Background

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.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Following the historic change of government in January 2017, the new government led by President Adama Barrow prioritized governance reform in its 2018-2022 National Development Plan (NDP). Since then, the Gambia has been making considerable progress in its transition from an authoritarian regime towards a system of democratic governance characterized by peaceful and credible elections, a vibrant media landscape, meaningful separation of powers, accountability for crimes of the past, and a commitment to national reconciliation and healing. Other key reforms that have been slow in implementation but still attracting attention from the government and partners, namely the introduction of a new constitution and Security Sector Reform. At the same time and following efforts by the UN and the Government, The Gambia became eligible to receive Peacebuilding Funds in September 2018 to support peacebuilding efforts at the national and local levels. Over ten projects have been developed to date, with an investment of US$26 million and UNDP, together other UN Agencies, has been implementing projects promote transitional justice, rule of law, security sector reform, leadership and accountability, among others, in a complimentary manner. The transitional period has not been all smooth. A legacy of institutional dysfunction, centralized governance with limited participation and accountability, limited civic space and weak legislations continue to fuel divisions, fear, ethnic politicization and non-participation of women, youth and persons with disability in politics and decision-making. The Governance programme supports Government’s implementation of governance priorities through its work in above mentions projects, but also in its strong support towards free, fair and transparent elections, strengthening of transparency, accountability and oversight institutions such as the National Assembly, and enhancing civic engagement and spaces. The programme strongly supports the consolidation of democratic governance targeted at institutional strengthening across national and decentralized levels.

In this context, the Country Office (CO) is seeking a Governance Officer to  join its dynamic Governance Unit and support the reimagination of its democratic governance and peacebuilding interventions in The Gambia. This is happening at a time when the CO is developing its 2023-2027 Country Programme Document in alignment with The Gambia’s new National Development Plan (NDP) and their integration with the next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Scope of Work

The Governance Specialist will report to the Programme Specialist/Head of Governance, and be an integral part of the UNDP team for the duration of the contract, supporting the realization of its development mandate in The Gambia within the context of the National Development Plan (NDP); the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD). Working closely with the Governance team and in collaboration with the Environment and Inclusive Growth programme units, operations and finance units, s/he will be responsible for the following:

A. Technical policy support and provision of advisory services on civic engagement:

  • Support the development of Country Programme Document (CPD), its implementation and quality control;
  • Lead the strategic planning, formulation and monitoring of programmatic issues and act as an advisor to the Inter-Party Committee and other organizations mandated to promote civic engagements between duty bearers and rights holders at national and local levels;
  • Ensure the overall relevance, and performance of the programme, the effective realization and quality of outputs, and adherence to applicable UNDP standards, rules and regulations;
  • Promote gender equality and women’s participation, and dialogue concerning youth empowerment;
  • Provide technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation, as well as in preparing project reports focused on capturing results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application;
  • Coordinate with other international organizations that provide support to democratic governance activities;
  • Support the Project Board or its appointed Project Assurance roles to assure the overall direction and integrity of the project;
  • Support the development of well designed governance projects in alignment with UNDP programme and procedures.

B. Partnership building and resource mobilization:

  • Strengthening partnerships with academia, development partners, think tanks and civil society for successful implementation of UNDP governance priorities in The Gambia;
  • Advocates for UNDP’s work and represent UNDP with national authorities, the donor community, and international financial institutions, where requested;
  • Engage with senior government officials at the national, regional and local levels to promote the expansion of peacebuilding programming;
  • Establish and maintain dialogue with government officials, both local and national, NGOs, partners, donors and communities to provide knowledge and understanding, ensuring accurate interpretation of the program’s mission;
  • Liaises regularly and forges close linkages with other UN programs, agencies and entities, as well as other international and national stakeholders concerned with or providing assistance to The Gambia;
  • Contributes to the harnessing of effective partnerships and competitive selection of Responsible Parties for the implementation of UNDP projects;
  • Supports programming work and participates effectively in established UN coordination forums and framework.

C. Support timely and proper project closures:

Using the UNDP rules and policies for projects closure, the Governance Specialist will support project teams with activities and processes related to the closure of projects, namely:

  • Coordinate activities related to the terminal evaluation of the project, including supporting the consultants to achieve the expected outputs and deliverables of the inception report, terminal evaluation report, organizing validation meeting with stakeholders, etc;
  • Jointly working with other implementing partners to draft the final project report and lessons-learned report;
  • Support the presentation of final project and lessons-learned reports to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for review, document key recommendations made by the PSC as inputs for the terminal evaluation report and project records;
  • Undertaking any remaining  project monitoring activities, where possible in collaboration with implementing partners and responsible parties;
  • Ensure efficient transfer and/or disposal of project assets to the designated partner/s as guided by the project document, UNDP policies and procedures in consultation with UNDP senior management and Head of Governance.

D. Perform any other tasks, in connection with the Programme, which may be entrusted to it by the UNDP Country Office

Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative and the direct supervision of the Head of Governance Unit.

Competencies

Core Competencies

  • Achieve Result: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact;
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems;
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences;
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands;
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results;
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration;
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy

  • Strategic Thinking
    • Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions;
    • Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP

Business Management

  • 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.

  • Partnerships Management

    • Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNCDF strategy and policies.

  • Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

    • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Required Skills and Experience:

Minimum education requirements 

  • Master’s degree in business administration, finance, economics, international relations or similar studies; OR a first level university degree (Bachelors) in the related field  with additional two (2) years of relevant work experience  will be given due consideration in lieu of the of the Bachelor’s degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience 

  • Minimum 5 years with Master’s degree or 7 years with Bachelor’s degree of work experience at national or international level in implementing strategic governance programs, projects and portfolios;
  • Experience on advisory, strategic, operation planning and implementation of field activities in governance thematic areas;
  • Experience in engaging with Government at senior level on development and policy issues;
  • Experience working with project teams and knowledge of project cycle management;
  • Experience with working on gender equality, disability and youth issues would be an advantage;
  • Experience working with the UN or other multilateral agencies, in the framework of multi donor projects and related to the Gambia is an added advantage;
  • Strong evidence of networking, partnership development and resource mobilization capabilities;
  • Demonstrated analytical and thought leadership capacity including research in broad governance areas in a developing country context;
  • Demonstrated experience in cultivating and sustaining working relationships with diverse stakeholders including government, civil society, communities, and the private sector;
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a multicultural and complex environment;
  • Ability to produce reports and high-level political analysis and capacity to dialogue with high-level political actors as well as donors from the international community is an asset.

Required Language

  • Fluency in written and spoken English. 

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

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