Programme Officer for Local Governance

Irish Aid - Programme Officer for Local Governance

Irish Aid has been working in Timor Leste since 2000. The current Country Strategy Paper (CSP) sets out the strategy for Ireland’s development assistance to Timor–Leste for the period 2010–2013.

The CSP identifies three strategic objectives:

(i) To build strong, responsive local and central mechanisms that will deliver services at the local level for the poor and vulnerable
(ii) To increase participation in development at the local level among the poor and vulnerable
(iii) To build and strengthen peace-building and reconciliation

The CSP’s engagement in local governance and local development currently envisages the inclusion of the following areas:

· Capacity building and strengthening of local governments
· Support to local government and decentralisation
· Local private sector development, in particular in the view of linkages to service delivery at the local level
· Strengthening of Civil Society Organisations, in particular with regards to decision making in service delivery at the local level and decentralisation

Key Functions of the Programme Office for Local Governance

· Work closely with the Head of Mission on the implementation of the Irish Aid Local Governance Programme as outlined in the CSP 2010-13 and as further developed by the Mission over the course of the CSP
· To maintain close links with Irish Aid partners in this area, in particular the Ministry for State Administration and Territorial Management and UNCDF, and key Civil Society Organisations
· Understand and follow the political, economic, social and cultural environment in which interventions occur
· To establish and maintain strong links with the other areas of the programme, including the cross cutting themes of gender equality and conflict resolution. To work closely with colleagues in the mission and to identify and develop synergies within the entire programme
· To keep a watching brief and advise the Head of Mission on:
o progress in the area of Local Governance in Timor Leste
o relevant meetings relating to local governance (in the areas set out above)
o reports in the local and international media on local governance in Timor Leste
o developments and progress on other projects and programmes influencing local government
· Monitor and report to the Head of Mission, and Headquarters as required, on the progress of programmes, the disbursement of funds, reporting and other contractual obligations of partners and ensure that funds are properly spent and accounted for
· Liaise regularly with other agencies involved in Local Governance and represent Irish Aid at development partner coordination and Government meetings as required.
· Travel to the districts as necessary to monitor the implementation of local government reforms and project implementation
· Work with the Mission team to develop a conflict-sensitive approach to local government programming
· Support the Head of Mission in their day to day work
· Support the overall programme and operation of the Irish Aid mission in Timor Leste

Reporting

The Project Officer will report to the Head of Mission and in the course of his/her duties will liaise with work colleagues both at Irish Aid Office in Dili and in HQ Dublin/Limerick, as appropriate.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential:

· A Timorese national, male or female;
· Demonstrated working knowledge of the principles and issues surrounding local governance reform and civil society involvement
· Demonstrated working knowledge of the principles of local government, good governance, service delivery, etc.
· Demonstrated working knowledge of undertaking research and the preparation of written reports
· Fluency in Tetum and English (written and spoken)
· Computer literacy (standard word processing , spreadsheet )
· Ability to coordinate information and work as part of a team
· Minimum of four (4) years work experience

Desirable

· Formal education in Local Government, Development, Social Science and /or related fields
· Possess valid driving licence
· Experience of working with local and or international donor organisations
· Experience of working in private sector an advantage
· Understanding of tendering and procurement process an advantage
· Portuguese language ability an advantage

The position offers a competitive salary including health care.

Irish Aid is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Please send your curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter by Monday, 23 August, 2010, to:
Maria Celia Tavares
Irish Aid
Embassy of Ireland
Farol, Dili
For further information please check www.irishaid.gov.ie contact maria.celia-tavares@dfa.ie or call 3324880.

It is intended to interview short-listed candidates in the week starting Monday, 6 September, 2010 and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.