DRC: Senior Program Officer

Jan 23, 2021 | Natural Resource Governance Institute
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The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is a non-profit policy institute and grant-making organization that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the benefit of all.  Improving natural resource governance is one of the most significant development challenges of the decade and will determine the future of 1 billion people globally who live in scarcity in the midst of resource abundance. Countries with non-renewable resource wealth face both a challenge and an opportunity—when used poorly or squandered, non-renewable resource wealth can cause economic instability, social conflict and lasting environmental impacts; used well, they can create prosperity for current and future generations. NRGI is a recognized leader in the field of natural resource governance, helping people to realize the benefits of their countries’ endowments of oil, gas and minerals in order to build a more stable and sustainable future. For more information, please visit www.resourcegovernance.org

Job Overview

The Senior Officer for the Republic Democratic of Congo (DRC) Program will lead a portfolio of projects that deliver lasting change in the governance of natural resources and public benefits in the country. The successful candidate for the post of senior program officer brings technical understanding and experience in extractives and governance to generate expert analysis, research, advocacy and capacity development vital to NRGI’s work in driving reform, and supporting transparency and accountability initiatives in the country. She/he brings strong program management experience and the ability to size up situations and actors to devise achievable strategies; exceptional skills in public speaking and organizational representation. The Senior Program Officer enhances NRGI expertise and presence in DRC to influence a targeted group of stakeholders, as defined by the country strategy.  She/he have deep understanding of the interplay between governments, corporate, and constituents and the potential for harm versus good. 

Major Responsibilities

Research & Thought Leadership

  • Advance the learning, expertise, and body of evidence-based knowledge to drive impact in natural resource governance and sustainable, inclusive development.
  • Keep up to date on country trends, developments and issues in governance and extractives.  Stay informed on the full breadth of relevant research and learnings internally and externally to apply pertinent insights within a geographic and programmatic scope.
  • Conduct and lead strategic analysis (e.g., stakeholder, political, extractives) and research to evaluate ecosystem, governance, and progress/status in context of development and change models.  Lead evidence-translation and grow NRGI body of knowledge in collaboration with NRGI and external partners.
  • Develop tools and frameworks to apply and localize research and knowledge.  Enhance NRGI expertise both locally and globally by leading and actively participating in research reviews, MEL (Monitoring, Evaluating & Learning) forums, and knowledge sharing.
  • Publish for impact: Write, review & publish research findings and policy briefs; Provide expert advisory services / communicate expert opinion; Peer review and contribute towards partner events and publishing

Ensuring Impactful Implementation

Manage and run a portfolio of projects, engaging NRGI and partner capabilities to maximize impact and capacity for good governance and transparency:

  • Participate in strategic planning & design, ensuring cohesiveness across programs:
  • Progress capacity and synergy across state actors, civil society influencers, and industry leaders;
  • Apply Project Management discipline to effectively manage and coordinate projects;
  • Fully integrate MEL in design and implementation.  Review whether desired results were achieved and foster learning and improvement.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

Build strong donor relations that deliver mutual value and generate sustainable funding:

  • Identify & build productive relationships with potential and actual donors.  Respond to donor inquiries and requests, including writing donor reports.
  • Evaluate proposal opportunities and determine what to pursue; conduct due diligence, write and submit proposals to secure funding.
  •  Create value for Donors and ensure compliance from design through post-implementation

Influencing & Communicating For Impact

Strengthen NRGI presence, shape country norms and deliver gains in the transformation of practices in natural resource governance through effective influencing, advocacy and communication strategies:

  • With country and region teams, conduct in-depth stakeholder analysis; plan and execute stakeholder & influence management.  Build a broad network of relevant, and impactful relationships.  Keep stakeholder mapping up to date and aligned with projects.  Work closely with NRGI staff based in the region and who lead work with governments.
  •  Effectively use media and communication platforms/tools to reach targeted audiences and generate awareness and understanding that translates into impactful engagement.  Monitor and evaluate communications and advocacy efforts to ensure they are having the required impact and are implemented to standard.
  • Roll out Advocacy & Communication Strategies
  • Personally contribute towards the implementation of Advocacy & Communication strategies:

The responsibilities of this role are subject to modifications as required by the needs of the organization.

Job requirements:

Experience & Technical Skills Required

  • Minimum 7-8 years directly relevant work experience, with an emphasis on outward representation and effective project management.
  • Experience of setting strategy in partnership with Regional and senior management; ability to think conceptually and strategically with a 3-5 year horizon.
  • Deep understanding of the Natural Resource Governance sector, specially the DRC context and of the complex ecosystem that results in resource-rich countries failing to achieve sustainable development.
  • Having the gravitas, credibility and ability to initiate and develop strategic relationships and influence key stakeholders at a project, country, and region level.
  • Experience working in a complex or pioneering environment, including managing and creating opportunities for systemic change across a variety of stakeholders (private sector, media, parliamentary and civil society).
  • Excellent French skills, both written and spoken; proficient in English.

Education

Advanced degree in relevant field: political science, social science, economics, law or international affairs, or related field

Working environment:

  • Standard workplace environment (remote work accommodated during COVID-19 restriction)
  • Occasional international travel 

Salary: Competitive

Location:  the Republic Democratic of Congo (DRC) (must be authorized to work in DRC)

Application deadline: Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis and will close on Friday 29 January 2020.