Senior Decentralization And Local Governance Specialist, Baladi Cap, Lebanon

Project Summary:  The Building Alliances for Local Advancement, Development and Investment Project (BALADI) aims to improve public service delivery at the local and regional levels, promote community participation in local governance decision-making, increase access to reliable and affordable public services, and support participatory and accountable local governance. The goal of BALADI is to achieve sustained and broad-based economic growth by engaging with municipal government institutions, Lebanese-registered civil society organizations, and private sector businesses. The BALADI CAP project is a five-year, USAID-funded project that complements and bolsters the activities of the BALADI project by providing organizational capacity-building assistance to local civil society organizations and municipalities. **Please note: Only Lebanese citizens are eligible for this position.** Position Summary: MSI is seeking candidates for the full-time position of Senior Decentralization and Local Governance Specialist on a capacity-building program for Lebanese civil society organizations (CSOs), municipalities, and unions of municipalities. The senior decentralization and local governance specialist will work under the direction of the chief of party (COP) and deputy chief of party (DCOP) to provide leadership and technical expertise in local governance areas and work closely with service providers/intermediary support organizations (SPs/ISOs) to ensure that training, coaching, and monitoring are conducted in a quality manner. Responsibilities: Serve as the primary point of contact with municipalities/unions of municipalities and CSOs that are beneficiaries under the program. Provide direct management and oversight of SPs/ISOs in the design, development and implementation of institution-building and capacity building trainings and technical assistance. Assist municipalities in the design/implementation of local development schemes. Assist COP in the identification and recruitment of senior professionals in the fields of local government institution building and local development planning and implementation. Provide technical assistance and support in the training of personnel of SPs/ISOs in the methodology and facilitation of capacity assessments for municipalities. Engage local government leaders during training workshops and activities by facilitating priorities and ideas for enhancing the quality of local governance and the participation of citizens. Promote dialogue among municipal governments to share lessons learned and experiences during communities of practice that will improve good governance practices. Prepare monthly progress reports and inputs into quarterly reports and success stories. Monitor and report on activity progress. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, sociology, economic development or related fields (master’s is a plus). Seven (7) years of experience in working with Lebanese local governments in the fields of institution building/humanitarian aid and/or local development. High proficiency in English and Arabic (spoken and written), including English reporting skills. Knowledge of grants management is a plus. Previous work with international donor organizations is a plus. Ability to work under pressure. Ability to work within a team. Ability to communicate well in meetings with local decision/policymakers. Sharp attention to details. Ability to manage a small team. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.