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Position Title: State Citizen Engagement & Capacity Building Specialist
Location: Gombe
Country: Nigeria
Deadline Date: 15th of November 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is focused on enhancing accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in governance systems within Nigeria. Established as part of a five-year initiative, the organization aims to improve public Financial Management and procurement processes, as well as Monitoring and Evaluation systems in key sectors such as education, health care, and sanitation. The organization operates in selected states and local governments across Nigeria, working closely with local reformers and Civil Society Organizations to implement sustainable governance reforms.

Job Overview:
The State Citizen Engagement & Capacity Building Specialist plays a crucial role in the planning and execution of interventions aimed at enhancing citizen engagement and capacity building within the framework of the State2State initiative. This position is designed to ensure that advocacy efforts, oversight mechanisms, and capacity-building activities are effectively implemented in the states of Adamawa and Gombe. The specialist will be responsible for identifying and addressing capacity gaps within priority ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as civil society organizations (CSOs). The role requires a strong focus on sustainable Capacity Development, ensuring that local stakeholders are equipped to implement governance reforms effectively. The specialist will work collaboratively with various teams and stakeholders to facilitate citizen engagement in governance processes, particularly in public financial management and service delivery in education, health, and sanitation sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The State Citizen Engagement & Capacity Building Specialist will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the planning and implementation of State2State Objective 2 interventions, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Facilitating advocacy forums and oversight activities to engage citizens and stakeholders in governance processes.
• Conducting assessments to identify capacity gaps within priority MDAs and CSOs, and designing tailored technical assistance programs.
• Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of capacity-building initiatives, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and skills development.
• Collaborating with local reformers and government officials to promote the Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative.
• Preparing periodic reports on program activities and outcomes, contributing to the overall project evaluation.
• Engaging in Community Mobilization efforts to foster civic engagement and participation in governance.
• Providing training and coaching to stakeholders to enhance their advocacy and engagement skills.
• Performing any additional duties as assigned by supervisors, including supporting the Deputy Chief of Party and Chief of Party.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in social sciences, development studies, or a related field, with a preference for a Master’s degree. A minimum of eight years of demonstrated work experience in international development activities is required, particularly in governance-related projects funded by US government instruments. Experience in building the technical and organizational capacity of civil society organizations, particularly in advocacy planning and government engagement, is essential. Candidates should also have a proven track record of community mobilization and civic engagement, as well as experience using participatory approaches to capacity development. Strong training, coaching, and interpersonal skills are necessary, along with effective problem-solving abilities and ethical management practices. Excellent written and oral communication skills are mandatory, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant degree or HND in social sciences, development studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in governance and capacity building.

Experience:
The position requires at least eight years of relevant work experience, particularly in the successful implementation of international development activities. Candidates should have experience working with civil society organizations to drive reform agendas and should demonstrate a history of community mobilization and civic engagement. Experience in governance activities under US government instruments is highly preferred, as is familiarity with the priority sectors of the program.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Hausa and/or other local languages. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for facilitating citizen engagement activities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Gombe, Nigeria, and is part of a five-year initiative running from 2020 to 202

• The deadline for applications is set for the 15th of November 202
• The organization encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, and young individuals who meet the qualifications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.