CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: Counterpart International
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Closing date: 16 Feb 2015

Counterpart International is seeking an Elections Specialist for the anticipated USAID-funded Congo Demokrasia program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Congo Demokrasia will promote Congolese citizens’ informed voting and active and peaceful participation in the 2015-16 elections. The program will support civil society organizations (CSOs) to conduct voter education activities and strengthen their ability to conduct oversight and advocacy to protect citizens’ electoral rights in the upcoming elections. With support and guidance from the Chief of Party and Counterpart Headquarters staff, the Elections Specialist will provide overall effective management and support for civil society voter education and accountability/oversight activities related to the elections. The Elections Specialist should have competence and extensive past experience managing and implementing successful political participation programs as well as providing technical assistance to local partners/CSOs, government and other stakeholders. This position is open to local candidates only.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Design, develop, and implement program strategies, policies and procedures that are related to improving the ability of CSOs to support better informed and increased voter participation in the DRC.
* Design and conduct assessment of CSOs’ technical, operational and financial capacities, particularly as they relate to enhancing civil society participation in the political process. Coordinate activities that increase the awareness and understanding of Congolese citizens about the electoral process, their rights and role as voters, and the importance of peaceful participation.
* Provide technical advice and guidance to local CSO partners and grantees and other stakeholders as necessary.
* Oversee activities to engage citizens in CSO voter education and election activities.
* Work with program staff, consultants and trainers to deliver high quality training, technical assistance and mentoring to local CSOs, especially those involving youth, women and minorities.
* Ensure Counterpart’s best practices are adopted to the Congolese context and institutionalized within the program.
* Identify and establish partnerships with relevant stakeholders including civil society organizations, networks, and coalitions, other USAID implementing partners, media representatives and government officials.
* Ensure that gender integration, female empowerment, and youth engagement are addressed and presented in all voter education activities.
* Contribute to the writing of program quarterly and final reports, success stories and press releases.
* Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

* A Bachelor’s degree in management, public administration, governance, civics, capacity development, or related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
* A minimum five (5) years of demonstrated experience working with CSOs in the areas of civic engagement or political participation (preferably in a post-conflict environment or in Africa).
* Expertise in civil society strengthening directly related to civic engagement, political participation, or voter education, including civil society-related training and facilitation in one or more of the above-mentioned fields.
* Recent work experience in the DRC and a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the country preferred.
* Experience in civil society outreach, relationships, and partnerships in advancing organizational mission, as well as recognizing opportunities for collaboration.
* Demonstrated knowledge of USG rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
* Demonstrated leadership, supervisory and organizational skills.
* A high level of interpersonal and communication skills.
* Ability to work well in a team environment as well as work effectively with civil society organizations, USAID, project staff, and other beneficiaries.
* Commitment to integration of gender and youth issues into technical approach is required; experience in gender integration and youth engagement a plus.
* Excellent public speaking and writing skills in French; advanced professional level English; knowledge of Swahili, Kikongo, Lingala or Tshiluba preferred.

How to apply:

https://rew12.ultipro.com/COU1004/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=\*A9D251352B14B26B