Nigeria: RESIDENT PROGRAM DIRECTOR: NIGERIA (217435-851)

NDI seeks a Resident Program Director with international experience in promoting budget oversight and enacting procurement reforms to provide technical assistance to increase transparency and accountability in budget and procurement processes in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The Resident Program Director will be based in Yenagoa and will manage the implementation of program activities, working with experienced national staff. S/he will be NDI’s principal liaison with Bayelsa-based political and civil society organizations, the state government, and the state house of assembly. The Resident Program Director will report to the Institute’s Abuja-based Resident Director and is expected to closely coordinate with the Washington-based staff. NDI anticipates September 2012 as the start date for this position, with an initial one year program duration.

NDI Programs in Nigeria

In partnership with USAID-Nigeria, NDI’s program Strengthening Transparency, Research, Independence and Development is aimed at implementing fiscal and procurement reforms in Nigeria’s Bayelsa state. Located within the oil-rich Niger Delta region, Bayelsa produces 30 percent of Nigeria’s oil, but it is one of the least developed of the country’s 36 states. In 2009, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly enacted public procurement and fiscal responsibility legislation to improve transparency and accountability in the management of state funds. However, many provisions of the 2009 legislation have not been implemented.

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p>Since the 1998/99 transition from military to civilian rule, NDI has supported the efforts of Nigerian civil society and legislators to strengthen the country’s political processes and nascent democratic institutions. NDI currently provides technical assistance to Nigerian civil society groups as they advocate for electoral reforms, conduct civic education, and engage in citizen observation of upcoming gubernatorial races.

Responsibilities

Design, manage and implement NDI’s fiscal and procurement reform program in Bayelsa state;Provide technical assistance to various state government institutions in organizational development, procurement policies and processes, and fiscal management;Provide day-to-day management and oversight of assigned local program staff;Ensure programmatic goals are achieved in accordance with program objectives and workplans;Draft and submit accurate and timely field reports that monitor and measure program results and analyze political developments;Ensure that the program adheres to NDI and donor financial regulations;Collaborate with other NDI Nigeria program teams to maximize cross-programmatic activities;Coordinate office security with NDI Abuja and D.C.-based staff;Develop and maintain constructive relationships with key partners in government, civil society and the donor community; andRepresent NDI to Bayelsa government officials, election authorities, elected officials, political parties, USAID and other development partners, and local and international non-governmental organizations.

Experience Required

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in law, public administration, political science, international relations, or a relevant field; graduate degree preferred;Solid democracy and governance background with a minimum of fourteen (14) years of experience related to parliaments and legal/institutional frameworks, with a focus on fiscal and procurement reform;Substantive senior-level political experience in budget and procurement issues, working for a legislature, executive branch, or civil society organization, especially at the sub-national level;Significant training experience and workshop facilitation skills;Demonstrated ability to conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis to programmatic activities;Experience working in multi-cultural settings, and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a challenging environment;Experience implementing or overseeing political development programs, preferably in Africa;Exceptional interpersonal and managerial skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, U.S. and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, funders, and policy-makers;Demonstrated problem-solving skills;Proven ability to manage large budgets and to effectively lead and manage staff;Effective communication, and networking skills, and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships;Strong oral and written communication skills in English;Proven ability to adjust programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by program stakeholders;Experience in implementing USAID-funded programs desirable; andKnowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheets (Microsoft Suite), e-mail and internet technology.