Decentralization Technical Lead - USAID/Philippines Cities for Enhanced Engagement and Governance (CHANGE)

Job Description

BACKGROUND:

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) implements the USAID Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) activity in the Philippines. The goal of CHANGE is to support strengthened democratic governance in the Philippines by making local governance more responsive. It has three key objectives, namely: (1) strengthen the enabling environment for decentralization; (2) enhance service delivery capacity, legitimacy, transparency, and accountability of participating local governments; and (3) empower citizens through increased participation in and oversight of local governance processes in ways that government both approves and supports.

USAID/Philippines’ CHANGE activity will utilize a flexible and adaptive two-phased implementing mechanism that will support the priority thrust of the Government of the Philippines to support people-centered, clean and efficient governance. ICMA is well-positioned to achieve CHANGE’s goal of providing more transparent, accountable and responsive local governance, thanks to over 100 years of organizational experience strengthening local governments worldwide through over 500 programs in over 70 countries.

PURPOSE:

The Decentralization Technical Lead will be charged with ensuring the achievement of component 1 of the CHANGE activity, namely a “strengthened enabling environment for decentralization” in the cities selected for program implementation. This component will provide USAID/Philippines with an independent informed analysis of the challenges and potential reforms in center-local relations and sub-national government units necessary to promote the merit and intent of decentralization in the Philippines. Tasked with overseeing the successful implementation of this component, the Decentralization Technical Lead will also be in charge of overseeing ICMA’s efforts to:

• Lead the provision of analytical support and technical assistance to key decentralization stakeholders to inform the development of reforms in the implementation of decentralization reform, including coordination and support to national government agencies in the review and amendment of the Local Government Code and other local governance reforms;
• Work closely with the other Component Leads and Deputy COP (all of whom report to the COP) to implement the approved work plan and achieve the results of the CHANGE project;
  Oversee the work of short-term technical assistants under Component 1;
• Liaise with ICMA’s headquarters team as needed with regards to relevant technical areas and will seek additional support as/if needed from the COP and/or headquarters;
• Support effective inter-governmental relations between target cities and relevant national government agencies;
• Streamline processes to eliminate duplications and reduce number of plans/reports that LGUs prepare;
• Increase public awareness of, and opportunities to participate in, legislative processes or consultations related to decentralization reform;
• Develop comprehensive and coordinated strategic and change management plans if changes to the implementation of decentralization are planned;
• Identify entry points for the promotion of good governance practices in the target cities; and
• Support advocacy for good governance reforms and replication of best practices in non-target cities.

REPORTING:

The Decentralization Technical Lead (Component 1 Lead) reports to the Chief of Party (COP).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field (public administration, economics, business, law, social sciences).
• 8 to 10 years of experience working on international development programs with objectives related to decentralization, service delivery, civic engagement, local government enabling environments, and related topics.
• Experience in managing and leading a team;
• Strong analytical, writing, and training skills, along with institutional analytical and development capabilities.
• Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills, along with cultural sensitivity and a commitment to addressing gender equality.
• Ability to lead and form constructive partnerships with and among local counterparts.
• Excellent oral and written communication in English; fluency in Filipino is a plus.
• Philippine nationals are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:
If you believe you are the candidate we are looking for, please apply through Devex.

Closing date: Friday, October 25, 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

ICMA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

About the Organization

ICMA is at the core of driving better communities. Through our mission and passion to advance professional local government through ethics, leadership, training, and new technology, we build sustainable, thriving communities.

ICMA provides research, content, training, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities for more than 14,000 core members and the hundreds of thousands of other local government leaders, managers, staff, and stakeholders working to build better communities around the world. Over the years, we have worked with federal agencies, foundations and philanthropic organizations, and international donors on numerous projects that are focused on activities at the intersection of effective local government management and community improvement.