Requisition ID: req19344

Job Title: Governance Technical Advisor

Sector: Governance

Employment Category: Regular

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: Not Applicable

Location: United States

Job Description

*Location can be any IRC HQ location and flexible on location in GL countries*

Job Overview:

The Governance Technical Advisor will provide technical leadership and project oversight for governance programming which includes health and education systems strengthening, peace building, social accountability, civil society strengthening, and city government technical assistance. S/he will deliver technical assistance in person and remotely to country program colleagues in countries in the Great Lakes region (DRC, CAR, Burundi, and Tanzania). This is a primarily field facing position with the central responsibility focused on the design, implementation and evaluation of multi-sectoral projects and mission-relevant development opportunities. The remaining 0-20% of the Technical Advisor – Governance time is spent on influence, advocacy, research and internal initiatives at the discretion of their supervisors.

The Governance Team, within the Technical Excellence Department, supports IRC country programs with the design and implementation of programs that amplify the voices of people whose lives have been impacted by conflict and crisis. Governance programs help them regain control of their future by championing their right to influence the issues that affect their cities, towns, and communities.

To achieve this, we:

1) Strengthen the ability of people affected by conflict and crisis to have a voice in how decisions are made in their communities;

2) Enable governments, civil society organizations, community representatives, and the IRC to respond to their voices and provide effective and inclusive services; and

3) Promote communications between leaders and the people they represent so that actions are meaningful and lasting.

Major Responsibilities:

Guiding program design:

Support country program staff to design programs and projects that are:
Aligned with the IRC’s Global Strategy, which includes supporting country program staff with contextualizing outcomes and the theories of change, and selecting interventions based on the best available evidence and the local context;
Responsive to client needs and preferences;
Based on sound context and gender analysis
Help define approach to teaming / partnering with other organizations
Support selection of indicators for country programs
Engaging in business development:

Review technical quality of proposals, including review of technical activities and ensuring alignment to IRC’s outcomes
Input into go / no go decisions on proposals
When necessary, write technical narratives of proposals
Provide input on budgets required for project delivery
Engage with donors and do outreach in support of country programs
Building technical capacity of country program staff to ensure ongoing program quality and innovation:

Work with country program colleagues to help analyze data that inform periodic review and course correction as-needed
Share cross-context learning with country program staff across the region
Conduct technical training and ongoing technical coaching for country program staff, including on IRC outcomes, theories of change, evidence and indicators
Review and share program-specific tools / resources / curricula and work with Technical Unit specialists to contextualize and adapt global and country-specific materials
Support senior Governance country program staff recruitment and onboarding

Influence the IRC, peer agencies and donors to use proven interventions and generate new evidence:

Present IRC research findings across contexts and relevant conferences
Representation with policy makers, donors and peers
Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

– A minimum of 5 years’ experience in designing, implementing and/or managing governance interventions, is required, preferably within a humanitarian and international development setting

– A proven track record with at least 3 years of field based experience working in developing, fragile and conflict affected countries

– Applied experience of governance work in health, education or other basic services is required

– Prior experience providing technical advisory support to country programs

– Experience in strategy development and working across sectors or disciplines is highly desired

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

– Strong analytical, presentation, organizational and problem solving skills

– Demonstrated expertise in program design, monitoring and evaluation, with the ability to turn concepts and strategy into measurable action;

– Must be a team player with a track record of collaborating across disciplines;

– Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Education: Master’s/post-graduate degree in public administration, public policy, political science, international development, economics or other relevant field.

Language Skills: Fluency in English and French is required

Preferred experience & skills:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in English and French, as well as, an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications
Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time
Strong analytic problem solving skills
Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional global team structure
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels
Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner.
Working Environment:

· Standard office working environment

· Some international travel as needed up to 40%

· This role may require working remotely full or part time and part time remote employees may be required to share workspace.