OBS: Progressio Timor-Leste: 3 Participatory Planning and Monitoring Advisers

Dear colleagues,

I would appreciate it if you could post the below on you notice board or forward to interested people. Apologies in advance for cross-posting.

Progressio is currently looking for three committed individuals to take up the post of Participatory Planning and Monitoring Adviser (PPMA), a two-year placement, with possibility to extend for another year. Please note that for all of these vacancies the selected applicant will be required to take up the placement by the end of August 2011.

• PPMA District Networks of Baucau and Lautem; based in Baucau Town, Baucau, Timor-Leste, with frequent travel to other districts.
• PPMA District networks of Ermera and Liquica; based in Gleno, Ermera, Timor-Leste, with frequent travel to other districts.
• PPMA District networks of Bobonaro and Oecussi; based in Maliana, Bobonaro, Timor-Leste, with frequent travel to other districts.

For each of these placements in the first year focus will be on the first mentioned district, with the second district pending further assessment. Relocation for the second year might be necessary and would be compulsory in the case of Oecussi.

Each placement focuses capacity building efforts on two districts, a total of six districts. The advisers are part of a team working within the framework of Progressio's Supporting Inclusive Local Governance Project, for which it already placed an Organisational Development and Communications Adviser at local organisation Mata Dalan Institute (MDI) and a Decentralisation and Citizen engagement Adviser at NGO Forum Timor-Leste (FONGTIL). The project so far has received support from Cafod, Development & Peace, and CIDA. The district extension component, in the shape of the above three advisory positions, receives support from Irish Aid.

The Participatory Planning and Monitoring Adviser will work alongside the Timor-Leste NGO Forum (FONGTIL) District Liaison Officers supported by the District Networks, building capacity of district-based member organisations in addressing citizen participation in local and national decision-making processes in Timor-Leste. The focus of the placement will be on developing the capacity of FONGTIL’s member organisations in issue identification and advocacy planning in relation to decentralisation, in order to provide a solid foundation for the further development of local-level participatory planning in Timor-Leste. An important aspect will be the facilitation of increased cooperation between civil society, government, and the private sector.

Person Profile

You should have a university degree in Social Sciences or equivalent in a relevant discipline (eg Public Management, Political Science) and education/ training in specific aspects of community development.

A minimum of three years’ direct work experience on participatory planning and/ or budgeting for local governance with NGOs, local communities and local government units; experience in planning for and monitoring of development projects; in strengthening the interaction between government and civil society within the framework of civic participation, and of working in a resource poor environment are essential.

You will need the ability to transfer skills and knowledge through formal or informal training and skill-sharing; an understanding of the importance of good networking and information strategies surrounding citizen involvement in local municipalities; excellent research and analytical skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas/ issues into briefings and presentations for diverse audiences, and to promote a gender sensitive approach in all areas concerning governance.

Other essential requirements are excellent interpersonal and communication skills; maturity and sound political judgement; excellent project management, self-organising, and prioritising skills; good problem solving skills, an openness to learning, and the ability to adapt skills and knowledge to the local context and work with existing resources; a drive for innovation and excellence; willingness to travel extensively within Timor-Leste; a high degree of self-sufficiency and initiative; cultural sensitivity in a predominantly Catholic setting, and commitment to learn Tetum, amongst others.

For further information and an application form visit www.progressio.org.uk/jobs

It is essential that you complete the application form in full, as very specific information is required and will be used to decide whether or not you will be short-listed for an interview. Please note that CVs/resumes will not be accepted.

Closing date: 3 July 2011

Interviews: Mid July 2011

Please return the completed application form to: Recruitment@progressio.org.uk

Progressio has been leading the way on practical international development issues for more than forty years. Whether through placing skilled professionals overseas, or in our policy and advocacy achievements, Progressio has a track record of making a difference. We work with people of all faiths and none. Progressio has over 80 skilled professionals working in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Best regards,

Tibor

Tibor van Staveren

Country Representative

Progressio Timor-Leste

Mobile: +670 7232690