Fresh Vacancies at The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP

Job ID: 22833
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Practice Area - Job Family: Management - PROGRAMME COORDINATION
Grade: P4   
Vacancy Type: FTA International
Posting Type: External
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension
 
Background

• Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today and is a major obstacle to the fulfilment of women’s and girls’ human rights and development and therefore a threat to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• In Nigeria, gender-based violence is widespread, and 30 percent of women aged 15-49 have reported experiences of sexual abuse.
• Nigeria also has high prevalence of harmful practices such as child marriage (currently, 43 percent of girls are married before age 18) and female genital mutilation (FGM), reported at 25 percent prevalence .
• In response to this situation, the United Nations (UN) in partnership with the European Union (EU) are embarking on a global, multi-year initiative focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) - the Spotlight Initiative.
• The initiative will deploy targeted, large-scale investments in a focused number of countries, including Nigeria, aimed at achieving significant impact in the lives of women and girls.  The Initiative will ensure that all women and girls benefit from adequate legislation and policies, gender responsive institutions, violence prevention programmes, essential services, comparable and reliable data, and strong women’s movements and civil society organizations.
• In Nigeria, the United Nations and its partners have developed a comprehensive Country Programme based on t key six programmatic pillars: 1) Laws and Policies; 2) Institutions; 3) Prevention and Social Norms; 4) Services; 5) Data; and 6) Women’s movement.
• In Nigeria, the programme will specifically focus on prevention efforts, particularly addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and harmful practices (child marriage and FGM) against women and girls; and ensuring access to inclusive, timely, and quality services for victims and survivors.
• As this is a large, multi-stakeholder, multi-year project, a full-time dedicated team is required to implement the programme.
• The United Nations Country Team in Nigeria is therefore seeking a Programme Coordinator to be imbedded at the Resident Coordinator’s Office to  oversee  harmonization and coordination of  the programme components for results. Under the overall guidance of the Resident Coordinator, the direct supervision of the UN Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office, and in consultation with the participating UN agencies, the Programme Coordinator provides support to the Resident Coordinator to oversee and coordinate the Spotlight Initiative implementation by RUNOs.
• That includes planning; overseeing implementation, supporting RUNOs to stay on track with their agreed deliverable and budgets; guiding communication and visibility; promoting agencies’ leadership to advance programme elements; convening the National Steering Committee; ensuring a joint monitoring of the joint workplan; serving as secretariat to the National Steering Committee; ensuring adequate flow of information to all RUNOs; ensuring a joint narrative of results between all implementation components of the programme as well as consolidating reporting according to timelines.
• The Programme Coordinator will oversee the SI coordination team and work in close collaboration with the Technical Coherence specialists in the lead agencies the agencies who will advise on technical coherence of this programme, as well as assist other SI staff and RUNOs to perform the role assigned to them under the Spotlight Initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In this section list the primary responsibilities of the position (Typically five).  As needed add additional context below the responsibilities. Tip: Focus on what the job entails not how to do the job.

Coordinate the implementation and management of the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria:

• Work closely with different RUNOs to ensure a coordinated, well-functioning  and aligned presence of the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria;
• Work closely with the RUNOs to support the RC in overseeing implementation, schedules, deliverables and budgets as articulated in the programme document and liaise with the Spotlight Secretariat when programme revisions are foreseen;
• Ensure the programme is implemented in compliance with the approved document and in collaboration with RUNOs, Implementing Partners and the National Steering Committee (NSC);
• Provide strategic support to achieve programme outcomes, consolidate AWP, budgets and reports;
• Lead the development of system and processes necessary for the tracking, planning and execution of all programme activities and programme-related governance structures;
• Oversee the monitoring of the programme implementation at all stages, with particular an special attention to the analysis of risks and other difficulties, initiate remedial actions when necessary;
• Support UN Women to facilitate the Mid-Term Review, periodic evaluations and the independent final Evaluation;
• Provide support, coordinate the convening, and act as the Secretary to the National Steering Committee; the Civil Society Reference Group and the Technical Committee prepare working documents for discussion at CLSC and ATG meetings;
• Ensure the timely preparation of joint substantive, financial and other project reports stipulated in the Programming Document for their submission to MDTF and the EU and the annual workplan including the financing required; (Steering Committee);

Facilitate technical assistance, programme development advisory services, and capacity development to the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria:

• Oversee the technical coherence through the supporting the SI Technical Coherence Staff and link to SI implementation approach and strategy
• Ensure the programme team draws from the relevant experts in the agencies to support programme implementation and results
• Facilitate the joint delivery of results by the different RUNOs that will reduce transactional costs, duplication and build economies of scale
• Organize periodic consultations with key stakeholders to gather inputs on the programme design, as necessary
• Prepare and provide guidance for staff and implementing partners on RBM and performance indicators including the Spotlight Initiative implementation strategy focusing on outputs and outcomes
• Provide reports to and advise the Resident Coordinator on programme performance and results;
• Coordinate with all key partners including the UN, government, donor and civil society to ensure harmonization of SI interventions with other efforts particularly on capacity-building and technical assistance

Manage human and financial resources of the Spotlight Initiative programme:

• Manage the RCO allocated programme management unit budget and finalize financial reports from RCO’s allocated budget and provide relevant support to RUNOs in consolidation of their plans and reports
• Oversee the work of other members of the team (M&E Analyst & Communication Analyst), via mentoring and effective supervision of their work

 Lead advocacy, knowledge building and communication efforts:

• Lead and manage advocacy and communication efforts (in collaboration with RUNOs and UNCG);
• Represent the Spotlight Initiative in meetings and policy dialogues on issues related to Spotlight programmes;
• Identify best practices and lessons learned to guide programme improvement and strategy planning;
• Lead the development of knowledge management strategies and methodologies and products on Spotlight Initiative programmes with input from thematic experts from the agencies.
• Lead the development of a joint resource mobilization and sustainability strategy in coordination with the RCO Partnership Officer; Head of RCO and RC and UNCT

Competencies

• Description of Competency at Level Required
• (For more comprehensive descriptions please see the competency inventory)
• In this section list all core competencies as well as the most relevant technical/functional competencies the role will require along with the appropriate level.  A Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through the following link: https://intranet.undp.org/unit/ohr/competency-framework/SitePages/Home.aspx

Core
Innovation:

• Ability to make new and useful ideas work Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership:

• Ability to persuade others to follow Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

People Management:

• Ability to improve performance and satisfaction Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication:

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Delivery:

• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions
• Technical/Functional Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through https://intranet.undp.org/unit/ohr/competency-framework/SitePages/Home.aspx
•  and hiring managers are encouraged to familiarize themselves for more information
• Management and Coordination
• Ability to manage and coordinate campaigns and people with inspiration. Believe in and promote diversity in the workplace and reshaping the workforce to meet need Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Strategic Planning:

• Ability to make decisions that align with strategy, vision, and mission Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Partnership:

• Ability to engage with other agencies, donors, and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Resource Mobilization:

• Ability to identify and organize programmes  and projects to implement solutions and generate resources (definition is unclear and not well linked to the stated competency) Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Project Management:

• Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Knowledge Management:

• Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Gender Equality:

• Knowledge of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) policy and principles and the ability to apply them to strategic and/or practical situations Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Required Skills and Experience

• Education: Master's Degree in Social Sciences, Human Rights, Gender/Women's Studies, International Development, or a related field is required
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience at the international level in design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
• Proven experience in coordinating and liaising with government agencies and civil society;
• A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage.
• Technical experience in EVAW or SGVBV is a strong asset;
• Experience working in the UN System is an asset;
• Experience in leading/managing a team is an asset.
• Experience and knowledge in of the Africa especially West Africa region is asset
• Language Requirements: English
• Other: Working knowledge of other UN languages desirable

go to method of application »

Job ID: 22831
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Practice Area - Job Family: Management - PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Grade: P3
Vacancy Type: FTA International
Posting Type: Common System
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension

Background

• The Boko Haram insurgency erupted in 2009 resulting in the forced displacement of over 2 million people, acute food insecurity and nutrition concerns, and serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Nine years after the eruption of the conflict, the problems still persist, with over 1.6 million IDPs and 8.5 million people needs emergency assistance in the three most heavily affected states in north-east region of Nigeria, namely Borno State, Adamawa State and Yobe State.
• The recent assessment reveals that local authorities are significantly overstretched by the increase in solid waste generation due to the influx of IDPs(ranging from 30 to 45 percent of pre-crisis solid waste volumes). Waste collection in camps was generally good and organized, but disposal by open burning is widespread where camps are not integrated into existing municipal waste management; thus, the host communities bear the burden of insufficient coverage in the respective states. Responding to those needs, UNDP Nigeria developed a project: “Sustainable Waste Management and Environmental Protection in Borno State” with the overall objective to strengthen post-conflict waste management and environment protection for longer-term resilience building and social stabilization of conflict-affected people and communities in Borno state.  The project plans to implement a set of targeted interventions in the following two priority areas in Borno state, especially the communities in Maiduguri, Bama and Biu through:
  • Restoration of sustainable quality basic services for waste management and hygiene: Provision of well-measured institutional capacity development training and incentive packages to the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), Local Government Authorities, Community workers (community members designated to support maintenance of community infrastructure) and youths.
  • Restoration of livelihoods and revitalization of local economic activity related to sustainable waste management: Revitalization of an inclusive environmentally-friendly, hygienic waste management practices and market-based skills development in target communities, especially for youth and women, to ensure access to sustainable employment opportunities, and emergence of environmental entrepreneurs.
  • The EU Support to Sustainable Waste Management and Environmental Protection in Borno State is a holistic intervention that UNDP has developed to help conflict affected communities and their administrations tackle the environmental and health hazards caused by the vast accumulation of waste and debris brought about by the conflict while creating the skills and business opportunities for the emergence of green jobs, especially among youth and women, and a greener economy.
  • The intervention is of the LRRD type (linking relief, rehabilitation and development) and heralds the EU effort to support the triple nexus existing between humanitarian, development and peace building interventions.
  • During the first four months of implementation in 2018, UNDP dedicated its attention to the establishment and launch of the cash for work (CfW) activities in Maiduguri as well as procuring the necessary equipment, supplies and project management support services required by the inception. During the first Quarter of 2019, UNDP will dedicate itself to finetuning the design and developing the implementation strategy and M&E system for the various programme components.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Project Manager is responsible for provision of technical advice and for the overall planning, management and implementation of the EU Support to Sustainable Waste Management and Environmental Protection in Borno State programme and the achievement of its results.
• The Project Manager will be responsible for UNDP Sub Office field implementation and support staff as well as working directly with project partners (implementing Partners and Government agencies).
• She/he sets strategic directions for the overall objective to strengthen post-conflict waste management and environment protection for longer-term resilience building and social stabilization of conflict-affected people and communities in Borno state.
• She/he will provide expertise and technical assistance, manages the project’s day-to-day activities and ensures proper management of financial and human resources of the Project.
• The key functions of this position will include but not limited to;
• Project management  and implementation with solid quality assurance
• Oversee and manage the assigned project and sub-projects on day-to-day basis;
• Planning and management assuring quality delivery of the Resource and Results Framework of the project;
• Provision of Waste Management Expertise and Advisory Support
• Provide Livelihoods and Waste Management expertise and advisory support, including solid waste and debris management
• Provide support Joint Waste Management Mechanism
• Strategic Partnership, Resource Mobilization and Visibility
• Manage partnerships, resource mobilization and advocacy efforts;
• Promote strategic partnerships with EU and government;
• Raise visibility of project and support to knowledge management and knowledge sharing within the UN system on Sustainable Waste Management and Environmental Protection.

Oversee and Manage the Assigned Project and Sub-projects on Day-to-Day Basis.:

Under the direct supervision of Head of Sub-Office for North-East Region, the Project Manager will undertake the following tasks:

• The Project Manager is primarily responsible for strategic planning, project management, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), assuring quality and timely delivery of the results of the Project. S/he will also manage the project team and lead the arrangement of procurement, human resources, and finance in liaise with the relevant Operation Units in UNDP Nigeria.  This include:
• Be responsible for the timely and effective implementation of respective project activities;
• Lead the development of annual programme/project delivery targets, annual workplans, and guide the team to achieve the targets;
• Reporting and achievement of the project deliverables as outlined in the budget and work plan to Nigeria CO, EU, and the Steering Committee.
• Manage the project team (Field and Support) and ensure timely implementation, results –orientation and accountability for project results
• Set direction for the team including roles and responsibilities, accountability and reporting ensuring that the work of the team is conducted in accordance with UNDP’s relevant business processes and that high – quality outputs are delivered on time;
• Guide the project staff to perform project oversight, quality assurance, monitoring, reporting, field missions, audits, evaluations, formulations and project support services providing day-to-day guidance by enhancing team work within the project and with other Sub Office units;
• Undertake performance management of staff including establishment of annual results, on-going feedback and mid-term and final assessments in line with UNDP Rules and Regulations;
• Brief and consult with supervisors on project progress and provide information and advice as required to contribute to the Sub Office initiatives;
• Identify areas of improvement by applying best practices/lessons learnt using UNDP corporate monitoring tools and corporate reports;
• Manage project budgets and ensure timely and accurate reporting and undertake and supervise financial and administrative tasks including ATLAS transactions.
• Ensure close financial and procurement oversight and monitoring of all activities of the project in line with UNDP Rules and Regulations;
• Assist hiring processes for the expertise required for project needs: draft Terms of Reference for experts and other requested documentation related to the areas of the Project intervention, approve the progress against the experts’ working targets, monitor performance and report on results accordingly;
• Ensure effective oversight of partners and responsible parties’ inputs for project implementation;
• Lead monitoring and evaluation for the project and put mechanisms in place for proper and timely reporting to the country office and the donor;
• Lead quarterly review meetings and annual project reviews for the Progrmame Steering Committee by monitoring and reporting the progress of project implementation, assessing results and identifying areas of weaknesses to ensure the project achieves the planned results in accordance with relevant plans;
• Monitor and manage any strategic risks/issues facing the project; submit new risks/issues to the UNDP senior management for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks/issues by maintaining the Project Risks/Issues Log;
• Arrange an independent evaluation on all key project deliverables, as well as final product to ensure traceability of requirements, high quality and client acceptance.

Provide technical support and expertise for Joint Waste Management Mechanism and relevant project support technical groups:

Under the Project, the Joint Waste Management Mechanism will set up, which will serve as an interactive forum between the local communities including community-based organizations (CBOs) and government to enhance participatory planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and accountability of local waste initiatives. Within the framework of the Waste Management Committee and other relevant technical committee, the Project Manager will support the following: 

• Works closely with BOSEPA, Ministry of Urban Planning (MUP), Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (MRRR) and local community groups involved in the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of waste management initiatives in Maiduguri, Bama and Biu and at the community level.
• Supports the preparation, implementation and monitoring of public information and awareness raising campaign materials on waste management and environmental hygiene.
• Oversees the mobilization of community contributions and support in the implementation of waste management and hygiene related projects.
• Works closely and liaise with relevant state institutions on project implementation and reporting;
• Coordinates with community leaders including women and youth, faith-based leaders and other parties to foster closer collaboration in project implementation.
• Formulates policies on user fees for waste collection and disposal per household to ensure sustainability.
• Periodic technical, system and operational reviews.
• Establish and guide a technical committee with technical representatives and additional relevant partners to review progress and provide orientations on resource allocation decisions and targeting considering the volatile environment;

Promote Strategic Partnerships and Coordination:
The Project Manager will provide close collaboration and partnerships with the federal and Borno state government which is critical for the successful implementation and sustainability of the project. Strong partnership with the state government and its buy-in will ensure sustainability of the waste management services in the three target cities. This include:

• Establish a strong coordination mechanism with key partners, especially MRRR, BOSEPA and MUP, which will be established through joint programme planning and implementation processes to ensure that vital sequences and synergies will materialize;
• Collaborate with the three local government authorities in Maiduguri, Bama, and Biu and traditional structures which is essential to sustenance to effective and efficient waste management service delivery;
• Effectively work with these partners through the programme cycle;
• Create linkages with, and insure benefit from, ongoing resilience and humanitarian interventions in the target locations;
• Represent UNDP in the Inter-Sector working group, Early Recovery and Livelihoods Sector Working Group and Cash Working Group;
• Identify other platforms for information exchange and coordination where appropriate.
• Raise visibility of the project and lead communication efforts to publicize the project achievements
• Ensure donor visibility throughout the project implementation.
• Support to knowledge management and knowledge sharing within the UN system on Solid Waste Management, Livelihood, and Early Recovery.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies
Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting.
• Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects.
• Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations. 

Management and Leadership:

• Demonstrates team-building capacity including interpersonal and communication skills and ability to cope with a difficult environment where formal institutions of government are at the embryonic stage.
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Deals diplomatically with challenging bureaucratic processes, and pressure to meet strict deadlines.
• Consistently, approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Ability to lead effectively, mentoring, as well as, conflict resolution skills.
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
• Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.
• Capacity to work under pressure, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of national counterparts.

Technical/Functional:

• Waste. Knowledge of Waste Management concepts and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.
• Debris. Knowledge of Debris Management concepts and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.
• Health and Safety. Knowledge of Health and Safety best practices and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.
• Damage. Knowledge of damage and loss concepts and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.
• Disaster Risk Management. Knowledge of disaster risk management concepts and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.
• Risks. Knowledge of risk governance concepts and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.
• Recovery Support and Implementation. Ability to support and implement mechanisms, processes, resources in response to disaster/crisis. Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Required Skills and Experience

• Education: Master's Degree in Waste Management, Engineering, International Development, Public Health, Environment, Public Policy or other relevant Social Sciences, and other relevant science. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in programme development and project management in challenging environments.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in promoting early recovery or Humanitarian-Development nexus
• Solid Technical skills in the field of waste management, environment protection, or WASH
• Experience in project management in post-disaster/conflict context. Previous experience with UN agencies is an asset.
• Experience in promoting community driven development and sustainable livelihoods.
• Experience in partnership development with international and local NGOs.
• Experience in the delivery of CfW interventions.
• Experience in leading and managing a project team with strong leadership skills

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.