Inclusive Democratic Governance Consultant - USAID Funded

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a long-term, locally-hired consultant with excellent management skills and extensive technical experience to support the start-up of and management of NDI’s five-year, USAID-funded Inclusive Democratic Processes and Governance (IDPG) Program in Pakistan. Through this assignment, the Consultant will work with pro-democracy political actors to enhance participation in political and electoral processes in Pakistan; coordinate technical assistance to civic organizations; develop programming; liaise with USAID, other donors and implementing partners; and provide guidance and oversight on the implementation of program activities.. This consultancy will be based in Islamabad, require travel throughout Pakistan, and will work closely with Washington-based staff who provide strategic guidance and support for field activities. Candidates must have active legal authorization to work in Pakistan. The initial period of this consultancy is expected to be three months, with the possibility for extension. 

Program Overview

NDI has actively supported democratic development in Pakistan since 1997, engaging civic groups and government bodies on initiatives to promote political and civic participation, supporting multi-stakeholder groups and amplify women’s voices in governance discussions. This program seeks to encourage peaceful political and electoral processes; improve government accountability through enhanced oversight of political processes; and promote meaningful participation of all Pakistani citizens in their systems of governance including in flood-affected areas. Planned activities include 1) election violence monitoring and training; 2) events to counter disinformation and dangerous speech; 3) civic voter education and information campaigns; 4) political process and participatory performance monitoring training.

Scope of Work

• Ensure collaborative leadership and oversight of the program team, ensuring accountability in the execution of program activities and management of field operations and local staff, based on established institutional procedures, local laws, donor regulations and best practices.
• Oversee the work of local consultants, including hiring, performance development, and adherence to NDI’s policies.
• Serve as a liaison between NDI and international donor representatives, international and local NGOs, the media, and U.S. government representatives in Pakistan under the direction of NDI’s DC-based Program Director to lead the development of new program initiatives and report on current programs.
• Report regularly on political developments in Pakistan that may affect program outcomes for Washington, DC-based staff.
• Oversee the development, review, and, with approval of the DC-based Program Director, timely submission of program-related materials, including (but not limited to) proposals, deliverables, training, and regular reports that measure and evaluate program progress.
• Help assess and coordinate appropriate security and risk management measures for the Institute’s program operations in Pakistan.
• Oversee the proper accounting, management, and planning of program budget funds, including (but not limited to) the submission of financial reconciliation to the Washington DC office for any expenses incurred in country.
• In all deliverables, ensure program compliance with donor requirements regarding work plans and performance monitoring plans, as well as respect Institute and donor procedures that ensure the integrity of all financial transactions.
• As appropriate, assist in developing fundraising strategies with donors to help raise additional funds in coordination with the NDI Washington staff.
• Oversee the writing and timely submission of program activity reports, quarterly reports, monitoring and evaluation data, periodic updates on political/security developments, and other program-related materials for Pakistan with approval of the DC-based Program Director.
• Collaborate with and build the capacity of other local consultants to play a substantive role in program development and implementation in Pakistan.

Required Experience

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Urdu.
• Bachelor’s degree, in international relations or a related field. Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a one-for-one basis.
• A minimum of twelve 12 years of program management experience overseeing significant international development programs, preferably in the field of democracy and governance, and at least five in a senior role.
• Ability to work effectively with and build relationships with senior political and civic leaders, U.S. and foreign government personnel and policymakers, and members of donor organizations.
• Substantial experience overseeing and implementing programs, managing staff and/or consultants, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and operations and human resources, including experience in overseeing sub-grants to local partners.
• Experience managing USAID funding projects is highly desirable.
• Substantial program design and management, proposal writing and financial management experience, including experience in initiating and managing sub-grants preferred.
• Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse group of professionals in a challenging environment, instilling a strong sense of mission and teamwork in program implementation.
• Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor and consultant.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis to programmatic activities.
• Knowledge of political processes and actors of Pakistan.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English required to effectively present information, respond to questions and negotiate outcomes.
• Excellent organizational, networking and managerial skills, as well as the ability to conduct professional political relationships.
• Ability and willingness to travel to regional locations, which may be remote and difficult to reach.