UNDP Jobs - 50022- Consultancy Knowledge Framework and Functional Des

Consultancy Knowledge Framework and Functional Design KM System

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2014

Application Deadline :

29-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

4 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

80 days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

In 2011, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) made a bold paradigm shift for the agricultural sector changing from a government endeavour towards treating agriculture as a business with private sector investment and the government as a facilitator. The Nigeria Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) aims to establish a sustainable agriculture and agribusiness sector in Nigeria that creates jobs and raises incomes of rural population underpinning the national economy.

A functional system is required that allows accessing and using knowledge resources such as documents, experts, activities, organisations and good practises as well as primary data for M&E. The system needs to be designed in such a way that it can be searched systematically, combining functionalities of e-libraries, expertise systems, organisation and project databases and underpinning M&E. Needs of partners as agribusiness organisations, research and extension services and civil society have to be taken into account. Support for KM 2 key activities is required:

KM Framework FMARD

A Knowledge Management (KM) Framework for FMARD/ATA needs to be developed. This is to outline the knowledge flows and possible steps to enhance use of knowledge and information within as well as outside Nigeria to underpin ATA. It will address the needs of stakeholders at various scale-levels (Federal- State-Local) as well as the various modes of interactions and guide actions for successful KM programs.

Functional design for KM System

FMARD carries out and supervises ample activities at federal and state level. It is important to have overviews of the status and progress of activities, people involved, timely and systematic access to documents relating to activities and expertise in specific areas. Overviews of the activities and achievements are crucial for coordination and performance monitoring and reporting on impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

KM Framework and FD development

The Knowledge Management and ICT Expert will catalsyse the formulation of the FMARD Knowledge Management (KM) framework and the related Functional Design (FD) for the required KM System. This addresses basic needs of FMARD/ ATA as reflected in the KM Framework.

Results

The first output will be a systematic overview of the various knowledge flows between ATA stakeholders, types of content and systems used as well as a recommended approach for enhancing knowledge flows. The second output will be a report describing the specification and set-up for the KM systems & tools for FMARD. The reports will be prodcued in English.

Time frame

The KM Framework component will be in total 45 working days. The FD KM Systems component will be 35 working days.

Competencies

Knowledge Management

Thorough understanding of current Knowledge Management strategies including the potential and requirements for KM to effectively support sustainable development processes;
Clear vision on the role of web-based platforms, including web 2.0 applications, in institutional development and learning processes;
Strong planning skills and capacity to structure systems and processes;
solid understanding of the role of KM for management and learning.

User-needs and functional design

Clear vision on the comparative role and contribution of information and knowledge for the various stakeholder groups;
Clear vision on information and knowledge needs from different uses and stakeholder groups and reflection in the KM & learning cycles as well as policy and program processes;
Capacity to translate knowledge needs into a functional and systematically structured knowledge platform;
Strong analytical skills and reporting skills;
Strong reporting and visualization skills;
Ability to effectively communicate with development practitioners of different background and disciplines;
Familarity in working with national systems in Africa and Nigeria/ATA an advantage.

System technologies and platform management

Up to date knowledge on current and emerging web- based KM technologies, systems and tools;
Clear understanding of the management and institutional arrangement for effective use of web-based platforms.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in knowledge management and/or development-related area with ample experience in the area of knowledge management .

Experience:

15 years relevant professional working experience in knowledge management policies and programmes;
Proven experience in developing and managing multi-stakeholder web-based knowledge platforms for agrilcutural development;
Proven experience with KM program development in Africa including user-needs assessments;
Over 10 years experience with analysis of user needs, development of KM frameworks and design of supportive KM systems;
Ample expericnence in supporting regional and/ or national agricultuarl organistions in the area of KM.

Language skills:

Profiency in English.