacity for future partnerships.
Track Two Dialogue
An international organization comes to PeaceNexus requesting that we set up a track two dialogue in South Eastern Europe between actors from multiple nations over security issues (e.g. proliferation of small arms). They ask PeaceNexus to put together the appropriate team of experts to include both track II facilitation capabilities, expertise in the substantive area (small arms), and the principal concerned parties, to design and implement a formal dialogue process over a longer time period. PeaceNexus works with the client and other partners to assess the situation, the principal players, the context, history etc. and using this information brings together the appropriate combination of actors to design a process. Using our status as an external player without interests or bias, PeaceNexus provides the umbrella environment for the dialogue to take place and guidance on the process as needed. On a part time basis, we would continue to help facilitate ongoing interactions as necessary between the team, government entities and other interested parties.
