About DAI

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI is seeking qualified candidates for the Kyiv-base Local Government Advisor position on its newly awarded USAID Governance and Local Accountability (HOVERLA) Activity. Interested candidates should submit their application through the following portal:

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

The deadline for applications is July 14, 2021. Due to a high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted in response to this job advertisement. 

Project Background

DAI Global is implementing the USAID-funded Governance and Local Administration (HOVERLA) Activity, 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.  The Activity has three objectives:

• 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

Role’s Purpose:

The main objective of the Local Government Advisor is to guide all work and collaboration with at least 7 targeted oblast and 80 Hromadas throughout Ukraine. Activities shall be related to supporting sub-regional and local governance improved effectiveness, service delivery, transparent and accountable local governance, intermunicipal cooperation, and advocacy to national government on relevant local self-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, Heads of oblast state administration etc. in all program activities and promoting collaboration in the effective design and implementation of HOVERLA activities related to subnational governments.

The Local Government Advisor will report and work under Objective 2 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 public administration and decentralization efforts, business regulatory environment and investment climate (foreign and domestic).

Responsibilities:

The Local Government Advisor will:

• Coordinate closely with all technical specialists under the Objective 2 to ensure municipal policies, guidelines and programs are taken into consideration in HOVERLA program implementation.
• Interface regularly with targeted Oblast and Hromada officials and leadership as feasible, and maintain positive, productive relationships with them.
• Maintain regular communication with targeted Oblast and Hromada government authorities and officials to provide solutions, which may arise from activities implemented by the program, especially at the Regional and Hromada levels.
• Design a coordination/communication mechanism for subnational government professional officials and leadership as needed.
• Work with the Objective 2 Lead and the Regional Director to ensure coordination among this and other sectors and guaranty implementation 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.
• Support the capacity building of relevant subnational government officials (in targeted Oblast and Hromadas)
• Assist in developing grant concepts
• 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.
• Experience for working with government agencies will be an asset (as civil servant and/or local self-government officials)
• Master’s degree in public administration or political sciences or other relevant field.
• 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/ region.
• Experience preparing well-researched reports.
• Proficiency with MS Office
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.
• Professional proficiency in Ukrainian

Location:

Kyiv, Ukraine

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 notifications on next steps.