SENIOR SPECIAL ADVISOR OPERATIONS

 

SENIOR SPECIAL ADVISOR OPERATIONS

Location :	Abuja, NIGERIA
Application Deadline :	12-Mar-13
Type of Contract :	Service Contract
Post Level :	SB-5
Languages Required :	English
Duration of Initial Contract :	Initial duration of one year
Background The Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) project supports Nigeria’s democratic process within the framework of Electoral Cycle Support and Deepening Democracy over the period, 2009-2015. The overall goal of DGD   is to help develop the capacity of national and sub-national institutions, networks and processes, whether governmental or non-governmental, as a contribution to the further entrenchment of electoral democracy and democratic governance in Nigeria. The project provided technical assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) among other critical stakeholders towards the 2011 general elections to deliver free, fair and credible elections. Following the improvement in the 2011 elections, partnership between DGD and INEC is being strengthened to further position it to improve on subsequent elections.  While developing the post-election phase of its support to INEC in this regard, DGD is supporting INEC to produce a permanent voters card and register; identify specific issues to be addressed in the reform of the constitutional and legal framework of elections, the development of a strategic plan and organizational restructuring based on the report and recommendations of the Registration and Election Review Committee. To facilitate this, DGD is supporting INEC and the office of the Chairman to recruit a Senior Special Advisor. Level of Post:     SB5 peg3 Duties and Responsibilities Under the strategic direction of the Chairman of INEC, the Senior Special Advisor will carry out the following task: Provide senior level advice in the development of electoral operations plans and budgets; Supervise and coordinate the implementation of electoral operation plans and budgets; Ensure the sound management of financial accounting and realization of the Programme outputs through activities, in compliance with rules, regulations and due processes; Provide guidance on the development of appropriate procurement strategies and plan and advise on the effective planning and implementation of procurement activities; Promote and guide the incorporation of electoral procurement best practices and provide recommendations on appropriate quality control and monitoring mechanisms for procurement activities; In consultation with other relevant advisors, develop a procurement capacity building curriculum for INEC staff; Provide senior level advice on general administration and human resource management issues; Ensure timely production and submission of progress reports to UNDP/DGD; Deliver monthly personal activity reports to UNDP.  Deliverables: The Special Advisor is expected to provide the following deliverables: INEC’s electoral operations plans and budget developed, documented and implemented. Mechanism for compliance with INEC’s financial accounting and procurement procedures, rules and regulations is developed Procurement capacity building curriculum is developed and implemented. Advise on general administration and human resource management issues given and documented.  Competencies Functional Competencies: Innovation and Marketing New Approaches Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things Documents and analyses innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments Client Orientation Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly Core Competencies: Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment Self-development, initiative-taking Acting as a team player and facilitating team work Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively Creating synergies through self-control Managing conflict Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Informed and transparent decision making Required Skills and Experience Education:    Advanced University degree (Masters or PhD) in relevant fields of study. Experience:  At least 10 years of relevant experience including 5 years in providing operational and administrative advise to an Election Management Body. A good understanding of the social, economic, political and historical trends underpinning African and ideally Nigerian governance and electoral processes. Excellent knowledge of election procedures and frameworks Proven track record of advising, organizing and supervising public awareness activities partnering with democratic organizations capacity building projects Skills in training, process facilitation, strategic planning and partnership building Language Requirements:   Strong skills in written communications in English particularly in preparing issue-based papers or reports. Excellent spoken English is required as well as fluency in one Nigerian language UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. FC: 30079    CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!