Mission and objectivesUNDP is the UNโs 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 โ 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.
ContextA key focus of our Governance Cluster is promoting responsive and accountable governance and peacebuilding in line with the RF-NDP 2023-27, particularly through the active participa-tion of women and youth, as well as the Gambian diaspora, which makes significant technical and financial contributions to good governance and national development. In The Gambia, key institutional challenges include stalled decentralization, a shortage of technical skills, delays in establishing the anti-corruption commission, capacity gaps in the security sector, and limited access to justice, alongside setbacks in implementing transitional justice mechanisms. The Common Country Analysis (CCA) highlights persistent human rights challenges, including conflicts over land management, sexual and gender-based violence, and discrimination against women and people with disabilities. Representation of these marginalized groups in decision-making remains low, with only 9% of legislators and 15% of local councillors being women, while youth engagement in political affairs is limited despite comprising over 37% of the population. In response, UNDPโs initiatives will support The Gambiaโs reform agenda, empowering mar-ginalized groups to access justice and realize their rights through a comprehensive approach that integrates humanitarian, development, and peace efforts, while addressing governance and gender equality issues. UNDP will enhance national capacities to implement the TRRC recommendations, promote peace, tackle conflict drivers, and improve public service delivery through collaboration with key partners and stakeholders.
Task DescriptionThe Governance Officer will provide vital technical support to the Governance Unit, contrib-uting to its mission of promoting responsive and accountable governance in The Gambia. This role involves implementing initiatives that enhance accountability, participation, and transpar-ency within public governance structures. Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader of the Governance and Peacebuilding Unit, and in close collaboration with team members and stakeholders, the UN Volunteer will under-take the following tasks: โข Support national and state level stakeholders in improving and establishing sustainable mechanisms for access to justice including statutory, traditional conflict resolution mecha-nisms, human rights and transitional justice mechanisms. โข Contribute to monitoring activities on access to justice, SGBV, human rights and transi-tional justice including changes in legislations and national or regional strategies or action plans. โข Assist state institutions to develop and implement policies, long-term strategies, systems and action plans for the establishment of effective legal and justice services and monitor-ing of human rights trends. โข Support the development and practice of alternative and internationally acceptable meth-ods of increasing access to justice especially for vulnerable groups, for resolving commu-nal disputes and seeking remedies through transitional justice mechanisms. โข Support the implementation of programme/project workplans and contribute to monthly/ quarterly analytical reports and provide inputs into other reporting requirements. โข Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of governance initiatives, particularly for vulnerable groups such as youth, people with disabilities and survivors of SGBV, providing insights and recommendations to enhance programme effectiveness. โข Establish and maintain strong relationships with government counterparts, civil society or-ganizations, and other stakeholders, ensuring that UNDP services meet their needs. โข Support preparation of project documents, and communication materials clearly and effec-tively facilitating information sharing across teams and stakeholders. โข Actively share knowledge and experiences within the team and across the organization, contributing to collective learning and capacity building. โข Support the development and dissemination of advocacy materials to raise awareness about governance initiatives, facilitating community and stakeholder engagement.
Competencies and valuesโ Accountability โ Adaptability and Flexibility โ Client Orientation โ Commitment and Motivation โ Commitment to Continuous Learning โ Creativity โ Integrity โ Knowledge Sharing โ Professionalism โ Respect for Diversity โ Self-Management โ Technological Awareness โ Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarksThe UN Volunteer will be based in Banjul, the capital. The Gambia is situated at the tip of the West African coast and has a total surface area of approximately 10,360 square kilometres. Apart from the 48 km stretch at the Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is landlocked by Senegal. The climate consists of a tropical hot rainy season from July to September and a cooler dry season from October to June. The Gambia has a total population of 1.9 million, of which more than 50% are children under the age of 18 years. English is the official language. Mandinka and Wolof are the main local languages most widely used in the country. The Gambia is relatively peaceful, and the people are warm and friendly. Basic security prevention precautions should nevertheless be taken to avoid any unpleasant surprises. The entire country is in security level 2 โ Low. The national currency in The Gambia is the Dalasi. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the official rate at selected branches of commercial banks. Only few major hotels accept credit cards as means of payment. Taxis are available at all places in the city. The most common form of travel is shared taxis (yellow taxis) and private or tourist cabs (green taxis). The condition of roads in the city is poor. Driving standards are low with poor traffic discipline. Upon arrival, a visa is given for those visitors coming from a country where there is no Gambian embassy available, or an entry clearance has been secured from the Department of Immigration on behalf of the visitor prior to their arrival. Visas are also given to tourists (chartered flight) upon arrival for a maximum period of 30 days. All other visas need to be processed and obtained prior to travel. https://www.unv.org/