The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Resident Director to implement programs to strengthen accountability in Cambodian governance and politics. Specific areas of focus include 1) increasing the exposure of citizens to competing party policies and platforms; 2) building the capacity of civil society to oversee elections, including developing and advocating for electoral reform; and 3) increasing the transparency of Cambodian governance. This position will be based in Phnom Penh, and may require travel throughout the country. Approved candidates may have one adult dependent sponsored; expenses associated with minor dependents are not covered. Employment is contingent on funder approval.
This position will have supervisory responsibility for the design and implementation of all NDI programs in Cambodia. The Resident Director will also represent NDI to the government of Cambodia, the US Embassy and USAID, and local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Candidate will also be responsible for the overall management of the office, to include financial and human resource management. Close coordination will also be expected with NDI -Washington, including day-to-day contact with the Washington-based staff that provides oversight for field activities.
Background
Since the beginning of the country’s democratic transition in 1992, NDI has partnered with Cambodians, their elected representatives, political parties and civil society organizations as they encourage more transparent governance and more inclusive political participation. NDI is currently implementing a five-year program in Cambodia, funded by USAID. The initiative aims to encourage public discourse and policy exchanges by bringing together elected representatives and their constituents in public dialogues on key issues. The Institute provides political parties opportunities to convey policy positions during public, multiparty discussions and candidate debates. NDI also supports Cambodian civil society efforts to monitor and report on elections and advocate for electoral reform.
This position will have supervisory responsibility for the design and implementation of all NDI programs in Cambodia. The Resident Director will also represent NDI to the government of Cambodia, the US Embassy and USAID, and local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Candidate will also be responsible for the overall management of the office, to include financial and human resource management. Close coordination will also be expected with NDI -Washington, including day-to-day contact with the Washington-based staff that provides oversight for field activities.
Background
Since the beginning of the country’s democratic transition in 1992, NDI has partnered with Cambodians, their elected representatives, political parties and civil society organizations as they encourage more transparent governance and more inclusive political participation. NDI is currently implementing a five-year program in Cambodia, funded by USAID. The initiative aims to encourage public discourse and policy exchanges by bringing together elected representatives and their constituents in public dialogues on key issues. The Institute provides political parties opportunities to convey policy positions during public, multiparty discussions and candidate debates. NDI also supports Cambodian civil society efforts to monitor and report on elections and advocate for electoral reform.
Primary Responsibilities
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Oversee, in collaboration with Phnom Penh-based staff, the design and implementation of NDI’s programs and consultations with parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, civil society organizations, political party leaders, and other Cambodian government officials;
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Provide day-to-day management and oversight of local program and support staff in the field office;
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Maintain relationships with key partners in civil society, government, political parties, diplomatic community and international donors;
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Provide timely political analysis on the country’s rapidly changing environment;
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Seek out and develop new funding opportunities for future NDI programs in Cambodia;
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Oversee the development, review and timely submission of program-related materials, including regular reports that describe activities, measure and evaluate program results, and report on political developments in Cambodia that may affect program outcomes; and
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Ensure adherence to NDI-DC, donor, and, as applicable, Cambodian government policies and procedures, ensuring the integrity of all financial transactions.
Required Experience
Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field of study related to political science, public administration, international development, or international affairs; graduate degree highly preferred.
Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field of study related to political science, public administration, international development, or international affairs; graduate degree highly preferred.
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Minimum fourteen (14) years substantive political experience, including working for elected legislative and/or parliamentary bodies, political parties, politically active non-governmental organizations, or in the democracy and governance field.
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Experience in program management, especially implementing USAID-funded programs. Candidates should possess solid performance management background, including program planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation skills to ensure management for development results. Experience in program design highly desired.
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Strong analytic skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior political and civic leaders as well as members of the donor and diplomatic community. Ability to work with competing political groups and understand complex political dynamics is key.
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Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor and consultant.
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Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability for public speaking, writing and reporting in English.
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Experience in living and working overseas is highly desirable, particularly previous experience in Asia.
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Experience with Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive, G+, etc.) strongly desired.
Comments
Position is available October 2014. Salary is commensurate with experience. A generous benefits package is provided, including an in-country housing allowance.
NDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Position is available October 2014. Salary is commensurate with experience. A generous benefits package is provided, including an in-country housing allowance.
NDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
