Organization Mission

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2021 which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues.

Context

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, supporting evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, supporting national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues to deliver its mandate. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2024 – 2028 which is aligned with the Country Programme Document (2024-2028), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. UNDP in The Gambia is working to strengthen and provide a broad response to the people of The Gambia’s aspirations for a transparent, accountable, and responsive transition to democracy. It seeks to ensure equal access to justice, particularly for women and marginalized groups across the country, working in close collaboration with a range of partners and Stakeholders and justice sector institutions.

The objective of “The Gambia”s Responsive and Accountable Democratic Transition Project European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (EU-UNDP GREAT initiative)” is to enhance The Gambia”s democratic system. Drawing on past experiences and lessons learned, this Project aims to contribute to The Gambia”s democratic transition through three specific objectives:(i) Supporting constitutional and legislative reforms to strengthen checks and balances and safeguard human rights, including those of minorities and vulnerable populations. (ii) Enhancing the ongoing transitional justice process, rule of law, and human rights. (iii) Strengthening the effectiveness of local governance structures. The Project also aligns with the NDP Strategic Priority 1, which aims to restore good governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law and empower citizens through decentralization and local governance. It supports UNDP”s Strategic Plan Outcome 2 by ensuring that citizen expectations for voice, development, the rule of law, and accountability are met through stronger democratic governance systems.

Key Responsibilities

 Track and report on the implementation of project activities and funds utilization.

 Assist in the preparation, filing, compilation, and dissemination of documents/materials
relating to the Project activities.

 Provide planning, preparation and coordination support for missions, events, and
project-related workshops.

 Provide other daily administrative support to the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA)

 Participate in the trainings for the GALGA on continued professional development
issues.

 Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice

 Ensure timely, effective, and efficient programmatic, operational, and administrative
support to the GALGA.

 Support the GALGA in establishing synergies and partnerships with other actors
(national and international) on governance issues at the strategic, technical, and
operational levels;

 Assist in developing a monitoring plan and participate in the monitoring visits to verify
results as required.

 Contribute to the development of capacity development tools, including training
materials and packages.

 Support capacity building training of GALGA staff in project management, result based
management, monitoring and evaluation.

 Facilitate quarterly review of EU-UNDP project implementation with GALGA to assess,
report and document progress, challenges, draw lessons and strengthen coordination
with relevant stakeholders for project effectiveness.

 Support EU-UNDP project evaluation progresses including drafting management
responses in line with GALGA intervention areas.

 Any other relevant responsibilities as assigned by the GALGA Executive Director and
EU-UNDP GREAT Project Manager.

Required Skills and Experience

• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant administrative or programme experience is required
• Experience liaising with mid- to high-level government officials is an asset
• Strong inter-personal, diplomatic, coordination, organization, and communication skills;
• Experience in building and maintaining working relationships with different stakeholders;
• A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage.

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at various levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in UNDP’s volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.