Participatory Governance Specialist, USAID/West Bank & Gaza Accountable Local Governance (ALG) Activity

Position Purpose

The Participatory Governance Specialist will take overall responsibility for supporting and mobilizing community participation in ALG’s service delivery improvement program and related activities.

KEy Duties & Responsibilities

• Train LGUs personnel in applying tools for public participation and civic engagement, as well as community organization and mobilization. Articulate communication objectives, emphasizing the benefits of community participation in municipal affairs.
• Develop communication and media strategies and tools focused on civic engagement and the role of citizens in enhancing accountability and transparency within LGUS.
• Liaise with community leaders to ensure public acceptance and buy-in for community participation, including tax payment, volunteerism, and community forums.
• Facilitate community-level organizations in identifying and providing for community-based public participation approaches.
• Develop and implement tailored plans for replicating successful community participation examples in service delivery improvements per LGU.
• Assist in disseminating successful community-based management of service delivery processes and public participation practices.
• Gather and organize inputs for ongoing policy dialogue on sub-national governance, focusing on roles and responsibilities, program and project design criteria, service delivery standards, public consultation and participation, revenue generation, public service financing, and public sector accountability.
• Identify revisions in existing legislation or the need for new legislation related to citizens engagement and social accountability to support policy recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international development or related field, or equivalent work experience; advanced degree preferred.
• 8 years of relevant working experience in local government or civil society.
• In-depth understanding of institutional, administrative, and other governance issues, especially in conflict-prone areas.
• Ability to work harmoniously with local partners, including government at various levels, civil society, communities, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Experience on USAID-funded projects or other donor-funded projects is highly preferred.
• Fluency in English and Arabic required.

The Participatory Governance Specialist will report to the Accountability and Transparency Team Leader.