Background

Nigeria has faced long political crisis since independence. This indeed has caused a lack of democratic governance and credible elections. Political institutions have remained fragile despite the transition to democratic governance and the first transfer of power from one civilian leader to another in 2007. Under the leadership of the Nigerian President, an electoral reform commission for fundamental electoral and political reforms to consolidate democracy was then created in 2007.
This initiative will enable the Nigerian Government to work closely with Civil Society Organizations and other political key players in a six distinct and inter-related programming components such as :

  1. Strengthening of National Assembly
  2. Strengthening of Political Parties
  3. Improvement of the Electoral Process
  4. Increased Capacity and Performance of Civil Society
  5. Reinforcing the role of the Media
  6. Empowerment of Women

Democratic Governance for Development ( DGD) in Nigeria is an integral element of UNDP’s Response to this condition. With the help of donors ( CIDA, EU, DFID, UNDP), UNDP is committed to consolidate over a project cycle congruent with tow elections to work with the Government in the two upcoming elections ( 2011-2015)
The Project ( PMU) will work closely with UNDP Country Office in deepening democracy in Nigeria during the elections period. UNDP has reiterated its engagement in supporting the Nigerian Government in the reinforcement of capacity building in the objective cited above. The programme period will be covered for 5 years. In support of this initiative, UNDP is recruiting 2 Administrative Associates.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions: 

  • Implementation of operational strategies
  • Support to effective and efficient functioning of the unit/project
  • Support to administrative and logistical services
  • Support to office maintenance and assets management
  • Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures implementation of operational strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Full compliance of administrative activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
  • Provision of inputs to the project and CO administrative business processes mapping and implementation of the internal standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Provision of inputs to preparation of administrative team results-oriented workplans.

2. Ensures effective and efficient functioning of the unit/ project, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Contacts with visitors and staff, arrangement of appointments and meetings, acting as an interpreter when required and/or taking minutes.
  • Compilation and preparation of briefing and presentation materials, speeches, background information and documentation for meetings and missions.
  • Translation of simple correspondences, when needed.

3. Ensures effective administrative and logistical support, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Organization of shipments, customs clearance arrangements, preparation of documents for UNDP shipments (received/sent), Preparation of all necessary documentation, implementation of follow-up actions
  • Performance of a Buyer role in Atlas and preparation of POs for travel activities.
  • Support to organization of procurement processes including preparation of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs documents, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their preliminary evaluation. Preparation of POs.
  • Arrangements of travel and hotel reservations, preparation of travel authorizations, processing requests for visas, identity cards and other documents.
  • Administrative support to conferences, workshops, retreats.
  • Collection of information for DSA, travel agencies and other administrative surveys, support to organization of common services.
  • Arrangement of vehicle transportation, regular vehicle maintenance and insurance.
  • Checking and recording of vehicle daily log and gas consumption, update and maintenance of vehicle history report.
  • Custodian for management of office stationery supplies including maintenance of stock list of stationery, distribution of stationery as required by staff and keeping a log of distribution.  
  • Maintenance of the filing system ensuring safekeeping of confidential materials.
  • Extraction of data from various sources.
  • Research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources; preparation of statistical charts, tables and reports.
  • Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to head of unit.
  • Assistance in the preparation of budget, provision of information for audit.

4.  Provides support to office maintenance and assets management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Maintenance of records on assets management, preparation of reports.
  • Maintenance of files and records relevant to office maintenance
  • Provision of support to maintenance of common premises and common services

5. Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and project focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Participation in the training for the operations/projects staff on administration.
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning 

  • Shares knowledge and experience
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness 

  • Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions
  • Ability to extract, interpret, analyze data and resolve operational problems
  • Ability to supervise and train support staff
  • Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work  
  • Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations
  • Strong IT skills, knowledge of Atlas
  • Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system

Leadership and Self-Management 

  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

UNDP Procurement Certification programme

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Secondary education.  Certification in administration desirable. University Degree in Business or Public Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience: 

  • 3 years of relevant experience in administration or programme support service. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Experience in handling of web-based management systems

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in the English and one national language of the duty station.