Background
Under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator (RC), the Senior Strategic Advisor manages the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO); support the RC and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in enhancing system-wide coherence and aid effectiveness by providing strategic and operational guidance on UN Reform; and strengthen the capacity of the UNCT to coordinate and implement the United Nations Development Assistance Framework II (UNDAF). She/he ensures that appropriate follow up is initiated to Global Conferences and Commitments.

Guided by the UN Reform, desire for sound programmatic activities and the principle of alignment between UN agencies’ policies, strategies and implementation structures, UNDAF II (2009-2012) was formulated by the UN system in Nigeria.

Although UN agencies have their own policies, procedures and skills governing operational and programmatic activities at the country level, the UNCT intends to work together to provide a well coordinated, focused and coherent response to the country’s main development challenges. While appreciating that no single agency has the range of funds, skills, knowledge, and experience to tackle the multi-dimensional causes of poverty, indeed, a collaborative UNCT can provide advice and assistance on a wide range of issues. It can also ensure that the support provided by each agency is complementary, rather than duplicative, to produce synergistic results. In Nigeria, these principles of “Collective Work” and “Collective Responsibility”, if well managed, should translate into a consolidation process towards the “One UN” Reform.

Enhancing the prospects for such collaborative processes under the UN reform and while ensuring a successful implementation of UNDAF require a correspondingly strengthened coordination support capacity for the role of RC.

The position will be funded by DFID through its Policy Development Facility (PDF). The contractors will be consultants assigned to UNDP and not UNDP employees and will report to the UNDP Resident Coordinator in Nigeria. The contract will be with PDF, or the management agent’s designee.
The contract will be for one year, paid monthly in arrears.

The fee range for the position of Senior Strategic Advisor will be between £3,800 and £4,300 per month depending on educational qualifications and directly relevant experience.


Required Skills and Experience
Education:

Master degree or higher, in political science, economics, international development and/or management and coordination.
Experience:

At least 10 years work experience in development operations. Good knowledge of UN system, procedures and activities for development. Experience in UN reform is a bonus. Conversant with the logical framework approach and other strategic planning and reporting approaches; Familiarity with UNDAF development/planning will be considered a plus.
Language Requirements:

Excellent knowledge of English, including writing and oral skill

How to Apply
Online at http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=19351