Liberia: Senior Decentralization and Local Government Specialist

Project Background:

The USAID Liberia Local Empowerment for Government Inclusion and Transparency (USAID LEGIT) project will improve Liberia’s decentralization conditions and capacity by linking improved government performance with stronger accountability to citizens. USAID LEGIT will align government supply of services with citizen-driven demand, using robust performance indicators to allow Government of Liberia (GoL) partners and citizens to measure government effectiveness. This will result in strengthened GoL ability to plan, manage, and deliver services with meaningful citizen participation.

Role’s Purpose:

The Senior Decentralization and Local Government Specialist (SDLGS) will be the lead specialist on local government and decentralization issues (other than those associated with civil society) within the LEGIT project team. The SDLGS, in coordination with the Government Advisor and the Chief of Party, will lead efforts to improve local authority operations within the three LEGIT counties (Bong, Nimba and Grand Gedeh) and cities (Gbarnga, Ganta and Zwedru) including public service delivery, policy and programs at the local level, increase access to reliable and affordable public services. The SDLGS will work with the Civil Society Advisor to support participatory and accountable local government through the introduction of participatory planning and budgeting and other social inclusion approaches. The SDLGS will also support the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team in its analytical and research activities as well as the Grants Team in providing technical leadership on grant projects in support of LEGIT local authorities. The SDLGS will also be the lead specialist to whom the Urban Management and Planning Coordinators and the Capacity Development Coordinators report to on technical matters and from whom they receive technical direction in collaboration with the Capacity Development and Field Manager. The SDLGS will therefore work closely with the Capacity Development and Field Manager in supporting the three LEGIT county teams.

Objectives and Duties

The Senior Decentralization and Local Governance Specialist in coordination with the Government Advisor and the Chief of Party, will lead efforts to improve public service delivery, policy at the local level, promote community participation in local governance decision-making, increase access to reliable and affordable public services, and support participatory and accountable local governance.

The SDLGS will be responsible for project support of Objectives 2, 3 and 4 of the LEGIT project:

· Improve the performance and strengthen the capacity of county administrations to coordinate and provide oversight of Government of Liberia activities across sectors;

· Improve the capacity of cities to manage resources and deliver key services;

· Increase citizen representation in planning and decision-making in counties and cities.

The SDLGS will have the following duties:

· Work under the direction of the Chief of Party to provide leadership and technical expertise in local governance areas and work closely with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Governance Commission to ensure that training, coaching, and monitoring are conducted in a quality manner.

· Provide technical assistance to government to implement national-level standards, policies, and procedures to increase authority and capacity of county administrations and city corporations

· Advise government institutions on the development of decentralization implementation policies, work plans, and systems

· Promote dialogue among municipal governments to share lessons learned and experiences during Communities of Practice that will improve good governance practices.

· Prepare monthly progress reports and inputs into Quarterly Reports and success stories.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

· Must have at least 8 years experience working with local governments/authorities in Liberia or another similar African country at a senior management level;

· Excellent and demonstrated knowledge of the legal and regulatory frameworks for local governments in any jurisdiction in a developing country.

· Strong experience in providing technical assistance to local governments, including through participatory approaches.

· Previous management experience of USAID-funded or other donor projects preferred

· Bachelor’s degree in political science, Governance, business, public administration management or related field required, advanced degree preferred

· Strong demonstrated ability to work in a team environment on highly collaborative projects.

This position is for Liberian nationals only.

Please use the following link to apply: https://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm04/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=DAINC&cws=1&rid=3141