UNDP Jobs: NATIONAL EXPERT DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

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.

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 Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission and 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, with the support made available through a joint donor fund established to provide assistance to Nigerian democratic institutions, primarily  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, gender equality in politics.

The contributors to the project are the European Commission, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Korean International Co-operation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). A Project Management Unit (PMU) runs the project under the leadership of the UNDP.

Under the strategic direction of the Project Director, the supervision of the International Expert Democratic Governance and working in close coordination with UNDP’s Capacity for Governance Team Leader and development partners, the National Expert Democratic Governance National Assembly (NASS) and Political Parties (PP) will support and provide expert services in negotiations, identification of priorities, preparation of relevant documents, implementation of activities and follow up support for management and continued partnership development to the project on behalf of UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the International Expert Democratic Governance,  the National Expert will carry out the following tasks:

Advice to International Expert on matters of democratic governance focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Input into the advice given by the International Expert on Democratic Governance to UNDP, JDBF partners, other national institutions, beneficiaries and sub-contractors.
• Provision of substantive inputs to the DGD project on the democratic governance component of the project to advice the Project Management Board in its strategic planning and decision-making.
• Effective supervision and achievement of deliverables from all democratic governance related activities.

Manage NASS and PP components and build relationships focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Supporting the International Expert in coordinating all activities relating to the NASS and PP components of the project.
• Drafting of  work-plans, timelines and budget for  NASS and PP activities for debating by project, country office and donor partners.
• Drafting of  terms of reference for calling for proposals for NASS & PP related activities, follow their selection, prepare and manage agreements with consultants and  democratic organizations for specified services and objectives in collaboration with the international expert.
• Effective monitoring and evaluation of NASS and PP related project activities thereby ensuring value for money.
• Assisting the international expert in building a robust and healthy relationship with partner institutions like the NASS and PP as well as ensure synergy between the democratic institutions and the project.

Cordination with what other partners do in these areas, forge relationships, mobilize resources also through Component Sectoral Working Group focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Assisting the international expert in coordinating the PMU programme on National Assembly and Political Parties with other development partners’ work with the same democratic institutions. The coordination is to help prevent overlap or duplication of programme activities.
• Liaison with NASS and PP  in order to ensure healthy working relationships.
• Helping to mobilize resources through sectoral working group.
• Development and nurturing of broader partnerships in the areas of democratic governance and elections communicate and advocate the international partners’ positions and engage with Nigerian partners effectively.

Take on any other assigned responsibilities focusing on the achievement of the following result:

• Enhancement of team work for the achievement of overall project goals and objectives

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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 such as legislative development, the role and potential of mass and community media, civil society in emerging democratic societies, and the participation and role of women in politics. Comfortable with full range of sub-sectors within the project, although possibly more knowledgeable and experienced in some areas. 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, 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.
• Resourcefulness, good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with and between different levels and types of project personnel and counterparts.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or PhD) in areas of democratic governance and development including Law, Political Science, and other social sciences.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years post Masters experience in planning and implementing NASS and/or PP related activities in the context of electoral reforms and democratic process.
• Work experience 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.
• Excellent knowledge of election procedures and frameworks.
• Proven track record of advising, organizing and supervising public awareness activities partnering with democratic organizations capacity-building projects.
• Skills in training, process facilitation, strategic planning, and partnership-building.
• Excellent PC user skills: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and web-based research.
• Ability to travel within Nigeria and overseas.

Application:

• Interested candidates should apply online through the website by clicking on the Apply now button. The system will prompt you to upload a CV on the next page.
• Please note that instead of a CV you’re required to download the UNDP Personnel History Form (P11) from the following link  http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc  Complete it and upload when prompted.
• Applications without a fully completed P11 form will not be considered. Only applicants that are shortlisted will be contacted.
• The system will only allow for one attachment.

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.