PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT MENA REGION
Purpose: To deliver capacity building focused consultancy, and management experience at a senior level in the Middle East and North Africa Region
Location: Preferably based in Central Oxford (some remote working considered)
Reporting to: Executive Director
Salary/Grade: Grade 3: £38,400-£45,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Pension contribution (opt in) of 5% to INTRAC’s pension scheme.
Scope and Term: This is a full time post
Location: Preferably based in Central Oxford (some remote working considered)
Reporting to: Executive Director
Salary/Grade: Grade 3: £38,400-£45,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Pension contribution (opt in) of 5% to INTRAC’s pension scheme.
Scope and Term: This is a full time post
About INTRAC
INTRAC exists to strengthen the effectiveness of civil society to challenge poverty and inequality, empowering people to gain greater control over their own future.
We are an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening the effectiveness of civil society organisations across the world. We do this particularly in in places where there is persistent poverty and disenfranchisement, and where space for civic action is threatened by tensions between state, the private sector and civil society. In many of these settings civil society plays a pivotal role in inclusive development efforts.
We provide a range of services in the field of organisational development and change, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, strategy and planning. Monitoring and analysing trends and developments in these fields, as well as reviewing major trends and policies affecting civil society we contribute to joint learning and the development of good practice in the sector and our wider community. Our partners and clients include all types of civil society organisations (CSOs), from grassroots and activist organisations to large international level NGOs, as well as bi- and multilateral donors, foundations, policy makers and regulators who support and set the parameters for civil society.
Our work is delivered by a small group of staff with in-depth thematic, regional and methodological expertise, and a pool of INTRAC associates and external consultants. Our principal consultants deliver on diverse consultancies that may range from short-term process facilitation, to programme reviews and evaluations, design of capacity building strategies, research consultancies, and long term organisational change. They also support our training work through INTRAC’s Open Training Programme or as part of tailor-made training interventions designed for individual organisations. Through our publications, events and communications work, consultants are also encouraged to write up and share their thinking and methodologies that can be of interest more widely in the sector.
At a time when global trends are producing new challenges and opportunities for civil society organisations, INTRAC is looking for a dynamic individual to contribute to the development of the organisation’s work in the Middle East and North Africa region into the future, strengthen and support our existing team and growing network.
INTRAC exists to strengthen the effectiveness of civil society to challenge poverty and inequality, empowering people to gain greater control over their own future.
We are an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening the effectiveness of civil society organisations across the world. We do this particularly in in places where there is persistent poverty and disenfranchisement, and where space for civic action is threatened by tensions between state, the private sector and civil society. In many of these settings civil society plays a pivotal role in inclusive development efforts.
We provide a range of services in the field of organisational development and change, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, strategy and planning. Monitoring and analysing trends and developments in these fields, as well as reviewing major trends and policies affecting civil society we contribute to joint learning and the development of good practice in the sector and our wider community. Our partners and clients include all types of civil society organisations (CSOs), from grassroots and activist organisations to large international level NGOs, as well as bi- and multilateral donors, foundations, policy makers and regulators who support and set the parameters for civil society.
Our work is delivered by a small group of staff with in-depth thematic, regional and methodological expertise, and a pool of INTRAC associates and external consultants. Our principal consultants deliver on diverse consultancies that may range from short-term process facilitation, to programme reviews and evaluations, design of capacity building strategies, research consultancies, and long term organisational change. They also support our training work through INTRAC’s Open Training Programme or as part of tailor-made training interventions designed for individual organisations. Through our publications, events and communications work, consultants are also encouraged to write up and share their thinking and methodologies that can be of interest more widely in the sector.
At a time when global trends are producing new challenges and opportunities for civil society organisations, INTRAC is looking for a dynamic individual to contribute to the development of the organisation’s work in the Middle East and North Africa region into the future, strengthen and support our existing team and growing network.
INTRAC in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region
Events and dynamics in particular over the past decade have highlighted the many challenges and divisions facing societies in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the difficulties for civil society to establish its role in many places. Our long standing interest and involvement in the MENA region has led to the development of a sound body of work that we are seeking to further consolidate and expand.
Recent work to date by INTRAC in the MENA region has included work in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Yemen. This has included training of local NGOs in such issues as Project Design, Monitoring and Evaluation, Advocacy etc. as well as supporting action research with women’s organisations, and a variety of programme reviews and evaluations.
Since the start of the ‘Arab Spring’, there have been more opportunities, more external funding and greater interest in the potential for civil society in the region, as well as upheaval and insecurity. We feel that we have a contribution to make to supporting civil society to develop in the region and meet its current challenges. We are building on the experience we have gained around the world over the past twenty years and seek to make the learning from that experience available to organisations in the region. This position would work closely with another Principal Consultant working on the MENA region. The post holder will have to deliver on consultancy work him or herself, as well as contribute to the development of new opportunities for the organisation, the development and support of a wider team of Associates who are able to provide a range of high quality services in Arabic.
Events and dynamics in particular over the past decade have highlighted the many challenges and divisions facing societies in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the difficulties for civil society to establish its role in many places. Our long standing interest and involvement in the MENA region has led to the development of a sound body of work that we are seeking to further consolidate and expand.
Recent work to date by INTRAC in the MENA region has included work in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Yemen. This has included training of local NGOs in such issues as Project Design, Monitoring and Evaluation, Advocacy etc. as well as supporting action research with women’s organisations, and a variety of programme reviews and evaluations.
Since the start of the ‘Arab Spring’, there have been more opportunities, more external funding and greater interest in the potential for civil society in the region, as well as upheaval and insecurity. We feel that we have a contribution to make to supporting civil society to develop in the region and meet its current challenges. We are building on the experience we have gained around the world over the past twenty years and seek to make the learning from that experience available to organisations in the region. This position would work closely with another Principal Consultant working on the MENA region. The post holder will have to deliver on consultancy work him or herself, as well as contribute to the development of new opportunities for the organisation, the development and support of a wider team of Associates who are able to provide a range of high quality services in Arabic.
Job purpose
The purpose of the role is to deliver capacity building and other consultancy support to partners and clients working for and with civil society in the Middle East and North Africa Region, contribute to the development and management of our regional programme of work including our knowledge base and expertise, and the development of our network of regionally focused associates.
The purpose of the role is to deliver capacity building and other consultancy support to partners and clients working for and with civil society in the Middle East and North Africa Region, contribute to the development and management of our regional programme of work including our knowledge base and expertise, and the development of our network of regionally focused associates.
Responsibilities
Developing new consultancies and regional programme work
• Look for and develop new pieces of work and areas of opportunity for INTRAC
• Lead on the preparation of specific consultancy bids for the MENA region as agreed with the line manager and Consultancies Director
• Identify opportunities to apply for grant funding for MENA related work including in the region, and contribute to the development of proposals and fundraising efforts with guidance from the Director
• Contribute to our strategic outlook and engagement in the MENA region including the continuing development of our regional and regionally focused network of associates.
Delivering on specific consultancies and training assignments
• Deliver on specific consultancies as agreed with line manager, working to a target of chargeable days per financial year.
• Develop and deliver specific training courses (face to face and online, open and/or tailor made) depending on experience and skills; and support other trainers to tailor courses to the MENA region.
• Act as a team leader on specific consultancies
• Support quality assurance processes and procedures on all assignments
• Provide management of some consultancy and training assignments, undertaken by other staff and associates, including client management, quality assurance and administration
• Collaborate closely with external associates on specific initiatives and work closely with colleagues of other teams
Contributing to knowledge development and management within the organisation
• Contribute to INTRAC’s development of our thematic and regional expertise and body of work: including the development of organisational methods and materials for learning. There may be opportunities for the post-holder to take the lead on one or more thematic topics or sub-topics.
• Contribute to INTRAC’s public analysis, materials and communications in relation to civil society and capacity development in the region, including blogs, newsletter, website, occasional papers, books, events, etc.)
Contributing to team development and the wider organisation
• Take leadership where required of specific team initiatives or activities and participate in the development of the wider integrated team of staff and associates consisting of consultants, researchers, trainers and others in our community.
• Contribute to the professional and social life of the organisation by participating in relevant organisation-wide initiatives and activities
• Adhere to INTRAC’s internal information and management systems and policies (e.g. timesheets and financial reporting, project management guidelines, and security protocols).
Developing new consultancies and regional programme work
• Look for and develop new pieces of work and areas of opportunity for INTRAC
• Lead on the preparation of specific consultancy bids for the MENA region as agreed with the line manager and Consultancies Director
• Identify opportunities to apply for grant funding for MENA related work including in the region, and contribute to the development of proposals and fundraising efforts with guidance from the Director
• Contribute to our strategic outlook and engagement in the MENA region including the continuing development of our regional and regionally focused network of associates.
Delivering on specific consultancies and training assignments
• Deliver on specific consultancies as agreed with line manager, working to a target of chargeable days per financial year.
• Develop and deliver specific training courses (face to face and online, open and/or tailor made) depending on experience and skills; and support other trainers to tailor courses to the MENA region.
• Act as a team leader on specific consultancies
• Support quality assurance processes and procedures on all assignments
• Provide management of some consultancy and training assignments, undertaken by other staff and associates, including client management, quality assurance and administration
• Collaborate closely with external associates on specific initiatives and work closely with colleagues of other teams
Contributing to knowledge development and management within the organisation
• Contribute to INTRAC’s development of our thematic and regional expertise and body of work: including the development of organisational methods and materials for learning. There may be opportunities for the post-holder to take the lead on one or more thematic topics or sub-topics.
• Contribute to INTRAC’s public analysis, materials and communications in relation to civil society and capacity development in the region, including blogs, newsletter, website, occasional papers, books, events, etc.)
Contributing to team development and the wider organisation
• Take leadership where required of specific team initiatives or activities and participate in the development of the wider integrated team of staff and associates consisting of consultants, researchers, trainers and others in our community.
• Contribute to the professional and social life of the organisation by participating in relevant organisation-wide initiatives and activities
• Adhere to INTRAC’s internal information and management systems and policies (e.g. timesheets and financial reporting, project management guidelines, and security protocols).
Profile
Qualifications
• Minimum of 10-15 years working in international development with civil society organisations preferably across a number of countries in the MENA region. Practical experience of managing development programmes is an advantage.
• Relevant post-graduate qualification. PhD is desirable but not essential
• Understanding of the potential role of civil society in MENA and the current trends and dynamics affecting civil society organisations in the region
• Commitment to INTRAC’s values, vision, mission and strategy.
• Experience of working as a client and partner facing consultant
• Proven experience of designing, leading and reporting on major assignments including proposal development and writing
• Experience as a team leader and in coordinating multi-country evaluations (desirable)
• Experience of budget preparation and monitoring
• Excellent client management skills
• Experience of a variety of research methodologies (quantitative as well as qualitative) for use in consultancy work
• Experience designing and delivering training utilising participatory learning methodologies
• Strong networks within the civil society sector and within the MENA region
• Ability to write and communicate orally clearly and concisely with different audiences including academics and practitioners
• Proven strengths in facilitating collaboration and collaborative ways of working
• Cross cultural sensitivity
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to multi task and work to deadlines
• Self-aware, adaptable and flexible, strong team working and communication skills
• Fluent written and spoken Arabic is essential. Another language spoken in the region is desirable.
• The postholder must be able to travel throughout MENA region, and deploy at short notice
Qualifications
• Minimum of 10-15 years working in international development with civil society organisations preferably across a number of countries in the MENA region. Practical experience of managing development programmes is an advantage.
• Relevant post-graduate qualification. PhD is desirable but not essential
• Understanding of the potential role of civil society in MENA and the current trends and dynamics affecting civil society organisations in the region
• Commitment to INTRAC’s values, vision, mission and strategy.
• Experience of working as a client and partner facing consultant
• Proven experience of designing, leading and reporting on major assignments including proposal development and writing
• Experience as a team leader and in coordinating multi-country evaluations (desirable)
• Experience of budget preparation and monitoring
• Excellent client management skills
• Experience of a variety of research methodologies (quantitative as well as qualitative) for use in consultancy work
• Experience designing and delivering training utilising participatory learning methodologies
• Strong networks within the civil society sector and within the MENA region
• Ability to write and communicate orally clearly and concisely with different audiences including academics and practitioners
• Proven strengths in facilitating collaboration and collaborative ways of working
• Cross cultural sensitivity
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to multi task and work to deadlines
• Self-aware, adaptable and flexible, strong team working and communication skills
• Fluent written and spoken Arabic is essential. Another language spoken in the region is desirable.
• The postholder must be able to travel throughout MENA region, and deploy at short notice
Thematic expertise
Consultants must have expertise in one or more of INTRAC’s core areas of competency which include:
• Knowledge of, and experience in applying, a range of capacity building approaches, methods and tools with a focus on civil society organisations
• Proven practical experience and track record in evaluations and impact assessment in particular, for civil society organisations and in establishing monitoring, evaluation and learning systems
• Advocacy and policy influencing
• Organisational development and sustainability
• Conceptualising, designing, and implementing research (applied research, policy research, participatory action research)
• Project and programme design methodologies including working with ideas of change (such as Theory of Change).
Consultants must have expertise in one or more of INTRAC’s core areas of competency which include:
• Knowledge of, and experience in applying, a range of capacity building approaches, methods and tools with a focus on civil society organisations
• Proven practical experience and track record in evaluations and impact assessment in particular, for civil society organisations and in establishing monitoring, evaluation and learning systems
• Advocacy and policy influencing
• Organisational development and sustainability
• Conceptualising, designing, and implementing research (applied research, policy research, participatory action research)
• Project and programme design methodologies including working with ideas of change (such as Theory of Change).
Other areas of thematic interest
Expertise in one or more of these areas is desirable
• Humanitarian experience with a focus on the role of national organisations in disaster management
• Civic engagement, activism and community empowerment
• Youth development
• Gender and development
Expertise in one or more of these areas is desirable
• Humanitarian experience with a focus on the role of national organisations in disaster management
• Civic engagement, activism and community empowerment
• Youth development
• Gender and development
Terms and conditions
These are as stated in INTRAC’s standard terms and conditions (downloadable from our website)
- The minimum general working hours are 37.5 hours a week.
- It is expected that the postholder will spend a minimum of 25% of working time on overseas travel predominantly in the MENA region.
- This post is subject to a six month probation period.
INTRAC strives to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds from society. Applications from professionals from the global south are actively encouraged but you must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send applications by email to: info@intrac.org by Wednesday 10 February 2016, 9 am UK time.
Please submit a full application form, a cover letter explaining why you are applying, demonstrating your experience and fit with this role, as well as the equal opportunities form. These forms are all available on our website.
We aim to interview shortlisted candidates 22 or 23 February.
If you wish to talk informally and confidentially about the role, please do not hesitate to contact the Director, Michael Hammer at mhammer@intrac.org, or Didi Alayli at dalayli@intrac.org, Tel +44 (0)1865 201 851.
Please note that the location of the post is Oxford, and all candidates for this role must have the legal right to live and work in the UK at the time of application.
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