UNDP Vacancies in Nigeria

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. UNDP Nigeria recruits: DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE SPECIALIST

LOCATION :    ABUJA, NIGERIA
APPLICATION DEADLINE :    13-MAY-10
TYPE OF CONTRACT :    FTA INTERNATIONAL
LANGUAGES REQUIRED :    ENGLISH
STARTING DATE : (DATE WHEN THE SELECTED CANDIDATE IS EXPECTED TO START)    31-MAY-2010
DURATION OF INITIAL CONTRACT :    1 YEAR WITH POSSIBILITY OF YEARLY RENEWAL
EXPECTED DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT :    3 YEARS

BACKGROUND
Democratic governance is a concept that emerged from the principles that are based on the understanding that an effective system of democratic governance is one which is based on representative, equitable (across gender and other categories), transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions; a vibrant, responsible and capable media; and a dynamic civil society which is engaged in the political process. The overall goal of the Democratic Governance for Development Project (DGD) in Nigeria 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 democratic governance in Nigeria.

Efforts on the electoral cycle reinforce national efforts to build the norms, practices, mechanisms and institutions that can foster active citizenship and stronger democratic accountability, in keeping with the stated objectives of Government policy. The project provides technical assistance to the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission and State Independent Electoral Commissions. In addition, the project works with civil society and other democratic institutions to help them maximize public participation and confidence in the outcome of elections.

Work on broader issues of democratic governance helps build the norms, practices and institutions that can underpin the development of democratic governance in Nigeria over the medium- to long-term whilst also supporting near-term action on pressing issues such constitutional and electoral reform. The project primarily provides technical assistance and financing for capacity development linked to practical outcomes in a number of areas: legislature, election management bodies, political parties, civil society, media and gender equality in politics.

Nigeria’s next general elections are due in 2011. With the support made available through a joint donor fund established to provide assistance to Nigerian democratic institutions, the UNDP Project Management Unit commenced the Initiation Plan in October 2009. The IP will end on March 31, 2010.  Contributors to this fund are the European Commission, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). A Project Management Unit (PMU) runs the project under the leadership of the UNDP. The larger program of the Support to Democratic Governance for Development which is the second Joint Donor Basket Fund: “Partnership for Support to the Electoral Cycle and the Deepening of Democracy in Nigeria, 2010-2015” hopes to commence in April 2010.

CLICK LINK TO APPLY
http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=15824