United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Recruits : Zonal Technical Officers

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. ZONAL TECHNICAL OFFICERS ON CGS-LGA Location : Geopolitical Zonal Head offices (6), NIGERIA Application Deadline : 11-Nov-10 Additional Category Management Type of Contract : Service Contract Post Level : SB-5 Languages Required :English Starting Date :(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 12-Dec-2010 Duration of Initial Contract : 1 year with possibility of yearly renewal Expected Duration of Assignment : 1 year with possibility of yearly renewal Background The federal government through the mechanism Conditional Grants Scheme (CGS) to LGAs aims to fast-track achievement of the MDGs in Nigeria by building the capacity and planning competence of the 113 participating LGAs. This will support the scale-up of MDGs investments and direct resource and policy attention towards priority sectors, weak indicators and service delivery bottlenecks. In increasing the value-for-money, coordination and impact of interventions a genuine partnership between the three tiers of government and with local communities is expected to evolve. These developments will be stimulated by internal improvements in management and operations, and catalysed by a technical assistant domiciled in each participating LGA as well as a zonal technical officer/support for each geo-political zone of the country. The Office of the Special Assistant to the President on MDGs (OSSAP-MDGs) with the support of UNDP seeks to recruit six zonal technical officers for this assignment. Duties and Responsibilities Provide technical support to the TAs within the Zone in identifying human resource needs within the institutions of participating Local Government for effective planning and implementation of MDGs-related activities. Provide technical support to the TAs in applying a sector-by-sector needs assessment in the participating Local Government within the Zone for the achievement of the MDGs using instruments and tools provided. Provide technical support to the TAs within the Zone in the identification and design of effective interventions to meet participating LGs needs. This will draw from a menu of interventions to be determined in agreement with States and LGAs. Ensure that States and participating LGs within the Zone prepare and forward monthly, quarterly, yearly and other reports on a timely basis to OSSAP-MDGs and the Office of the Zonal Technical Officer. Consolidate the reports Technical Assistants on the activities, progress and status of planning, implementation and monitoring of CGS in the participating LGAs within the zone. Liaise with states, Local Governments and relevant bodies at the State and LG levels through existing mechanisms in order to share lessons and ensure the consistency of interventions. Organise monthly (rotating) meetings of State MDGs/CGS Focal Persons and TAs within the Zone. Coordinate and promote appropriate and targeted capacity building for staff of the Local Government within the zone in response to needs, or to facilitate/organize appropriate technical training and capacity building where needed. Engage with a number of regional and global networks to connect Local Governments to the information and expertise of key partners including the UN, World Bank and Earth Institute. Initiate and convene workshops with key stakeholders at the Zonal level to address emerging issues and challenges. Results Monthly report on activities, achievements and challenges submitted electronically to CGS Unit OSSAP MDGs according to a pre-defined template. Consolidated Quarterly update on key progress indicators of all the participating LGAs within the Zone using computerised reporting system. Minutes of the Zonal Meetings of Technical Assistants (the minutes should explain in detail challenges highlighted by TAs, action points, recommendations and any other specific issues discussed) Consolidated Inception report on the institutional arrangements, key policy priorities and relevant data on the participating LGAs within the Zone. Consolidated report on the activities of State PSUs and State Implementation Committees within the zone. Annual report on activities, achievements, challenges and lessons learnt. Proposed set of interventions addressing service gaps of all the participating LGAs within the Zone submitted to OSSAP-MDGs. Competencies Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism Required Skills and Experience Education: Masters Degree in management or development-related discipline (sociology, economics, management, accountancy, public administration), and eight-years work experience in public or private organisations. OR Bachelor's degree in management or development-related discipline (sociology, economics, management, accountancy, public administration), and fifteen-years work experience in public or private organisations Experience: Experience in project management and report-writing. Skills in effective teamwork, independent motivation, pro-active initiation of new ideas, communications, relationship building, and inclusive management. Ability and experience in using core computer software – Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and email/internet. Language Requirements: Fluency in Written and Spoken English is essesntial 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. Apply Here