Cooperant - Director, Program Support Unit

Country:

Canada

City/Locality:

Foreign

Notice/Contract Number:

can:149385

Publication Date:

Apr 30, 2008

Deadline:

May 12, 2008

Buyer:

Canadian International Development Agency Agence canadienne de développement international

Original Language:

English

Address:

FRANÇOIS PICARD
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau , QC K1A 0G4
Canada

Telephone:

(000)000-0000

Fax:

(819)953-8606

Email:

Click here

Cooperant - Director, Program Support Unit - Nigeria

INVITATION

To qualified candidates to register with the Canadian International Development Agency's (CIDA) Cooperant Database in anticipation of a competitive recruitment process for a cooperate position based in Abuja, Nigeria. You must be registered with the Cooperant Database in order to be considered for this assignment. Please see "How to Apply" at the end of this document.

Note: As per internal policy, CIDA Employees will not be considered for this position. Only Contractors will be considered for the position.

Cooperant Position: Director, Program Support Unit (PUS)
Length of Posting: 2 years with possibility of extension
Post Rating: V
Language Requirements: English essential.
Starting date: August 2008
Eligibility: To be eligible to register as a cooperate, you must be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status, occupy a permanent residence in Canada, and have at least three years of relevant experience in your professional or technical area of expertise.

1.0 Background

The CIDA Nigeria Program is seeking a Cooperant to work as the full-time Director of its Program Support Unit (PUS) in Abuja, Nigeria for a two-year (2) period. The Director is responsible for the operational management of the PUS and directly reports to CIDA's Head of Aid who is the PSU Project Manager and is based in the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.

The Program Support Unit (PSU) is funded as a bilateral project to provide support to the Canadian assistance program in Nigeria, including to the Nigerian Ministries involved in CIDA projects and other Canadian and Nigerian project partners working on CIDA project business. This means supporting the Canada — Nigeria assistance program in the planning and monitoring of Canada's cooperation program by carrying out specific activities relating to program planning and delivery as well as administrative, logistical and contractual support. The PSU in Nigeria has been providing support to the planning and delivery of the Canadian cooperation program since 2001.

In addition to the Director, the PSU in Abuja currently has a complement of 12 full-time and 4 part-time staff, including technical advisors, a financial / management staff and administrative support staff. The PSU also houses the coordinators of two local funds and two independent projects, all of which rent space from the PSU on a cost recovery basis.

2.0 Purpose

The key purpose of the full-time Director will be to manage the overall operations, including the achievement of approved objectives, of CIDA's Program Support Unit (PSU) in Nigeria.

3.0 Scope of Work

The CIDA Cooperant's geographic scope covers all of Nigeria.

3.1 Responsibilities

General Functions

The CIDA Cooperant will:

1)    Ensure the provision of professional, financial, technical, contractual and administrative advice and services required for the development, management and ongoing monitoring of the program and projects.

2)    Plan, organize, direct and monitor the quality of the PSU's work.

3)    Develop, implement, monitor and/or update the financial management system of the PSU in accordance with the PSU Guidelines and the Financial Management Framework for PSUs and the Accounting and Financial Reporting Requirements for PSU Projects.

4)     Manage PSU contracted personnel and other human resources needed to carry out the PSU Work plan, in accordance with the applicable laws in Nigeria and the approved internal Human Resources policies and procedures.

5)    Ensures compliance with PSU Guidelines and with CIDA principles and standards of sound financial management when managing local costs related to the execution of projects administered in the field.

6)     Ensure effective relations and communications with the Office of the Canadian Embassy and other Canadian Cooperants based at the PSU.

7)    Ensure effective relations with, and services for, Canadian executing agencies, other Canadian visitors in country for professional activities, representatives of other donors, and government political authorities.

8)    Travel in the country.

9)    Perform all other duties related to the general mandate which are not described specifically in this Statement of Services.

In relation to work production and reporting, the CIDA Cooperant will:

1)    Prepare the PSU Annual Work plan each February for approval in March, in consultation with the CIDA Head of Aid, CIDA Headquarters and other professionals based at the PSU.

2)    Implement the PSU Annual Work plan in accordance with the mandates, time frames and priorities defined in said work plan.

3)    Develop and/or update a databank of professionals and local consultants able to meet the program's needs and establish the standing offers required for the timely use of their services.

4)    Submit, to the Head of Aid, on a frequency agreed to by the Head of Aid, regular activity reports which summarize the activities of the period in question and highlight the results achieved, the difficulties encountered and recommendations, and includes an update of the Work plan for the next period.

5)    Submit, to the Head of Aid, on a quarterly basis or more frequently if agreed to by the Head of Aid, financial reports covering the use of funds and including budget forecasts for disbursements for the subsequent period in accordance with the Accounting and Financial Reporting Requirements for PSU Projects.

6)    Submit an Annual Project Report, comprised of the Annual Audited Financial Report and the Annual Progress Report on Results to the Head of Aid, by June 30th of each year.

In relation to the administration and financial management of the PSU, the CIDA Cooperant will:

1)    Manage and report on the financial aspects of the PSU in accordance with the Financial Management Framework and the Accounting and Financial Reporting Requirements for PSU Projects.

2)    Develop and/or update a Manual of Operating Procedures for the PSU, including fee analyses, revise it periodically and submit it to the Head of Aid for approval.

3)    Manage the PSU's expenses in accordance with the budget, as approved, and in accordance with Government of Canada regulations for procurement of goods, material and services.

4)    Manage the use and inventory of property placed under the Director's responsibility and establish management and control mechanisms and procedures for its effective use and eventual disposal.

5)    Manage and oversee the provision of the contractual services necessary to ensure the timely and efficient hiring of long and short term consultants and other human resources necessary to achieve the PSU's objectives as approved in the PSU Annual Work plan.

In relation to the administration and financial management of projects other than the PSU as approved in the PSU Annual Work plan, the CIDA Cooperant will:

1)    Develop, implement, monitor and/or update a set of administrative and financial management policies and procedures in accordance with Government of Canada principles and standards of sound financial management.

2)    Assist in monitoring and, if needed, managing the expense budgets for individual managed projects, in accordance with the procedures defined in each project.

3)    Submit, to the Head of Aid, on a quarterly basis or more frequently if agreed to by the Head of Aid, a financial report covering the use of funds and including operating and capital budget forecasts for disbursements for the subsequent period all in accordance with the PSU Guidelines and the procedures defined for each project.

In relation to the human resources management, the CIDA Cooperant will:

1)    Manage PSU staff and consultants, a team of professionals from Nigeria, and if needed, any other human resources necessary to carry out the PSU Annual Work plan, in accordance with the applicable laws of the recipient country and the procedures established in the Manual of Operating Procedures.

2)     Allocate professional or other resources in accordance with the mandates, time frames and priorities defined in the PSU Annual Work plan.

3)    Manage or assist in the recruitment of local professionals and long or short term consultants who are required to implementation the cooperation program.

4)    Prepare descriptions of work, issue competition notices, prepare evaluation grids, conduct examinations and interviews to assess and select the best candidates and contract or recommend them to CIDA.

5)    Evaluate, at least annually or in accordance with the practices stated in the Manual of Operating Procedures, the performance and aptitudes of PSU staff and consultants, and take steps to keep or replace staff or consultants where necessary and appropriate.

The Cooperant will be accountable to CIDA via the CIDA Head of Aid.

3.2 Duration of Assignment and conditions of work

The duration of the assignment will be two (2) years, with possibility for extension. The position will be based in Abuja, Nigeria, It is anticipated that the Cooperant will be in place by August 2008.

4.0 Qualifications and Professional Experience

Education

University degree in management, public administration, international development or a related field.

Experience

- Minimum of three (3) years experience of managing a team delivering logistic, administrative, contractual and/or programming services.

- Minimum of three (3) years experience in the planning and management of international aid programs or projects.

- Minimum of two (2) years experience in working for a multi or bilateral development agency and/or on a multi or bilateral development agency project or program.

- Working experience in a developing country is essential. Experience in Africa, particularly Nigeria, is an asset.

Knowledge

- Knowledge of human resources management, financial management, contract management and information & knowledge management and how to apply these to optimize program effectiveness.

- Knowledge of CIDA's policies and processes and the delivery of development assistance programming.

- Knowledge of all phases and aspects of project management including design, planning, contracting, implementation, monitoring and evaluating.

- Knowledge of new aid modalities such as Program-Based Approaches (PBAs): including Pooled or Basket Funds and Budgetary Support would be an asset

Abilities

- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage human resources and supervise technical and administrative staff.

- Ability to conduct strategic and work planning at the office, project, program and county levels, including through the application of results-based management.

- Ability to organize, contract and supervise evaluations, audits and studies, including preparing terms of reference, conducting selection and recruitment.

- Ability to gather and analyze data in order to assess potential projects at the early stages of development.

- Ability to assume overall responsibility for: oversight of office accounts, budgets, contracting, plans and reports; and maintaining a communications system with the Canadian High Commission and CIDA headquarters.

Personal Suitability

- Independent, initiative-taker capable of working with a minimum of supervision.

- Responsive to client needs and requests and committed to providing high quality service.

- Tolerant of cultural differences.

- Strong team-player.

- Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills.

- Excellent negotiation skills.

- Sound judgment in difficult situations.

- Deals well with pressure and uncertainty.

Languages

Strong oral and written communication skills in English is essential. Knowledge of French is an asset.

5.0 Notes on Country Conditions

Nigeria is a hardship post (level V) due to security and health risks such as: high crime rate, endemic presence of certain tropical diseases (e.g. malaria), as well as ongoing but isolated conflict (e.g. Niger Delta region). Sporadic ethnic/religious conflict also occurs but has been isolated to remote areas.

Despite these conditions that characterize the country at large, Abuja itself is a relatively safe, clean and well-organized city, and is suitable for families. A wide array of goods and services are available, including many cultural and artistic activities. Several international schools offer education of comparable quality for primary to middle school. High school options are limited.

Main health risks are malaria and intestinal illnesses, but outbreaks of dengue, yellow fever and typhoid can occur. HIV/AIDS prevalence is increasing but not as high as in other sub-Saharan countries. Adequate basic medical services exist.

Climate is hot but pleasant year-round. The Harmattan winds period can aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions due to dust in the air.

6.0 Application Instructions and Deadline

This position is subject to CIDA approvals. The successful applicant will be chosen from the Cooperant database through a competitive process. Eligibility requirements and application procedures for the database, can be found on CIDA's Website (www.acdi-cida.gc.ca), Home page/Employment/Work opportunities in International Development for Canadians or Permanent Residents/Cooperant.

Candidates must be registered with the Cooperant database by May 12, 2008.

INQUIRIES

Questions relating to this notice must be directed IN WRITING to:

Sharon Armstrong
Canadian International Development Agency
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0G4

Fax: 819-997-953-9454
E-mail: sharon_armstrong@acdi-cida.gc.ca

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