Democratic Republic of the Congo: Civil Society Impact Manager

Counterpart International helps people build better lives and more durable futures, community by community. We equip individuals, organizations and communities-our counterparts- to become solution creators in their own families, communities, regions and countries. We work with them in some of the world’s most challenging places to tackle social, economic, environmental, health and governance issues that threaten their lives and undermine their futures.

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Summary:

Counterpart International is currently seeking a Civil Society Impact Manager for an anticipated six-year DFID-**funded** project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The expected outcome of the Governance Reform Programme for DRC is a Congolese state that is increasingly capable, accountable, and responsive to the expressed demands of Congolese citizens through greater Civil Society Organization (CSO) and citizen engagement in governance processes and the fostering of international links. The Civil Society Impact Manager will be responsible for enhancing local, provincial, and national CSO capacity to capture citizen voice and choice, and be empowered to hold government accountable. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years’ experience in the civil society and governance development sector and in building CSO capacity. This is a full-time position based in Kinshasa, DRC or another location TBD, with frequent regional travel. The person will report to the Regional Director of Africa Programs.

***Qualified Congolese nationals are encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership on citizen engagement in local decision-making processes and citizen monitoring and oversight mechanisms.
• Lead the development of program strategies, planning, and implementation of civic engagement activities across all project components.
• Build the capacity of civil society organizations in technical areas related to government accountability and oversight.
• Support inclusive citizen and civil society organization engagement with local government through existing mechanisms for oversight and participation in governmental decision-making.
• Lead the connection of regional and international initiatives that could support civil society.
• Support multi-stakeholder platforms that increase participatory input into civil society and governance.
• Guide and ensure the highest quality of project monitoring, evaluation, reporting and communications, in line with DFID’s rules, regulations and requirements.
• Document implementation successes, challenges, and lessons learned and share them with Counterpart. Ensure Counterpart best practices are institutionalized within the program and adapted to the local context.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as international development, political science, public administration, or public policy.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in the civil society and governance development field, preferably in the Democratic Republic Congo or Central Africa.
• Successful track record in advising local governments and civil society on citizen engagement and participation, including methodologies for oversight of local government.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with civil society, local government officials, civic leaders, media, private sector representatives, and international donors.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communications skills, with keen attention to interpersonal skills and effective communication.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with diverse teams and building partnerships.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender integration and social inclusion, including women, youth, and PWDs.
• Fluency in French and minimum professional proficiency (level 3) in English required.

Preferred:

• Seven (7) years of experience in the civil society and governance development field, preferably in the Democratic Republic of Congo or Central Africa.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of local languages.
• Familiarity with the Department for International Development (DFID).

Counterpart International is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of Counterpart International to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

How to Apply: all interested and qualified personnel should submit a copy of their most up to date resume/CV to stesfagiorigs@counterpart.org with “Civil Society Impact Manager” in the subject line. No calls or emails please, only finalists will be contacted.