Program Manager, Assessment & Program Design for Anti-Corruption in the Criminal Justice Sector

Program Manager
Assessment & Program Design for Anti-Corruption in the Criminal Justice Sector

Introduction The Central Africa Accountable Service Delivery Initiative is a partnership between CDA Collaborative Learning Projects and Besa: Catalyzing Strategic Change under a cooperative agreement with the US Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law (INL). The purpose of the Central Africa Accountable Service Delivery Initiative is to diminish the corruption that impedes important elements of service delivery in the criminal justice system in three post-conflict/conflict African countries: Central African Republic, Republic of South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The program will proceed in three phases: 1) context analysis of patterns of corruption, particularly in the criminal justice sector; 2) program design based on a robust theory of change, focused on accountable service delivery and incorporating a strong monitoring and evaluation system; and 3) initial implementation of one program in at least one context. The focus of the CDA / Besa Consulting partnership will be Phases 1 and 2, as the shape and structure of Phase 3 will depend largely on the results of these phases.

In addition, CDA and Besa are also working with INL to implement an initiative to improve service delivery in the criminal justice sector in Guinea-Conakry. Under this component CDA / Besa will conduct an assessment of the criminal justice sector in Guinea, design a program based on a sound theory of change, including a detailed work and M&E plan, and support implementation of the project.

The program manager will drive the work in close collaboration with the program leads from CDA and Besa. They will be responsible to lead, manage and support all aspects of the above mentioned program elements, with specific responsibilities as agreed among the team. S/he is expected to take initiative and to function in a self-reliant manner, consulting with the program leads and other CDA staff and management as needed. The position requires substantive experience in relevant sectors, management experience, sound judgment, political astuteness, and adaptability.

The position is full-time and preferably based in Cambridge, Massachusetts though there is some flexibility on both issues for the right candidate. The Program Manager is expected to start no later than the first week of September, 2013.

Tasks/Functions The tasks of the Program Manager will include, but are not limited to the following:

Program Development: The Program Manager will serve as the linchpin of the program team, working with the program leads and consultants with regard to the conceptual development of the program, generation of analyses and program designs, and tracking the learning derived from program activities. The Program Manager will provide crucial continuity and coherence, including capturing lessons from the analyses, design and implementation activities in the three countries.

Conceptual Development: This position will play a lead role in collaboration with the program leads, in developing the analytic and intellectual grounding for a new approach to corruption analysis and programming. This involves the synthesis of concepts and ideas from a variety of fields such as corruption, negotiation, social norms analysis, coalition building and criminal justice, amongst others. Research and Literature Reviews: Identify existing analyses of conflict context and corruption dynamics in the four countries; (such as sector-specific analysis or relevant documentation; and background material on corruption and criminal justice sector reform) in order to inform key managerial and analytic choices.

Participate in Assessment Missions: Perform a role, as determined by the project team, in organizing and conducting field missions aimed at gathering and analyzing information regarding relevant conditions in the three countries.

Liaison with the US State Department/INL: Serve as a key liaison person with the relevant desk officers in the US State Department, in close consultation with the program leads on the overall direction of the program.

Financial Management: Work closely with the CDA Finance Manager and program leads to track expenses, revise overall program budgets as needed, prepare budgets for sub-activities (such as field missions), and prepare periodic reports for submission to State.

Program Administration: Facilitate communications, ensure that logistical arrangements get made, recruit consultants, and coordinate field missions, with support from other CDA administrative staff. Maintain the program’s ongoing files and records; collect data against key milestones; prepare reports for submission to State Department/INL.

Qualifications
Required:
* Excellent analytical and writing skills
* Ability to work flexibly, independently and under conditions of uncertainty, with minimal day-to-day supervision
* Good organizational ability, including capacity for juggle multiple tasks and details
* Open-mindedness and ability to work well within a team
* Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time
* Working proficiency in French
* Experience working in Africa
* A minimum of 5 - 7 years relevant professional experience in substantives areas of relevance, including management experience

Highly desirable:
* Prior international field experience in a conflict zone and understanding of conflict sensitivity principles
* An advanced degree or equivalent experience in rule of law issues or anti-corruption/integrity or governance
* Prior experience or professional training in context analysis, program design, monitoring and evaluation.
* Ability to be based in CDA’s Cambridge, MA office, although some flexibility is possible.

Salary Level: To be determined, based on qualifications and experience.

Additional information about CDA Collaborative Learning Projects may be found at www.cdainc.com. Information on Besa: http://www.linkedin.com/company/besa-catalyzing-strategic-change.

How to apply:

Please submit the following by 5:00 pm (EST) on Monday, July 8, 2013 to personnel@cdainc.com:
* A cover letter expressing the reasons for your interest in this position and describing how your experience and qualifications meet the required and desirable qualifications listed above
* Your resume or curriculum vitae

NOTE: Applicants must be legally able to work in Canada or the United States.