District Network Ermera and Liquiça
Based in Gleno Town, Ermera, Timor-Leste, with frequent travel to other districts
Two-year placement, with possibility to extend for another year
Please note that the selected applicant will be required to take up the placement by the end of August 2011 at the latest.
This placement offers an exciting opportunity to participate in addressing citizen participation issues in a post-conflict country, which is currently undergoing a decentralisation process.
The Participatory Planning and Monitoring Adviser will work alongside the Timor-Leste NGO Forum (FONGTIL) supported by 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 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.
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.
