Devolution Advisor 303 views0 applications

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Programs – Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The Programs Team helps realize this objective by bridging program management, technical support, and business development, enabling Pact to achieve its global strategy. We ensure program excellence through continuous learning, monitoring and evaluation and provide organizational and industry-wide thought leadership by leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary skills, expertise, and experiences. The Programs team: influences progressive change through the development and implementation of global and regional strategies and business plans; supports advancement of innovative solutions; pursues new business opportunities; and drives effective internal and external engagement to maximize Pact’s impact across the globe. Across all aspects of its role, the Programs Department adheres to and promotes a culture of inclusion, accountability, and respect.

Position Overview

Pact seeks an experienced Devolution Advisor for the anticipated USAID/Zimbabwe Local Governance Activity. This anticipated activity will promote implementation of the devolution prescriptions in Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution and greater understanding among stakeholders of the associated rights and responsibilities. The activity may support legal and academic analysis of devolution and civil society efforts to enhance public understanding and participation. The activity may also develop capacities of local organizations on devolution themes.

The Advisor will be responsible for providing technical advice and direction on devolution, sub-national governance, and civic engagement. The Advisor will be responsible for leading the planning and implementation of project activities, the development of technical tools and resources, programmatic reporting, and sharing of insights and lessons learned with internal and external stakeholders. The Advisor will provide technical support and develop the capacities of key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, civic groups, and sub-national government officials. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity. This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Chief of Party and the Deputy Chief of Party in the development of the project strategic framework and work plans for the program implementation to ensure the achievement of the program goals;
• Lead the technical design and contribute to the development of a realistic and donor-responsive project timeline and workplan.
• Provide technical leadership to the direction and management of the project.
• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans.
• Supervise and provide technical guidance to project staff and partners throughout implementation, ensuring effective integration of project’s objectives.
• Oversee and support the development of legal, academic, and policy analyses for the project and related stakeholders, focusing on topics such as (but not limited to) constitutional development, devolution, local government, citizen participation, public financial management, accountability, and gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) issues.
• Take a leadership role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders, including partners, government stakeholders, civil society, and other USAID projects.
• As appropriate, represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and Pact’s thought leadership in local governance, capacity development, and civil society strengthening.
• Adhere to all of Pact’s Code of Conduct policies including our Zero Tolerance Policy on Harassment, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in the workplace. Report any abuses towards staff and beneficiaries to your immediate supervisor or the Senior HR Coordinator when appropriate.
• Other tasks as required to achieve the Program Objectives and Expected Results.

Basic Requirements

• Advanced degree from an accredited university in social sciences, law, development studies or a relevant field with at least nine (9) years of exerience.
• At least eight (8) years of experience specifically related to policy and legislation development, ideally in Zimbabwe, on topics related to devolution, citizen participation, and constitutional alignment.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of various stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s devolution process.
• Experience building capacity for local government actors, civil society organizations and/or research institutions in Zimbabwe.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and consensus building skills
• Qualitative research skills and experience
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading).
• Ability to travel within Zimbabwe and occasionally internationally, when health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 diminish

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in one or more official languages of Zimbabwe (aside from English)
• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Experience supporting good governance on both the demand and supply side; such as strengthening civil society networks and supporting efforts to boost citizen participation (demand-side) and mobilizing technical assistance for relevant governmental units (supply-side).
• Progressively responsible management experience, including administering donor-funded programs.
• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Zimbabwe.
• Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Zimbabwe nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.