Position:Director of Citizen Engagement
Location:Mogadishu or Hargeisa, Somalia
Reports To:Chief of Party
Division:Media, Civil Society and Technology
About IREX
IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. We enable local individuals and institutions to build key elements of a vibrant society: quality education, independent media, and strong communities. To strengthen these sectors, our program activities also include conflict resolution, technology for development, women and youth.
Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $70 million and a staff of over 400 professionals worldwide. IREX employs field-tested methods and innovative uses of technologies to develop practical and locally-driven solutions with our partners in more than 100 countries.
Summary of Position
IREX seeks a Director of Citizen Engagement for an anticipated USAID-funded governance project in Somalia. The goal of the project is to support the development of more effective and accountable Somali government institutions. The Director of Citizen Engagement will lead a component of the program designed to increase citizen awareness of and engagement with government decision-making through work with civil society and media.
The position is contingent on funding.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for civil society and media-focused activities as member of program’s senior leadership team
- Deliver direct technical assistance and mentoring to key partners
- Engage civil society and the media to increase citizens’ awareness about the constitutional implementation process, government structures, and the roles and responsibilities of elected officials and citizens
- Create opportunities for civil society groups, media, business associations, universities, think tanks, and others to engage effectively with government institutions
- Build capacity of citizens to have a better understanding of their government, rights and responsibilities
- Build capacity of CSOs and media to gather and represent citizen input, raise awareness, advocate, and give input to government on key policies, legislation, and programs
- Supervise staff and budget as well as monitoring, evaluation and reporting of program activities
- Represent IREX publicly and support its organizational development
Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is required; Master’s degree preferred
- At least 7 years of experience in developing the capacity of civil society and media organizations in the context of good governance programming
- Prior successful senior leadership of donor-supported programs focused on good governance
- Experience in Somalia preferred, including demonstrated understanding of conflict-affected environments and youth and gender issues
- Proven ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative relationships with civil society groups, opinion leaders, communities, the media, government officials and representatives of the international community at the national and local level
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and work in a complex settings
- Demonstrated ability to communicate skills and experience to others effectively as a trainer or advisor.
- Strong command of English language is required
- Outstanding verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills
- Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and versatility
How to apply:
o to http://www.irex.org/careers and click on Current Openings. Then click on the corresponding position and apply through our website. Please supply a resume and a cover letter with your application. If you are creating a new profile you need to do so and then go back in to apply for a position.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
AA/EOE/M/F/D/V