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In April 2024, USIP’s Latin America Program (LAP) launched the “Encouraging Citizen Support for the Rule of Law” project in San Salvador, El Salvador, under an Interinstitutional Agreement (IAA) with the Department of United States State – Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs – for a period of three years to increase public support for the rule of law by creating stakeholder networks, facilitating dialogues between citizens and authorities , public involvement in local issues related to the rule of law and the development of local youth skills in peacebuilding and leadership issues.
The Project Officer (PO) in Rule of Law and Security Dialogues based in San Salvador will be the coordinator of the dialogue and Rule of Law components of the IAA. The Project Officer will support the implementation of Project Component 1: Research and Consultation, to ensure effective information gathering, mapping and relationship building. The PO will be responsible for Project Component 2: Consolidation of Public Support for the Rule of Law through Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues, thereby providing both strategic and technical expertise in its design and implementation.
Component 2 of the project will include the development of projects that promote the rule of law and establish relationships between civil society and local authorities in three municipalities. Activities will include the creation of civil society coalitions, the design and facilitation of exchanges to learn best practices from other cities in the region, the development and maintenance of dialogue processes between civil society and local authorities and/or police forces and support for the creation of local projects to promote a culture of legality.
The PO will oversee the implementation of project components and work closely with the Senior Project Director to ensure alignment with the overall mission of the project. The Project Officer position is based in the metropolitan area of San Salvador, will report to the Principal Project Director and will work alongside the Municipal Coordinators and the Operations and Finance Specialist (OFS) in the execution of projects in the field.
This position is a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) position for a host country contractor (Salvadoran national).
POSITION SUMMARY
Project Development and Implementation:
* Manages the effective design and implementation of rule of law and dialogue activities, including curriculum development, partner training workshops, community-led activities, international exchanges, events and roundtables round;
* Facilitates community dialogues between the municipal government, government security services and civil society.
* Develops relationships within municipalities, particularly with local government, police forces and civil society.
* Coordinates and supervises the activities of Municipal Coordinators in the development and maintenance of civil society coalitions.
* Writes reports on the results of program meetings, dialogues and consultations.
* Supports the Principal Project Director in drafting and presenting documents on public policy options based on the conclusions of project activities.
* Coordinates with relevant colleagues in Washington DC for contract creation, development and review of project plans and methodologies.
* Hire effective contractors and, with support from headquarters, oversee the development of deliverables.
* Collaborates with monitoring and evaluation colleagues to ensure that projects include important parameters and that findings from monitoring and evaluation processes are used to inform programming.
* Provides regular written updates on implementation progress to program and USIP leaders, as well as project stakeholders.
* Identifies and maintains critical relationships for the project.
Budget and Contract Management:
* Work closely with the Finance and Operations Specialist (OFS) on all financial and budget management and monitoring, including the submission of all budget reports required for monthly reconciliation.
* Manages project funds, tracks budget for project components, and acts as Contracting Technical Representative (COTR) for project contracts to manage and oversee contractual activities related to project component 2.
* Manage invoices and disbursements for open contracts.
* Ensures compliance with policies and procedures and the effective and efficient use of financial resources.
* Develops documents for managing the life cycles of partner/supplier contracts, including tracking delivery dates, payments and responding to routine partner queries.
* Ensures that all project activities are carried out within the planned deadlines and in a manner that meets project standards and objectives.
* Supports the Project Director in preparing monthly, quarterly and annual reports for international and external project stakeholders.
Administration and logistics
* Plan and manage public and private events corresponding to the portfolio.
* Leads internal and external meetings with USIP staff and external partners to ensure timely and effective execution of project components 1 and 2.
* Manage exchange trips and work with the OFS to coordinate and prepare travel agendas, process travel vouchers, and facilitate any additional services or needs.
* Develops and manages the execution schedule for Component 2 of the Project with the municipal coordinators.
* Ensures the organization and conservation of the documents of Component 2 of the Project in the Project SharePoint.
Other tasks:
* Travel frequently to municipalities. Some international travel may be necessary.
Performs other assigned duties.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, conflict resolution, peace studies or related field.
* Master’s degree in political science, international affairs or related field preferred.
* At least four (4) years of relevant work experience in topics related to the rule of law, dialogue processes, culture of legality or civic participation.
* Demonstrated experience in project design and execution, including budget management.
* Demonstrated experience in building coalitions of stakeholders, including local government, civil society organizations, faith-based actors, and the business sector.
* Demonstrated ability in project management and problem-solving skills.
* Preferably, experience in facilitating dialogue and designing study plans/pedagogical methodologies.
* Ability to work closely with the Government of El Salvador at the national and local level.
* Ability to write in various formats and for various audiences.
* High skills in time management, prioritizing work and meeting deadlines.
* Oral and written command of Spanish. English is preferred but not required.
All USIP contractual and employee positions are subject to favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.
HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package that includes
- Complete employment application, including titles, dates of hire, and salary requirements.
- Presentation letter
- Curriculum vitae
*Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 14 at 11:59 PM Washington DC time
We will only contact selected candidates.
Telephone calls are not allowed. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.
USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in a labor organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please use the following URL:
https://ars2.equest.com/?response_id=8f982b44084b279e953c46ee7a3559c6
