Closing date: 11 Jan 2008 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Iraq - Erbil, OTH
Iraq: Resident Program Director, Governance Program (175206-851)
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), seeks a legislator or senior political staff member with significant experience at the state/province or national level to implement the legislative component of its State Department-funded program in Iraq. A well-qualified candidate will also possess international experience and broad knowledge of legislative organizations and operations. The Resident Program Director for the Governance Program will report to NDI's Resident Director and will oversee the assistance program provided by NDI to the Council of Representatives and other government bodies. The position is based in Erbil, Iraq, with possible travel to Baghdad as the security situation permits.
Background
In an effort to assist Iraq in developing and sustaining a democratic form of governance, NDI conducts programs throughout the country to strengthen political parties and increase citizen involvement in political processes. The Institute also conducts activities to strengthen civil society, increase women's participation in the political process and help legislators strengthen legislative procedures.
Primary Responsibilities
Manage the overall implementation of NDI's governance program in Iraq;
Assist the Council of Representatives and Executive Office with organizational and managerial development by providing training in strategic planning, staff development, internal organization and communication, and public relations strategies;
Assist the Council of Representatives with adopting and utilizing basic rules of lawmaking, parliamentary procedures and representative oversight functions;
Assist the Prime Minister's Office, Presidency Council and Council of Ministers to develop governing processes, rules of procedures, regulations and directives, and implement government programs and polices;
Provide day-to-day management and oversight of local program staff in the Erbil office;
Collaborate with other NDI Iraq program teams to maximize cross programmatic activities;
Ensure programmatic goals are achieved and operational and reporting requirements are adhered to;
Maintain relationships with key partners in government and the donor community;
Draft and submit field reports that monitor and measure program results and political developments.
Required Skills
Bachelors Degree, preferably in International Relations or related subject, graduate degree preferred;
Preferably a minimum of nine (9) years relevant work experience in a legislative environment with knowledge of legislative organization and operations, strategic planning, staff management, and parliamentary institutional models and mechanisms;
Exceptional interpersonal and managerial skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, funders, and policy-makers;
Sound political skills and experience in working with political issues, coalition-building and negotiation skills;
Experience in democratic governance development, preferably with parliaments and local governments;
Experience in implementing State Department Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) funded programs desirable;
Superior oral communications skills to effectively present information, respond to questions and negotiate;
Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor, consultant and workshop facilitator;
Exceptional analytical skills for interpreting complex program and political issues;
Superior writing skills, clear and persuasive and experienced enough to edit all types of team documents;
Experience in a post-conflict, non-English speaking multi-cultural work environment preferred;
Ability to adjust programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders;
Experience in program design and how to strategize;
Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and e-mail technology;
Arabic language ability desirable.
Comments
Salary range is commensurate with experience. A generous benefits package is provided.
NDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Reference Code: RW_79SSJH-4
