Program Governance Associate

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead agency for international development, working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. The UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (WACA), based in Dakar, Senegal, supports 24 country offices in strengthening resilience and sustainable development. This assignment is within the UNDP Senegal Country Office, focusing on governance and contributing to SDG 16, working with national institutions, civil society, and development partners to promote inclusive and accountable governance.

Job Purpose

The Program Governance Associate will support the UNDP Senegal Country Office's Governance Unit in implementing activities aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The role involves assisting in programme implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting, with a focus on democratic governance, access to justice, decentralization, and gender equality. The Associate will contribute to evidence-based reporting, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management. This position offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience within a UN country office setting, contributing to national governance priorities and strengthening institutional capabilities in Senegal.

Responsibilities

Support the day-to-day implementation, coordination, and follow-up of programme activities related to democratic governance, access to justice, decentralization, local development, gender equality, and institutional strengthening. Assist in preparing and updating programme documents, including workplans, concept notes, and terms of reference, adhering to UNDP procedures. Contribute to collecting, organizing, and analyzing programme data for monitoring, reporting, and communication of results. Support coordination with national institutions, local authorities, civil society, development partners, and UN agencies by preparing meetings, taking notes, and following up on action points. Assist in the logistical and substantive preparation of workshops, trainings, and field missions, including drafting materials and compiling reports. Help document lessons learned, good practices, and success stories from governance interventions. Ensure the integration of gender equality, youth participation, inclusion, and human rights in programme activities. Maintain organized programme records and support internal coordination and compliance.

Work Experience

No prior experience is required, but demonstrated interest and/or up to two years of experience in democratic governance, public administration, institutional strengthening, decentralization, local development, access to justice, rule of law, human rights, or gender equality is desirable. Experience in programme support, project coordination, monitoring, reporting, research, data collection, knowledge management, stakeholder engagement, or event organization is beneficial. Previous volunteer experience or experience in a different cultural context is highly regarded.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, building trust, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, communication, creativity, ethics, integrity, judgment, knowledge sharing, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, and teamwork. Specific skills in programme and project support, research, analysis, communication, stakeholder coordination, partnership engagement, and digital literacy are essential. Expertise in administration, community development, or information technology and telecommunications is also relevant.

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