The National Democratic Institute (NDI) seeks to hire a Resident Program Officer to administer and support the constitutional development and civic education components of its Somalia program. The position would be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to Djibouti and the broader region.
This position is funded through September 2010 with possible extension contingent upon availability of funding. The position would start July 2010.
Closing date: 29 Aug 2010 Location: Kenya – Nairobi
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).
The Institute has worked with the principal 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 capacities.
Responsibilities
- Support the Constitution Program Director in overseeing the administration and financial management of the constitutional development program;
- Coordinate with the Constitution Program Director on program evaluation and reporting as well as program development and implementation as needed;
- Draft field reports that monitor and measure program performance, results and political developments as well as proposals and concepts to donors;
- Oversee subgrant processes with implementing partner(s), ensuring financial and programmatic compliance with subgrant terms;
- Manage contractual relationships with civil society groups conducting public opinion research, including training and oversight of financial and programmatic reporting processes;
- Help identify consultants – international, regional and Somali – to assist with the program and oversee their work and activities;
- Assist in developing materials when needed to facilitate activities, workshops, training sessions, etc;
- Build and maintain relationships with Somali officials, civil society actors and other partner groups;
- Ensure programmatic goals are achieved and operational and reporting requirements are adhered to; and
- Assist in facilitation of internal office communication and support external communication in coordination with senior management.
Experience Required
- Bachelor degree, preferably in Law, International Relations or related subject, graduate degree preferred;
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience in international development, report writing and financial management, and working with grassroots and/or community organizing, preferably in Africa;
- Experience in civic/voter education, constitutional reform, or parliamentary strengthening, preferably in a field environment;
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English and ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor and consultant;
- Experience in implementing U.S.-government-funded programs and collaborating with the U.N. (work or cooperation/coordination);
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis to programmatic activities and to work effectively with senior political and civic leaders as well as members of the donor and diplomatic community;
- Excellent managerial, interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to conduct professional political relationships;
- Ability to adjust programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders;
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software;
- Experience living in post-conflict environments and/or difficult living conditions preferred;
- Experience working in a post-conflict, non-English speaking multi-cultural work environment, and a proven ability to adapt quickly to new cultures, both professionally and personally, and to develop the skills of local staff; and
- Somali and/or Arabic language skills preferred.
Comments
The Resident Program Officer will work with the Resident Program Director 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 Program Director for Constitutional Development and Resident Director in Nairobi. Salary range is commensurate with experience.
Benefits and a housing allowance are provided. 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.
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.
How to apply
All applicants must apply by going to this site:
