Local Governance Specialist

The Local Governance Specialist will organize and provide technical assistance and training at the municipal level to build the capacity of local government leaders and civil servants in financial, administrative and regulatory measures that promote transparency, accountability and effective governance. The Local Governance 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 Maintain an expert knowledge of the regulatory environment in which municipalities operate. Serve as the principal point of contact with municipalities/unions who are the beneficiaries of the program. Conduct assessments of select municipalities in order to design an appropriate training package. Engage local government leaders in workshops to identify their priorities and ideas for enhancing the quality of local governance and the participation of citizens. Conduct training in financial management, leadership development, participatory budgeting, procurement reform and related areas. This includes also coaching and on-the-job training. Promote development of plans and support implementation of municipal urban development projects that are conducted by municipalities in conjunction with civil society groups. Coordinate closely with the Civil Society Advocacy Specialist, notably on how to foster civic engagement in municipal life. Promote dialogue across municipal governments to share lessons learned and experiences that will improve good governance practices. Generate reports on progress and success stories. Contribute to the monitoring of progress.  Professional skills Experience working with local government and municipalities to strengthen their financial, administrative and leadership capacity. Strong training skills Experience supporting the implementation of municipal urban development projects. Donor-funded project experience preferred. Willingness and ability to travel throughout the country Fluency in Arabic and English (written and verbal).   Applications are due no later than February 28, 2013. 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.