UNV Jobs - 19087- Programme Associate

Programme Associate

Advertised on behalf of

UNV

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

UNV

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2010

Application Deadline :

24-Sep-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

UNV

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Support to Democratic Governance for Development Project aims to consolidate and advance democratic governance and accountability in Nigeria to achieve the country’s stated development priorities and outcomes specified in the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) viz.: improvements in accountable governance in accordance with the rule of law and in response to public demand, in the key areas of: elections, justice, and anti corruption. An integral, cross-cutting aspect will be the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment for sustainable democracy and development.

These objectives will be pursued through six distinct and inter-related programming components:
1. Strengthening of the 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

Under the guidance and overall supervision of the Project Director of the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the Programme Team as direct supervisors, the Programme Associate supports the design, planning and management of DGD project implementation by providing logistical support, monitoring project implementation and following up on recommendations consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

In close coordination with his/her direct supervisor, the incumbent is expected to be directly involved in day to day monitoring including field visits to the CSOs; hold discussions with key stakeholders on project implementation; and to prepare reports with recommendation regarding the progress of project implementation.

The Programme Associate applies established system and procedures and assists in the creation of substantive knowledge by compiling and synthesizing information relevant to the programme issues. He/she is instrumental in facilitating programme/project implementation using and developing appropriate mechanism and systems and ensuring compliance with established procedures. The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations staff in the PMU for resolving programme related issues and exchange of information.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialists, the UNV volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Support to formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the DGD project activities focusing on achievement of the following activities:

1. Collection, analysis and presentation of background information for formulation of work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements to support CSOs implementation of project activities
2. Effective liaison and monitoring of CSOs Implementation of objectives in relation to DGD project work plan and UNDP rules and regulations
3. Contributes to generating new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
4. Documenting and analyzing innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches
5. Analysis and maintenance of information/databases on national and international developments in the field of Democracy and Governance
6. Provision of data and information needed for preparation of project documents
7. Establish and maintenance of CSOs partners data base and public information contacts
8. Provides assistance in arranging donor’s meetings and public information events
9. Close liaison with CSOs and Operations team to ensure efficient free flow of DGD programme implementation and reporting.

Support to Results-based programme development and management focusing on achievement of the following activities

1. Assessment of project performance to identify success indicators and compile a list of best practices
2. Monitoring of specific stages of projects/programme implementation

Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following activities:

1. Liaise with DGD Operations team to ensure needed logistics for program implementation are efficient
2. Follow up with DGD Operations team and Service Centre on consultants contractual details
3. Liaise with the CSOs to ensure the vendor form is properly completed and submitted to UNDP
4. Follow up with UNDP Finance unit for vendor creation in ATLAS (UNDP accounting system)

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on achievement of the following activities:

1. Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme Implementation
2. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Furthermore, UNV volunteers are encouraged to:

Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);]
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UNV volunteers;
Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Output:

• Programme implementation is properly monitored in a transparent and accountable way, in line with UNDP policies and procedures.
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies

• Strong skills in monitoring of contract implementation and financial review
• Good understanding of the roles of NGO and civil society organisations
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point)
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Development, Communications, gender Studies, Political Science or related field in the social sciences
• A minimum of two years of experience working with NGOs, UN agencies or donor organizations
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required