Rebuilding a shattered society takes far more than bricks and mortar. Quite often, the deeper challenge is restoring people’s sense of opportunity, dignity and hope.

Employment and income generation are fundamental elements of the post-conflict solution. For communities and individuals, job creation and regular income can provide the means for survival and recovery. They are also keys to reaching out to young people and reintegrating ex-combatants and returnees. In short, generating employment is crucial to building peace.

Promoting employment creation is challenging in the best of circumstances, and far more so in post-conflict situations. As the title of this document suggests, such efforts require teamwork within the United Nations and the partnership of many others.

The policy put forth here proposes a practical ‘three track approach’: stabilizing income generation and emergency employment; promoting employment opportunities at the local level, where reintegration ultimately takes place; and supporting sustainable employment creation and decent work.

Approved in May 2008, the policy is the product of two years of research, analysis and engagement among agencies throughout the UN system. It is meant to serve as a tool for the United Nations at the country level, and to enable every agency, programme and fund to find its niche and area of intervention while contributing to the whole.

The end of conflict creates a window of opportunity for social and economic reform. I hope this policy will help all those working on employment and reintegration at the country level to better deliver as one for peace and prosperity