UNDP NIGERIA : OPERATIONS MANAGER- (POLITICAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAMME) (apply online here)

OPERATIONS MANAGER- (POLITICAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAMME)
Location : Abuja, NIGERIA
Application Deadline : 29-Jan-10
Additional Category Democratic Governance
Type of Contract : FTA International
Languages Required : English
Starting Date :(date when the selected canditate is expected to start) 01-Mar-2010

Duration of Initial Contract : One year
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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 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.

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 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.

The proposed initiative will be large in scope and financing and comprise support to the broader framework of democratic governance as well as assistance to the electoral cycle in Nigeria. Together, these efforts represent the most coordinated, comprehensive and ambitious initiative to-date by development partners to assist Nigeria in its efforts to entrench democratic governance. This is in keeping with the National ODA Policy as well as with national and international commitments in the Paris Declaration and the Accra Agenda of Action.

Efforts on the electoral cycle will 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 will provide technical assistance to the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). In addition, the project will work 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 will help 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 will primarily provide technical assistance and financing for capacity development linked to practical outcomes in a number of areas: legislature, civil society, media, gender equality in politics and the engagement of youth.

Organisational Context


The initiative will be managed by a Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU will consist of a Technical Support Unit (TSU) bringing together technical advisory staff and a Project Support Unit (PSU) bringing together all operational support staff.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Director (PD) who will Head of the PMU, the Senior Operations Manager will have a long experience in administering multi-faceted technical cooperation projects, with a demonstrated ability to respond to donor requirements and to conduct complex operations in a challenging environment. Under the overall authority of the CTA/PD, he/she will serve as the Head of the Project Support Unit (PSU) that is aimed at providing the necessary operational, administrative and logistical support to the Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the projects.
He/she analyzes and interprets the UNDP rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex programme and operational issues. The Senior Operations Manager will work to promote a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she works in close collaboration with the Finance Officer on financial management, UNDP Country Office (CO) Operations Section, the UNDP Service Centre and Government officials ensuring successful project performance in all operational areas. In addition to technical skills, the position requires strong managerial competences as well as interpersonal skills for a multicultural environment.


Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:


Under the direction of the PD, ensure the smooth running of the PMU/PSU and provide assistance to the TSU so that the projects operate on the basis of transparent, efficient and effective business processes in accordance with the UNDP internal control framework, UNDP rules and regulations and the project organisational structure;
Prepare cost and budget projections for the PD and Coordinating Committee, ensure timely preparation of annual unit work plans as well as contribution to the annual work plan of the PMU and guide effective procurement and recruitment planning for the projects;
Guide and advise the PD on the procurement of goods, supplies, and services in accordance with UNDP regulations and in cooperation with the UNDP Service Centre;
Ensure compliance of all aspects of operations with UNDP rules, regulations and policies, implementation of corporate operational strategies, and monitoring of operational performance in support of project results;
Supervise the preparation of timely financial progress reports to the Coordinating Committee and development partners as well as maintain a proper record of project activities under the guidance of the PD;
Ensure internal audits and reviews are performed in compliance with UNDP and donor requirements;
Maintain close and productive working relationships with the UNDP CO, especially the Operations Section and the Service Centre;
Stay abreast of donor policies, procedures, rules and regulations as well as ensure full knowledge of such by all project staff;
Provide additional technical assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high standards of compliance;
Attend as an ex-officio member the Coordinating Committee.
Performs any other duties as requested by the PD
As a member of the projects management team, ensures the strategic direction of operations focusing on achievement of the following results:


Provision of advice on strategies, policies and plans for project operations;
Establishment of collaborative arrangements with all projects partners, management of client relationships and appropriate operational partnership arrangements;
Advice to projects on processes and establishment of Internal Standard Operating Procedures in Human Resources Management, Procurement, Logistics and ICT services;
Constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, quick re-adjustment of operations and risk assessment;
Knowledge-building and sharing with regards to management and operations in the projects, organization of staff training, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNDP knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Ensures strategic human resources management and supervision of the HR team focusing on achievement of the following results:


Advice to the PD on recruitment of key project staff and other staff as necessary;
Advice to the PD on correct use of contracts for long-term and short-term staff and consultants.
Optimal staffing of the PMU and projects;
Oversight of recruitment processes and performance management systems ensuring link of job design with recruitment, performance management and career development;
Management of staff contracts in line with HR rules and regulations;
Supervise and lead a Budget/Finance Officer (international), 2 Finance Associates, one ICT Associate, one HR Associate, one Logistics/Procurement Associate, 2 Admin Assistants, one Messenger and four Drivers for the two projects within a structure of supervision and accountability agreed with the PD;

Ensures efficient procurement and logistical services management and supervision of the Procurement team focusing on achievement of the following results:

Development and management of strategies for sourcing suppliers, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, performance measurement and certification;
Management of contract strategy including tendering processes and evaluations, managing the contract and contractor and legal implications, in collaboration with CO Service Centre;
Oversight of procurement processes and logistical services in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
Proper management of assets, facilities and logistical services.
Ensures forward-looking information and communication management and supervision of ICT team focusing on achievement of the following results:


Establishment of a secure, reliable infrastructure environment for ICT and adequately plans for disasters and recoveries (backup), in accordance with UNDP communications standards and guidelines;
Use of ERP systems such the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Atlas for improved business results and improved client services;
Promotion of different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge sharing, information provision and learning, web-based office management system, etc.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:


Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the shared vision, mission, and strategic goals of the partnership supporting the initiative;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism
Functional Competencies :

Knowledge Management and Learning :

Promotes knowledge management in a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness :

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects;
Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration;
Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/attitudinal change.
Management and Leadership :

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communications skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communications skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related fields

Experience:

At least 7 years of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in managing donor-funded large projects or organisational units at a progressively higher level, preferably in developing countries. Experience with implementation of the UNDP-EU Financial Administrative Framework agreement (FAFA) and/or rules and procedures for DFID- or CIDA-funded projects will be a major advantage.
Excellent knowledge of standards, norms and practices in human resources management, financial management and procurement within large international organisations or companies. Knowledge of UNDP or other UN agency rules and regulations will be an advantage.
Familiarity with management information systems such as the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Atlas or similar ERP systems.
Excellent PC user skills: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and web-based research. Excellent inter-personal skills with the ability work productively with people at all levels in conditions of high pressure.
Ability to travel within Nigeria and overseas.
Language Requirements:


Excellent written and spoken English is required.

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.