Local Project Coordinator at UNDP

Location: Northern - Nigeria

Background

• The Government of Nigeria with the assistance of the UNDP has secured funding through the Global Environment Facility (GEE) to implements project that would foster sustainability and resilience in Nigeria agricultural production.
• The goal of the five-year project is to enhance long-term sustainability and resilience of food production systems in Nigeria, building greater community resilience to climate risks and other shocks that drive food insecurity.
• The project is seeking for qualified individuals to be recruited in the Project Management Unit (PMU).

Overall Function of the Position

• She/he will work closely with land and water users (project beneficiaries) and with Local Government technical staff at LG, state and region level, as well as universities staff working on the project to make sure the project activities are implemented according to the project plans.
• He/she will mobilize beneficiaries and facilitate/ guide implementation of project activities.
• He/she will monitor the project activities and produce the reports to the National Project Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the National Project Manager, the Field Coordinator will:

• Ensure proper management, day to day co-ordination and facilitation /implementation arrangements are operating for implementation of the project at assigned pilot sites;
• Represent the project in relevant meetings etc. to which MoARD / UNDP is invited in the assigned LGs and states;
• Actively participate in the supervision, monitoring and evaluation of projects activities;
• In collaboration with the PM / TA, oversee all aspects of project activities implemented under the project at local;
• Plan and execute all activities of the project in the assigned districts in close collaboration with the PM, the authorities and technicians at community, LG, state level and with contracted NGOs / researchers;
• Assist in developing and reviewing technical studies carried out in the project sites through field visits, consultation meetings with communities, NGOs, local government in order to ensure that they get the accurate information and oversee the activities of contracted parties (e.g. providers of services to the beneficiary-communities);
• Ensure that all project activities funded community-level are within the scope of local development, plans;
• Prepare the Annual Work Plan and budget at local level in line with MoARD projects/programs and submit it to the National Project Manager;
• In close collaboration with the Project Accountant, ensure that funds are advanced by the project in a timely manner that it does not hinder the implementation of projects activities and that all project resources are used efficiently in support of the project objectives and targets of communities;
• Collect data (contact details, work plans, meeting schedules0) and maintain comprehensive operational information on all partners activities in the assigned districts including NGOs, government offices, community based organizations and civil society;
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports on the status of the implementation of the project activities at local level, including technical, financial, policy matters, highlighting challenges and proposing options to solve them
• Perform any other activities directly related to the project objectives that will be assigned by site National Project Manager.

Requirements, Experience and Skills
Education:

• A University Bachelor's degree in Geography, Environmental Science Management, Development Studies, Environmental Economies or another field relevant to the project.

Experience and Skills:

• At least 3 years of experience in a similar or related position
• Knowledge and understanding of biodiversity and /or ecosystems issues, with special focus in forest/range-lands and, ideally, the concepts of payments for ecosystem services;
• Field experience and understanding of Nigeria, including sustainable livelihoods issues;
• Knowledge of national policy environments will be an added advantage;
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work under pressure and to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to take initiative and to work independently, as well as part of a train;
• Familiarity with development projects implementation procedures and guidelines;
• Prepared to be based in the project area;
• ideally,knowledge of the GEF and UNDP funded projects and their technical and operational requirements

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in English and the relevant local language(s)

Competencies
Functional Competencies:

• Ability to communicate effectively with local communities including complex,technical information's;
• Good management, coordination and organization skills to facilitate production of quality outputs in a timely manner;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team to produce quality outputs in a timely manner.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrate integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
• Promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.