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 (DGD) 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. The project is funded jointly by DFID, EU and UNDP (with CIDA as another potential partner) and is expected to be funded at a level of USD 80 million or more between 2010-14. The project will be managed by a Project Management Unit (PMU) consisting of a Technical Support Unit (TSU) bringing together technical advisory staff and a Project Support Unit (PSU) bringing together all operational support staff. The total staffing strength of the PMU is estimated at 27 persons, consisting of 10 international and national professional staff and 17 general service staff (programme and operations).
Substantively, efforts on the electoral cycle will 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 Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission, State Independent Electoral Commissions and the Resident Electoral Commissioners. 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 will help 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 Country Director and under the supervision of the Deputy Country Director (Programmes), working as a full member of the Capacity for Governance Team under the daily guidance of the Team Leader and in close coordination with the DGD Project Director, the Advisor will support and provide quality assurance to the project on behalf of UNDP. As such, s/he will be required, inter alia, to provide high quality advice on critical policy, technical and implementation issues, interact on substantive and operational issues with colleagues in the UNDP Country Office, the PMU, senior Governmental, non-governmental and donor officials and other stakeholders. In line with UNDP regulations and rules as well as specific commitments made in the project document, s/he will ensure prudent and effective oversight of the project and ensure a seamless interaction between the UNDP Country Office, development partners and the project.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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Summary of key functions:
- Provide full project assurance for the Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) Project in Nigeria as a staff-member of the UNDP Country Office.
- Analyze broader democratic governance and electoral issues and trends in the country and advise UNDP senior management, the DGD Project Management Unit and development partners accordingly.
- Develop sustainable, results-oriented partnerships with other stakeholders on the spectrum of issues covered by the DGD Project and other UNDP initiatives in the area of democratic governance.
Provide full project assurance for the DGD Project in Nigeria as a staff-member of the UNDP Country Office:
- Monitor and analyze key factors in the project’s operating environment that could affect relevance and performance.
- Provide strategic oversight of project planning, budgeting and implementation in line with PRINCE2 principles.
- Ensure application of results-based management tools in planning, budgeting and implementation using the Enhanced Results-Based Management (ERBM) platform. Monitor progress towards substantive results in work plans (outputs and outcomes) and timely reporting to national stakeholders and development partners.
- Maintain a close, open and collaborative working relationship between the Country Office and key national and international stakeholders as well as the staff of the Project PMU.
Analyze broader democratic governance and electoral issues and trends in the country and advise UNDP senior management, the DGD Project Management Unit and development partners accordingly;
- Help position the DGD project as a leading source of policy analysis on elections and democratization in Nigeria through assistance to the PMU on the design, implementation and dissemination of high-quality research and analysis.
- Establish and facilitate expert networks at national level and link them to UNDP global and other international networks to promote high levels of knowledge sharing between the project, partners and all relevant stakeholders as well as identify, document and codify best practices in electoral management and democratization in Nigeria.
- Generate high quality and action-oriented analysis of political (and related developments) in Nigeria and highlight implications for project focus, strategy, operations and partnerships.
- Design and help implement relevant and high-impact policy advocacy campaigns with and through key national and international partners.
- Provide regular contributions from the Country Office to global and regional knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Develop sustainable, results-oriented partnerships with other stakeholders on the spectrum of issues covered by the DGD Project and related Country Office activities;
- Serve as an international resource on elections and democratization issues and analyze and bring in global practice and lessons learnt through UN and UNDP networks, HQ resources and tapping from experiences in other countries.
- Provide strategic advice to the full portfolio of UNDP assistance in areas of democratic governance including civil society development, local governances, public accountability and urban governance, contributing to programmatic coherence, a clear focus and sustainable results in line with the goals and objectives of the CPAP.
- Maintain close, open and collaborative working relationships with key government counterparts, at national, State and local levels as well as with leaders and organizations in civil society and private sector.
Impact of Results
The DGD project is the largest ever governance initiative funded by donors to Nigeria, expected to reach USD 80 million and potentially much more between 2010—14. At the same time, the project grapples with exceptionally sensitive issues which demand a skilful blend of knowledge, tact, negotiation and perseverance for any progress to be made as a result of donor assistance. The Advisor will have direct and substantial impact in several ways:
- The ability of UNDP senior management to ensure prudent and effective implementation of the DGD Project based on timely and accurate data, analysis and advice on project performance as well as contextual developments.
- The forging of productive, durable and cooperative relationships with key partners based on trust and a high level of confidence.
- Achievement of UNDP’s and the partnership’s intellectual leadership on democratic governance issues in Nigeria.
- Government and donor perception of the efficiency and effectiveness of project management, given the use of the DIM modality.
- Strategic and effective management of Country Office investments in civil society development which would have significant effects across almost the entire portfolio within the CPAP.
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Competencies
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Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
- Promotes the shared vision, mission and strategic goals of the partners supporting the initiative.
- Displays strong cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism.
Functional Competencies:
- Proven competence in the field of democratic governance, well-informed on both electoral and broader democratic governance issues.
- Comfortable with full range of sub-sectors within the DGD Project, although expected to be more knowledgeable and experienced in the area of civil society in emerging democratic societies.
- S/he should have a strong grasp of the strategic, policy and nuts-and-bolts issues involved in capacity development in the area of democratic governance;
- Ability to appreciate and respond productively to the challenges faced in leading a high-risk initiative in a politically challenging environment. Ability to maintain calm and poise in high pressure and sometimes provocative situations as well as apply skills in mediation and consensus-building;
- Solid academic background and demonstrated abilities in analysis of complex political situations and providing strategic advice, while maintaining personal detachment;
- Proven managerial experience in an international context and ability to lead teams
- Proven ability to make sound decisions in delegation of responsibilities and in finding a balance between a focus on detail and keeping an eye on the big picture. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Strong inter-personal communications and diplomatic skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, with an ability to listen, understand and respond effectively to different and divergent points of view expressed by a wide range of stakeholders. Ability to build strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work plans. Proven ability to work under pressure and produce output that is accurate, timely and of high quality. Ability to manage conflicting priorities;
- Ability to understand and apply tools such as the logical framework, results-based approaches like UNDP’s RBM and PRINCE2. Solid knowledge and experience of project management. Ability to support and provide oversight to strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.
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Required Skills and Experience
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Education:
- Advanced university degree (Masters or Phd) related to democratic governance and development, such as political science, economics or other social sciences.
Experience:
- Progressively responsible work experience of at least 10 years in democratic governance, including electoral issues, dealing with: (a) policy dialogue and advisory work; (b) leadership and management of research and analysis; (c) design and execution of capacity development programmes; (d) project management, including the leadership of multi-disciplinary expert teams, preferably funded by development partners (UN or other); and (e) promotion of stakeholder/community awareness of and participation in democratic governance.
- A good understanding of the social, economic, political and historical trends underpinning African and, ideally, Nigerian governance and electoral processes.
- Skills in training, process facilitation, strategic planning, and partnership-building.
- Ability to prepare high quality policy briefs, analytical reports, and technical research reflecting global good practice in democratic governance.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
- Excellent PC user skills: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and web-based research.
- Ability to travel within Nigeria and overseas.
Language Requirements:
- Strong skills in written communications in English particularly in preparing issue-based papers or reports.
- Excellent spoken English is also required.
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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.
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