1. 1.      Project Background:

DAI Global is implementing the USAID-funded Governance and Local Administration (HOVERLA), based in Kyiv, Ukraine. This project is designed to support Ukraine advance self-reliant local governance including legislative reforms, participatory strategic planning methodologies, service improvement, local economic development, civil society engagement, and capacity building of sub-national government entities.

• Objective 1:  Ukraine’s system of local self-governance is increasingly institutionalized and effective
• Objective 2: More self-reliant subnational governance
• Objective 3: Citizens play an increasingly influential role in local governance processes

1. 2.      Role’s Purpose:

The main objective of the Local Government Advisor is to guide all technical work and collaboration with at least 80 targeted Hromadas throughout Ukraine. Activities shall be related to supporting local governance improved effectiveness, service delivery, transparent and accountable local governance, intermunicipal cooperation and advocacy to national government on relevant local government issues such as own source revenue and intergovernmental transfer.

S/he will be responsible for serving as a lead advisor on local government and will work directly with Hoverla project staff in Kyiv and in the regions and with project counterparts such as mayors, departments ministries etc. in all program activities and promoting collaboration in the effective design and implementation of HOVERLA activities related to subnational governments.

The Local Government Specialist will report and work under Objective 1 Lead and will coordinate with him/her all direct engagement with other HOVERLA staff and counterparts as required.

The position requires intimate knowledge of the Ukrainian decentralization effort, business regulatory environment and investment climate (foreign and domestic).

Responsibilities:

The Local Government Advisor will:

• Coordinate closely with all technical specialists to ensure municipal policies, guidelines and programs are taken into consideration in HOVERLA program implementation.
• Interface regularly with Hromada government professionals and leadership as feasible, and maintain positive, productive relationships with them.
• Maintain regular communication with Hromada government authorities and professionals to provide solutions on technical problems, which may arise from activities implemented by the program, especially at the Regional and Hromada levels.
• Design a coordination/communication mechanism and a training program for subnational government professionals and leadership as needed.
• Ensure strong coordination and collaboration of the Regional Offices with Hromada government professionals and authorities as feasible and needed.
• Work with the Objective 1 Lead and the regional director to ensure coordination among this and other sectors and guaranty implementation of technical aspects of the program.
• Overview the development of technical documentation required.
• Provide inputs on central government advances and challenges to the Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Reports.
• Build the capacity of relevant national and subnational government staff
• Assist in developing grant concepts
• Serve as the point of contact for subnational governments
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including institutional and private sector partners, to increase visibility and maximize coordination.
• Provide on-demand information for USAID
• Other relevant duties as needed.
• Other activities as requested by the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party

Qualifications:

• Five to eight years of professional work experience as team leader or specialist on local government programs in complex and dynamic work environments in Ukraine.
• Advanced degree in public administration or political sciences or other relevant field. Master’s degree will be a plus.
• Excellent experience interacting with municipal government mid-level leadership and professionals and in politically sensitive environments.
• Prior experience working on USAID-funded projects and knowledge of USAID policies, strategies, and regulations.
• Self-starter and independent, capable of following guidance and transform it into actions.
• Excellent interpersonal relationships with national and international staff, in a multicultural environment and with multidisciplinary teams
• Thorough understanding of the decentralization reforms in Ukraine
• Knowledge and experience in participatory techniques, teambuilding, coaching, effective communication and writing skills.
• Ability to analyze the socio-economic and political context of the country.
• Experience preparing well-researched reports.
• Proficiency with MS Office
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.
• Professional proficiency in Ukrainian and/or Russian

Location:

Kyiv, Ukraine

The deadline for applications is May 21, 2021.

Application link: https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/quxlyo8hmw/index.html?1618952685727

Application instructions:

Select the position in which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload CV. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as interviews will be conducted soon. Please note, due to the volume of applications that we receive and the urgency to fill-up positions only shortlisted applicants will receive receive notifications on next steps.