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.
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 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.
Nigeria's next general elections are due in 2011. With the support made available through a joint donor fund established to provide assistance to Nigerian democratic institutions, the UNDP Project Management Unit commenced the Initiation Plan in October 2009. The IP ended in July 2010 and the current pre-election phase of the DGD project is on-going. Contributors to this project are the European Commission (EC), the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), The Government of Korea 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, and working in close coordination with UNDP's Capacity for Governance Team Leader and development partners, the International 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 and follow up support for management and continued partnership development to the project on behalf of UNDP.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:
- Advise the Project Director on matters of democratic governance (including elections);
- Manage NASS and PP components of the project and build relationships accordingly;
- Coordinate with other partners, forge relationships, mobilize resources also through the relevant Component Sectoral Working Group;
- Any other duties as assigned by the Project Director.
Function / Expected Results:
Advise the Project Director on matters of democratic governance (including elections) focusing on the achievement of the following results:
- Provide input into the advice given by the Project Director to UNDP, JDBF partners, other national institutions, beneficiaries and sub-contractors;
- Provide substantive inputs to the democratic governance components of the project to advise the Project Management Board on its strategic planning and decision-making;
- Effective supervision and achievement of deliverables from all democratic governance related activities of the project.
Manage National Assembly (NASS) and Political Parties (PP) components of the project focusing on the achievement of the following results:
- Coordination of all activities relating to the National Assembly (NASS) and Political Parties (PP) components of the project;
- Drafting of work-plans, timelines and budget for NASS and PP activities for debating by PMU/CO and donor partners;
- Drafting of terms of reference for calling for proposals for NASS and 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 National Assembly and Political Party related project activities thereby ensuring value for money;
- Building a robust and healthy relationship with partner institutions like the National Assembly and Political parties as well as ensure synergy between the democratic institutions and the PMU.
Coordinate with other partners, forge relationships, mobilize resources also through the relevant Component Sectoral Working Group focusing on the achievement of the following results:
- Coordination of the project components 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 National Assembly and Political Parties in order to ensure healthy working relationships;
- Helping to mobilize resources through the 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.
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:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
- In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
- Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
- Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
- Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.
Management and Leadership
- Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
- Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
- Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.
UNDP Certification programmes Prince2, RMG
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Masters or Phd) related to democratic governance and development, such as Law, Political Science, and other social sciences.
Experience:
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in planning and implementing National Assembly and Political Party activities in relation to 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;
- 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 PC user skills: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and web-based research;
- Ability to travel within Nigeria and overseas;
- Proven track record of advising, organizing and supervising public awareness activities partnering with democratic organizations capacity-building projects;
- Excellent knowledge of election procedures and frameworks;
- Ability to work harmoniously with people from different cultural backgrounds;
- Familiarity with the democratic landscape in Nigeria.
Language Requirements:
- Strong skills in written communications in English particularly in preparing issue-based papers or reports;
- Excellent spoken English is also required.
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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