UNDP Jobs - 15824- Democratic Governance Specialist

Democratic Governance Specialist

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

31-May-2010

Application Deadline :

13-May-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year with possibility of yearly renewal

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 years

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

Democratic governance is a concept that emerged from the principles that are based on the understanding that an effective system of democratic governance is one which is based on representative, equitable (across gender and other categories), transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions; a vibrant, responsible and capable media; and a dynamic civil society which is engaged in the political process. The overall goal of the Democratic Governance for Development Project (DGD) in Nigeria is to help develop the capacity of national and sub-national institutions, networks and processes, whether governmental or non-governmental, as a contribution to the further entrenchment of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Efforts on the electoral cycle reinforce national efforts to build the norms, practices, mechanisms and institutions that can foster active citizenship and stronger democratic accountability, in keeping with the stated objectives of Government policy. The project provides technical assistance to the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission and State Independent Electoral Commissions. In addition, the project works with civil society and other democratic institutions to help them maximize public participation and confidence in the outcome of elections.
Work on broader issues of democratic governance helps build the norms, practices and institutions that can underpin the development of democratic governance in Nigeria over the medium- to long-term whilst also supporting near-term action on pressing issues such constitutional and electoral reform. The project primarily provides technical assistance and financing for capacity development linked to practical outcomes in a number of areas: legislature, election management bodies, political parties, civil society, media and gender equality in politics.
Nigeria’s next general elections are due in 2011. With the support made available through a joint donor fund established to provide assistance to Nigerian democratic institutions, the UNDP Project Management Unit commenced the Initiation Plan in October 2009. The IP will end on March 31, 2010. Contributors to this fund are the European Commission, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). A Project Management Unit (PMU) runs the project under the leadership of the UNDP. The larger program of the Support to Democratic Governance for Development which is the second Joint Donor Basket Fund: “Partnership for Support to the Electoral Cycle and the Deepening of Democracy in Nigeria, 2010-2015” hopes to commence in April 2010.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the strategic direction of the Project Director, and working in close coordination with UNDP’s Capacity for Governance Team Leader and development partners, the International Expert Democratic Governance National Assembly and Political Parties (NASS, PP) will support and provide expert services in negotiations, identification of priorities, preparation of relevant documents and follow up support for management and continued partnership development to the project on behalf of UNDP.

Summary of key functions:

Advice the Project Director on matters of democratic governance (including elections);
Manage NASS and PP components of the project and build relationships accordingly;
Coordinate with other partners, forge relationships, mobilize resources also through the relevant Component Sectoral Working Group;
Any other duties as assigned by the Project Director.

Function / Expected Results:

Advice the Project Director on matters of democratic governance (including elections) focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide input into the advice given by the Project Director to UNDP, JDBF partners, other national institutions, beneficiaries and sub-contractors;
Provide substantive inputs to the democratic governance components of the project to advice the Project Management Board on its strategic planning and decision-making;
Effective supervision and achievement of deliverables from all democratic governance related activities of the project.

Function / Expected Results:

Manage National Assembly (NASS) and Political Parties (PP) components of the project focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Coordination of all activities relating to the National Assembly (NASS) and Political Parties (PP) components of the project;
Drafting of work-plans, timelines and budget for NASS & PP activities for debating by PMU/CO and donor partners;
Drafting of terms of reference for calling for proposals for NASS & PP related activities, follow their selection, prepare and manage agreements with consultants and democratic organizations for specified services and objectives in collaboration with the international expert;
Effective monitoring and evaluation of National Assembly and Political Party related project activities thereby ensuring value for money;
Building a robust and healthy relationship with partner institutions like the National Assembly and Political parties as well as ensure synergy between the democratic institutions and the PMU.

Function / Expected Results:

Coordinate with other partners, forge relationships, mobilize resources also through the relevant Component Sectoral Working Group focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Coordination of the project components on National Assembly and Political Parties with other development partners’ work with the same democratic institutions. The coordination is to help prevent overlap or duplication of programme activities;
Liaison with National Assembly and Political Parties in order to ensure healthy working relationships;
Helping to mobilize resources through the sectoral working group;
Development and nurturing of broader partnerships in the areas of democratic governance and elections;
Communicate and advocate the international partners’ positions and engage with Nigerian partners effectively.

Impact of Results:

The key results impact positively on the overall efficiency of the DGD project including improved business results and client services. Accurate representation and linkages provided with the individual in line with the information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNDP’s capability to effectively and efficiently manage program and projects

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the shared vision, mission and strategic goals of the partners supporting the initiative;
Displays strong cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Proven competence in the field of democratic governance, well-informed on both electoral and broader democratic governance issues such as legislative development, the role and potential of mass and community media, civil society in emerging democratic societies, and the participation and role of women in politics. Comfortable with full range of sub-sectors within the project, although possibly more knowledgeable and experienced in some areas. S/he should have a strong grasp of the strategic, policy and nuts-and-bolts issues involved in capacity development in the area of democratic governance;
Ability to appreciate and respond productively to the challenges faced in leading a high-risk initiative in a politically challenging environment. Ability to maintain calm and poise in high pressure and sometimes provocative situations as well as apply skills in mediation and consensus-building;
Solid academic background and demonstrated abilities in analysis of complex political situations and providing strategic advice, while maintaining personal detachment;
Proven managerial experience in an international context and ability to lead teams. Proven ability to make sound decisions in delegation of responsibilities and in finding a balance between a focus on detail and keeping an eye on the big picture. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Strong inter-personal communications and diplomatic skills, with an ability to listen, understand and respond effectively to different and divergent points of view expressed by a wide range of stakeholders. Ability to build strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work plans. Proven ability to work under pressure and produce output that is accurate, timely and of high quality. Ability to manage conflicting priorities;
Ability to understand and apply tools such as the logical framework, results-based approaches like UNDP’s RBM and PRINCE2. Solid knowledge and experience of project management. Ability to support and provide oversight to strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Resourcefulness, good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with and between different levels and types of project personnel and counterparts.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Masters or Phd) related to democratic governance and development, such as Law, Political Science, and other social sciences.

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years of experience in planning and implementing National Assembly and Political Party activities in relation to electoral reforms and democratic process;
Work experience in democratic governance, including electoral issues, dealing with: (a) policy dialogue and advisory work; (b) leadership and management of research and analysis; (c) design and execution of capacity development programmes; (d) project management, including the leadership of multi-disciplinary expert teams, preferably funded by development partners (UN or other); and (e) promotion of stakeholder/community awareness of and participation in democratic governance.
A good understanding of the social, economic, political and historical trends underpinning African and, ideally, Nigerian governance and electoral processes.
Skills in training, process facilitation, strategic planning, and partnership-building.
Ability to prepare high quality policy briefs, analytical reports, and technical research reflecting global good practice in democratic governance.
Excellent PC user skills: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and web-based research.
Ability to travel within Nigeria and overseas.
Proven track record of advising, organizing and supervising public awareness activities partnering with democratic organizations capacity-building projects.
Excellent knowledge of election procedures and frameworks.
Ability to work harmoniously with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Familiarity with the democratic landscape in Nigeria.

Language Requirements:

Strong skills in written communications in English particularly in preparing issue-based papers or reports.
Excellent spoken English is also required.