Job Openings at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Background

• This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office  Nigeria (CONIG).
• Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Representative and the direct supervision of the Associate Programme Officer based in Lagos
• The incumbent will assist in project management and implementation in line with written guidelines and instructions developed by UNODC on project cycle management and project implementation.
• The incumbent will work in close team work with other colleagues of the project in CONIG as well as at relevant HQ sections of UNODC, to create synergy and achieve full coordination of project activities and effective project partnerships, especially with the project’s Nigerian stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Within delegated authority, the National Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Maintains close contact with local communities, law enforcement, security agencies, and justice sector institutions by building strong relationships between the relevant agencies based in Baylesa, and overall in Niger Delta;
• Facilitates the smooth and effective flow of communication with national entities, by maintaining regular contact, providing required information, etc.
• Provides guidance to consultants, local stakeholders, community leaders to identify community champions to help in mitigation of maritime crime in target communities in the Niger Delta;
• Provides substantive and technical support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Advises the Programme Officer and project staff of national and local considerations and realities in Niger Delta for proper and effective project implementation, as well as on ways to strengthen partnerships with beneficiary institutions, as well as local considerations and realities for proper and effective project implementation.
• Coordinates and liaises regularly on project activities planning and implementation with relevant national partners (including designated focal points and other senior professionals), as well as regional/international partners present in Nigeria.
• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Support the Programme Officer and project staff in following-up communication with beneficiary institutions, including official letters, request for technical assistance, and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under the project
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources, relevant for project implementation related to the fight against maritime crime
• Prepare various written outputs, e.g. briefing notes for senior management, sections of UN/UNODC reports such as UNODC Annual Report, ensure quality inputs to publications, websites and other reports.
• Prepare and submit for approval substantive and financial reports, semi-annual and annual project progress reports, inputs to Quarterly Field Reports (QFRs), annual reports to donors.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries and ensure follow-up action.
• Provide support in drafting new project concepts and documents in relation to the Office’s Global Maritime Crime Programme, in order to diversify its portfolio (in line with the Country and Regional Programmes, UNODC Menu of Services and UNODC strategic frameworks) for circulation with potential partners/donors.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Demonstrated professional competence in programme management and implementation, ideally with a focus on criminal justice matters; ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork:

• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues within and outside of UNODC to achieve organizational goals; solicits inputs by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise;
• Demonstrates willingness to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing:

• Able to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands; able to work on tight deadlines; knowledge on how to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies.
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and projects as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Public or Business Administration, Project Management, Political Science or other relevant Social or Political area, is required.
• A first-level University Degree in similar fields in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.  

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in project / programme management or administration within the area of rule of law and criminal justice at community, local or/and national level is required.
• Work experience in prevention of maritime crime in the Niger Delta, as well as peace, governance or/and maritime security area is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches of the relevant aspects in counter-piracy and the prevention of maritime crime in Niger Delta is highly desirable.
• Work experience in substantive liaison and coordination at community, local and national government level is highly desirable.
• Good research and analytical skills are desirable. In particular, research experience in maritime insecurity in Niger Delta is an advantage.
• Working experience within the United Nations system or similar international organization is an desirable.
• Knowledge of policies and practices on maritime crime and transnational organised crime, as well as in the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is an advantage.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For the position advertised, fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an added advantage.

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Background

• Insecurity in the North West region of Nigeria – especially Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto is characterized by a complex blending of communal conflicts, farmer-herder conflict, armed banditry and organized crime.
• These conflict drivers are further amplified by demographic pressure, relative deprivation, perceptions of economic exclusion and climate-induced risks.
• While numerous peace agreements including in Sokoto and Zamfara and amnesties provided some short-term stability, violence that resurged in the North West, especially in 2020 poses a significant stability risk to the region and country as a whole.
• In Katsina and Kaduna States for example, organized communal violence and banditry attacks tripled from April to June 2021 and at least 80,150 and 67,192 people respectively are now in IDP camps with many more urbanely displaced. A UN mission to the region identified a combined number of 193 hotspot communities in Kaduna; 194 in Katsina; 106 in Zamfara and 40 in Sokoto – indicating the urgent need to mobilise urgent response and peacebuilding support to the region.
• COVID-19 has further aggravated the root causes of conflict and contributed to the escalation of violence. Lockdowns and curfews at the peak of the pandemic amplified the economic burden on already vulnerable populations limiting the pursuit of livelihoods.
• With the restrictive measures, community peacebuilding efforts were undermined leading to the collapse of peace agreements and narrowing of the opening for women’s participation in peacebuilding processes. The collapse of peace agreements and amnesties resulted in spike of violence in June 2020. Increased violent conflict and criminality in the zone would continue to slow the rate of economic recovery, hamper investments and women’s empowerment and decrease available resources for service delivery and development.
• A holistic approach to address the spike in insecurity loss of government control, increased displacement, greater inter-communal conflicts, and criminal violence and resultant economic losses, the increased SGBV and VAW, eroded conflict management structure and the narrowed opportunity for women peace and security agenda should be prioritized.

Organizational Context

• UNDP has played a key role in mobilising and catalysing key partnerships around a prevention agenda to find lasting solutions to the NW Security challenge before it escalates to a full-blown crisis.
• UNDP is represented on the EU-led likeminded Group of Ambassadors and Heads of Mission on the North West. This platform meets on a monthly basis and brings together the UN Leadership and Ambassadors to collectively and collaboratively explore entry points for sustained advocacy, policy and programmatic response
• UNDP has also been on the forefront of shaping the analytics on changing security dynamics in the region. Using sentiment analysis, this assessment conducted in Jan/March 2021 provided the basis upon which the Peace and Stability Outlook below was produced. A series of complimentary conflict analysis were undertaken by the EU, FCDO.
• Related assessments on the socio-economic context was carried out by UNICEF; while Humanitarian actors undertook rapid review of the evolving humanitarian situation in the country.
• The organisation also produced jointly by UNDP and FCDO as a framework for understanding the changing dynamics of instability in the North West. This note presented to the first North West Likeminded Group set the tone for high level advocacy and engagement in the region. 
• In terms of field engagement, UNDP convened both technical and high level inter-agency mission to the three states  with the objective of mapping possible entry points for UN and International support to the region. This mission had a focus on prevention.
• Therefore, UNDP Nigeria is looking for a National individual consultant to leverage on this work and lay the foundation for UNDP’s programmatic support in the North West Region. The IC will support in undertaking capacity assessments of key peace and governance actors and systems; monitor conflict trends; support with key stakeholder engagement in the field and lastly support with the design of the programmatic framework for the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the overall guidance of the UNDP DRR (P) and supervision of the Crisis Prevention and Recovery Advisor the Peacebuilding Field Coordinator will be responsible for initiating key assessments, stakeholder engagement and laying the foundation for UNDP’s Integrated Peacebuilding and Peacebuilding Work..  

Summary of Key Duties
Capacity Assessment; Socio-economic and Conflict analysis:

• Conduct consultations with key stakeholders to identify peacebuilding needs and assess existing capacities and ongoing support provided other UN agencies, NGOs and development partners
• Conduct assessment of existing capacities for peacebuilding, conflict prevention and trauma-healing in line with the objectives of the project
• Develop a capacity enhancement plan based on the needs identified

Support with stakeholder engagement and community Mobilisation:

• Establish opportunities for collaboration with potential partners (all stakeholders including government, civil society, faith institutions, local authorities, UN agencies and other partners) in the State
• Explore entry points for sustained UNDP Support and collaboration across strategic areas of inclusive peacebuilding, cross-border governance, livelihoods and conflict prevention
• Perform other relevant duties, in connection to this consultancy, as required by the UNDP Resident Representative.
• Support with the establishment of Peace and Security Platforms within the State and Cross-border levels in Illela

Production of the NW Integrated Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention and Border Governance Project document:

• Identify opportunities for programmatic activities responding to assessed needs related to the objective of enhancing inclusive peacebuilding, conflict prevention and governance in the State
• Contribute to the development of a narrative of the UNDP Prodoc document for support to the North West working alongside team of consultant (s) to be procured
• Provide technical advice on the evolving opportunities for UNDP support including the engagement of counterparts in the State on this area.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Master's Degree in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, International development, Public Administration, or related fields.

Required Experience:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in the field of peace, security, conflict analysis and related areas of work
• Demonstrated experience in peace programme project formulation
• Excellent knowledge on the management key stakeholders and community mobilisation
• Ability to work under pressure in a multicultural and complex environment.
• Ability to produce reports and high-level conflict and political economy analysis.
• Capacity to provide technical assistance to national counterparts, including through dialogue with high level political and administrative officers, including electoral administration, as well as donors and the international community.
• Previous experience in external relations, gender or results management.
• Previously worked as CTA within the framework of multi donor projects would be a strong asset.
• Previous experience within the United Nations System would be a strong asset; and
• Working experience in Nigeria is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) required.
• Fluency in Hausa;

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer:
Education:

• Master's in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International development, Public Administration, or related fields.- Complies or Not

Relevant Experience: 

• At least 5 years of sustained professional experience in the field of peacebuilding, security, governance or related field - 25 Points
• Capacity to provide technical assistance to national counterparts, including through dialogue with electoral administration and other high level political and administrative officers, as well as donors and international community - 20 Points
• Excellent knowledge of the evolving peace and security dynamics in the North West - 20 Points
• Demonstrated experience in project formulation, design and management as well as fund raising - 10 Points
• Experience of working in Sokoto/Katsina/Zamfara states - 15 Points
• Ability to work under pressure in a multicultural and complex environment.- 5 points
• Ability to produce reports and high levelled conflict and political-economy analysis. - 5 Points

Competencies
Technical / Functional Competencies:

Results-Orientation and Development Effectiveness:

• Plans, prioritizes and produces quality results on time.
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.
• Ability to lead implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programs and projects, mobilize resources.
• Ability to lead formulation and management of budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, and reporting.

Management and Leadership:

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Builds strong relationships with stakeholders, focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback.
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Sets clear performance goals and standards; executes responsibilities accordingly.
• Motivated and demonstrates a capacity to pursue personal development and learn.

Innovation and Judgment:

• Conceptualizes and analyses problems to identify key issues, underlying problems and how they relate.
• Contributes creative, practical ideas and approaches to deal with challenging situation.
• Strives for quality client-centered services (internal/external) when making decisions and taking action.

Job Knowledge and Expertise:

• Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and post requirements with excellence.
• Proves knowledge of peacebuilding programming, conflict analysis, capacity assessment, stakeholder engagement and community mobilization.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables:

Deliverables 1:

• Content: Report on Stakeholder engagement, community mobilization at State level.
• Timing: 30 days after signing the contract (30%)

Deliverables 2:

• Content: Report on support towards sustained stakeholder engagement, community mobilisation and platform establishment .
• Timing: 60 days after signing the contract 50%

Deliverables 3:

• Content: Integrated project document for Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention and Inclusive livelihoods submitted and approved by UNDP         
• Timing: 60 days after signing the contract 20%

Coordination and Supervision:                    

• The UNDP Peacebuilding Field Coordinator will be under the overall supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (Programmes) in Nigeria and the direct supervision of the Crisis Prevention and Recovery Advisor.  S/he will work in close collaboration with the Conflict and Political Economy Specialist during the assignment.

Payment Modalities and Specifications:

• An individual contract will be issued by UNDP. The financial proposal must be expressed through a lumpsum (all inclusive).  Payments will be linked to deliverables. The contract price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost components.

Criteria for Selection of the Consultant:

• The offer will be evaluated by using the best value for money approach (combined scoring method).
• Technical proposal will be evaluated on 70%. Whereas budget proposed will be evaluated on 30% based on sufficiency for applying the data gathering techniques and for obtaining reliable data for the evaluation in the timeframe indicated. Below is the breakdown of technical proposal on 100% which will be brought to 70%:
• National Consultant (Associate) technical evaluation criteria:(Weight; 100% and Max Point; 100).