Background
IBIS works for a just world, in which all people have equal access to education, influence and resources and are able to influence the decisions that affect their lives. IBIS has been implementing education projects in the South-East of Liberia since 2005 with a strong focus on complementary education, teacher upgrading and youth skills training. Following an extensive consultation process, in 2011 IBIS developed its Education for Change (EFC) Thematic Programme in Liberia by integrating projects and elaborating on partnerships for the longer-term development objective. In 2011, IBIS started the process of developing a Governance Thematic Programme as part of its overall Country Strategy in Liberia. The Governance Thematic Programme is planned to start in July 2012.
The position of Governance Programme Director leads the set up, partnership development and implementation of the Governance Thematic Programme and plays an important role in the Country Management Team to help guide IBIS in Liberia’s strategic direction within governance.
IBIS Strategic Approach to Governance IBIS has not previously worked within governance in Liberia, but in 2012 will develop partnerships to work together to ensure that:
Civil society organizations can advocate for and influence democratic processes and resource distribution at local and national level for a more inclusive, equitable and transparent governance for all people in Liberia.
The following strategic actions will be pursued by IBIS in the Governance Thematic Programme for 2012-2016:
• Increase civil society awareness and participation in decision-making and revenue allocation for sustainable use and equitable benefits of natural resources at local and national level.
• Improve accountability and transparency of development policies and distribution through advocating for and tracking of budgets and resources from national to local level.
• Increase the active participation and influence of women and youth in decision-making and advocacy processes for equal rights at local and national level.
Key responsibilities of the Governance Programme Director The Governance Programme Director will be responsible to the Country Director for managing the establishment, planning, management, implementation and monitoring of the Governance Thematic Programme. The position will be based in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital city, with regular travel to Counties in the South-East.
Key responsibilities include:
• Lead the strategic development, planning, supervision and monitoring of the Governance Thematic Programme activities in, ensuring it is in accordance with IBIS’ Governance strategy and Rights Based Approach.
• Provide leadership, direction and motivation to the governance programme team and support the building of professional team that links activities and approach with and between IBIS’ partners and Education Programme.
• Lead in the selection, development, management and expansion of a portfolio of strategic partnerships that form the fundamental basis of the Governance programme.
• Identify and integrate relevant governance analysis and policy considerations that will inform programme policy decision making, in collaboration with partners,
• Support partners and the governance team in preparing advocacy plans to implement advocacy processes that influence sector policy at local, regional, national and global levels.
• Lead in capacity building support and joint monitoring of partners against partnership development plans (identifying the knowledge requirement necessary to meet partners’ and the Governance programme objectives through tailor-made capacity building)
• Provide technical guidance to monitor the programme’s progress and to ensure that the goals and objectives are met, in an approach that is results based, gives focus to quality, and effectively addresses the needs of the programme target groups.
• Ensure that programme learning is documented, that lessons learned are taken into account in the development of future programme strategies and develop synergy between IBIS’ thematic programmes.
• Provide support for the implementation of and adherence to operational and management procedures outlined in IBIS’ policies.
• Manage the programme budget and related financial procedures.
• Responsible for submitting narrative and financial reports to the Country Director in accordance with the required timeframe and formats of IBIS and donors.
• Ensure an effective coordination of the logistical aspects of the programme management and implementation of activities.
• In collaboration with the Country Director, liaise and network with other agencies and organisations working within the area of governance in Liberia, broader West Africa and internationally.
• Responsible for exploring and developing fundraising possibilities.
• Participate in relevant joint agency assessments, thematic teams and workshops etc.
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have:
• A university degree in international policy, social science, international development studies or other relevant degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of progressively professional and practical experience in the field within the international development.
• At least 3 years of practical experience of developing, managing and supporting multiple and long-term individual partnerships at national and local level.
• Have practical experience in management of personnel, strategic planning, financial planning and control systems as well as the ability to contribute to a team building environment.
• Demonstrated high level of conceptual and analytical thinking skills and excellent strategic programme development skills in areas of governance.
• Ability to maintain expected performance in diverse contexts, potentially challenging environments and physical hardship conditions with limited resources.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and build relationships at all levels, taking into account cultural and language differences.
• Ability to lead teams and facilitate team building and conflict resolution processes.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English and the capacity to communicate often complex and sensitive issues to a wide audience.
• Working knowledge of the region is a strong advantage.
How to apply:
We look forward to receiving a motivated application letter and a detailed Curriculum Vita completed in English. Please state application no. GPD/LIB-0312 and forward applications by email to job@ibis.dk before 6th June 2012. Interviews are planned to take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 3-4th July 2012.
IBIS considers diversity to be an advantage and we encourage candidates, irrespective of age, gender and of religious, sexual or ethnic affiliation, to apply for this position.
