UNDP Jobs - 24123- Technical Expert / Democratic Development

Technical Expert / Democratic Development

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

18-Jul-2011

Application Deadline :

08-Jul-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

7 Weeks

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

7 Weeks

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. 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. Contributors to DGD are the European Union, the UK Department for International Development, the Canadian International Development Agency, Korea International Cooperation Agency and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). A Project Management Unit runs the project under the leadership of UNDP. Nigeria’s general elections took place in April/May 2011.

A post-elections strategic independent review of DGD is foreseen with a view to aligning project activities with lessons learnt and emerging issues. The Technical Expert Democratic Development is expected to analyze the implementation of the DGD components, particularly on the strengthening of political parties, of the National Assembly and on the improvement of the electoral process, and to contribute to the drafting of the relevant sections of the review report.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assess the project performance for the DGD components, particularly on the strengthening of political parties, of the National Assembly and on the improvement of the electoral process in terms of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the support provided to recipient institutions and organizations, in conformity with the review methodology. This substantive review of DGD will be based on the conduct and outcome of the 2011 general elections, achievements made by the project from its inception to the end of the phase 1 work plan, effectiveness of the management and implementation systems.
Suggest measures to address actual and potential shortcomings identify new risks and associated risk mitigation strategies concerning all programme components.
Propose recommendations to refocus programme activities, outputs and expected outcomes for the above-mentioned components, in the light of evolving political and institutional conditions, especially considering the outcome of the 2011 general elections.

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

Functional competencies:

Proven competence in conducting evaluations and reviews for development projects, with demonstrated ability to use Monitoring and Evaluation methodology and strong analytical skills.
Demonstrated experience as a Democratic Governance expert/analyst and in the design, implementation and management of Democratic Governance programme interventions in Nigeria or another developing country.
Broad knowledge in key areas related to democratic governance including political parties, the role of Parliament in a functioning democracy, technical assistance to elections, the role and potential of mass and community media, civil society in emerging democratic societies, advocacy/education, and the participation and role of women in politics.
The selected consultant is expected to be independent and should have no prior involvement in the DGD programme.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Development, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Science, Law or a related field

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years work experience of capacity development in electoral support activities, such as civic/voter education, voter registration, mobilization for inclusive participation, democratisation processes, etc;
At least 3/4 years experience conducting international development evaluations and reviews;
Demonstrated strong knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation methods for development projects; knowledge of UNDP’s results-based management orientation and practices;
Demonstrable knowledge of key gender and governance issues in Nigeria and/or sub-Saharan Africa.
Familiarity with project implementation in complex multi donor-funded arrangements;
Prior experience from Sub-Saharan Africa preferred. Prior experience of working in Nigeria will be an added advantage.