Vacancy Counterpart International – Program Manager Timor Leste

This is a great position with a great team. It is open until filled but Counterpart International is looking to fill it quickly so apply early.

Apply on Counterpart’s website https://recruiting.ultipro.com/COU1004COUNT/JobBoard/311ebbe2-8c13-4f9e-a674-863e60ad790f/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=5384b209-8c33-43a0-93a1-901bcbc8bef7

Job Profile

Counterpart International is seeking a Program Manager (national or international) to finalize its activities under the USAID project (closing September 22, 2017) and to lead a follow-on pilot project (contingent upon funding) aimed at supporting a pilot municipality to successfully operationalize the consultative mechanisms established by law and strengthening the capacity of suco councils to engage more meaningfully in the consultative mechanisms established. The initial contract is contingent upon funding and is for a period of 1 year, extendable for up to 4 years, dependent upon funding and performance. This will be an unaccompanied post if an international assignee is selected.

*This is a field position based in Dili, Timor-Leste.

Since regaining independence in 2002, the government of Timor-Leste has taken important steps to strengthen its democratic institutions to respond to the priorities and needs of its citizens. The 6th Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste has reinforced its commitment to decentralize to the municipal level and has currently, though Decree Law No. 3/2016 established a new municipal administrative structure to support the deconcentration of specific competencies to the municipal level. These new structures create important opportunities for inclusive citizen participation in decision making, in particular through assemblies and councils established at the municipal and post-administration level. In addition, the elected suco councils continue to play an important role in identifying citizen’s needs and representing these priorities to the government’s consultative bodies. Support is needed to assist the municipal level and sub-municipal level authorities to successfully operationalize the consultative mechanisms established in a way that maximizes the inclusive participation and representation of citizens, and to the suco council members to help them more effectively consult with and represent their constituents’ priorities. Counterpart International is currently wrapping up the successful implementation of the 4 year USAID funded Mai Munisipiu project.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide overall project leadership, management, quality control, and technical direction, while ensuring compliance with donor requirements and regulations and Counterpart policies and procedures.
• Identify obstacles and risks related to implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate adjustments to the home office and donor.
• Liaise with the donor(s), civil society organizations, local government officials, and other local partners to coordinate activities and facilitate monitoring and reporting of project objectives and achievements.
• Lead strategy design and annual work-plan development, and oversee program monitoring and reporting.
• Manage and supervise the work of project personnel, implementing partners and grantees, with a focus on achieving work plan targets and core results in a timely manner.
• Provide consultative and empowering approach to team management, creating an environment where staff are encouraged to challenge themselves, develop their skills and where their inputs are valued
• Oversee field office finances and administration of sub-awards.
• Oversee field office HR practices, ensuring hiring, employee evaluations and promotions are in compliance with Counterpart policies and procedures.
• Ensure that long- and short-term technical assistance provided by the project is technically sound and appropriate for the local context.
• Participate in specialized content (technical) events such as workshops and round-tables, support knowledge management, and share learning across key networks.
• Coordinate activities between the field office and Counterpart headquarters.
• Leverage networks, program investments, and project successes to seek opportunities for program expansion and promoting Counterpart’s practice areas.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as law, international development, governance, community engagement, etc.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience, some of which must have been gained in a low-capacity implementing environment and which have involved increasingly responsible program coordination and project management experience
• Strong M&E data collection, analysis and reporting skills, including proven success implementing capacity development programs
• Experience implementing grassroots level, inclusive, citizenship engagement programming and/or working closely with host governments to develop capacity particularly in the areas of local governance, decentralization, and planning
• Demonstrated success incorporating inclusive participation of women, youth, and people with disabilities into all aspects of program implementation
• Highly developed diplomatic and relationship-building skills;
• Proven success establishing and cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with host government authorities.
• Experience managing a budget, overseeing procurement and ensuring compliance with internal and donor regulations
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Preferred:

• Tetum language skills highly preferred.
• Portuguese or Indonesian language skills.
• Master’s degree.
• In-country experience working in Timor-Leste highly preferred

Carolyn Tanner

Chief of Party, Mai Munisípiu project

Counterpart International

mobile +670 7810 3008  | office +670 331 0189
skype  carolyntanner | email [email protected] | web www.counterpart.org

address Rua Humberto da Cruz | Akadiru-Hun | Dili | Timor-Leste