Community Engagement Manager at DAI

BACKGROUND:

• DAI is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Citizen Engagement Specialist for an anticipated USAID-funded local governance project in El Salvador. The project will aim to strengthen local governments, empower communities to promote local development, and improve public services in select municipalities in El Salvador.
• One of the main areas of focus for the project includes a community engagement aspect to empower both new municipalities and their citizens, fostering a collaborative environment where they can come together to identify and plan local development priorities. In addition, communities will need to understand the roles and responsibilities of the new municipal leadership, as well as establish channels of communication with the new authorities.
• The Citizen Engagement Specialist will be a key member of the project's leadership team.
• He/she will play a key role in strengthening citizen participation and engagement with new local governments, with a particular focus on fostering collaborative relationships between municipal authorities and community development organizations. T
• his position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the improvement of local governance processes and citizen participation in decision-making at the community level.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the implementation of activities that fall under Objective 2 of the project: Increase citizen participation and engagement with new local governments.
• Establish and strengthen connections between the new municipal authorities and ADESCOs to ensure that community voices continue to be influential in local governance processes.
• Collaborate with grassroots community groups, including ADESCOs, to build on recent advances in safety and increase civic engagement at the community level.
• Develop mechanisms for citizen participation and oversight in collaboration with municipal authorities to promote transparency, accountability, and better resource allocation in local governance.
• Design and implement citizen participation initiatives aimed at vulnerable populations, ensuring gender equity and social inclusion.
• Improve citizens' knowledge of the newly established municipal authorities and processes through effective communication and outreach strategies.
• Facilitate the design and implementation of community pilot projects, including small-scale infrastructure improvements and initiatives related to the consequences of climate change, in collaboration with community stakeholders and selected municipalities.
• Other duties, as assigned by the Executive Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred) in a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including previous experience in the design, implementation, and management of local governance activities in El Salvador or the Central American region.
• A minimum of five (5) years of direct experience supervising work teams.
• Extensive knowledge of different aspects of local governance, including municipal service delivery, public financial management, local administration, and citizen participation.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments and manage diverse teams to make an impact.
• Demonstrated ability to engage local actors and relevant partners to achieve results.
• Previous experience in projects funded by USAID or other international donors is highly preferred.
• Excellent attention to detail and proven ability to multitask simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Fluency in Spanish is required; Fluency in English is preferred.