Democratic Governance Officer

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Administration, Community development, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 17/08/2026

Mission and objectives

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

The UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (WACA) otherwise known as the Dakar Hub is part of the larger Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) and is situated in Dakar, Senegal. It aims at strengthening resilience and sustainable development in the Sahel and WACA region by accelerating effective implementation of regional initiatives and supporting the 24 UNDP Country Offices in the region. To this effect, the Dakar Hub is well positioned to facilitate partnerships with UN regional representations in the sub-region, Regional Economic Commissions (RECs), regional and sub-regional institutions, research centers and institutes, donor representations, and other international organizations.

The Dakar Hub’s offer for the region in spread out into five key areas
1. Governance; 2) Youth; 3) Renewable Energy; 4) Climate Action & 5) Livelihoods, economic recovery, and human mobility in fragile, crisis and post crisis context.

Assignment context

Withing the framework of the regional service Center for Africa, the UNDP WACA hub is working closely with UNDP HQ and Country Offices in implementing the UNDP Corporate strategic plan 2022-2025 and the UNDP renewed Africa Offer 2022-2025.
Governance is not only the signature solution number 2 of the UNDP strategic plan but also it remains central to the UNDP Africa offer both as an impact area as well as an enabler. In line with these two frameworks a governance and peacebuilding framework 2022-2025 was developed with the aim of guiding UNDP work in that thematic area in Africa.

Out of the six pillars of this governance and peacebuilding framework of UNDP is democratic governance and civic participation which is a critical area for all African countries but particularly for West and central Africa due to recent fluctuations in its democratic space, increased citizen demand for a broader civic space and the trends in terms constitutional and unconstitutional change of power.
This call for increased investment in SDG 16.6 “Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels” and SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels but also the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the AU Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

It is against this background that UNDP WACA would like to acquire additional human capacity which will enable dedicated focus and delivery on democratic governance through the recruitment of a democratic governance officer. He/she will be working under the supervision of the Governance and Peacebuilding Advisor and in close collaboration relevant the UNDP WACA, advisors, specialists, analysts, the governance, and peace building team.

Task description

The democratic governance officer will support UNDP work on democratic governance in support to the UNDP WACA Hub and twenty-four countries of West and Central Africa focusing on strategic analysis, knowledge generation and support to the implementation of the projects aiming at promoting civil and political rights including broadening the democratic space and rebuilding public trust.

Under the direct supervision of UNDP WACA Governance and peacebuilding advisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

•Conduct regular strategic analysis on democratic governance and civic participation for countries and the region.

•Propose knowledge product on democratic governance trends in the region and countries in West and Central Africa.

•Support the elaboration and implementation of projects focusing on democratic governance.

•Support the effective implementation of initiatives agreed upon within the framework of the AU and UNDP Africa Facility for Inclusive Transition.

•Promote resource mobilization to support the implementation of UNDP democratic governance initiatives.

•Contribute to the implementation of the UNDP WACA regional governance program.

•Contribute to the development of knowledge and communication products.

Skills and experience

Experience in:

•Technical and advisory work on democratic governance at national and regional level:

•Capacity development of national and regional stakeholders in civic and political rights

•Experience in promoting civil and political rights using modern technology and other innovative appraoches

•Managing projects related to good governance with focus on democratic governance and civic participation

•Developing and managing partnerships with national and regional actors

•Mobilising resources and managing donor funding

Competencies and values

•Accountability
•Client Orientation
•Commitment and Motivation
•Integrity
•Planning and Organizing
•Professionalism
•Respect for Diversity
•Vision
•Working in Teams

Living conditions

The assignment will take place in the nation's capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a livable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory, and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

2. According to ANSD/RGPHAE 2018 official estimates, Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3.1 million people. The total population of Senegal is 15,85 million (2018) inhabitants. Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere's summer/fall.

3. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private accommodations, which must comply with the Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Transportation in town can be easily arranged through local taxis.

4.A valid passport and COVID19 vaccination are required to enter Senegal. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required an entry visa or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.