Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Position Summary:
The project will focus on preventing, and possibly countering, violent extremism among youth with an aim to strengthen community resilience and enhance learning in Cote d’Ivoire’s northern border areas. Under the supervision of the Chief of Party (COP), the Local Governance Lead is responsible for the planning and implementation of project activities related to strengthening Civil Society Organization (CSO) partnerships with government and private sector in Cote d’Ivoire, including leveraging resources in-country to bolster formal and informal networks and mechanisms to promote constructive collective action. S/he is responsible for overseeing local Managers and Field Coordinators and reporting on the program progress.
Reporting:
This Local Governance Lead will report to the Chief of Party (COP) or his designee.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Oversee and/or directly provide a broad range of technical assistance and capacity development to local governance actors, community-based organizations, or other stakeholders;
- Facilitate public dialogue on governance and civic engagement between government and non-governmental actors through technical assistance to local civil society organizations and local governance entities;
- Lead the identification of strategic approaches to multi-stakeholder dialogue, government/civil society engagement, and government responsiveness to citizen needs;
- Support the COP and the Deputy Chief of Party in the development of the project strategic framework and work plans for the program implementation to ensure the achievement of the program goals;
- Work with local public servants on engaging with constituents and addressing their priorities by providing technical advice and guidance;
- Facilitate interaction, collaboration, and collective action between diverse stakeholders and leverage stakeholder networks to develop strategies advocating citizen priorities;
- Support the collaboration of civil society and media to raise awareness of citizen priorities;
- Engage women, youth, and excluded groups in public and political dialogue, and electoral campaigns;
- Document implementation successes, challenges, and lessons learned and share them with through regular program reports; and
- Deliver technical presentations on program achievements to implementing partners, civil society organizations, government officials, donor, and other organizations.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a relevant field; Master's preferred;
- At least eight (8) years of experience with governance and advocacy initiatives with international development programs, preferably with USAID or U.S. Government;
- Demonstrated experience working with local governance institutions, as relevant to position;
- Demonstrated capability to work with a broad range of local government, civil society and private sector stakeholders and partners;
- Expertise in public service, good governance and/or accountability and oversight;
- Experience with civil society and government capacity building, and governance accountability;
- Strong experience with coalition building and collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including civil society, and government;
- Demonstrated leadership, management, strategic thinking, training, and human resources experience;
- Able to work effectively and professionally with high-level government officials, CSOs, donors, project staff, and other beneficiaries;
- Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated track record of working effectively in a teamwork environment;
- Experience with providing technical assistance, including organizing and conducting workshop and trainings; and
- Fluency in English and French.
Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity with Social Accountability approaches; first-hand experience and expertise in mechanisms of bottom up approaches, CSO strengthening and good governance preferred; and
- Experience engaging women, youth and marginalized groups to ensure their inclusion.
Local and regional candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
Position contingent upon donor funding.
