Paper short abstract:

This contribution analyzes the role and impact of UN consultants and contractors in Nigeria, focusing on their engagement with UN Agencies in Nigeria- UNDP, UN WOMEN. It examines the challenges and opportunities of working as a UN consultant or contractor in a complex and politicized environment.

Paper long abstract:

The UN is one of the major actors in the development sector, coordinating various development programmes in Nigeria. However, the UN also relies heavily on the services of consultants and contractors, who are hired to perform specific tasks or deliverables for the UN agencies. These consultants and contractors are often subject to terms and conditions, expectations, and accountabilities than the UN staff. This contribution aims to critically analyze the role and impact of UN consultants and contractors in Nigeria, drawing on the author’s experience of working as a consultant for the UNFPA, UNDP and UN Women, such as M&E, CPE, and Audit. The contribution will address the following questions : What are the motivations and incentives for working as a UN consultant or contractor in Nigeria? What are the challenges and opportunities, especially in relation to the UN agencies, the government, the civil society, and the beneficiaries? How do they contribute to the development outcomes and impacts of the UN programmes? How they navigate the complex environment of development in Nigeria, in relation to the issues of social justice, gender, and climate change? How can the UN improve its engagement with consultants and contractors in Nigeria, to ensure more transparency, accountability, and effectiveness?

The contribution will contribute to the panel theme by providing empirical evidence and critical insights on the role and impact of for-profit consultants and contractors in UN and its agencies. It will offer recommendations for improving the design and implementation of development interventions in Nigeria and beyond.