International United Nations Volunteer (IUNV)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the largest agency of the United Nations, established with the mission to eradicate poverty through sustainable and inclusive human development. UNDP has been operational in Nigeria since the country gained independence in 1960, providing essential capacity building and policy development support to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The organization focuses on various critical areas including Governance & Peace Building, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development. UNDP's overarching goal is to improve the lives of the Nigerian populace, particularly the most vulnerable and impoverished groups, ensuring a future characterized by equality, dignity, and opportunity for all. The agency collaborates with the federal government, development partners, UN agencies, civil society, and local communities to identify and implement local solutions to address both global and national development challenges, leveraging its expertise in the aforementioned areas.

Job Overview:
The role of the International United Nations Volunteer (IUNV) is pivotal in supporting the implementation of two Japan-funded early recovery and resilience projects in Northeast Nigeria. These projects aim to transition from stabilization to recovery by enhancing livelihoods, providing vocational training, and improving social services. Additionally, they focus on strengthening local economies through enterprise development, innovation, and private sector engagement, while also enhancing environmental resilience and community safety. The IUNV will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Office (Northeast) and will coordinate closely with both programme and operations teams to ensure coherence, financial integrity, compliance, and effective delivery across the projects. The position requires a proactive approach to tracking progress against outputs, milestones, and timelines, as well as liaising with various stakeholders including implementing partners, government counterparts, and private sector actors. The IUNV will also be responsible for ensuring that project outputs meet UNDP standards and donor requirements, thereby playing a crucial role in the overall success of the initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The IUNV will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: A. Programme Coordination and Implementation Support: - Assist in the preparation and implementation of Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and budgets. - Monitor and track progress against outputs, milestones, and timelines. - Liaise with implementing partners, government counterparts, Community Service Centers (CSCs), UN agencies, and private sector actors to ensure effective collaboration. - Support the coordination of meetings, missions, and stakeholder engagements. - Facilitate follow-up on implementation bottlenecks to ensure smooth project execution. - Promote synergies and integrated implementation across the two projects. B. Quality Assurance and Results Monitoring: - Ensure that project outputs adhere to UNDP standards and meet donor requirements. - Review technical reports, outputs, and submissions from partners to ensure quality. - Monitor risks and implementation challenges, proposing corrective actions as necessary. - Maintain risk registers, issue logs, and quality assurance trackers to document project progress. - Support results-based management (RBM) and compliance with environmental and social standards. - Document lessons learned and best practices for future reference. C. Financial Management and Compliance: - Provide support for financial oversight in accordance with UNDP rules and the Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP). - Review budgets, expenditures, and financial reports to ensure accuracy and compliance. - Conduct budget monitoring, forecasting, and variance analysis to maintain financial health. - Verify financial reports from implementing partners, including FACE forms and liquidations. - Assist in donor financial reporting and audits to ensure transparency. - Conduct spot checks and field verification missions to assess financial management practices. - Strengthen the financial management capacity of partners through training and support. D. Reporting and Knowledge Management: - Assist in the preparation of quarterly, annual, and donor reports to communicate project progress. - Ensure timely and accurate reporting to management to facilitate decision-making. - Support the development and maintenance of data management and reporting systems. - Contribute to the documentation and communication of results to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a range of qualifications, including: - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders. - Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools. - Familiarity with financial management principles and practices. - Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment. - Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure high-quality outputs.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant degree in fields such as international development, public administration, social sciences, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in project management, financial management, or related areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in project management, financial oversight, or a related field. Experience working in a humanitarian or development context, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNDP's operational policies and procedures will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Northeast Nigeria, such as Hausa or Kanuri, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is an international UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their accommodation and other living essentials in accordance with UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security requirements. The position is based in Abuja, with frequent missions to Maiduguri, Damaturu, and Yola in Northeast Nigeria. The security situation in these areas is closely monitored, and compliance with UN security guidance is mandatory. The assignment may involve working in challenging conditions, and the candidate should be prepared for this.