Consultancy for Capacity Needs Assessment of inter-party dialogue mechanism and processes in Nigeria

The Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) project is a joint donor fund project managed by UNDP in support of Nigeria’s 2011 elections and the deepening of democracy in Nigeria. The European Commission, the UK Department for International Development, UNDP, Canada and South Korea contribute to this fund. DGD aims to develop the capacity of national and sub national instituions, networks and processes, governmental and non governmental, as a contribution to the further entrenchment of democratic governance in Nigeria. The project provided technical support to the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, civil society organizations, and governance institutions including the National Assembly towards the successful conduct of the 2011 elections. A key objective of the DGD project in the post-election period includes working to strengthen the capacity of political parties and institutions to deepen democratic practice in Nigeria. Political parties represent a keystone in deepening democratic governance. They are core to building an inclusive, responsive, and capable state. Political parties provide a structure for citizen’s participation, serve as a training ground for future political leaders and seek to win elections in order to exercise control on institutions of governance. Whether inside or outside of government, political parties exist to transform aggregated social interests into public policy. There is therefore the need to assist Nigerian political parties to confront structural and procedural challenges including enhancing the quality of inter-party relations. The DGD Party Dialogue Capacity Needs Assessment exercise is designed as a holistic process of assessing the form, nature and operation of inter-party dialogue mechanisms in the country. It is the first phase in a series of activities aimed at building the capacity of inter-party dialogue structures in Nigeria. The specific objectives are: To examine the role of political parties in the political and development processes; Examine the trajectories of inter-party dialogue mechanisms in Nigeria’s political processes; Analyse the use and effectiveness of inter-party dialogue mechanisms for deepening democratic culture in Nigeria; Draw lessons learnt from previous efforts at promoting inter-party consultation and dialogue; Propose strategies for enhanced inter-party dialogue mechanisms in the electoral and policy making processes in Nigeria; Identify comparative best practise models for inclusive and effective inter-party dialogue processes; Propose strategies for equal participation of women and men in political life as mediated through political parties; Address knowledge and resource gaps in inter-party dialogue literature in Nigeria. The DGD therefore seeks to recruit a short term consultant to support organizing series of inter-party dialogue seminars and assist a team of consultants conducting a political party dialogue capacity need assessment process.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will: Organize inter-party dialogue seminars; Schedule meetings for inter-party dialogue needs assessment consultants; Develop and produce activity reports; Facilitate workshops and focus group discussion for assessment team; Convene meetings of political parties dialogue process; Assist assessment team to compile and produce final assessment report; Provide editorial support for producing draft of capacity assessment report.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Treats all people fairly without favoritism. Political Party Processes: Experience in democratic governance, with demonstrated competence implementing political party strengthening programme.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced degree preferably a Masters degree with minimum 5 years post qualification experience. Experience: Experience working with major international implementing organization in the areas of political party and legislative strengthening, NGO mentoring; Knowledge and understanding of political parties in relation to democracy and governance; Demonstrable, excellent data collection, analysis and report writing skills; Excellent writing and communication skills; Good interpersonal skills; Experience working with the media and other related stakeholders; Expertise and experience in institutional assessments. Language Requirements: Strong skills in written communications in English; Excellent spoken English is also required. Interested candidates should visit: http://rosters.ng.undp.org:8050/vmsb/vacancies/view to view vacancies and upload their applications. All candidates will be required to register their details on VDMS site to be considered and will be given a username and password. For further clarifications on this job, please contact the administrator at vdmssupport.ng@undp.org

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.

Consultancy for Capacity Needs Assessment of inter-party dialogue mechanism and processes in Nigeria