UNDP Job Vacancy for Project Manager (DGD) - Abuja

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

* strategic advice on highly sensitive political issues to top level policy- and decision-makers, based on careful analysis and research
* development of a wide range of productive professional relationships, ranging from technical to policy levels, across a broad spectrum of stakeholders
* leadership in designing and managing relevant, feasible and monitorable large-scale capacity development programmes with demonstrable results
* strategic advice and direct input to facilitate successful project inception
* effective and professional managerial and technical leadership as well as oversight for project implementation
* coordination and provision of professional inputs of the highest quality across the entire project cycle
* implementation of performance measurement and monitoring systems subject to quality assurance by government and donors
* convening of and timely and efficient support for coordination mechanisms related to the project (Coordinating Committee) and potentially others bringing together with additional donors and partner

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

* Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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. S/he should be comfortable with within full range of sub-sectors within the initiative, 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. Experience in operating at a high level in developing countries and/or countries in transition and/or post-conflict situations will be essential. 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. Demonstrated familiarity with social science research methods and their application.
* Proven managerial experience in an international context and ability to lead teams within the context of large and complex projects. Sets clear performance goals and standards and assess finance unit staff accordingly. 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. Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change. 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.
* Experience in working with large and challenging boards and/or coordination or steering committees and advisory structures.
* Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan. 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 and results-based approaches. Solid knowledge and experience of project management. Ability to lead 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) related to democratic governance and development, such as political science, economics and other social sciences.

Experience:

* Progressively responsible work experience of at least 15 years 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.
* An excellent 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.
* Advanced analytical skills, sound judgment, resourcefulness, ability to take initiative, capacity to work in a self-directed manner and in a multi-cultural environment, and ability to create a team-based work environment.
* Ability to prepare high quality policy briefs, analytical reports, and technical research reflecting global good practice in democratic governance.
* Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
* Excellent PC user skills: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and web-based research. Applied knowledge of statistical packages such as SAS and SPSS will be an advantage.
* Ability to travel within Nigeria and overseas.

Language Requirements:

* Strong skills in written communications in English particularly in preparing issue-based papers or reports. Excellent spoken English is also required.

Application Deadline
7th April, 2010

How To Apply
Click Here To Apply Online