Project Assistant at UNDP

Background
Since 2009, nearly 15 million people in Nigeria´s North-East have been affected by the conflict with Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), a Non-State Armed Group (NSAG), labelled by the media and commonly referred to as “Boko Haram”, and the resulting military operations in North-East Nigeria. The conflict became particularly intense in 2013, leading to the loss of an estimated 30,000 lives and the displacement of over 1.8 million people. Current numbers of active members within the NSAGs are not known but estimates range from 5,000 to 20,000. The number of detainees under military control is estimated at around 7,000 with the number expected to rise as counter insurgency efforts continue and avenues for surrender become more viable. The past years have brought significant progress on the military front. NSAGs no longer control vast swathes of territory and have taken to asymmetric warfare to deal with the evolving military campaign. Despite these successes, the number and sophistication of insurgency attacks have been on the rise since early December 2018.
 
The military campaign therefore continues to be essential in the foreseeable future.  In addition, those associated with NSAGs must see a way out of the groups, be given opportunities for viable alternatives to violent extremism and seek change through peaceful means. In parallel, the process of reconciliation between low-risk former NSAG associates including children and women who have participated in Government-led rehabilitation programmes and the many conflict-affected communities and victims of the groups must start.
 
From experience to date in the North-East, it is clear that community-based reconciliation and transitional justice processes are important but not sufficient for achieving peace. Besides establishing a minimum level of safety and security in the community, action is required to strengthen individual livelihoods, community social and productive infrastructure and public services before the actual process of reintegration of former NSAG associates can take place. Community consultations across the Northeast of Nigeria conducted by the project partners in 2017 and 2018 confirm the need for a comprehensive approach that lays the foundations for successful reintegration through a community-driven and state-owned “Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR)” process. The Government of Nigeria also recognizes that reintegration must include non-state security providers, such as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other vigilante groups.
 
For reintegration to be successful it needs to go hand-in-hand with community-level reconciliation to promote an increased understanding for and acceptance of low-risk former associates and victims. Though community engagement is a gradual trust-building process, done in the right way, however, it can support the creation of a common vision for the future and lay foundations for reconciliation and reintegration interventions
The UNDP/UNICEF/IOM “Support for Reconciliation and Reintegration of Former Armed Non-State combatants and Boko Haram Associates (S2R) project is funded by EU and aims to achieve the following objectives:

• To reduced rejection and stigmatization of Former Associates;
• To increase community healing and reconciliation and decrease sense of injustice
• To increase sustainable alternatives to violence and social cohesion;
• To disarm and demobilize non-state security providers;
• To strengthen trust between citizens and Government.

At present, UNDP wants to recruit a Project Assistant to carry out support functions for the project.. The Project Assistant will be recruited by UNDP and will be reporting directly to the UNDP Reconciliation and Social Cohesion Officer of the project.
 
Duties and Responsibilities   
Under the direct supervision of the Reconciliation and Social Cohesion Officer and in close collaboration with the  S2R Project Team in the CO and Sub-Office, the Project Assistasnt will perform the following funcations:

• Providing daily support on timely execution of project approved work plans;
• Assisting in monitoring the progress throughout the programme;
• Assisting the project manager in coordinating the exchange of information among the programme partners;
• Providing required support in organizing/conducting programme activities;
• Provision of administrative services to meetings, seminars, workshops;
• Efficient travel arrangements provided for the team as required, ensuring proper use of UNDP resources and client satisfaction;
• Supporting other programme-related activities as required by the programme management.
• Undertake and support project implementation and procurement activities according to UNDP workflows including contracting consultants, institutional contracts and organization of workshops and travel, etc;
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system including timely corrective actions on budget check errors, match exceptions, as well as cost-sharing deficit and PDR errors;
• Creation of requisitions in Atlas for development projects, registration of goods receipt in Atlas;
• Undertake budget checks for requisitions, POs and vouchers.

Impact of Results

• Satisfactory outputs based on activities listed under scope of work.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge Management and Learning
• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related to Results Management, including screening and collecting of programme/ projects documentation, projects data entering, preparation of revisions, filing, provision of information.

Leadership and Self-Management:

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

Required Skills and Experience
Education and Certificate:

• Secondary Education or equivalent qualification. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences and / or Social Sciences or related field is desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years for Secondary School, or 1 year for a Bachelor’s degree holder, of work experiences in or administrative work and/or logistics support;
• Excellent organizational skill, service-mind, punctual, self-motivated, and proactive; experience in handling of web based management systems;
• Experience in computer and  MS Office package, particularly proficiency in Excel;
• Knowledge of UNDP procurement and financial rules and regulation is preferable;
• Experience in the use of ATLAS (UNDP ERP system) is an added advantage.
• Experience with the UN System and UNDP desirable

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. The ability to communicate effectively in Kanuri, Hausa, or any other local language spoken in the NE region is an asset.