Counterpart International is a global development organization that empowers people and communities to implement innovative and enduring solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. For nearly 50 years, Counterpart has been forging partnerships with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, food security and nutrition, and building effective governance and institutions.
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SUMMARY:
Counterpart International is seeking a Citizen Engagement Specialist for an anticipated 18-month, $1.6 million Elections and Political Process Reform Program in Senegal. The program aims to enhance the capacity of the Senegalese National Assembly and Civil Society to effectively contribute to and support critical reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and processes, with a particular emphasis on supporting the participation of female deputies in the National Assembly. With the support and under the supervision of the Project Director, the Citizen Engagement Specialist will be responsible for improving civil society’s ability to effectively participate in electoral and good governance policy development, dialogue and monitoring of implementation. This individual will coordinate closely with local government and civil society partners.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Through close collaboration with the Counterpart Headquarters Management team and the Project Director, the Citizen Engagement Specialist will:
• Assist in the development, coordination, and implementation of communication strategies on the importance of electoral and good governance reforms, which encourage greater public transparency and accountability to its citizens;
• Provide technical assistance and support to citizen groups, women’s organizations, representatives of political parties and the private sector on techniques for mobilizing media and public opinion around policy proposals and oversight actions designed to address issues of corruption, government transparency and accountability, weak judiciary and lack of adequate enforcement;
• Design, deliver and facilitate training and technical assistance for CSOs and citizen groups to increase their knowledge of advocacy and CSO government oversight mechanisms;
• Increase the capacity of civil society organizations to advocate on women’s rights issues through greater policy awareness;
• Identify additional internal and external resources for advocacy and CSO oversight;
• Facilitate learning of regional and international best practices for citizen engagement including issue analysis, advocacy and communication for civil society, youth and women groups;
• Continuously assess the civil society environment, identifying relevant developments with strategic implications for program execution;
• Ensure that gender is appropriately integrated into all citizen engagement activities in a manner that is appropriate for the Senegalese context;
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Provide technical assistance and support to citizen groups, women’s organizations, representatives of political parties and the private sector on techniques for mobilizing media and public opinion around policy proposals and oversight actions designed to address issues of corruption, government transparency and accountability, weak judiciary and lack of adequate enforcement;
• Design, deliver and facilitate training and technical assistance for CSOs and citizen groups to increase their knowledge of advocacy and CSO government oversight mechanisms;
• Increase the capacity of civil society organizations to advocate on women’s rights issues through greater policy awareness;
• Identify additional internal and external resources for advocacy and CSO oversight;
• Facilitate learning of regional and international best practices for citizen engagement including issue analysis, advocacy and communication for civil society, youth and women groups;
• Continuously assess the civil society environment, identifying relevant developments with strategic implications for program execution;
• Ensure that gender is appropriately integrated into all citizen engagement activities in a manner that is appropriate for the Senegalese context;
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• A minimum of 6 years relevant experience in similar governance and civil society programs, including specific expertise in public oversight/government accountability, citizen group strengthening and advocacy.
• Preferred advanced degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Development, or a relevant field of study.
• Technical experience in several of the following areas: democracy and governance, legislative and electoral reform, citizen participation, advocacy, institutional capacity building.
• Preferred past experience with USAID development programs and an understanding of their development approaches and techniques related to democracy and governance support.
• Strong presentation and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with and bringing together civil society, legislative and executive branch representatives in Senegal or the West African region.
• French fluency required. English fluency strongly preferred.
• Preferred advanced degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Development, or a relevant field of study.
• Technical experience in several of the following areas: democracy and governance, legislative and electoral reform, citizen participation, advocacy, institutional capacity building.
• Preferred past experience with USAID development programs and an understanding of their development approaches and techniques related to democracy and governance support.
• Strong presentation and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with and bringing together civil society, legislative and executive branch representatives in Senegal or the West African region.
• French fluency required. English fluency strongly preferred.
How to apply:
Please apply online at www.Counterpart.org. No calls or emails please.
Counterpart is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.
