Governance Advisor - Irish Embassy

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Introduction
Irish Aid is an integral part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is responsible for delivering the Government of Ireland’s programme of assistance to developing countries. Irish Aid has been working in Tanzania since 1975 and works with the Government of Tanzania, UN agencies, international research institutions, civil society organisations and other development partners to deliver on our overall goal of inclusive growth and reduced poverty and vulnerability in Tanzania.
The programme is guided by the Tanzania Country Strategy Paper (2011–2015), which has a significant emphasis on building government systems and a focus on partnership and interventions that deliver results for the poor and vulnerable. The programme is underpinned by a strong commitment to aid effectiveness and is aligned with the priorities of the Tanzanian Government’s National Development Plan, the MKUKUTA II (2010-2015).
With an annual budget of approximately €30 million, the programme is focused on improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers and pastoralists, improving nutrition outcomes and ensuring better quality and equitable public health services. Cutting across all our work is a commitment to gender equality, strengthened domestic accountability and good governance. The governance programme aims to strengthen domestic oversight and accountability across all aspects of the programme. The approach is to ensure that Ireland’s engagement in the priority areas of health, agriculture and nutrition is underpinned by an understanding of the governance context in which they operate as well as providing direct support for partners including the media, parliament, audit and civil society to implement activities.
2. The Position
The Embassy is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced Governance Advisor to join its Development Team. Reporting to the Senior Governance Adviser and working with the Governance Team and across the other teams in the Embassy, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the delivery of a high quality programme. He/she will have responsibility for management of a number of the governance programme components as well as the provision of strategic input and advice on governance across the Embassy. The Advisor also will provide support to the team on mainstreaming governance within their areas of responsibility.
Key functions:
1. Monitor and provide analysis for the Embassy team on political developments and the political economy context in Tanzania and their implications for Irish Aid’s development programme, particularly in programme planning and implementation reviews.
2. Undertake analysis of Tanzania’s performance against international and regionaly governance benchmarks and disseminate relevant information.
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3. Work closely with the Development Team, monitor delivery of services at local government level and provide analysis on key institutional constraints that need to be addressed in ensuring the delivery of quality services at local level.
4. Work closely with partners to provide technical assistance whilst analyzing the governance constraints to meeting objectives set out in programme partnerships.
5. Manage governance specific programmes in accordance with agreed MoUs; monitor programme expenditure against agreed budget lines and timeframes and ensure the financial resources are effectively used; institute early warning systems to detect weaknesses in project implementation and advise management on corrective interventions.
6. Monitor and report the achievement of programme results/outputs and objectives against agreed indicators in the performance measurement framework.
7. Ensure experience and lessons are documented and distilled for future programming, policy dialogue and communication.
8. Develop and maintain positive working relations/a wide network of contacts with Government, development partners, parliament, media and NGOs.
9. When required, represent the Embassy at Government and at relevant development partner meetings, including the Governance Working Group.
10. Prepare briefing and policy materials for the Head of Mission and Headquarters, in coordination with the Head of Development and Ambassador.
11. Provide support to HQ and high-level political visits, as needed.
Qualifications, skills and experience
The Governance Advisor will be expected to have the following experience and skills:
 A post graduate degree in governance, politics, law, international development, social sciences or other relevant discipline;
 a minimum of four years relevant work experience;
 Knowledge and understanding of the political economy and governance environment in Tanzania;
 An understanding of the institutional, legal and policy framework at national and local government level and public sector reforms;
 Experience in project cycle appraisal, management and monitoring;
 An influential communicator, with excellent written and verbal skills in both English and Kiswahili;
 Evidence of good analytical and problem solving skills;
 An effective networker, with the ability to develop a wide range of relevant contacts;
 Comfortable with working within a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team.
Performance management
The Embassy of Ireland operates a Performance Management Development System (PMDS) based on that used in the Irish Civil Service. Staff members agree, with their manager, goals, key tasks and targets aligned to an annual business plan. Performance is reviewed mid-year and at year-end. The PMDS also includes agreed on-going professional development actions. The Programme Officer will agree his/her profile with the Head of Development and in turn manage the process with those reporting to him/her.
Outline Terms and Conditions
 This position will be offered on a two year renewable basis. A six month probationary period will apply.
 The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and the level of responsibility.
 The Embassy operates an employee health benefits scheme.
 There are 24 days of annual leave.