STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISOR

Niger is currently confronted to the twin-threat of political instability epitomized by the recent 18 February coup d’état and the presence of myriad armed groups in the north still not completely disarmed in spite of recent peace agreements. The country is also facing a complex humanitarian crisis in the form of a severe food shortage together with extreme vulnerability to natural disasters as witnessed in September 2009 with the flooding that devastated the city of Agadez and its vicinity leaving 79 000 homeless. In January 2010, a government rapid assessment of households’ vulnerability reveals that 7, 8 million people nearly half of the total population of Niger were exposed in the coming months to a moderate to acute situation of food insecurity. This is further compounded by increasing international isolation and opprobrium. 2009 opened an era of instability and political upheaval for Niger. Bidding to stay in power indefinitely, former President Tandja dissolved the National Assembly and the High Court, pushing through a new Constitution that gave him more power, extended his tenure by three years and removed term limits steadily rolling back hard-fought democratic gains. Regional and international organizations (ECOWAS, African Union, European Union, United Nations, OIF) considered the measures taken by the ousted President did not complied with the agreements and conventions signed by Niger. Some development partners suspended their cooperation. ECOWAS, on the basis of its Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance of 2001, suspended Niger from her proceedings and demanded, with the African Union, the return to constitutional order. The European Union suspended its financial cooperation and open consultations with the Government on the basis of Articles 9 and 96 of Cotonou Agreement. To help end the crisis, ECOWAS undertook mediation led by General Abdul Salami Abubakar, appointed Ombudsman. The African Union, the United Nations through the Special Representative of the Secretary General for West Africa and the Resident Coordinator, the European Union and the International Organization of French-speaking Nations (OIF) have all supported dialogue between Nigeriens which could engage difficultly in December 2009. Faced with conflicting positions between the government and opposition, a roadmap was proposed by the mediator, whose main points are: i) the establishment of a transition ii) the maintenance of the President of the Republic until the end of the transition period, iii) the appointment by the dialogue of a Prime Minister from the opposition iv) the development of a new constitution. In this deadlock, a military coup occurred February 18, 2010 and has established a Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD), which suspended the constitution and dissolved the institutions of the 6th Republic. They aim to lead a transition to the return to constitutional order.

Duties and Responsibilities

As the designated representative of the Secretary General, and team leader of the UN system organizations, the Resident Coordinator assumes overall responsibility for and coordination of the operational activities for development of the United Nations system carried out a the country level, in conformity with the objectives and priorities of the Government and mandates and objectives of United Nations system organizations. Under the direct supervision of the RC/HC, and in collaboration with the Coordination Officers and the UNDP Country Office Crisis Prevention and Recovery cell, the incumbent's main duties and responsibilities are: Provide guidance and support to the RC in the assessment and analytical processes for the consolidated UN system in the transition from the crisis, post-conflict situation, including. To coordinate and facilitate the definition of the UN’s role, its priorities and strategies by the UNRC/HC and the various coordination mechanisms including support to lead agencies of thematic Groups, Inter-Agency Task Forces and humanitarian clusters in close coordination with OCHA. To regularly liaise with UNOWA to keep close coordination between the work of the UN in support of the international mediation process and the UN country operations. To facilitate, at the request of the UNRC and UNCT, consultations with the Government, donors and organizations of the UN system, and provide technical support for policy and programme development and related strategic initiatives. At the request of the UNRC/HC, representation in various national and UN meetings as well as in regional coordination of UN activities. Provide strategic analysis and recommendations for the RC/HC and UNCT and identify strategic entry points, so that the UN system can best assist national and local initiatives; Initiate, coordinate and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue, relevant for the reconciliation processes; Develop strategic partnership with national and international partners – from both Government and civil society – in the area of peace and development. Provide input and guidance to the design of a UN Transitional Strategic Plan and/or Appeal. Support the RC/HC in the preparation and coordination of the UN Humanitarian Action Plan, based on the national response plan, needs assessment and other identified priorities and strategies, in close coordination with OCHA. To support the UNRC and UNCT in engaging bilateral and multilateral donors, including for resources mobilization, and to direct the initiation and development of related preparatory and follow-up action. Provide support and guidance in the development of appropriate modalities for a multi-donor trust fund and or resource mobilization mechanisms, including the different funding mechanisms available within the UN system (PBF, CERF, electoral assistance, etc.). Ensure appropriate linkages are made to other ongoing initiatives. To provide policy advice and technical support to the UNRC and UNCT on UN System collaborative programming and monitoring processes for transition response. Supports the UNCT’s work in developing a common work plan ensuring timeliness, coherence and quality of results and the promotion and development of proposals for UN System capacity building initiatives in order to achieve shared results. To advise the UN Resident Coordinator on, and to facilitate, planning and management of UN System coordination for transition at the country level. Ensure the synergies of the UNCT on institutional and organizational issues, to promote a united and coherent UN system, consistent with the organizational mandate. Draw upon other UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to provide contributions to UNCT decision-making and learning. Under the general guidance of the Resident Coordinator, serve as team leader for the UN RC Office – UN Coordination Unit, which functions to reinforce the capacity of the RC and UNCT towards the effective coordination of UN operational activities and the implementation of the UNDAF according with UN Reform developments: Takes leadership in the work planning and the division of responsibilities amongst the staff of the RC Office – Coordination Unit comprising one National assistant to the RC, one International Special Assistant to the RC/Coordination Specialist, one National Coordination Specialist and one National Coordination Analyst. Provides policy support, oversight and guidance to the staff of the RC Office – Coordination Unit, to ensure that all planned activities in the RC annual work and the coordination workplan are implemented in a timely and effective manner Aims to motivate and promote team work and organizational excellence. Support the RC in annual results and competency assessments of staff in the unit.

Competencies

Proven experience in humanitarian and transition coordination. Prior experience in resource mobilization desirable. Good knowledge of UN system, procedures and operational activities for development. Previous experience in UNDAF development or recovery plans will be considered as plus. Strategic vision and strong technical and analytical capabilities. Good political judgment. Excellent organizational and management skills. Ability to negotiate at decision-making level. Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising quality, team spirit and positive working relationships. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education Advanced university degree or higher, in development economics, political science, statistics, international development and/or management and coordination. Experience At least 10 years work experience in humanitarian, development and/or transitional operations, and at least four years work experience in the field, ideally in a post-conflict setting. Language Requirements: Fluent in French, including writing and oral skills; Excellent knowledge of English, including writing and oral skills.

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.