Democratic Governance Specialist (UNDP Guinea-Bissau) – Role Overview and Impact

February 28, 2025

10 minutes read

The Democratic Governance Specialist position at UNDP in Guinea-Bissau is a full-time, fixed-term role under the Governance Practice Area, with an initial contract duration of one year, renewable based on performance and funding. The specialist will play a key role in supporting democratic governance, public administration reforms, decentralization, and anti-corruption efforts in Guinea-Bissau.

Key Responsibilities:http://Democratic Governance Specialist – UNDP Guinea-Bissau

Governance Program Implementation:
- Analyze the country’s political, social, and economic trends and provide insights to develop governance strategies.
- Lead the implementation of governance-related projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022–2026.
- Identify opportunities for new projects and strengthen collaboration with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners.
- Support Guinea-Bissau’s justice system, oversight institutions (e.g., Parliament), public administration, elections, and anti-corruption initiatives.
Program Management:
- Oversee the design, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation of governance programs.
- Ensure all programs adhere to Results-Based Management (RBM) principles.
- Lead project work plans, draft Terms of References (TORs), and provide quality assurance on governance initiatives.
- Supervise and mentor staff in the governance unit.
Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization:
- Develop partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, donors, civil society, and the private sector.
- Identify funding opportunities and support resource mobilization efforts for governance projects.
- Represent UNDP in external meetings, advocacy campaigns, and national/international networks.
Policy Advisory and Knowledge Management:
- Provide technical expertise and policy advice to the government on governance and institutional reforms.
- Conduct research on best practices in democratic governance and share knowledge through reports and training sessions.
- Promote innovative solutions to governance challenges in Guinea-Bissau.
Team Leadership and Capacity Building:
- Manage the governance team, ensuring that all staff receive proper training and guidance.
- Foster an inclusive, motivated, and high-performing work environment within the UNDP governance team.
- Oversee performance management and professional development initiatives for team members.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

Education:
- Master’s degree in Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field with 5 years of experience;
- OR Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of experience.
Experience:
- Proven experience in project management within international organizations or development agencies.
- Prior work experience in Africa, especially in Portuguese-speaking countries or conflict-transition settings, is an asset.
- Expertise in democratic governance, peacebuilding, institutional reforms, and public administration.
- Experience in fundraising, resource mobilization, and donor relations is desirable.
Languages:
- Fluency in Portuguese and French (written & spoken) is required.
- Knowledge of English is desirable.

Why This Role Is Important:http://@vacancyspaces.com

Guinea-Bissau faces significant governance challenges, including political instability, weak institutions, corruption, limited public service delivery, and low public trust in government. This role aims to strengthen governance structures, improve rule of law, enhance political participation, and support decentralization efforts. The UNDP’s governance team plays a critical role in supporting democratic institutions and ensuring sustainable development in the country.

UNDP Democratic Governance Specialist (Guinea-Bissau) – In-Depth Analysis

1. Background and Context

1.1 UNDP’s Role in Governance and Development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading UN agency working to promote sustainable development, eradicate poverty, and strengthen governance institutions worldwide. Governance is a core pillar of UNDP’s work, as strong, transparent, and inclusive governance systems are essential for economic growth, social stability, and human rights.

In Guinea-Bissau, UNDP plays a pivotal role in supporting democratic governance, public administration reforms, decentralization, electoral processes, and anti-corruption efforts. The Democratic Governance Specialist will work within this framework, helping the country address its governance challenges and implement reforms that strengthen institutions, public trust, and rule of law.

1.2 Governance Challenges in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau has faced persistent political instability, weak institutions, corruption, and economic challenges since gaining independence. The country ranks low in governance indicators, such as:

Rule of Law & Access to Justice – Weak judiciary, limited legal enforcement, and lack of accountability mechanisms.
Political Participation & Human Rights – Limited citizen participation, gender inequality, and human rights violations.
Public Administration & Service Delivery – Inefficient bureaucratic systems, poor infrastructure, and lack of decentralized governance.
Corruption & Transparency – High levels of corruption weaken public trust and governance effectiveness.

1.3 The UNDP Country Programme (CPD 2022–2026)

To address these challenges, UNDP has developed the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022–2026, outlining strategies to improve governance through:

Strengthening rule of law and justice institutions.
Supporting parliamentary oversight and civil society engagement.
Enhancing decentralization and local governance.
Promoting electoral management and democratic processes.
Fighting corruption and improving transparency.

The Democratic Governance Specialist will play a key role in implementing and coordinating these governance strategies.

2. Job Purpose and Responsibilities

2.1 Key Responsibilities

The Democratic Governance Specialist will provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in governance, working closely with national institutions, civil society, and international partners.

2.1.1 Governance Program Implementation

Conduct in-depth political, social, and economic analyses to inform governance strategies.
Develop policies and programs aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and CPD 2022–2026.
Implement governance projects in rule of law, justice, decentralization, elections, and anti-corruption.
Work closely with government agencies to strengthen legal frameworks, public administration, and service delivery.
Identify new opportunities for projects and partnerships to advance governance reforms.

2.1.2 Program and Project Management

Oversee governance programs from planning to execution, ensuring results align with UNDP’s strategic objectives.
Use Results-Based Management (RBM) tools to monitor and evaluate program effectiveness.
Lead the budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation of governance programs.
Ensure quality assurance in project implementation and compliance with UNDP policies.
Conduct performance evaluations, impact assessments, and program reviews.

Provide technical advice and guidance to government institutions on governance reforms.
Facilitate policy dialogue and consultations with key stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.
Promote innovative governance solutions and digital governance technologies.
Organize workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms for governance professionals.
Ensure best practices and lessons learned are documented and shared across UNDP and partners.

2.1.4 Partnership Building and Resource Mobilization

Develop strategic partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, bilateral donors, and NGOs.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities for governance programs.
Coordinate with international organizations and development agencies to align governance programs with global and regional governance trends.
Represent UNDP in high-level governance forums, working groups, and policy discussions.

2.1.5 Team Leadership and Capacity Development

Lead and manage the Governance Team, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration.
Provide mentorship and training to national staff and government counterparts.
Foster a positive work environment that encourages innovation and teamwork.
Ensure compliance with UNDP’s ethical standards and human rights principles.

3. Required Qualifications and Skills

3.1 Education Requirements

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Development Studies, Economics, or related fields.
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree can apply, provided they have an additional two years of relevant experience.

3.2 Work Experience

5 years of experience (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) in project management, governance, and development work.
Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, or bilateral development agencies.
Proven expertise in democratic governance, institutional reforms, and public sector management.
Previous work in Africa, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries or conflict-affected regions, is highly desirable.
Experience in fundraising, donor relations, and resource mobilization is an asset.

3.3 Language Requirements

Fluency in Portuguese and French (written and verbal) is required.
Knowledge of English is desirable.

4. The Importance of This Role

4.1 Why This Position Matters

This position is critical in addressing Guinea-Bissau’s governance challenges and strengthening democratic institutions. By improving rule of law, decentralization, public administration, and anti-corruption mechanisms, the role contributes to:

Enhanced government accountability and transparency.
Improved access to justice and legal services for citizens.
Increased citizen participation in governance and policy-making.
Stronger public administration and service delivery.
A more stable and peaceful political environment.

4.2 Broader Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Democratic Governance Specialist plays a crucial role in achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Strengthening rule of law, fighting corruption, and promoting human rights.
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Ensuring women’s participation in governance and decision-making.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Promoting inclusion and equal access to governance.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building strong national and international partnerships for governance reforms.

5. Final Thoughts

The Democratic Governance Specialist position at UNDP Guinea-Bissau is an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about governance, democracy, and institutional reforms. It is a challenging but rewarding role that allows candidates to make a meaningful impact on the country’s democratic development.

Democratic Governance Specialist – UNDP Guinea-Bissau

Introduction

The Democratic Governance Specialist position at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Guinea-Bissau is a key role within the Regional Bureau for Africa, focused on strengthening governance structures, promoting the rule of law, and enhancing democratic processes. This role is pivotal in advancing good governance, accountability, and human rights within the country.

This position requires a professional with extensive experience in governance, public administration, and policy implementation. The specialist will be responsible for implementing governance programs, developing strategic partnerships, mobilizing resources, and providing policy advice to government institutions and civil society organizations.

The Democratic Governance Specialist will report to the Deputy Resident Representative/Programme and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and international partners.

Background and Context

Guinea-Bissau has a complex political history characterized by instability, weak governance structures, and limited capacity to deliver essential services to its citizens. The country’s governance challenges are deeply rooted in its colonial history, post-independence struggles, and recurrent political crises.

According to the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Guinea-Bissau has shown limited progress in governance, ranking low in key indicators such as rule of law, human rights, public administration efficiency, and economic opportunities. The governance landscape is further complicated by corruption, a weak judicial system, and limited citizen participation in decision-making processes.

The UNDP has been a longstanding partner of the Guinea-Bissau government, supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening governance, the rule of law, and democratic institutions. Through the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022 – 2026, UNDP is committed to implementing governance reforms and improving state institutions’ ability to serve the population effectively.

Key Responsibilities

The Democratic Governance Specialist will play a crucial role in implementing, managing, and monitoring governance-related programs in Guinea-Bissau. Their responsibilities will include:

1. Implementation of Governance Programme Strategies

Conducting political, social, and economic analyses to inform governance programs and policies.
Developing and revising UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and Country Programme Document (CPD) strategies.
Designing and operationalizing governance programs in collaboration with government institutions and UN agencies.
Identifying new opportunities for governance reforms and integrating them into UNDP’s country strategy.
Ensuring effective coordination and collaboration with regional and international governance initiatives.

2. Programme Management

Leading the planning, implementation, and evaluation of governance-related projects.
Ensuring effective use of Results-Based Management (RBM) tools to monitor and evaluate project outcomes.
Managing program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and efficiency.
Overseeing the preparation of project reports, including annual work plans and donor reports.
Monitoring governance programs to ensure they achieve intended development outcomes.
Addressing any challenges or obstacles that may arise during project implementation.

3. Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

Establishing partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, donors, and private sector stakeholders.
Identifying funding opportunities to support governance programs and securing financial resources.
Engaging in advocacy efforts to promote good governance, transparency, and citizen participation.
Strengthening collaboration between UNDP and other UN agencies working on governance issues.
Representing UNDP at high-level meetings, conferences, and forums on governance and democratic reforms.

4. Policy Advisory and Technical Support

Providing policy recommendations to government institutions on governance, human rights, decentralization, and anti-corruption measures.
Supporting the reform of public administration and electoral institutions.
Assisting in the development of laws and regulations that promote democracy, rule of law, and human rights.
Facilitating knowledge-sharing initiatives and training programs for government officials and civil society actors.

5. Leadership and Team Management

Leading a team of governance experts and project staff.
Ensuring effective team collaboration and integration across governance-related projects.
Promoting a positive and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and professional growth.
Overseeing the professional development of team members through training and mentorship programs.
Upholding UNDP’s ethical standards and values in all governance-related initiatives.

Required Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Educational Requirements

Master’s degree in Development Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Law, Peacebuilding, or a related field.
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant fields and seven years of work experience will also be considered.

Professional Experience

Minimum five years (with a Master’s degree) or seven years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of experience in project management within international development organizations or bilateral development agencies.
Proven experience in governance, democracy, rule of law, and peacebuilding initiatives.
Experience working in Africa, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries or UN transition countries, is an asset.
Familiarity with UNDP’s work and governance programs is desirable.
Strong knowledge of public administration, decentralization, anti-corruption strategies, and electoral reforms.
Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.

Language Requirements

Fluency in Portuguese and French (written and spoken) is required.
Knowledge of English is desirable.

Core Competencies

The Democratic Governance Specialist must demonstrate strong competencies in the following areas:

1. Results-Based Management

Ability to design, implement, and evaluate governance programs with measurable impact.

2. Policy Analysis and Advisory

Strong ability to analyze political and socio-economic trends and provide strategic policy advice.

3. Partnership Development

Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with government institutions, donors, and civil society organizations.

4. Leadership and People Management

Capacity to lead teams and promote a collaborative and innovative work environment.

5. Communication and Advocacy

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with stakeholders, donors, and the media.

Why This Role is Important

The Democratic Governance Specialist plays a critical role in supporting Guinea-Bissau’s democratic transition. Through policy development, strategic partnerships, and governance reform initiatives, this position will contribute to strengthening institutions, ensuring citizen participation, and fostering long-term political stability.

This role offers an opportunity to make a tangible impact in a fragile but promising democracy, shaping governance structures that will enhance peace, security, and sustainable development in Guinea-Bissau.

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official UNDP recruitment portal before March 5, 2025.

Apply here: UNDP Job Link

For more information on UNDP’s work in Guinea-Bissau, visit the UNDP website.

Conclusion

The Democratic Governance Specialist position is a high-impact role aimed at addressing Guinea-Bissau’s governance challenges. Through strategic planning, program implementation, policy advisory, and stakeholder engagement, the specialist will be instrumental in driving governance reforms that enhance democracy, accountability, and social cohesion.

This role presents an opportunity for professionals passionate about governance and development to make a lasting difference in a country striving for political stability and sustainable development.

February 28, 2025

10 minutes read