The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a unique, multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. In the spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration, OGP is overseen by a Steering Committee including representatives of governments and civil society organizations. To become a member of OGP, participating countries must endorse a high-level Open Government Declaration, deliver a country action plan developed with public consultation, and commit to independent reporting on their progress going forward. Since its launch on September 20, 2011, at an event chaired by President Obama, it has grown from 8 founding governments (Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States) welcoming the commitment of 54 additional governments. In total, OGP participating countries have made nearly 1,000 commitments to make their governments more open and accountable. For more information please see: http://www.opengovpartnership.org/.
The OGP Steering committee leadership is comprised of a revolving four-member co-chairmanship team, elected by the entire SC, including a lead government chair, a support (or incoming) government chair, a lead civil society chair and a supporting (or incoming) civil society chair. The year following their chairing, the immediate past lead government and civil society chairs are expected to play an advisory role to the co-chairs. The OGP chairs are responsible for leadership, safeguard the values and spirit of OGP; outreach, building civil society and government participation in OGP; representation and coordination. Rakesh Rajani of Twaweza is the lead civil society chair and Suneeta Kaimal, Revenue Watch Institute is the incoming civil society chair.
Description and Terms
This is an exciting opportunity to serve at the heart of a truly exciting international initiative. The associate will support the civil society co-chairs in their responsibilities to the OGP Steering Committee and the broader partnership. The position will be full-time (roughly 40 hours a week), and may be based with Twaweza in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania or Revenue Watch Institute in New York, New York. The duration of the post will be one year, starting in mid-January 2014 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to renewal.
Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:
- Staying abreast of key developments with regard to open government and providing briefings, flagging articles or topics of interest and import and linking the work in the field and academia with the work of the partnership;
- Monitoring social media and blogs for key issues and potential flags for action;
- Doing background research on key topics related to open government, and preparing backgrounders and position papers are requested;
- Participating in meetings related to OGP, taking notes and relaying key points to relevant colleagues as appropriate;
- Liaising with the Independent Civil Society Coordinator and his team to ensure coherence with civil society engagement and support;
- Liaising with the OGP Support Unit on matters related to the OGP Steering Committee and its Governance and Leadership sub-committee;
- Assist the Civil Society co-chairs to play their roles effectively, including for regular Civil Society and Governance and Leadership meetings over phone, and three in-person meetings;
- Support the preparation of high Heads of State level OGP session, expected to be held at the UN in September 2014;
- Support the Civil Society co-chairs in preparing presentations and other communication, including op-eds, blogs and some email communication;
- As requested, participate in OGP related events and document key discussions;
- Facilitate information sharing and coordination across the civil society steering committee;
- Provide administrative support in relation to organization of meetings and travel (minor role);
- Perform other duties as requested.
Education/Experience
Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g. international development, human rights, economics, political science, etc) and two to three years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Skills Required
- Strong analytical skills, ability to quickly digest and interpret information;
- Strong research skills and willingness and ability to engage on new topics and rapidly get up to speed;
- Resourcefulness;
- Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail;
- Excellent computer skills/ proficient in Microsoft Office and social media tools;
- Poised and works well in a fast-paced environment;
- Shows discretion and facility in handling confidential issues;
- Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks across varying time zones;
- Ability to work both as a team member and individually, with a high level of self-motivation;
- Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.
To apply: Please submit a resume, 1-2 writing samples, names/contacts of 2-3 referees and cover letter describing your interest in the post to Suneeta Kaimal at skaimal@revenuewatch.org and Diana Diallo at ddiallo@twaweza.org at your earliest convenience or by January 3, 2013.
Compensation: Subject to experience $2500-3300 per month, less applicable taxes. Post may be based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, or New York, New York.
Associate - Open Government Partnership, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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