State Representative at DFID Nigeria

DFID Nigeria is responsible for managing the British Government’s contribution to development in Nigeria, with the objective of supporting government and development partners at federal and state levels to reduce poverty to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

DFID Nigeria is looking for a dynamic, experienced and committed Nigerian to lead delivery of results for DFID in two of our focal states (Yobe and Jigawa). This is an exciting opportunity to represent the organisation to some of the most senior Nigerian and UK Government stakeholders and drive forward results in Northern Nigeria.

The post holder will be based in Kano but expected to travel regularly to Abuja, Jigawa and Yobe (security permitting).

DFID Nigeria recruiting to fill the below position:

Job Title: State Representative

Location: Kano

Job Description:
The post holder will be expected to work across sectors and develop strong relationships with state government and implementing partners. S/he should be resilient, a strong team player, and possess excellent networking, negotiation and influencing skills. Experience of delivering results and influencing in complex and fragile environments would be an asset.

Responsibilities:

• Develop effective relationships Government officials, development partners, civil society and general publicto effectively influence approach(es) to development and representing DFID at high level policy and programme discussions in Northern Nigeria.
• Drive forward DFID policy and programme objectives in Jigawa and Yobeincluding on results, programme coordination and policy analysis.
• Lead the coordination and coherence of DFID Nigeria’s work at state level.DFID’s work is covers a broad development agenda including human development, economic growth, governance and conflict reduction programmes.
• Support the design, implementation and monitoring of key programmes within your focal states.
• Support and shape thedevelopment of DFID and UK government strategy through providing regular state political and development analysis.
• Facilitate improved donor harmonisation and programme coordination in focal states, where relevant.
• Contribute to DFID Nigeria and DFID Northern Nigeria Office Management oncorporate requirements for correspondence, briefings, reporting, preparations for high level visits, communications and core agendas e.g. Value for Money and Results.
• Support the DFID Northern Nigeria Office Management as necessary in a flexible and co-operative manner, engaging where required on corporate and other matters.

Qualification and Experience
The successful candidate is expected to have the following qualifications and behavioural competencies:

• Minimum of a Honours Degree from an internationally recognised University
• Proven cultural, social and political sensitivity of working in Northern Nigeria, including with girls and women, with a good working knowledge of Hausa.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Make effective decisions: show clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving at well-reasoned justifiable decisions. Create evidence based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions. Aim to maximise return while minimising risk and balancing social, political, financial, economic and environmental considerations to provide sustainable outcomes.
• Deliver at pace: ensure tasks are done to the required standard and deadlines; plan work to meet individual, team and office-wide objectives, achieve high quality and value for money. Deal with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
• Lead and Communicate: communicate clearly both orally and in writing, using appropriate language; communicate on a range of issues to diverse internal and external audiences. Effectively influencing people to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Collaborate and Partner: excellent team player; work effectively with government, development partner, civil society and private sector stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders; build good relationships for partnership, implementation, and support for DFID Programmes.
• See the bigger picture: develop an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how the role fits and supports organisational objectives and wider public needs. Scan the political context and take account of wider impacts to develop long term implementation strategies that maximise opportunities and minimise risks.
• Managing a Quality Service:organised to deliver objectives and striving to improve the quality, taking account of diverse needs and requirements of the organisation. Effectively plan, organise and manage time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support delivery.

Remuneration
Competitive with benefits (A2L grade) - from N 9, 479,244 p.a. An exceptional candidate maybe offered a higher salary and benefits package, with proportionate increase in the stretch of the job description.

Application Closing Date
31st October, 2014

Interview Date
10th November, 2014

Interview Venue
DFID Abuja

How to apply
Qualified and interested candidates for this position should fill in the attached application form or request further information through the [email protected]

The successful candidate will be assessed against the qualifications and behavioural competencies, as outlined above.

Note: No applications will be accepted after deadline.