Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Position Summary:

Creative Associates International, Inc. (Creative) is seeking a Regional Director for an anticipated USAID-funded program in Ethiopia. The Regional Director will be responsible for leading activities at the sub-national level in his/her assigned region in coordination with the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party. The Regional Director will engage regional, woreda, and/or kabele-level government officials, civil society, and other stakeholders in capacity building, technical assistance, assessments and research, and other initiatives.

Expected Outcomes:

• The program will contribute to the ability of Ethiopian sub-national government to meet citizen needs and to citizen engagement in governance;
• Activities will be responsive to the needs and priorities of beneficiaries at the sub-national level, and grounded in the region’s political, economic, and social context;
• Coordination with other implementers, Government of Ethiopia institutions, and other key stakeholders improves synergies and increases the impact of the project.

Responsibilities

• Provide a broad range of technical assistance and capacity development to government officials, civil society organizations, or other stakeholders;
• Facilitate public dialogue on governance and civic engagement between government and non-governmental actors through technical assistance to local civil society organizations;
• Lead the identification of strategic approaches to multi-stakeholder dialogue, government/civil society engagement, and government responsiveness to citizen needs;
• Support the COP and the DCOP in the development of the project strategic framework and work plans for the program implementation to ensure the achievement of the program goals;
• Work with local public servants on engaging with constituents and addressing their priorities by providing technical advice and guidance;
• Facilitate interaction, collaboration, and collective action between diverse stakeholders and leverage stakeholder networks to develop strategies advocating citizen priorities;
• Support the collaboration of civil society and media to raise awareness of citizen priorities;
• Engage women, youth, and excluded groups in public and political dialogue, and electoral campaigns;
• Document implementation successes, challenges, and lessons learned and share them with through regular program reports; and
• Deliver technical presentations on program achievements to implementing partners, civil society organizations, government officials, donor, and other organizations.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in public finance, political science, conflict resolution, public administration, business administration, public policy, law, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred;
• Minimum six (6) years of related international development experience in community development, economic development, public financial management, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis;
• Expertise in managing complex partnerships and cross-cutting projects, and local, regional, and federal institutional building;
• Expertise in public service, good governance and/or accountability and oversight;
• Proven effectiveness in managing high-level government relations;
• Experience with civil society and government capacity building, and governance accountability;
• Strong experience with coalition building and collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including civil society, and government;
• Demonstrated leadership, management, strategic thinking, training, and human resources experience;
• Able to work effectively and professionally with high-level government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), donor, project staff, and other beneficiaries;
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated track record of working effectively in a teamwork environment;
• Experience with providing technical assistance, including organizing and conducting workshop and trainings;
• Fluency in English required; and
• Proficiency in one or more Ethiopian language preferred.