Civil Society And Advocacy Specialist

The Civil Society and Advocacy Specialist is responsible for all activities aimed at supporting civil society and advocacy efforts for the USAID-funded BALADI Plus program managed by Management Systems International (MSI). The Civil Society and Advocacy Specialist will organize and provide technical assistance and training at the municipal level to build citizen leadership skills, encourage action by local civic associations that engages citizens and local governments to work on common projects, and improve citizen advocacy activities on municipal-level policy making. The Civil Society and Advocacy Specialist reports directly to the Program Manager. Program Summary: The Building Alliances for Local Advancement, Development, and Investment (BALADI) Plus project is intended to offer technical assistance to select municipalities to allow them to better manage their resources and respond to citizen demands, and to foster civic engagement in municipal life, through close collaboration with USAID/Lebanon’s BALADI project.   Specific Duties and Responsibilities   Identify and conceptualize activities that promote productive links between local civil society and local government. Based on assessed needs, organize activities to build civil society’s capacity to effectively participate in the budget process and other decision-making stages in local government. Engage civil society and the private sector leaders in workshops to identify their priorities and ideas for working with municipal government on joint initiatives. Promote and support training and civic education on citizen rights, good governance principles, participatory planning, citizen oversight and monitoring, etc. Offer training to local officials and community leaders on conflict analysis and conflict resolution techniques Work with the media to conduct public awareness and information campaigns. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, international development, or a related field At least 3 years of experience in civil society, community development, project management, or a related field Field experience with local and/or international NGOs Up-to-date understanding and knowledge of political and social conditions in Lebanon Prior experience with and/or good understanding of donor organizations active in Lebanon. Ability and willingness to conduct site visits throughout the country on a regular basis Experience working with civil society organizations to strengthen their capacity to conduct public awareness and advocacy campaigns – at the local levels. Experience conducting training in advocacy and project implementation skills for civil society groups. Experience developing and implementing communication/outreach strategies on public policy issues and citizen rights-using a range of media channels. Fluency in Arabic and English (written and verbal)     Applications are due no later than November 30, 2012. Note that applications may be viewed and applicants contacted prior to the close date Cover letters, CVs, and a completed AID 1420-17 (Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet) should be submitted to baladiplus@msi-lebanon.com .  Please include BALADI PLUS and the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line.  AID 1420-17 forms can be downloaded from this site: http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.