Sierra Leone: Capacity Development Senior Officer

Apr 26, 2016 | Pact
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The goal of the Forest Incomes for Environmental Sustainability (FIFES) project is to develop key rural forest-based enterprises which provide inclusive, sustainable economic opportunities for rural farmers and forest- dependent communities that combat drivers of deforestation and biodiversity loss. FIFEÕs objectives are to: 1) strengthen selected forest value chains; 2) establish legal and management frameworks for forest enterprises; and 3) enhance knowledge and skills for forest enterprises and landscape management. The project will strengthen the capacity of forest dependent stakeholders along the targeted forest enterprise value chains, building sustainability while applying a collaborate, learn and adapt (CLA) approach.  Pact will implement a portion of this overall project, in collaboration with ACDI/VOCA.

Position Purpose

Pact seeks two (2) Capacity Development Senior Officers to support the FIFES project in Liberia. The Capacity Development Senior Officer will be responsible for progressively developing the capacity of Community Forestry Management Boards (CFMB). Successful applicants will be responsible for the quality of the design and delivery of the programÕs capacity development activities and must ensure that such activities are implemented in compliance with all donor, consortium, Pact, and project-specific policies.
Additionally, one Capacity Development Senior Officer will be responsible for managing a small team of staff (3) in support of PactÕs project implementation and the promotion of PactÕs mission in Liberia. This CDSO will represent Pact in Liberia and to PactÕs headquarters in Washington, DC, and will be responsible for overseeing personnel, budget and operations management for PactÕs activities in country under this project, with the support of the project team.

Key Responsibilities
  • Deliver all customized capacity development-related activities for CFMBs in diverse areas of organizational development (i.e. program management, resource mobilization, and monitoring and evaluation) and technical capacity development (e.g. land-use planning, water management, forest inventorying or climate-smart agricultural practices).
  • Work closely with selected local partners to ensure adequate capacity is built in various areas of the program.
  • Conduct technical and organizational capacity assessments (TOCA), network analysis (ONA), Organizational Performance Index (OPI) with partners.
  • Provide technical direction in activity planning for all capacity development components including network strengthening. 
  • Develop materials and processes for specific areas/topics identified as needed for capacity development of partners, including training, mentoring and coaching of partners, peer learning and other methodologies.
  • Ensure flexibility and high quality of the capacity development support provided to the partners.
  • Ensure integration of organizational capacity development with other technical support the project will provide to partners. 
  • Lead in program monitoring, evaluating, learning and periodic reporting related to capacity building.
  • Coordinate with appropriate stakeholders in all aspects of activities planning, monitoring, and implementation.
  • Contribute to the development of annual work plans, performance monitoring systems and tools, and writing of program reports.
  • Ensure proper administration of logistical aspects related to capacity development activities
  • Remain up-to-date with latest methodologies, best practices, and donor requirements and ensure that the project CD results are consistent with the best practices of the industry.
  • Actively participate in PactÕs capacity development Community of Practice. 
  • Travel frequently within Liberia.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Additionally, one CDSO will have the following responsibilities:
  • Oversee all administrative and financial operations to support the program. Proactively mitigate and manage financial and operation risks and issues that arise, in close collaboration with Pact DC portfolio team.
  • Consistently monitor the projectÕs financial position including overseeing the development and review of annual project budgets, and financial transactions and reports.
  • Maintain up to date understanding and adherence to PactÕs policies and procedures amongst all Pact Liberia staff. 
  • Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with all Liberian statutory and tax requirements.
  • Provide proper supervision and management for all direct reports and ensure timely and quality inputs by staff and consultants. Oversee the recruitment and orientation of new staff as needed.
  • Ensure the proper implementation of PactÕs performance management system for direct reports. This can include: proactively addressing performance issues through regular, constructive and honest feedback and coaching and identifying necessary staff development for direct reports.
Basic Requirements
  • Masters or a related advanced degree in international development, organizational development, business or public management or a related area.
  • A minimum of 5 years related experience in implementing technical and organizational capacity building programs.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Strong written and verbal English communication skills
  • Liberia resident (Liberian nationals strongly preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Substantial demonstrated experience in developing the capacity of community-based organizations and networks
  • Knowledge of US government rules and regulations.
  • Strong planning and inter-cultural communication skills required.
  • Proficiency with activities, theories, methods and technology in capacity development field.
  • Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and the ability to perform and collaborate under challenging conditions.
  • Quick learner. 
  • Ability to work independently and produce timely and high quality results.
  • Experience working on other US Government-funded projects pertaining to technical and organization capacity development. 
  • Experience with personnel, budget and country operations management.