The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a dynamic individual for the position of Resident Director to implement programs in support to key personnel in the Somali principal offices and government institutions central to the implementation of the Somali transitional process.
This position will direct NDI’s ongoing and expanding Somalia parliamentary, executive and constitution development programs. The position would be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with regular travel to Djibouti, Somalia and the broader region. The position would be available through December 2011 with the possibility for extension.
Closing date: 29 Aug 2010 Location: Kenya – Nairobi, KE
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 (MFA) aimed at building the core governance and parliamentary capacities of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) including the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP), Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Independent Federal Constitutional Commission (IFCC).
Working with Somalia program staff, the Resident Director will oversee a wide-ranging and expanding program to provide assistance to Somali government institutions as well as civil society in the areas of organizational structure and coalition-building geared towards developing sustainable democratic organizations as Somalia moves towards reconciliation.
The ideal candidate will have at least 14 years of experience in the management of complex international development programs in challenging conflict environments and will possess excellent communication and negotiation skills. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply who possess an interest in democratic development within Africa and/or Middle Eastern politics and culture; governance capacity strengthening; political party building; election monitoring; and/or civil society development.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the implementation of all of NDI’s Somalia programs based in Nairobi, Kenya;
- Provide oversight of local and expatriate program staff in the Nairobi regional office;
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Somalia government leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs) and representatives of the international community;
- Serve as a resource for Somali government officials and civil society actors in response to their specific questions and requests for assistance;
- Serve as principal liaison between NDI and international donor representatives, Somali government officials, legislators and staff, NGOs, CSOs, the media, and the diplomatic community;
- Review written reports to headquarters and donors that monitor and measure program results and political developments in Somalia;
- Oversee the in-country budget and the submission of a regular financial reconciliations to the Washington, D.C. office;
- Implement NDI’s programs in collaboration with in-country field staff and pro-bono trainers or short-term consultants;
- Monitor programs to determine that programmatic goals are achieved and that operational and reporting requirements are adhered to;
- Adjust programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local and program partners; and
- Build the abilities, knowledge and experiences of NDI staff to play a substantive role in program development and implementation.
Experience Required
- Undergraduate degree in a field of study related to international development; graduate degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, or related field preferred;
- Minimum fourteen (14) years of experience in support of political party development, elections, democratic governance (preferably with national legislatures or local governments) and civil society organizations;
- Capability to explore, identify and design creative programs that match the needs of partners in complex political environments;
- Substantial experience in program management, proposal writing and financial management including initiating, managing and closing sub-grants;
- Substantial experience in democratic governance development preferably with civil society organizations, parliaments, local governments, and political party related bodies preferably in the Middle East and Africa;
- Experience in implementing USAID- and non-federal funded programs preferably with ability to harmonize complementary funding strategies and activities;
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis, particularly it relates to clan and religious dynamics as well as Islamic culture in application to programmatic activities;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior political, traditional, civic leaders as well as members of the donor and diplomatic community;
- Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse group of professionals in a challenging environment, instilling a strong sense of mission and a teamwork approach to program implementation;
- Experience working in a non-English speaking multicultural work environment and promoting expatriate and national staff development;
- Excellent managerial, interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain professional political relationships;
- Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor and consultant;
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English;
- Advanced degree in a field of study related to international development preferred;
- Fluency in Arabic and/or Somali highly desirable;
- Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and e-mail technology;
- Experience in living and working overseas, preferably in the developing world, and an ability to work in a challenging post-conflict and conflict environments.
NDI offers a competitive salary, based on experience, and a generous benefits package. NDI will cover the cost of transportation to and from the posting as well as housing, local travel and all other business-related expenses. Further details will be made available to selected candidates. This position reports to the Southern and East Africa regional director in Washington. The position currently is an accompanied post.
NDI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, political affiliation, religion, gender, disability, and/or sexual orientation.
How to apply
All applicants must apply by going to this site:
http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=217020&company_id=15851&jobboardid=479
