Background

This is a Notional Officer position open to Nigerian nationals.

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Director (Programme), and direct supervision of the  Poverty Team Leader (TL), the Programme Analyst is responsible for the execution of assessments, provision of technical advice and programme planning, management and monitoring related to poverty reduction

He/she will participate in mainstreaming human and capacity development into programme activities, including policy and programme development, implementation and monitoring, social protection strategies, income and employment generation activities, community based development programmes

The Programme Analyst is especially expected to support monitor, assess and advise on national and State policies, regulatory frameworks, plans and programmes as well as donor interventions in support of private sector development, especially for (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) MSMEs.  This will include approaches to increased financial access which benefit the poor by helping them to establish and grow enterprises that are integrated within successful value chains and provide stable and productive employment, increased income and a broader array of products and services at the bottom of the pyramid. The approach in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to foster development in a way that directly engages and benefits the poor as producers as well as consumers.

The Programme Analyst provides matrixed supervision together with the Poverty Team Leader of assigned  programme support staff and works in close collaboration with Programme Team members , the Operations team, the Planning and Partnerships Unit (PPU), staff from other UN agencies, UNDP Headquarters, donors, senior managers and technical experts from the private sector  and civil society organizations to ensure successful implementation of UNDP-supported programmes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions /Key Results Expected

Provision of top quality policy advisory services to the UNDP Country Office and the Government on private sector development - especially of MSMEs - that has clear links with poverty reduction.

Development and management of the country office poverty programmes with particular emphasis on a successful private sector programme built around MSME development that enables poverty reduction.

Creation of strategic partnerships, bringing together the Government, UN agencies, donors and private sector entities.

Design and execution of resource mobilization strategies for financing a growing programme portfolio with emphasis on private sector development.

Support to other programmes managed by the Poverty Team as well as other programmes in the different UNDP practice areas, especially but not exclusively focused on identifying and developing opportunities for the integration of the private sector, particularly MSMEs, in different capacities.

1. Ensures design of private sector intervention opportunities, strategies and projects focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Thorough analysis and research of the situation in the country, including monitoring the growth of the private sector in the country particularly MSMEs - as well as the policy, legal and regulatory framework affecting such growth, including evolving developments, constraints, opportunities and successes. Preparation of  substantive inputs in these areas for the Common Country Assessment (CCA), United Nations Development Assistance Framework ( UNDAF), Country Programme Document ( CPD), Country Programme Action Plan ( CPAP), Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and other documents.
  • Identification of potential areas for support and intervention by UNDP.
  • Detailed design and formulation of programmes and projects, ensuring introduction of  performance indicators targets and milestones as well as resource mobilisation and cost recovery objectives.

2.  Contribute to effective management of the Poverty Programme portfolio with emphasis on the private sector component, ensuring quality control, and focusing on the achievement of  the following results:

  • Effective application of? Results Based Management (RBM) tools, establishment of management targets Balanced Score Card (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results;
  • Coordination of programme implementation with the executing and implementation agencies
  • Initiation of projects , presentation of projects for appraisal by the Project Appraisal Committee (PAC), entering projects into the country offices Management information system - ATLAS, finalization of contribution agreements; determination of required revisions; coordination of mandatory and budget re-phasing exercises , closure of projects through review.  Programme Analysts perform the role of Manager level 1 in Atlas for Purchase Orders (Pos) and voucher approval, participates in recruitment processes for projects.
  • Evaluation of programme impact.  Monitoring and analysis of the programme environment, timely readjustment in portfolio.
  • Financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of projects , identification of operational and financial problems and development of solutions.
  • Participation in the audit of nationally executed (NEX) projects.

3. Develop strategic partnerships and implement resource mobilization strategies focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Development of partnerships on private sector development with UN agencies, international financial institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, government institutions, the organized private sector, civil society organizations and other stakeholders. This should be based on the strategic goals of UNDP, the countrys needs and donors priorities.
  • Analysis and research information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and identification of  opportunities for initiating new projects, active contributions to the overall Country Office effort in resource mobilization.

1.  Provide high quality policy advisory services to UNDP and the Government and facilitate knowledge management focusing on the following results:

  • Development of adequate technical capacity to support a highly professional and high quality programme portfolio through development of internal capacity, and creation of national and international support networks of technical experts.
  • Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to the the poverty programme with emphasis on the private sector portfolio and related aspects of other programmes.
  • Sound contribution  to knowledge networks and communities of practice on development management and private sector-drive poverty reduction initiatives.
  • Organization of trainings for the operation and project staff on programme issues particularly on poverty programmes.
  • Support to the preparation of high-quality communication products for programme implementation and, more broadly, to publicise the progress and performance of the private sector programme.

IV.  Impact of Results

The key results have impacts on the overall success of the Country Offices programme; in particular, the key results have impact on the design, operation and programming of activities, creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching resource mobilization targets .In specific terms , it has impacts on the following results areas:

  • Pro-poor policy articulation and advisory services promoted.
  • The Country Office?s overall poverty reduction strategy implementation enhanced.
  • Team-building and management strengthened.
  • Donor intelligence and strategic partnership improved.
  • Resource mobilization and management improved.
  • Policy advocacy promoted.

Competencies

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

  • Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP
  • Demonstrates integrity, by modelling the UNs values and ethical standards
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race,nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly and without favouritism

Functional competencies

Technical knowledge:

  • Demonstrates a good knowledge of development policy analysis with emphasis on private sector development.
  • Displays a good understanding of the progress and prospects for private sector development its features and dynamics in .
  • Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of  the MSME sub-sector, including issues related to inclusive finance (modern micro finance and beyond).
  • Demonstrates ability to link private sector development to poverty reduction and  human development.

Knowledge management and learning

  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office.
  • Builds up knowledge in at least one practice area (poverty focused on private sector development).
  • Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
  • Actively works towards continuing  personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, act on learning plans and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and operational effectiveness

  • Ability to formulate and lead strategic planning, management and reporting following RBM principles, methods and tools.
  • Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development  programmes and projects and mobilize resources.
  • Strong IT skills.
  • Ability to implement  new systems and effect behavioural or attitudinal change.
  • Ability to monitor and evaluate development projects and programmes.

Leadership and Management

  • Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback.
  • Leads teams effectively and  shows conflict resolution skills.
  • Consistently approaches work  with energy  and a positive, constructive  attitude.
  • Demonstrates strong oral and communication skills.
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.
  • Remains calm, in control, and good humoured even under pressure.
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Masters degree or its equivalent in Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, and other relevant Social Sciences.

Experience:

  • 5-7 years of relevant experience at national and/or international level in providing development management services, with particular  reference to design and management of poverty policies and programmes, poverty analysis , including design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects and programmes with particular emphasis on design and management of  policies related to  informal and financial sector analysis (especially micro finance); and institutional development analysis.In-depth knowledge of MSME environment and trends in  micro finance in and worldwide is essential.
  • Working experience in relevant areas in the private sector would be an asset.
  • Fluency in the use of software (at a minimum, word processing, presentations and spreadsheets) is essential.

Language requirements

  • Fluency (both written and spoken) in English, with the ability to communicate clearly and convincingly to a broad range of audiences.
  • Ability to communicate in at least one national language.