Job, UNDP - Consultant to Contribute to the Creation of a Toolkit for Facilitating the Implementation of the Future SDGs at the Local Level - Home based

Crossposted from UN Job List Click here to view the original listing and apply Background

The Post-2015 development agenda definition process will culminate with September’s United Nations Member States Summit whose outcome will define the agenda of the next fifteen years of development. The agenda implementation will be guided by the future Sustainable Development Goals and respective targets. Lessons learned from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) implementation process have shown that the achievement of critical objectives and challenges of the Post-2015 agenda would also depend on strong local action and leadership embedded in a coordinated and effective multi-level governance system. Therefore, among the issues that are critical to the successful implementation and attainment of the Post-2015 Agenda is “localization” – i.e. the need to identify various specific mechanisms, tools, and processes to effectively translate the SDGs into practices at the local level and monitor them. In light of the above, UNDP and UN-Habitat, on behalf of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), together with the Global Task Force of local and regional governments (GTF) undertook in 2014 a dialogue process in 13 countries from different regions of the world aimed at promoting the localization of the future development agenda. The process resulted in several key messages and recommendations to foster the local implementation of the future SDGs. In particular, national and local Governments and the actors involved in the “localizing” Dialogues – including Local governments, academia, private sector and civil society – further expressed the need to be informed and equipped with concrete strategies and mechanisms able to translate the key outputs of the process into substantial development plans at the local level. For this reason, UNDP, GTF and partners embarked on the elaboration of a toolkit aimed at contributing to facilitate the SDGs implementation at the local level. The main objective of the toolkit is to help countries overcoming the challenges they will face in implementing the future SDGs at the local level through concrete solutions, based on the operationalization of the principles resulted from the Dialogues on Localizing the Post-2015 agenda as well as on the lessons learned from the MDGs implementation in multiple countries. The Toolkit will analyze crucial local development experiences and practices with the objective of identifying criteria and offering a set of suggestions that could be then adapted and contextualized by those territories interested in localizing the SDGs. Under direct guidance provided by a Steering Committee, UNDP, UN Habitat and the GTF the development of the toolkit will be built upon a preliminary identification and review of the extensive already-existing toolkits and mechanisms, looking particularly at the past experience of the MDGs implementation process and at the messages and lessons learned from the Dialogues on Localizing the Post-2015 Agenda. The toolkit formulation process will be designed to reach out to key partners and stakeholders. The exercise will start with a first phase of revision of the existing toolkits, mechanisms and practices that can be relevant for the implementation of the SDGs at the local level. Based on this, a preliminary proposal of the principles, structure and contents of the toolkit will be elaborated. Afterwards, technical Participatory Workshops will be organized with key institutions and local stakeholders at different levels – local, national and global –in order to concretize, define and distill conclusions to feed the drafting of the toolkit. The preparation of the various Participatory Workshops will be facilitated by the Steering Committee, together with the support of the appointed lead consultant. Each workshop will involve a range of expertise that will help to look at different key elements of the future SDGs from very specific angles - with a view to informing the elaboration of the toolkit. The toolkit elaboration process, starting in August 2015, will be completed with the elaboration of the toolkit draft document and is expected to be approved by the Steering Committee approximately by March 2016. The toolkit elaboration process will be co-organized by UNDP, UN Habitat and the GTF: UNDP is the leading UN Agency of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), chairing the body and providing overall guidance to the other members. It also holds a global recognized leadership in Governance matters, including at sub-national levels. In this regard, UNDP recently launched the new Strategy on Local Governance and Local Development (LGLD), which, in line with the new UNDP Strategic Plan and with the global recognition of Local and Regional Governments’ key role in implementing the future SDGs, sets a concrete framework of principles and activities to strengthen the local component of the Post-2015 Agenda implementation. In this regard, UNDP contributes to the advancement of Goal 16, as defined by the Open Working Group, which underlines the need to promote and build inclusive societies for sustainable development. This entails commitments to promote inclusive development processes and articulation between governance levels, improving strategic planning for successful identification of priorities and further implementation as well as defining new approaches to monitoring and measurement. Furthermore, at the local level, UNDP, through the ART Global Initiative puts in place a comprehensive and integrated framework for sustainable human local development and enhanced local governance. Launched in 2005 and currently active in over 20 countries, the UNDP ART Global Initiative (Territorial Partnerships for Implementing the SDGs at the local level) is an entry point for all international cooperation actors interested in harmonizing their respective actions in support of national policies for sustainable and local human development with a particular view to implementing the future SDGs at the local level. The Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments for Post 2015 development agenda towards Habitat III gathers local and regional government leaders and their global organizations in view of building joint strategies to contribute to the international policy making debates within the framework of the Post 2015 agenda, Rio+20 follow-up and towards Habitat III. The GTF holds a recognized international leading role in advocating for LRGs centrality within the future universal development framework. The members of the GTF have accumulated a large experience and expertise in supporting their members, local and regional authorities and their associations, to promote local development through decentralized cooperation and peer to peer learning. UN-Habitat acts as a focal point for local governments and their associations, including metropolitan, regional, provincial and other territorial government levels. Un-Habitat works closely with both central and territorial governments to establish mechanisms of institutional dialogue and exchange of best practices to support the empowerment of local and regional governments through a fair distribution of responsibilities and resources. Un-Habitat’s role is to develop normative and operational frameworks, to share experiences and disseminate best practices on local governance and access to basic services. Un-Habitat also promotes city-to-city cooperation and advocates for the essential role of local governments on a global level. The consultant will support UNDP, GTF and UN Habitat in gathering and analyzing the inputs resulting from the toolkit elaboration process and consequently in proposing criteria and mechanisms aimed at facilitating the implementation of the future SDGs at the local level.  The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Steering Committee. The final product will contribute to respond to the challenges that countries will face when implementing the future SDGs at the local level offering concrete solutions based on the operationalization of the principles that resulted from the Dialogues on Localization process. The Toolkit elaboration process, and therefore the duration of the contract, is expected to last until March 2016.  Workdays will be in its majority home-based. The incumbent will have to undertake a limited number of travels associated to the purpose of his work, which will be defined in coordination with the Steering Committee – at least three Participatory Workshops and two meeting with the Steering Committee.

Duties and Responsibilities

Overall objective To elaborate a practicable toolkit containing criteria and suggestions aimed at helping countries and local governments in implementing the future SDGs at the local level, through an inclusive and participatory elaboration process involving a broad range of key stakeholders. Expected outputs and deliverables Output 1: Existing Toolkits and mechanisms reviewed Within the Output 1, the main objective of the lead consultant will be to identify and review already-existing toolkits, mechanisms and practices that could provide guidance to the toolkit elaboration process and therefore facilitate the implementation of the SDGs at the local level. Particular attention shall be given to the past MDGs implementation experience – toolkits; evaluations; reports etc. The lead consultant will capture and analyze essential recommendations, lessons learned and best practices that could be adapted to the toolkit and thus reproduced. He/she will produce a preliminary proposal of the principles, possible structure and contents of the toolkit to facilitate the subsequent workshops with key institutions and local stakeholders at global, national and local levels. The expert will look into a territorial approach for development, strengthening a strategic participatory planning approach at local/subnational level to “localize” the SDGs goals and targets, linking it with national policies for the implementation of the SDGs, reinforcing the capacities of local governments and institutions to facilitate and coordinate local development, mobilize and involve local stakeholders (ONGs, private sector, academics, etc.),  to mobilize resources from local and national sources, and to access (or collect)  localized data. Output 2: Toolkit’s participatory elaboration process facilitated and key inputs resulting from the process gathered and analyzed. Gather inputs from partners. Within the Toolkit elaboration framework, relevant international organizations, research institutes, academic institutions, CSOs and other key actors with accumulated experience will be consulted and invited to provide inputs. As part of the Output 2, key institutions will directly consulted by the lead consultant, which will therefore gather and process the relevant information provided and integrate it within the toolkit document. Report on the Participatory Workshops. Participatory Workshops at different levels – local, national and global – will be organized in partner countries aiming at capturing perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders of local relevance with a view to integrate them in the Toolkit elaboration process. Within the Output 2 framework, the lead consultant will capture and systematize the results of the participatory sessions at the country level, producing briefings and reports, while integrating the main recommendations in the toolkit elaboration process. Output 3: Toolkit document for facilitating the localization of the SDGs elaborated. Through the background research on the existing toolkits and mechanisms, which could be adapted to the SDGs local implementation framework, as well as through the collection and analysis of the inputs provided throughout the participatory elaboration process, the main objective of the lead consultant will be the drafting, design and elaboration of the toolkit document. The final product will be submitted to the Steering Committee for official approval. Within the Outputs context, the contractor will undertake the following specific tasks: Deliverables: The toolkit to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the future SDGs at the local level, including: Toolkit final draft to be approved by the Steering Committee. The draft document will be of about 60 pages and will be composed by: (i) An introductory section summarizing the methodology of the participatory process through which the toolkit will be elaborated; (ii) Different sections, looking at the mechanisms and topics addressed during the Participatory Workshops, whose content and main focus will be decided by the Steering Group; (iii) Potential annexes. The tools, mechanisms and processes that will be presented in the toolkit should be “ready-to use” and presented in an operational way to facilitate understanding and appropriation by the governments.

Competencies

Corporate competences: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, UN Habitat and the GTF; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.  Functional competences: In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues including local governance and local development, gender equality and empowerment issues, as well as a good knowledge of the inter linkages between the social, economic, environmental and cultural dimensions of sustainable development; Excellent understanding of international sustainable development related issues, particularly the Post-2015 development agenda formulation and potential implementation processes; Excellent research, drafting and report writing skills; Familiarity with LRGs Associations and knowledge of LRGs’ associated development issues; Ability to compile and analyze information from a variety of sources, conceptualize issues and synthesize it in a coherent structure; Ability to structure a task in terms of the analytic/investigative process and to produce a well-structured output; Openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback; Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced Degree (or equivalent degree/experience) in Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences or related field.  Experience: Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in report, analysis and/or research on development and/or international relations issues.  Language: Excellent spoken and writing skills in English, plus a second language (Spanish or French). Important notice: Application Submission Process: The application is a two-step process. Failing to comply with the submission process may result in disqualifying the applications: Step 1: Interested individual consultants must include the following documents when submitting the applications in UNDP job shop (Please note that only 1 (one) file can be uploaded therefore please include all docs in one file): Personal History Form (P11), indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;  Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment. Step 2: Submission of Financial Proposal Applicants are instructed to submit their financial proposals in US Dollars for this consultancy to dalal.alhashash@undp.org using the Offeror’s letter template available here:http://www.undp.org/content/dam/brussels/docs/Other/Template_for_Co...The proposals should be sent via email with the following subject heading: “International Consultants-TOOLKIT " by the deadline for this vacancy. Proposals to be received after the deadline will be rejected. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal should be all-inclusive and include a breakdown. The term ‘all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, travel related expenses, communications, utilities, consumables, insurance, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor are already factored into the financial proposal. Application Evaluation Process Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis methodology (weighted scoring method), where the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. Technical Criteria – 70% of total evaluation – max 100 points. Financial Criteria – 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points. Only candidates scoring 49 points (70%) or higher from the review of education, experience, languages will be considered for financial evaluation. Financial score shall be computed as a ration of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal of those technically qualified. UNDP retains the right to contact references directly. Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

Job opportunities at the Justice and Reconciliation Project in Gulu, Uganda

JRP currently seeks a Head of Office, a Documentation Officer and an M&E Assisstant.
 All three positions are based in Gulu, Uganda and have deadlines of application of 30 August 2015. For application instructions, please visit http://justiceandreconciliation.com/about/jobs-internships/.
JRP is a non-profit organisation with a country wide mandate and with its office based in Gulu. JRP works to support local level transitional justice processes through seeking to understand and explain the interests, needs, concerns and views of the communities affected by various conflicts in Uganda.  Our work focuses on the active involvement of communities in documentation, research and advocacy on local level transitional justice issues as a means of giving a voice to the affected communities. For more information about our work please visit http://www.justiceandreconciliation.com.

Job, UN Women - Consultancy to Conceptualize a Training Course on Communications for Gender Equality - Home-based

Crossposted from UN Job List Click here http://unjoblist.org/vacancy/?312366 to view the original listing and apply Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. The UN Women Training Centre (TC) is dedicated to supporting the UN and other stakeholders to realize commitments to gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s rights through transformative training and learning. Its mission is to become the leading UN Centre that contributes, through training for gender equality, to building a society that respects and promotes human rights for all women and men. The gender capacity-development programmes range from basic and introductory levels to specialized and advanced levels for diverse audiences with different backgrounds. In terms of capacity-development strategies and techniques, the TC makes maximum use of on-line training techniques, paying special attention to e-learning courses and an active learning approach. The Training Centre also promotes articulation and knowledge exchange among gender training specialists and other relevant groups and the development of tools and materials in the area of training for gender equality. It supports the documentation of existing good practices and innovative processes, as well as discussion and analysis of training methodologies and approaches directed towards contributing to ongoing capacity development as a concrete means for achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. Communications can be a powerful catalyst for political, social and economic transformation. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women (1995), clearly recognized the potential of communications to make a greater contribution to the advancement of women and gender equality. The Declaration called on governments and international organizations to take action to address gender stereotyping and inequality in women’s access to and participation in all communication systems. In order to assist governments and international organizations in undertaking this task, UN Women Training Centre shall develop a training course aimed at: (i) highlighting the need for reflecting gender perspectives in communications and media content, and (ii) strengthening capacities of communications practitioners to strategize communications for gender equality and women’s empowerment. The objective of this consultancy is to conceptualize a course on communications for gender equality. The consultancy includes tasks such as: conducting a training need assessment and mapping existing work related to this topic, and developing a concept note and detailed outline for the course.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Training and Capacity Development Specialist, the consultant will be responsible for the following activities and deliverables: Analysis Report of the training need assessment, including activities such as developing a training/learning need assessment tool (based on the UN Women Training Capacity Assessment Tool), conducting and analyzing the assessment to identify needs, demand, and gaps for a course on communications for gender equality and women’s empowerment; Report of mapping analysis to take stock on what has been done in terms of communications for gender equality and women’s particularly in terms of training and including literature review and a list of existing training materials, initiatives, and institutions on this topic; Concept note for the course based on key findings from the need assessment and the mapping exercise for the course; Detailed outline for a course on communications for gender equality including suggested reading materials and training methods.

Competencies

Core Values and Guiding Principles: Integrity: Demonstrate the values of United Nations and UN Women, act without consideration of personal gain, resist undue political pressure in decision-making, no abuse of power or authority, stand by decisions in the organization’s interest, and take action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior. Professionalism: Show pride in work and achievements, demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter, conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments and achieving results, motivated by professional rather than personal concerns, show persistence when faced with challenges, and remain calm in stressful situations. Respect for Diversity: Work effectively with people from all backgrounds, treat all people with dignity and respect, treat men and women equally, show respect for and understand diverse opinions by examining own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses, and do not discriminate against any individual or group. Core Competencies: Ethics and Values: Promoting Ethics and Integrity / Creating Organizational Precedents. Organizational Awareness: Building support and political acumen. Developing and Empowering People / Coaching and Mentoring: Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation. Working in Teams: Building and promoting effective teams. Communicating Information and Ideas: Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication. Self-management and Emotional intelligence: Creating an emotionally intelligent organization Conflict Management / Negotiating and Resolving Disagreements: Leveraging conflict in the interests of the organization & setting standards Knowledge Sharing / Continuous Learning: Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning Functional competencies Excellent level of conceptual and analytical capacity. Demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work requirements. Able to work virtually, using communication technologies. Strong interpersonal skills. Proven skills in desktop computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced degree in communications for development, education, gender or women’s studies, human rights, international development, social sciences or related area. Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment, communications for development, and gender justice; Of which a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in the field of training for adults, training of trainers, capacity building, and transformative education; Work experience in knowledge management and capacity development projects; Experience in facilitating participatory, interactive, multi-cultural training for adults; Work experience in coordinating participatory processes; Experience working with civil society, NGOs and other development and cooperation organizations at national level; Familiarity with the UN system and specifically on gender equality and women’s empowerment within the UN system. Language Requirements: Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Job, Mercy Corps - Youth Employment Program Manager - Iraq

Click here to view the original listing and apply
Note that this role is pending funding.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has worked in Iraq continuously since 2003 with a strong presence in the Basra and southern areas of the country. Mercy Corps implements both emergency response and longer-term development programs assisting Iraqis – internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities and other vulnerable groups throughout the country. While remaining responsive to the urgent needs of people affected by conflict and displacement in Iraq, Mercy Corps conducts longer term development activities with a focus on identified strategic priority areas: conflict management skills building, capacity building of local institutions, and transformative youth empowerment. Through its youth programming Mercy Corps in Iraq helps youth successfully navigate life’s transitions and build resilience to the shocks and stresses of transitional environments. Basra-based employability programming will aim to provide sustainable income generation options and market-based training in a part of Iraq with high unemployment while leveraging local oil producers’ value chains.

Mercy Corps and our stakeholders in the public and private sector will prepare male and female Iraqi youth in five communities in the Basra Governorate for successful employment and further learning, establish the first internationally accredited Vocational Training Centre in Iraq, and build a robust business and/or partnership model for the long-term sustainability of the youth employability program. The program will prepare youth for four economic pathways: employment (potentially in extractives supply chains), Advanced Learning/Training through the vocational training center to be established by Mercy Corps, internships, or microenterprise.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Youth Employment Program Manager is responsible for the overall implementation of the vocational training and youth employment program including creating the strategic plan and ensuring it to be implemented on time, on scope, and on budget. The Program Manger will design and implement a comprehensive inception and startup phase (including partner identification and vetting processes), help develop the monitoring and evaluation plan, and design and implement the stakeholder engagement strategy. This will include working in proximity with the country management team, support services (Finance, Administration, Logistics) and Programmatic staff in Basra, Baghdad, Erbil and others, as well as close liaison with stakeholder groups to ensure that day-to-day project activities are implemented in accordance with the timeline, action plan and budget developed. S/he will ensure that the youth employability program is implemented in a coordinated manner with other grants being run by Mercy Corps in Iraq, to ensure effective use of resources. The Program Manager will develop a sustainability plan to ensure the employability program and vocation training center provide value to the community into the future.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Vision and Strategy

• Ensure that the youth employment program fits within Mercy Corps’ Iraq’s strategic plan and provide input into the country strategic development plan and program development efforts.

Program Management

• Develop and regularly update, in consultation with the program and support teams and partners, an implementation strategy and a detailed project implementation plan (Work Breakdown Structure, Program Schedule, etc.) for both employability and infrastructure components of program.       This should include planning for human resources, monitoring and evaluation, transition (exit strategy), iterative market assessments, and program communications.
• Develop and regularly update, in coordination with the program and support teams and partners, procurement plans and forecast program expenditures.
• Liaise with HQ teams, partners and Mercy Corps staff to develop sub-grant agreements with partners, and ensure timely signature and monitoring.
• Monitor issues as they arise during program implementation, and coordinate with team members and partners to ensure they are resolved.       Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities.
• Oversee program documentation and filing, ensuring that information is organized accordingly to reporting, auditing and internal project management initiative needs of the program. Ensure required levels of confidentiality.
• Foster a collaborative relationship with partners and work closely with them to improve program implementation, as well as to identify and resolve implementation obstacles.
• Ensure that there are effective communication channels with the finance and operations teams, to ensure program objectives are achieved.

Representation

• Liaise with donor and local representatives to collaboratively implement the project and build a relationship of trust.
• Participate in a variety of external forums/workshops/conference/sector coordination meetings to share best practices and findings of the project with the government and development community.
• Develop positive working relationships and coordinate/collaborate with partner organizations and international and national agencies active in the target area.
• Develop strong relationship with local government to ensure buy-in and support for program.
• Liaise with local authorities and program stakeholders, ensure a synergy with other Mercy Corps project partners and involved stakeholders.

Team Management

• Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all program staff, including carrying out regular performance reviews.  
• With support of the Country Program Director, help staff identify and take advantage of professional development opportunities. Contribute to the country team building efforts.
• Design appropriate training programs and schedule for staff, partners and beneficiaries. Monitor and ensure adequate staffing throughout the program.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Operations Management

• Work with Youth MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) staff to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing program decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level.
• Develop relationships with regional and international technical support experts to ensure that program reflects best practices for youth engagement and employment.
• Coordinate with program, finance and administrative staff to ensure systems are in place to support activities including logistics, procurement, security, administration and human resources.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.

Security

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to ensure that program is contributing to and responding to safety and security plans and procedures.
• Ensure that program is implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security management priorities.

Organizational Learning
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: The Program Manager will supervise the program implementation teams for the privately-funded employability program in Basra.  

ACCOUNTABILITY
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Youth Sector Manager
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation specialist, Corporate donor representatives, Extractives industry representatives, Director of Social Cohesion Programs, HQ and regional Technical Support experts or consultants, Global Mining Minerals and Energy Partnership Manager, Finance and Operations teams, HQ Program Operations and Technical Support Unit

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 5-7 years of proven experience managing market-based vocational training, non-formal education, youth employability, private sector strengthening, and/or entrepreneurship development projects
• Relevant advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Experience working on youth-oriented workforce development and market systems development projects and relevant labor markets issues such as assessments and curricula development required
• Experience in working with private sector in transitional environments
• Experience in community engagement, governance, community mobilization or similar fields
• Iraq or transitional environment/conflict/post-conflict experience preferred
• Experience training, capacity building of partners and team members
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members required
• Fluency in English required; fluency in Arabic a significant advantage
• Highly developed computers skills with strong familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel are mandatory
• Candidate must be willing to travel and work in insecure areas within Iraq under austere living conditions

SUCCESS FACTORS:
A successful candidate will have strong diplomacy skills in managing a team with different backgrounds, abilities, and technical knowledge, will have contextual knowledge of Iraq, and a developed technical understanding of private sector employment and labor markets. She/he will use effective communication and team-building techniques, have excellent organizational and strong interpersonal skills and display an even temperament and good sense of humor.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The position will be based Basra with frequent field travel to surrounding communities in the Majnoon region, as well as to Baghdad. Medical facilities are basic and more serious conditions may require evacuation. The position is unaccompanied and eligible for both a hardship allowance and R&R.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps’ policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Job Location: Basra, Iraq
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Job, Girls Not Brides - Senior Member Engagement Officer - Deadline September 1, 2015

Click here to view the original listing and apply

SENIOR MEMBER ENGAGEMENT OFFICER 

Civil society members are the heart of Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage. With a large and diverse membership – over 500 members in more than 70 countries worldwide – the Girls Not Brides Senior Member Engagement Officer is responsible for ensuring that member organisations are empowered, engaged and actively contributing to the work of the global partnership.
This is an exciting time to join an expanded Partnership Team where you will have the chance to lead the development of a strategic, high-quality approach to member engagement, as well as ensuring that young activists and youth-led organisations are meaningfully engaging in the work of Girls Not Brides.
You will also be involved in the development of Girls Not Brides’ work with its National Partnerships and other alliances/coalitions that the organisation works closely with in Africa and Asia. NB The successful candidate will be expected to comply with Girls Not Brides’ child protection policy.
Accountability: Head of Partnership Development
Line manages: Member Engagement Associate

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees ongoing partnership management of Girls Not Brides to ensure a strong, dynamic membership

• Ensures an effective response to ongoing member interactions with the Girls Not Brides secretariat; conducts regular member ‘health-checks’ to evaluate quality of member relations with the Girls Not Brides secretariat
• Line manages the Member Engagement Associate, ensuring that key operational and administrative membership tasks are being implemented according to plan
• Develops and maintains outreach priorities, geographically and thematically; directly conducts outreach to new members in assigned regions/countries
• Represents Girls Not Brides at external events; identifies and cultivates productive relationships with relevant external stakeholders e.g. potential member organisations
• Plays a key role in the design and arrangement of any face-to-face meetings or workshops for member organisations

Manages secretariat’s knowledge base relating to the Girls Not Bridesmembership

• Maintains systems for collating, organizing and making relevant member-related information available to team members and external parties
• Develops processes for filling in any information gaps about the work/profile ofGirls Not Brides members
• Works with the Communications Team to produce and update materials – e.g. brochures – relating to the membership

Manages the development and maintenance of internal partnership policies and engagement strategies

• Researches other global networks/partnerships’ different member engagement approaches
• Develops and implements a comprehensive member engagement plan to strategically guide Girls Not Brides’ work with its members
• Works with the Girls Not Brides Africa team to develop and roll out an appropriate engagement plan for Girls Not Brides’ Francophone members

Explores funding mechanisms to support effective efforts to address child marriage

• Regular scoping of the donor environment to identify appropriate funding opportunities for Girls Not Brides members, particularly grassroots organisations, and dissemination of this information to the membership
• Conducts research into members’ recommendations and requirements for a potential Girls Not Brides grassroots funding mechanism
• Supports the Head of Partnership Development to identify and manage a sustainable resourcing plan that will enable Girls Not Brides National Partnerships to leverage funds
• Directly liaises with online funding platforms and other donors on behalf of member organisations

Plays a critical role in Girls Not Brides’ work with young activists and contributes to the development of Girls Not Brides National Partnerships, as well as other alliances, coalitions and networks the organisation works with at national levels

• Contributes to the implementation of Girls Not Brides’ youth engagement plan e.g. by ensuring youth are actively engaged in relevant opportunities open to the wider partnership e.g. blogging opportunities and international campaigns
• Directly liaises and manages relationships with assigned Girls Not Brides National Partnerships
• Contributes to the documentation of National Partnership learnings and best practice

Actively contributes to planning, implementation and delivery of member capacity building opportunities

• With the Communications Team, ensures the on-going maintenance and effectiveness of an online resource hub for Girls Not Brides members
• Directly organises/supports member-directed capacity building such as online webinars, trainings, toolkits and ensures tools developed by different teams are effectively disseminated to the Girls Not Brides membership

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Graduate qualification in relevant area (such as development studies, international relations, human rights or gender) or proven experience of working directly with civil society organisations in a related field
• Prior experience of working with a wide range of civil society organisations – from international NGOs to small grassroots organisations; knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing civil society organisations working to promote a child rights/gender equality agenda
• Knowledge of the challenges civil society of the international development donor landscape (including key actors such as trusts, foundations, and institutional donors)
• Strategic thinker, capable of connecting member engagement issues with other areas of work including communications, advocacy and learning
• Excellent communication, networking and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to persuade and inspire others
• Some experience of capacity building – either through direct delivery of training or development of training materials
• Excellent written and oral English and French
• Highly organised, reliable, proactive and precise
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage other staff members/interns
• Proficiency in recent versions of Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools and online databases (e.g. Salesforce)
• Willingness to travel

Desirable

• Experience of working for a civil society network/civil society membership organisation
• Understanding of child marriage and of the key players in the women’s and children’s/youth rights field
• Experience of developing and rolling out a strategy/team plan is highly desirable
• Knowledge of the theory and concepts behind civil society capacity building best practice
• Knowledge and experience of youth engagement best practice
• Knowledge of Spanish or another foreign language is highly desirable
• Direct experience of working in the South Asia region or with civil society actors in South Asia is highly desirable

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND TERMS

A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this position to recruitment(at)GirlsNotBrides.org by 18:00 GMT on 1 September 2015 clearly stating “Senior Member Engagement Officer” and your name in the subject line. We regret that due to the large number of applications anticipated, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Job, Oxfam - Senior Policy Advisor - Tax and Extractive Industries - Washington, DC

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SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR- TAX AND EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES
Policy and Research Department - Washington, DC 

REPORTS TO:
Senior Policy Manager – Extractive Industries

COORDINATES WITH:
Internal: Extractive Industries Global Program Team, “Fuelling the Development Investment System” (“Fuelling”) Campaign, Policy and Research, Communications and Community Engagement, Government Affairs, Private Sector, and Regional Programs. Oxfam country program staff and Oxfam International affiliates as well as relevant Oxfam International campaigning and thematic structures (e.g. Inequality / “Even it Up” campaign, Fiscal Justice Team) as necessary.
External: NGO allies, governmental, corporate and international financial institution (IFI) influencing targets. 

PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The extractive industries generate billions of dollars for resource-dependent countries every year. Too often, though, governments sign deals that do not give them a “fair deal” regarding their resources and often offer unnecessary tax subsidies to attract investment in the sector. In addition, many governments do a poor job of collecting taxes owed by extractive companies. Finally, some extractive companies engage in a variety of practices –use of tax havens and secrecy jurisdictions, transfer mispricing, profit shifting, etc. – to reduce their tax burdens. Consequently, resource-dependent governments are losing billions of dollars that should be captured and spent on priority social services. At the same time, issues of “tax justice” are rising on the international agenda and various initiatives by the OECD, G20, the UN, the African Union and other organizations are seeking to limit the ability of corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes and to reduce the billions of dollars in “illicit financial flows” pouring from poor to rich countries every year. 

The Senior Policy Advisor will contribute to Oxfam America’s Extractive Industries Global Program and support implementation of the Oxfam strategic plans, particularly the first pillar of the Oxfam America’s strategic plan on “Fuelling the Development Investment System”. S/he will provide policy analysis, research and advocacy to support Oxfam America’s larger on agenda on tax justice, with particular emphasis as these issues relate to the extractive industries. S/he will work with the Senior Policy Manager – Extractive Industries to provide policy analysis, research, strategic advice in support of the Extractive Industries and “Fuelling” campaigns as well as to design and lead implementation of advocacy strategies, especially in relation to the extractive industries and taxation agenda. S/he will work closely with country and regional programs to support in-country policy analysis, research and campaign efforts. S/he will identify ways to improve the collection and administration of extractive industries taxes; develop strategies to combat corporate strategies to avoid taxes; and identify advocacy opportunities in the US, with International Financial Institutions, extractive industries corporations, and international processes to promote a tax justice agenda. 
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy development and implementation:

• Help develop and implement strategic plans for policy development, research and advocacy on taxation issues, with an emphasis on extractive industries.
• Monitor and analyze domestic and international policy and practice related to extractive industries taxation
• Provide policy research analysis on emerging issues in taxation and extractive industries taxation and manage research projects to inform Oxfam, partners and interested parties
• Develop and present potential advocacy opportunities to Oxfam country programs and partners as they develop country strategies
• Participate in annual Extractive Industries and “Fuelling” program planning as well as agency strategic planning
• Contribute to Oxfam International advocacy strategies related to extractive industries, tax justice and inequality

Advocacy and external affairs:

• Act as an Oxfam America spokesperson and advocate on extractive industries / taxation issues before the Congress, Executive Branch, Government Agencies, international financial institutions, extractive industry companies and the media.
• Identify advocacy opportunities to advance the extractive industries and tax justice agendas.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with international financial institutions, corporations and governmental targets relevant to the issues prioritized.  In close coordination with the Private Sector Department, help develop and maintain key corporate and investor relationships
• Participate in advocacy meetings with target actors.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with NGO allies and NGO networks; represent Oxfam America in NGO coalitions and events; play a lead role in NGO coalitions and working groups as appropriate to Oxfam’s expertise and program experience.
• Develop and write policy papers, advocacy issue briefs, and commission research reports on taxation and extractive industry issues in collaboration with relevant Oxfam staff. 
• Develop “case studies” on extractive industry taxation issues for use in broader tax justice campaigns
• Collaborate with media and campaign staff to support the development of press and campaigning strategies that support policy change strategies related to taxation and extractive industries.
• Organize briefings and advocacy events, and represent Oxfam America in these and other public forums as necessary.
• Organize and coordinate international partner visits to Washington to support advocacy strategies.

Coordination internally with Oxfam America and Oxfam International, including regional and country offices and programs:

• Share information on relevant IFI, corporate and government policy positions, processes and opportunities for influence with Oxfam country and regional offices and Oxfam International.
• Provide policy and advocacy perspectives to Oxfam workshops and meetings relevant to extractive industries taxation issues.
• Provide technical assistance to Oxfam country programs and partners
• Support the development of country-level strategies to improve extractive industry taxation and reduce lost revenue.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with relevant Oxfam regional and country offices to take maximum advantage of advocacy opportunities as well as to support regional and country advocacy through policy analysis and help with local strategy development.
• Participate in relevant Oxfam America and Oxfam International team meetings and retreats.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

• The incumbent will be a capable and visible spokesperson and advocate for Oxfam’s extractive industries and taxation activities and will be the organizational expert on tax issues.
• Incumbent will be able to effectively engage in dialogue and public debate with tax experts from extractive industries companies, governmental agencies, academia and international financial institutions.
• S/he will be available to represent Oxfam at public events.
• S/he will develop positive working relationships with Oxfam’s allies and partners around Oxfam’s goals and priorities.
• The incumbent will stay abreast of professional standards, trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field.
• S/he will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based culture of work, will perform all duties appropriately for a multilateral and multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect, and will be familiar with Oxfam America’s mission and goals.
• The incumbent will be available to travel internationally up to 15% of the time.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Education:

• Minimum – Advanced degree in political science, economics, accounting, law or related fields.

Experience and Core Competencies:

• Seven or more years work experience in international development and/or policy advocacy, human rights, tax/accounting fields.
• Knowledge of and/or experience dealing with extractive industries, including fiscal regimes and contractual arrangements between companies and host governments.
• Knowledge of and experience working on fiscal governance and taxation issues.
• Knowledge of and experience working with international financial institutions.
• High level policy analysis skills.
• Strong communication, analytical, research and professional writing skills; writing must be easily adaptable to a variety of audiences.
• Good public presentation skills and the ability to communicate to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Flexibility, creativity, strategic thinker.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced and complex work environment.
• Demonstrated advocacy and network building skills.
• Diplomatic and tactful in dealing with a variety of actors and influence targets.
• Ability to communicate cross-culturally.

Preferred:

• Experience with/academic training in corporate taxation, tax law, accounting and auditing, especially related to extractive industries.
• Proficiency in at least one foreign language such as Spanish or French.
• Experience living and working overseas, preferably in developing countries.

Job, Just Vision - Communications Manager - Based in Washington, DC or New York City

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We are seeking a full-time Communications Manager to be based in Washington, DC or NYC. This is a fast-paced job within a dynamic, high-performing team.

THE ROLE
The Communications Manager is responsible for designing and implementing Just Vision’s communications strategy, bolstering Just Vision’s public presence and ensuring that Just Vision’s values, mission, strategy and philosophy are communicated consistently and clearly in all media, online and print materials, as well as in events and programming. This entails developing expert communications and messaging around Just Vision’s work and the Palestinian and Israeli grassroots leaders whom we profile. The Communications Manager will represent the organization in public forums including media interviews and select public events. One key objective for the Communications Manager is to build relationships with leading media outlets and generate interest from reputable print and broadcast journalists around Just Vision’s work and developments taking place in the region.
Reporting to the Executive Director the Communications Manager at Just Vision will work closely with team members, including the Creative Director, Manager of Strategic Relationships and Public Engagement Coordinator to ensure that the organization’s communications are integrated and mutually supportive of our media, outreach and development strategies. Further s/he will work in close coordination with the Public Engagement Manager in Israel and Manager of Education and Outreach in Palestine to ensure under-reported stories from the region reach influential international audiences.
Location: Washington, DC or NYC.
Just Vision is an equal opportunity employer. We carefully consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ability or on any other legally protected status.
To apply, please submit a resume, three single-page writing samples, three references, links to public speaking or media appearances if any, and a cover letter to: info(at)justvision.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note that we only accept applications by email. Please do not make any inquiries about the position or the status of your application. Because of the volume of applicants we anticipate, we cannot respond individually to each application. We will contact those applicants that are of interest to the Search Committee directly.