Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, working in over 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience. In Nigeria, UNDP supports the Federal Government and State Governments to advance inclusive growth, climate resilience, clean energy access, democratic governance, digital transformation, and sustainable financing for development, in line with Nigeria’s National Development Plan, the SDGs, and UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023–2027.

To operationalize its portfolio-based approach, UNDP Nigeria is implementing the Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP) — a multi-sector, investment-oriented platform that supports State Governments to shift from fragmented projects to integrated, bankable development portfolios anchored in co-investment, systems strengthening and long-term transformation.

ISSP portfolios cover integrated thematic pillars:

  • Innovation, Digital Transformation and the Knowledge Economy 
  • Clean Energy for Social Services, Productive Use & Communities
  • Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Trade & Export Competitiveness
  • Tourism & Creative Economy Transformation
  • Digital Government, Data & Smart State Systems
  • Long-Term Development Planning, financing & Investment Mobilization

To ensure high-quality delivery, coherence and scaling across regions and states, UNDP Nigeria is strengthening its ISSP delivery architecture through dedicated ISSP Portfolio Analyst (NPSA 9) positions.

The Portfolio Analyst plays a central role in programme management, analytical leadership, coordination and adaptive delivery, working closely with State Governments, Regional Development Commissions, Local Government Authorities, development partners, private sector actors and UNDP technical teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the ISSP Regional Manager and matrix technical reporting with thematic portfolio Leads on Energy; Innovation, Digital Transformation, Knowledge Economy; Trade, Investment & Financing for Development; Governance; as well as the Portfolio Advisor. The ISSP Portfolio Analyst plays a critical role in ensuring portfolio coherence, delivery quality, evidence-based decision-making, and timely reporting.

Summary of Key Functions:

  • Provide advanced analytical, programme management and coordination support for ISSP portfolios across assigned states and regions.
  • Strengthen alignment between ISSP portfolios, State Development Plans, national reforms and UNDP corporate priorities.
  • Support resource mobilization, partnerships development and investment pipeline preparation.
  • Ensure delivery quality, results-based management, learning and adaptive implementation.

Specific Functions/Results expected:

1. Ensure Portfolio Analysis, Strategic Planning & Coordination: 

  • Lead analytical support for the design, sequencing and integration of ISSP portfolios across multiple thematic areas.
  • Conduct continuous socio-economic, institutional, fiscal and sectoral analysis to inform portfolio strategy, investment prioritization and reform engagement.
  • Provide technical inputs to concept notes, programme documents, joint action plans, financing strategies and investment roadmaps.
  • Support alignment of ISSP portfolios with State Development Plans & MTEFs, State and Local Government budgets and National policy frameworks and reforms
  • Strengthen coordination between UNDP, State Governments, Regional Development Commissions, and Local Government Authorities to ensure coherence and ownership.
  • Serve as a technical interface between UNDP’s Country Office, Regional Offices and sub-national counterparts.

2. Support and coordinate Portfolio Implementation & Programme Management:

  • Support integrated programme implementation, tracking milestones, deliverables and cross-sector interdependencies.
  • Coordinate delivery with State Portfolio Managers, Local Government Areas (LGAs), Regional Development Commissions, technical partners and service providers.
  • Support preparation and execution of Delivery Labs, joint technical missions, investment forums and high-level engagements.
  • Contribute to operational risk management, issue escalation and corrective action planning.
  • Facilitate cross-state learning, replication of best practices and portfolio scaling.

3. Ensure Monitoring, Reporting & Adaptive Delivery:

  • Lead portfolio-level monitoring and performance analysis using RBM principles.
  • Prepare high-quality progress reports, dashboards, management briefs and donor updates.
  • Track risks, implementation constraints and emerging opportunities; propose mitigation strategies.
  • Support audits, evaluations, assurance processes and corporate compliance requirements.
  • Promote adaptive management and continuous improvement across ISSP portfolios 

4. Support knowledge Management, Communications, Partnerships & Resource Mobilization:

  • Develop and curate portfolio knowledge products, lessons learned, case studies and policy briefs.
  • Contribute to strategic communications, visibility products and stakeholder engagement materials.
  • Support systematic stakeholder mapping, including State MDAs, Regional Development Commissions, LGAs, development partners, DFIs, private investors and CSOs.
  • Provide technical inputs to partnership strategies, donor engagement, co-financing frameworks and investment proposals.
  • Support identification, preparation and packaging of bankable projects for blended finance, PPPs and development financing.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Reporting:

The ISSP Portfolio Analyst operates under a matrix reporting structure:

  • Functional & Technical Reporting to:
    • Thematic Portfolio Leads on Energy; Innovation, Digital Transformation, Knowledge Economy; Trade, Investment, Financing for Development; Governance (Country Office & relevant Regional Offices)
  • Strategic & Resource Mobilization Reporting to:
    • ISSP Regional Manager 
    • Portfolio Advisor
  • Day-to-day coordination occurs with the three Programme Officers – Inclusive Growth; Innovation, Digital Transformation and Knowledge Economy; and Sustainable Energy; as well as other technical teams in the Regional Offices (Uyo, Anabmra, Lagos) and the Main Abuja Country Office.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competences

Results-based Management:

  • Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.

Project Management:

  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Relationship Management:

  • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.

Systems Thinking:

  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Effective Decision Making:

  • Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources.

Resource Management:

  • Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with business needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity.

Strategic Thinking:

  • Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in economics, development studies, public policy, public administration, social sciences or related field, or related field is required, or 
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in programme management, development coordination, portfolio analysis or public sector reform is required;
  • Strong analytical and research skills;
  • Good writing and reporting abilities;
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines;
  • Strong coordination and negotiation skills;
  • Demonstrated experience engaging State Governments and sub-national institutions;
  • Experience supporting multi-sector programmes and complex partnerships;
  • Familiarity with Nigeria’s development and governance context is an advantage.
  • Experience in resources mobilization

Required Language(s) (at working level):

  • Fluency in written and spoken English is required, 
  • Knowledge of local languages would be asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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