Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Senior Technical Advisor, Democratic Transitions

Position Location:  Bamako, Mali

Background:

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence in more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

USAID-fundedMali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation (Mali PSR) t is a 5-year program (2018-2023) created to support the Government of Mali (GoM) in the implementation of the Algiers Peace Agreement and to contribute to building resilience and peacebuilding in the North , Center and South of Mali. Mali PSR is implemented by a consortium of Creative, Think Peace and the Association Malienne pour la Survie au Sahel across 43 communes predominantly in the central and northern regions of Mali (Ségou, Mopti, Timbuktu, Taoudénit, Gao, Menaka and Kidal). Mali PSR works with communities to address the following key factors: conflict mitigation and management, promoting inclusive governance, strengthening civic engagement, and empowering youth.

In April 2020, the project pivoted and expanded its program mandate and geographic scope to address two concurrent and urgent challenges in Mali. First, to support the efforts of the Malian government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and flatten the curve in Mali PSR’s 43 communes in the North and Center, and in the South: Bamako, Koulikoro, Sikasso and Kayes. Since the onset of the novel Coronavirus, Mali PSR hasimplementeda suite of activities that have helped to address the immediate needs and the second order effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, following the two coups that took place in August 2020 and May 2021, Mali PSR has been provided support to the democratic transition processes as Mali prepares to hold elections. Mali PSRwill continue to integrate and leverage program activities to strengthen inclusive governance and the resilience in Mali and ensures that stabilization and peace objectives are upheld during the transition process.

Position Summary:

Creative is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor to support Mali PSR in the implementation of activities under the program’s fourth objective: Support Democratic Transition and Mitigate the Second Order Effects of COVID-19in Mali. The program is conducting a series of misinformation and disinformation training and other activities to encourage fact-checking, critical thinking and responsible engagement with social media and other information sources. The senior advisor will provide technical assistance and oversight in the design and execution of these activities and assist the program to expand the impact of these efforts as well as elevate support, where needed in supporting democratic transitions and stabilization efforts 

Reporting & Supervision: 

This position will report to the Chief-of-Party but is expected to work in close collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Party – Programs (DCOP). 

Primary Responsibilities:

The main responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Under the supervision of the COP and working in close collaboration with the DCOP-Programs this position is expected to develop a strategy for the program’s mis/disinformation work and solidify a path forward that expands the current reach and impact of these activities.
• In collaboration with DCOP/Programs and extended program team and project partners, develop a strategy, design specific interventions and lead operational plans, including direct implementation and grant oversight, related to mis and disinformation activities, solidify a path forward that expands the reach and impact of these activities.
• Generate awareness, ownership and involvement of citizens, specifically youth and women, regarding fact-checking, mindful media/information consumption and media literacy, promoting “good” reporting and journalism, etc.
• Develop and support interventions that improve awareness and accurate information about the upcoming elections and civic education;
• Strengthen social cohesion and trust amongst community and institutional actors and develop strategies to counter mis/disinformation messages antithetical to good governance and a peaceful political transition through collaboration with local media, training for journalists, working with bloggers/social media influencers, etc.;
• Support the promotion and strengthening of strategic partnerships with state and non-state actors, including other USAID implementing partners, around mis/disinformation and elections
• Lead and/or contribute to weekly, quarterly, and annual reports on project progress, successes, impact, and lessons learned related to mis and disinformation activities.
• Develop and maintain active contacts and relationships with key actors involved elections/mis and disinformation work to enhance collaboration and coordination, particularly with other USAID-funded programs.
• Provide technical guidance for project White Papers, advocacy, or public awareness work, as well as any other communication products related to mis and disinformation.
• Contribute to the development of project strategy documents including the annual work plans, strategy implementation plans, terms of reference, concept notes, reports and communications stories and materials.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• At least 8 years’ experience as a technical advisor or similar management role;
• At least 8-10 years of relevant experience working for a government contractor or international NGO;
• Previous experience working in the region;
• Familiarity and experience working on U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded programs;
• 3-5 years of experience working with governance, political party strengthening, civil society programming, or mis/disinformation programming;
• Experience working with mis/disinformation and/or technology for social impact;
• Experience with activity design, development, implementation and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong analytical capacity;
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field, master’s degree preferred; and
• Fluency in French and/or a local dialect is required.
• Oral and written proficiency in English is preferred.

Please note only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls please.

PROCEDURE DE SOUMISSION ET DATE DE CLOTURE DES CANDIDATURES 

Si vous souhaitez faire acte de candidature, Veuillez envoyer un CV mis-a-jour et une lettre de motivation à l’adresse suivante : emplois@crea-psr.com en précisant « Candidature au poste de Senior Technical Advisor, Democratic Transitions » dans l’objet du message au plus tard le  Jeudi, 12 Mai 2022 à 17 h 00