Program Specialist – Rule of Law and Human Rights at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life for themselves. It provides expert advice, training and grants support to developing countries, with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries. It promotes technical and investment cooperation among nations.

Headquartered in New York City, the status of UNDP is that of an executive board within the United Nations General Assembly. The UNDP is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The organization operates in 177 countries, where it works with local governments to meet development challenges and develop local capacity.

We are recruiting to fill the positions below:

Job Title: Program Specialist – Rule of Law and Human Rights

Job Identification: 2835
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Grade: NOC
Agency: UNDP
Job Schedule: Full time
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term
Practice Area: Governance
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Africa
Contract Duration: 1 Year with Possibility for extension

Background

• In furtherance of its global mandate, UNDP Nigeria is supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria to identify and explore options in reforming the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Pursuant to this engagement, a Presidential Roadmap on Police Reform which elaborates the overarching police transformation initiative has been developed and is awaiting Presidential approval.
• Significant to the reform process is the passage into law of the Police Act 2020 on September 16, 2020, providing a legislative framework to support the reform process guided by the principles of transparency and accountability and reinforce adherence to principles and standards of human rights.
• In ensuring that Nigeria can capitalise and seize upon these initial efforts towards reform of the NPF, UNDP is collaborating with the Chief of Staff has designed the Supporting Police Reform Processes in Nigeria (SPRPN) Project which is aimed at supporting the long-term efforts of the Nigerian authorities to build a more effective, efficient and professional police service.
• The SPRPN Project shall utilise a multi-stakeholder approach to building the institutional capacity of the NPF to effectively lead, manage and sustain the reform process.
• The SPRPN Project supports the convening of the Presidential Police Reform Panel (the Panel) which will act as a steering committee on Police Reform and will be led by the Nigerian government.
• A partners group comprising development partners and agencies working and engaging with the NPF will also be convened. The project has nine desired results (outputs) that will enable the achievement of the project objectives (outcomes). These outcomes will, in turn, contribute to the desired long-term overall objective (impact) of the Nigerian government to build a more effective, efficient and professional police service that is based upon and upholds the principles of accountability and transparency, respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including victims and the accused, and is a trusted partner that is responsive to community needs.
• To successfully implement these initiatives, UNDP recognises the need for additional human resources in ensuring a tightly focused engagement with Nigerian law enforcement institutions including the NPF which enable and facilitate the transformation of the way law enforcement services are delivered to the conflict-affected population.
• Going forward, UNDP will continue to work with the NPF and the Office of the President in reinforcing their governance and leadership capacities for enabling sustained reforms, implementing the Police Act 2020, defining a national approach to community policing and optimise the provision of appropriate and adequate response to security challenges and the safety needs of communities, including the needs of SGBV survivors.
• Under the supervision of the CTA – Rule of Law, Human Rights, Access to Justice, Gender & Security   and in close collaboration and engagement with the Rule of Law and Human Rights Specialist, the Program Specialist – Rule of Law and Human Rights– SPRPN shall be a resource person in the Rule of Law, Human Rights and Justice programme in UNDP Nigeria in ensuring innovation, coherent and consistent quality in the implementation of the SPRPN Project.
• In facilitating alignment and complementarity with UNDP Strategic Plan, UNDAF and Country Programme Document, the Program Specialist – Rule of Law and Human Rights will contribute to advance the credibility and recognition of the UNDP’s leadership and technical expertise and capabilities in this knowledge domain and associated community of practice.

Key Duties and Accountabilities
Under the direct supervision of CTA – Rule of Law, Human Rights, Access to Justice, Gender & Security and in close collaboration with the Rule of Law and Human Rights Specialist and respective Project Team at the CO, the Programme Specialist– Rule of Law and Human Rights will provide technical support to the following functions:

Implementation of the SPRPN Projects, as assigned, focusing on achievements of the following results:

• Overall management of the SPRPN Projects, focusing on the following actions and achievement of the following results:
• Under the coordination of the Rule of Law and Human Rights Advisor and other UNDP colleagues, participate in building strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy of the SPRPN Project focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Provide technical advice and support to UNDP in particular the Rule of Law and Human Rights Advisor and other UNDP colleagues on additional needs and/or indicated follow up activities

Implementation of the SPRPN Projects, as assigned, focusing on achievements of the following results:

• Work with the Country Office and Rule of Law and human rights team in the implementation and monitoring of the SPRPN Projects, ensuring coordination and collaboration with relevant CO units and making use of available information on donors’ priorities for Iraq.
• Provide leadership in reinforcing the vision for the establishment and ongoing implementation of the SPRPN Projects through developing work plans, objectives, and plans for monitoring and evaluation of the process, and resolving all challenges that arise in the process.
• Identify risks and challenges to the ongoing operations of the SPRPN Project and provide advice to the Programme Advisor on mitigation strategies.
• Manage day to day administrative matters for the SPRPN Project under the direction of the Programme Advisor and in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Human Rights Specialist and Governance administrative staff.
• Provide effective management of the contracts, performance and deliverables of consultants and specialist advisers ensuring timely delivery of project targets and result areas.
• In consultation with national counterparts and UNDP colleagues, support the effective preparation of project implementing partners such as government institutions, service providers, and NGOs.
• Effectively manage calls for bids and for proposals and selection of implementing partners within the UNDP contractual framework for project activity implementation. Design the scope of works and TORs for the bids and call for proposals.
• Advise the Programme Advisor and the Governance Cluster Manager on progress and, where relevant, additional needs in relation to the project implementation and follow up activities.

Overall management of the SPRPN Projects, focusing on the following actions and achievement of the following results:

• Monitor the overall progress and performance of the SPRPN Projects by ensuring proper planning, benchmarking and target setting (substantively and financially).
• Provision of high-quality analysis and substantive inputs to the development and management of project intervention, in close cooperation with UN agencies and counterparts at the Federal, State and Community levels.
• Periodically, prepare and facilitate the development and implementation of work plans, monitoring, and reporting on project achievements.
• Manage accurate and timely reporting on the progress of projects with a specific focus on the activities and funds utilized. Ensure that reports are provided to donors according to UNDP’s contractual obligations.

Under the coordination of the Rule of Law and Human Rights Advisor and other UNDP colleagues, participate in building strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy of the SPRPN Project focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identify areas of cooperation and coordination with other UN Agencies for the implementation of joint initiatives.
• Provide leadership to the collection and analysis of data and information on donor contacts, funding priorities, criteria and processes related to the SPRPN Project and its successful implementation in Nigeria.
• Support the Communication Colleagues developing and rolling out effective information on the SPRPN Project as well as support the UNDP CO on the effective communication on the implementation and results.
• Identify opportunities for the implementation of the SPRPN Project making specific recommendations on actions needed.

Provide technical advice and support to UNDP in particular the Rule of Law and Human Rights Advisor and other UNDP colleagues on additional needs and/or indicated follow up activities:

• Provide periodic update reports to the CO and the Rule of Law and Human Rights Advisor and other UNDP colleagues on the implementation and work progress of the Projects.
• As and when required, prepare donor briefings for the CO, the Rule of Law and Human Rights Advisor in enabling effective mobilisation of resources necessary for the support of the SPRPN Project.
• Develop annual work plans, budgets, draft reports and other documents for the management and reporting of activities of the Projects

Requirements
Education:

• Master’s Degree in Social / Political Science, Law, International Development, Conflict-resolution, and Peace-building or related field. Candidates with master studies in other fields might be qualified depending on their relevant work experience.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience, including network administration, management of hardware and software platforms, data management, knowledge of Windows-based packages/applications. Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in the rule of law, justice and human rights sector.
• Experience in engaging and working with law enforcement and political institutions including the Nigeria Police Force and related institutions.
• Proven experience in result-based reporting, public relations/communication. Prior experience in monitoring and evaluation is an asset.
• Experience managing complex relationship at federal, state and community levels.
• Proficiency in usage of computers, office software packages and advanced project management software as well as in the handling of web-based management systems.
• Experience working with UNDP/UN is an asset.

Technical skills required:

• Functionally related professional management skills.
• Knowledge of UNDP rules and regulations and POPP is an advantage
• Ability to plan and prioritise work activities to meet organizational goals and organize and oversee work processes efficiently to achieve quality results.
• Knowledge of strategic planning processes, programming.
• Effective reporting and communication skills.

Competencies:
Core:

• Achieve Results: 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 think conceptually and flexibly, capacity to adapt, innovate, and propose multiple options
• Business Management: 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 UNDP strategy and policies. Ability to practice courtesy and diplomacy with high-rank officials.
• Business Development: Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Enjoy sensitivity for research and academic integrity.
• Business Direction & Strategy : Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s  authority, area of expertise and resources
• Business Management: Project Management  :Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Business Development: Integration within the UN: Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and  engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply thisknowledge to strategic and/or practical situations
• Business Management: Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results

Language requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Application Closing Date
31st March, 2022 at 04:59 AM

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Applicant Information and Notice

• 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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• Candidates selected pursuant to this vacancy may be subject to UNDP’s policy on Probation upon assignment.