Closing date: 15 Nov 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Somalia - Nairobi
Ref: 216875-851
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks to hire a Resident Program Manager to implement the constitutional development and civic education components of its Somalia program. NDI is expanding its ongoing governance activities in support to Somalia’s legislative and executive branches as these transitional institutions develop their capacities. The position would be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to Djibouti, Somalia and the broader region. This position is funded for one year with possible extension contingent upon availability of funding. The position would start October-November 2009.
Background
NDI has been active in Somalia since late 2005 with programming supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at building the core governance and parliamentary capacities of the Transitional Federal Parliament and the Transitional Federal Government. The Institute has worked with the Offices of the President and Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament, political and administrative heads of more than 30 ministries, and nearly 400 members of parliament (MPs), including two-dozen female MPs, to develop governance and parliamentary capacities.
With funding from USAID, the program will build the capacity of the Transitional Federal Institutions and independent commissions to develop constitutional-related legislation and engage the Somali public on constitutional issues. The program will focus on assisting Somalia’s Independent Federal Constitutional Commission (IFCC), Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and relevant parliamentary committees which are tasked with drafting a referendum law to support the broader participatory constitutional development process while working with a broad range of international actors. The program will also include civic education activities and public outreach including a public opinion research element intended to reflect the will of the populace and the unique political, social and economic circumstances of the region.
Required Skills
- Design and oversee the implementation of program activities;
- Provide support to the constitutional process and help ensure that Somalis engage in a broad-based, informed dialogue on the political system to be adopted;
- Work closely with the IFCC and its designated bodies to improve its capacity and develop strategies, etc.
- Advise the IFCC and the Constitutional Consortium in efforts at public consultation, outreach, and civic education on the constitutional process as a whole;
- Advise the IFCC and its Civic Education Committee as well as Consortium partners on the methodologies for receiving feedback from the citizens;
- Provide and organize training sessions for partners on messaging and outreach techniques;
- Facilitate and manage input from a broad range of stakeholders using public outreach and opinion research primarily using focus groups with emphasis on marginalized groups including women;
- Identify, train and assist local Somali organizations to develop focus group research;
- Identify consultants – international and Somali – to assist with the program and oversee their work and activities;
- Assist in developing manuals when needed to facilitate activities, workshops, training sessions, etc;
- Build and maintain relationships with donors, key Somali officials, civil society actors and other stakeholder groups;
- Draft and submit field reports that monitor and measure program performance, results and political developments; and
- Ensure programmatic goals are achieved and operational and reporting requirements are adhered to.
Experience Required
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in International Relations or related subject; graduate degree desired;
- Minimum of eight (8) years relevant work experience in international development, community organizing, political campaigns, organizational development and/or legislative affairs. Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a one-for-one basis;
- Living or working experience outside of the U.S. preferred especially in extremely challenging political environments including the Middle East or Africa and/or experience working in conflict or immediate post-conflict environments;
- Knowledge of and comparative experience in constitutional development, civic participation, political processes and public opinion research;
- Experience developing and implementing media and/or civic education programs in a fast-paced environment;
- Experience in implementing programs funded by USAID and other bi- and multi-lateral donors;
- Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor and consultant as well as experience in organizing and conducting trainings and workshops;
- Excellent managerial and networking skills, as well as the ability to conduct professional political relationships;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, U.S. and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, funders, and policy makers;
- Excellent oral and written communications skills to effectively present information, respond to questions and negotiate;
- Oral and written fluency in English required;
- Conversational, foreign language ability applicable to region preferred;
- Experience in program design, strategic planning and monitoring and evaluation;
- Proven analytical skills for interpreting complex program and political issues and to think innovatively and introduce new concepts;
- Ability to lead, inspire and motivate staff where results are clearly beneficial;
- Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications with seasoned budget and accounting skills; and
- Ability and willingness to travel to regional locations, which are often remote and difficult to reach.
Comments
The Resident Program Manager will work with the Resident Program Director for Constitutional Development and Resident Program Officer as well as full- and part-time national staff and will be supported by NDI’s Nairobi and Washington-based staff. This position reports to the Resident Director in Nairobi. Salary range is commensurate with experience. Benefits and a housing allowance are provided. The position currently is an accompanied post.
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_7VXB7H-85
