UNDP Recruits Special Advisor/Partnership Development - Abuja

UNDP helps developing countries attract and use aid effectively. In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights, capacity development and the empowerment of women.

We are recruiting to fill the below position:

Job Title: Special Advisor/Partnership Development

Location : Abuja
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-5

Background
The Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) project supports Nigeria’s democratic process within the framework of Electoral Cycle Support and Deepening Democracy over the period, 2009-2015. The overall goal of DGD 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 electoral democracy and democratic governance in Nigeria. The project provided technical assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) among other critical stakeholders towards the 2011 general elections to deliver free, fair and credible elections.

Following the improvement in the 2011 elections, partnership between DGD and INEC is being strengthened to further position it to improve on subsequent elections. While developing the post-election phase of its support to INEC in this regard, DGD is supporting INEC to produce a permanent voters card and register; identify specific issues to be addressed in the reform of the constitutional and legal framework of elections, the development of a strategic plan and organizational restructuring based on the report and recommendations of the Registration and Election Review Committee. To facilitate this, DGD is supporting INEC and the office of the Chairman to recruit a Special Advisor/Partnership Development

Duties and Responsibilities
The person shall provide special advisory services to the Chairman and the Commission in partnership management and development as follows:

• Oversee and manage the implementation of activities related to civil society organizations and political parties;
• Coordinate engagement with National Assembly and advise on strategic partnership for promoting electoral reforms;
• Advise the Chairman and Commission in developing a targeted, structured and regular dialogue with election stakeholders and partners, including: political actors; governmental agencies; Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Security Agencies;
• Provide policy & methodological advice to the Chairman, Commission and electoral stakeholders on international best practice in electoral education;
• Support the Chairman and Commission in engaging relevant election stakeholders and Agencies in developing coherent and strategic electoral education programmes;
• Devise innovative policies and activities to increase the outreach to youth and women and promote an active role of both groups in delivering electoral education to Nigerian citizens;
• Develop and maintain good working relations with the National Assembly, CSOs, political parties and other relevant government institutions;
• Provide policy advice to the Chairman and Commission on the development and implementation of an Election Management System;
• Provide policy advice to the Chairman and Commission on the development and implementation of Training Needs and Skills Development;
• Ensure timely production and submission of progress reports to UNDP/DGD;
• Deliver monthly personal activity reports to UNDP.

Deliverables

The Special Advisor/Partnership Development is expected to provide the following deliverables:

• Platform for INEC’s regular engagement with National Assembly, political parties, civil society organizations, State Independent Electoral Commissions and other relevant government agencies established.
• Innovative policies and activities targeted at increased participation of underrepresented groups such as youth, women and, persons with disabilities developed, documented and implemented.
• INEC’s Proposed Amendments to the Electoral Legal Framework realized
• A strategy for voter education by INEC in partnership with relevant stakeholders developed.

Competencies
Functional Competencies:

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches

• Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
• Documents and analyses innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

• Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
• Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

• Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments

Client Orientation

• Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
• Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others.
• Informed and transparent decision making

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced University degree (Masters or PhD) in relevant fields of study.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience including at least 5 years in managing partnerships in electoral processes.
• A good understanding of the social, economic, political and historical trends underpinning African and ideally Nigerian media environment.
• Excellent knowledge of the Nigerian media terrain and of the existing media networks.
• 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
• Strong skills in written communications in English particularly in preparing issue-based papers or reports.
• Excellent spoken English is required as well as fluency in one Nigerian language

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.

Application Closing Date
12th March, 2013

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click Here To Apply Online