The successful candidate will have strong leadership and management skills, coupled with significant political and organizing experience. Effective communication skills and experience as a trainer or advisor is essential. Familiarity with or experience in Mauritania or the region is highly desirable. Fluency in French and English is required. Available February 2011, the position is funded for six months, with possible extension contingent upon availability of funding.
Background
NDI has been engaged in Mauritania since November 2003, providing consultations and practical skills-building opportunities to political party, government, and civic partners to support their efforts to strengthen democratic processes and institutions. In the wake of the 2005 coup d’état, Mauritania embarked on a democratic transition resulting in a duly-elected civilian government in 2007. Further strengthening of the democratic process was hindered, however, by a coup d’état in 2008 and by persistent barriers to citizen input and participatory politics. Following elections held in 2009, Mauritanian citizens are seeking increased accountability from their elected representatives. Similarly, newly elected members of parliament (MPs), as members of the first truly representative institution in the country, have an unprecedented opportunity to engage citizens in the democratic process and prevent a return to past power struggles and public disenchantment. The Institute’s upcoming work in Mauritania will focus on assisting efforts to build the capacity of civil society organizations and political parties to conduct outreach and take effective action on issues of importance to citizens, with particular focus on combined legislative/municipal elections slated for November, 2011.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the overall implementation of NDI’s civil society and political party strengthening programs in Mauritania;
- Develop programmatic strategies and corresponding training materials as appropriate, based on changing political conditions and local needs;
- Lead trainings and consultations for political parties and civil society on strategic planning, advocacy, constituent outreach, message development, and election-related campaigns;
- Support coordination of civic networks and advocacy campaigns based on lessons learned from past efforts and chosen tactics of civic partners;
- Implement strategies for monitoring and evaluating progress toward programmatic goals and ensure adherence to operational and reporting requirements;
- Maintain relationships with key partners in civil society, government, political parties and the donor community;
- Manage and supervise local program staff, including building the capacity of staff members to play a substantive role in program development and implementation.
Requirements:
- Bachelors Degree, preferably in International Relations or related subject, graduate degree preferred;
- Minimum eight (8) years relevant work experience in international development, community organizing, civic education, 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;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, policy makers, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, and funders;
- Demonstrated ability 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;
- Superior writing skills; clear and persuasive written communication. Ability to draw upon vast previous experiences to effectively and credibly edit all types of team documents;
- Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and e-mail technology;
- Ability to adjust programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders;
- Training and workshop facilitation experience;
- Experience working in a multi-cultural work environment and promoting staff development;
- Experience in program design and implementing effective programmatic strategies; and,
- French and English fluency required, Arabic skills desirable; and,
- Living/working experience outside of the US preferred.
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=217129&company_id=15851&jobboardid=479