National Capacity Development Expert

The Belgian Development Agency (BTC) in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) is implementing a program aimed at providing support to the Local Government. The program will have three components:
1-Support for MoLG Capacity Development.
2-Support for reform and improved capacities and services in smaller LGUs.
3-Support for newly amalgamated municipalities (MDP-aligned).
BTC in coordination with MoLG is seeking to recruit highly qualified persons to fill in the following vacancies:

Location and duration: Ramallah, 2 years with possibility for extension.
Focus: component 1 of the program:

General Duties

The (NCDE) will participate in the daily management and implementation of the activities of Component 1.
By focusing solely on component 1, the (NCDE) will provide strategic advice on planning for capacity development of MoLG. As such, he/she will assure more specifically:
-The preparation of overall planning of the component 1 activities;
-Organizing, coordinating and supervising the implementation of programme component 1 activities in accordance with the approved programme work plans;
-Technical guidance on programme methodology and strategy;
-Supervising of the preparation and tendering of contracts for procurement of goods and services;
-Providing financial management, accounting and timely compilation of progress reports and budgeted work plans;
-Supervising and monitoring of concerned activities.

Responsibilities and tasks
-Support the detailed capacity development activities in support of the selected MoLG departments (The Complaints Directorate, the Internal Control Directorate, the Department of Formulation and Merging) and the associated district level;
-Assist MoLG in its strategic thinking about - and actual development of - a broader long term capacity development plan for all of its departments, that is amendable to joint donor support and takes into account the existing assessments and diagnostics;
-Provide technical and strategic guidance regarding the preparation, implementation of any activity undertaken under Component 1 of the project and assure its technical and administrative follow-up,
-Attract and follow-up punctual external assistance (consulting) for specific capacity development activities where appropriate,
-Participate at any capacity development-related initiative organized within MoLG at the latter’s request,
-Assure liaison with representatives of MoLG responsible for capacity development-related initiatives and facilitate MoLG’s strategic thinking about capacity development,
-Guarantee the smooth functioning of the project’s Technical Committee for Component 1,
-Provide input for the project’s Steering Committee as requested.

Qualifications
-Relevant and recognized degree at masters or Ph.D level (in public administration or similar field),
-Minimum of five years relevant work experience with local government reforms in Palestine or internationally - experience from Middle Eastern countries is a must-, with a focus on capacity needs,
-Sound understanding of all aspects of decentralization reforms,
-Experience in the development and/or implementation of capacity development strategies within the public sector, including strategic, methodological and operational aspects,
-Excellent English and Arabic,
-Strong interpersonal and networking skills.

Candidates are invited to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CVs) with a cover letter, and last salary earned to the following email address [email protected] no later than
20th of June 2011. Clearly indicate in the email subject the title of the position you are applying for. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.