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-based full-time Intergovernmental Relations Expert position to join USAID Governance and Local Accountability (HOVERLA) Activity’s team. Interested candidates should submit their application through the following portal:

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

The deadline for applications – until the position is filled in. 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 Accountability (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

Position Overview

The Intergovernmental Relations Expert is a member of the Objective 2 team focused on achieving results to advance more self-reliant sub-national governance. Working closely with Objective 1 and 2 Leads and other key members of the HOVERLA team, the Intergovernmental Relations Expert will facilitate information sharing and collaboration between the different levels of government (national, oblast, CTC), and between the relevant national level institutions around key decentralization and local governance reforms. Reporting to the Objective 2 Lead, the position will also manage HOVERLA’s relations with local government associations that are advocating for the implementation of the decentralization agenda. The Intergovernmental Relations Expert will take a lead role in HOVERLA’s digital transformation relations with local and subnational government partners. The Intergovernmental Relations Expert will also assist in promoting HOVERLA’s objectives and achievements before various GOU counterparts in the executive and legislative branches.

Objectives and Duties

• Provide technical assistance, training, and build relationships with key GOU institutions at the national and sub-national levels, including building their capacity to strengthen intergovernmental relations;
• Engage with national and sub-national government institutions, including CTCs, on issues related to the implementation of the decentralization reform;
• Engage in coordinating the digital transformation with all tiers of government, including the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development, Ministry of Digital Transformation, CTCs, regional administrations, and other partners;
• Facilitate information to support intra-institutional collaboration to support successful implementation of key HOVERLA objectives;
• Support local government associations advocating for full implementation of the decentralization and local governance reforms;
• Support research and inter-governmental dialogues at the sub-national and national levels on key decentralization and local governance reforms;
• Analyzes, develops and initiates strategies for tracking and communicating issues which impact HOVERLA’s outcomes;
• Support efforts to monitor executive-legislative relations and address problems as they emerge.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration, economics, or related field;
• 5-10 years of experience providing technical assistance or supporting inter-governmental relations, policy reform, legislative strengthening or related governance projects or initiatives;
• Demonstrated experience and established working relationships with key GOU institutions such as the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Finance, sub-national governments, and other institutions and inter-governmental agencies working to support the decentralization reform agenda;
• Knowledge of the legislative and other national and sub-national governmental processes and interrelationships;
• Understanding of national and sub-national laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines relating to the assigned function;
• Strong English speaking and writing skills preferred;
• Comprehensive understanding of the political economy and decentralization context in Ukraine;
• Demonstrated understanding of USAID rules and regulations and managing a USAID-funded or other international donor project preferred.