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 Deepening Democracy Project 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 Independent National Electoral Commission and the 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, civil society, media, gender equality in politics and the engagement of youth.

Under the strategic direction of the Project Director, and working in close coordination with INEC, the International Consultant on Training will support the achievement of the results outlined in the Elections Strategic Plan, that relate to the work on the improvement of the capacity of the INEC through the support in the organization and conduct of training sessions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

The overall goal of this assignment is to support the Electoral Institute(EI)/INEC Training Department to train electoral staff with regard primarily to voter registration and Polling Day exercises. S/he will evaluate the administrative and institutional capacity of EI in terms of training and make recommendations to improved already existing or previous plans, taking into consideration when necessary recent changes to the Constitution and possibly to the Electoral Act.

Function / Expected Results:

• Review the existing institutional capacity (including managerial, personnel, finance and inter/intra institutional linkages) and organization of the Electoral Institute (EI) in terms of training and provide specific recommendations on resourcing and organizational structure based on best practices from other training departments of election management bodies, as well as detailed arrangements for accomplishing the desired adjustments;
• To identify training needs for the 2011 elections, develop training programs for electoral officials involved in voter registration and polling exercises;
• Propose a detailed training plan bottom-down/cascade training that will train in the end some 120,000 voter registration and 500,000 polling staff, making recommendations on necessary adjustments from the current situation in order to have a positive impact on the 2011 elections;
• Support the development of updated training manuals, graphic materials and design ways by which to improve the capacity of elections staff in undertaking their tasks, focusing on voter registration and polling, counting, consolidation/tabulation and transmission of results;
• Based on conclusions and recommendations, propose how the EI should plan, implement and monitor its work programs/activities in terms of training of electoral staff, ensuring linkages between EI/INEC and various government departments and intervention by the civic society, political parties and other stakeholders.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Election Administration and Assistance:

• Previous work experience in training staff of electoral institutions;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively conduct election training programs in developing countries
• Demonstrated ability to advise National Election Commissions in an effective and cooperative manner

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Masters degree in political science, international relations, public or business administration, or discipline that demands substantial training and people management skills.

Experience:

• At least seven years experience in training of national staff in developing countries;
• Substantial work in election administration support in at least five countries;
• Experience managing wide-ranging training operations that demand the deployment, and coordination of thousands of staff.

Computer efficiency:

• Good working knowledge of MS Office suite necessary, and graphic design software an advantage.

Language Requirements:

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