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Location : Abuja, NIGERIA
Application Deadline : 31-Jan-10
Additional Category ManagementType of Contract : SSA
Languages Required :English
Starting Date :(date when the selected canditate is expected to start) 01-Mar-2010
Background
Under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator (RC), the Senior Strategic Advisor manages the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO); support the RC and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in enhancing system-wide coherence and aid effectiveness by providing strategic and operational guidance on UN Reform; and strengthen the capacity of the UNCT to coordinate and implement the United Nations Development Assistance Framework II (UNDAF). She/he ensures that appropriate follow up is initiated to Global Conferences and Commitments.
Guided by the UN Reform, desire for sound programmatic activities and the principle of alignment between UN agencies’ policies, strategies and implementation structures, UNDAF II (2009-2012) was formulated by the UN system in Nigeria.
Although UN agencies have their own policies, procedures and skills governing operational and programmatic activities at the country level, the UNCT intends to work together to provide a well coordinated, focused and coherent response to the country’s main development challenges. While appreciating that no single agency has the range of funds, skills, knowledge, and experience to tackle the multi-dimensional causes of poverty, indeed, a collaborative UNCT can provide advice and assistance on a wide range of issues. It can also ensure that the support provided by each agency is complementary, rather than duplicative, to produce synergistic results. In Nigeria, these principles of “Collective Work” and “Collective Responsibility”, if well managed, should translate into a consolidation process towards the “One UN” Reform.
Enhancing the prospects for such collaborative processes under the UN reform and while ensuring a successful implementation of UNDAF require a correspondingly strengthened coordination support capacity for the role of RC.
Duties and Responsibilities
As the designated representative of the Secretary General, the RC draws the relevant skills and assets of all members of the UNCT, working in a participatory, inclusive and collegial manner to better serve Nigeria in its attainment of the national development objectives.
Under the direct supervision of the RC, and in close collaboration with the members of the UNCT, the main duties and responsibilities of the Senior Strategic Advisor would be to:
• Coordinated Support to the RC and UNCT
• Coordinated Support to the RC and UNCT in the management and implementation of UNDAF:
• Unit Head for the RC’s Office
1. Coordinated Support to the RC and UNCT
* Co-ordinate and facilitate the preparation, organisation and implementation of UNCT general/annual review meetings and other retreats;
* Keep the UNCT, and all UN Staff abreast of UN Reform processes, international instruments and developments, and initiate action to incorporate into the UN System work environment;
* Oversee the provision of secretariat support to the Theme Groups, and UN working groups as indicated by the Secretary General, and support the drafting of relevant documents for annual reporting and ensure feed back to UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO);
* Advocate for joint partnership responses where appropriate and provide support to strategy development, input to committees and maintain formal relations with Government and Development Partners;
* Oversight of, and active coordination, in case of national emergencies
2. Coordinated Support to the RC and UNCT in the management and implementation of UNDAF:
* Ensure continuous UNDAF alignment (coordination bodies and partnerships) with national development processes and ensure systematic coordinated UN response to national analysis, development plans and strategies;
* Review country team activities in the light of UN System Reform and UNDAF implementation, and advise the RC on this basis;
* Identify and provide solution to issues related to the implementation of UNDAF;
* Attend and input into relevant theme groups, UN working groups, national and development partner committee/mechanisms and on joint programmes;
* Oversee support and contribute to Common Services & Operations;
3. Unit Head for the RC’s Office
* Supervise RCO staff;
* Initiate, and ensure implementation of the Annual Work plans of the RCO;
* Ensure timely response to requests for information regarding UN activities;
* Monitor and report on RCO expenditure and generate budgets;
* Coordinate outputs from RC Team for the RC’s annual report.
* Promote the profile of the RCO through the use of information technology and the coordination of public events and media;
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge and Learning Management
Shares knowledge and experience from within and outside the UN Country Team.
Encourages UN staff to share knowledge
Develops deep understanding in UNDAF, UN System reform and MDGs
Coordination Effectiveness
Ability to lead the design and implementation of UN programme activities, strengthening of strategic partnerships for UNDAF implementation.
Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies.
Management and Leadership
Strategic vision and strong technical and analytical capabilities.
Focuses on impact and result for the client
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
Establishes priorities for self and other members of the RC office; schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources; monitors performance against development and other objectives and corrects deviations from the course
In providing advice to the RC, has the capacity to gather comprehensive information on complex problems or situations; evaluates information accurately and identifies key issues required to resolve problems
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
Manages conflict and stress, remaining composed and working as a mediator in crisis or antagonistic situations
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Master degree or higher, in political science, economics, international development and/or management and coordination.
Experience: At least 10 years work experience in development operations. Good knowledge of UN system, procedures and activities for development. Experience in UN reform is a bonus. Conversant with the logical framework approach and other strategic planning and reporting approaches; Familiarity with UNDAF development/planning will be considered a plus.
Language Requirements:
Excellent knowledge of English, including writing and oral skills.
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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