UNDP Jobs - 62155- Consultancy for Inclusive and Sustainable Developm

Consultancy for Inclusive and Sustainable Development for Peace and Stability

Location :

Abuja with Frequent Visits to Project Sites, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

28-Dec-2015

Application Deadline :

18-Dec-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

2 Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

2 Months

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 response to the October 2002 International Court of Justice ruling on the international boundary dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria, the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) recognized the need for confidence building measures between and among the populations affected by the demarcation (an estimated 170,000 people in Nigeria), in order to secure peace and cooperation between the two States. In this context, the Nigeria United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and United Nations Civilian Observers (UNCO) participated in a Joint Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) with Nigeria specialized agencies in December 2011. This mission aimed at getting first-hand knowledge of the returnees’ needs, resulting from the conflict, the demarcation exercise and the poor environmental conditions and economic status of the host communities. In summary, these areas face serious socio-economic challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, poor health conditions, lack of public services such as potable water, energy, health and education facilities, agriculture, fisheries, livestock services. In addition, issues of human security and social protection, including gender based discrimination and violence, rule of law and justice, feature prominently as key priorities.

Therefore, after the NAM, a sub-committee formed by the FGN dedicated agencies developed a programme document, as the basis for future interventions from the FGN as well as from partners.

This Returnee Community Focused Reintegration (RCFR) programme is organized according to the four main components enhanced in the NAM report:

(i) livelihoods, resettlement and reintegration;
(ii) access to basic services;
(iii) security and protection of human rights;
(iv) Infrastructure. For each component, priority projects have been determined in the diverse locations assessed, directed at the returnees in the various camps and in their respective host communities.

The support that UNCT and UN specialized agencies in Nigeria can bring to this programme is two-pronged: (i) advocacy to the FGN and the States, and (ii) implementation of some projects (or pilot projects), within their mandate and possibilities.

UNESCO will carry out activities supporting festivals, traditional games and communal works peculiar to the returnees; establishing museums to house and preserve antiquities, photographs and audio-visual of their ancestral homes, brought by the returnees, within Outcome 3: Increased knowledge and skills in small and medium enterprise in communities, Output 3.3 Cultural festivals held as they used to be in Old Bakassi.

The consultant shall provide specialized technical assistance, coordinate and monitor UNESCO related activities within the programme, as well as ensure proper communication mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Culture, the consultant shall perform the following tasks:

Technical assistance:

Provide specialized inputs to achieve Project Output 3.3 against project objectives;
Coordinate field activities in the target locations, especially in Adamawa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, addressing the cultural development of the returnees’ communities, as well as the safeguarding of their cultural heritage and identity. Special focus on women and youth should be ensured;
Devise a strategic document for implementation of activities on the ground.

Coordination and Reporting:

Coordinate the project through day-to-day management in accordance with the approved work plan and budget as well as identify delays and bottlenecks and propose mitigation strategies;
Liaise with donor and work closely with the participating UN organizations, to ensure an effective implementation of the project; namely the execution of the foreseen activities in a timely manner as well as the transparent disbursement of funds;
Ensure effective coordination between UNESCO, other participating UN organizations and relevant national institutions;
Advise on sequencing of activities, partnership strategies and integration of risk management and contingency planning in work plans;
Ensure the implementation of the monitoring, evaluation and reporting plan;
Organize regular and ad-hoc meetings for participating UN agencies to discuss progress made as well as risks and opportunities;
Prepare written status reports, according to the available templates, for submission to UNESCO for approval, and distribution amongst the partners;
Actively promote synergies between the project and other relevant programmes, projects and activities in Nigeria, in alignment to national strategies and frameworks.

Communication and external relations:

Ensure adequate communication and flow of information between all stakeholder;
Develop media messaging in coordination with the partners and ensure its distribution;
Organize donor missions and provide assistance during their undertaking;
Promote the vision and strategic goals of the project;
Facilitate exchange of knowledge related to the project among different stakeholders;
On a regular basis, reflect on the lessons learnt from the project and share those lessons with partnering organizations and other stakeholders;
Provide inputs and/or advisory support to similar initiatives at the national and regional levels.

Deliverable:

Specialized technical assistance to enable activities on the ground to be undertaken and output attained, including a strategic document for implementation of activities on the ground;
Coordination and monitoring of the project activities pertaining to UNESCO’s component;
Communication within the joint team and external relations.

Output:

Cultural festivals held as they used to be in Old Bakassi (Outcome 3: Increased knowledge and skills in small and medium enterprise in communities);
Festivals, traditional games and communal works peculiar to the returnees are supported; museums established to house and preserve antiquities, photographs and audio-visual of their ancestral homes, brought by the returnees.

Competencies

High level of analytical and management skills, including strategic planning, results-based management and report-writing;
Understanding of project cycle and log-frame design including administration and financial management;
Knowledge of the Nigerian context, including civil society (e.g. NGOs), in particular Culture related issues;
Proven ability working in a team particularly in a multi-cultural and multi-stakeholder setting, from national government to grass-root levels;
Media and communication skills;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development;
Knowledge of Youth and Gender Issues as well as Human Rights is an asset;
Familiarity with Crisis Prevention and Recovery Issues is an asset;
Knowledge of computer and software (word-processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in development and/or culture-related fields (e.g. Anthropology, Cultural Studies), Social Sciences or other related fields. Knowledge in safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and promotion of cultural activities is an asset.

Experience:

Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in cultural project management, preferably with the UN;
Experience in implementation of cultural projects in Nigeria, in particular donor-funded projects and/or UN projects;
Experience in UNESCO-led projects is an asset.

Language:

Fluent in English and knowledge of local languages.