BACKGROUND

In 2004, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) enacted the Local Government Act (LGA) 2004 which brought about the introduction of decentralization in the same year. To ensure the successful implementation of the decentralization programme, the GoSL established the Decentralization Secretariat (DEC-SEC) in May 2004 as a Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Local Government and Rural Development (MIALG&RD).

In 2004 Local Council Coaches were recruited and assigned to Local Councils to provide coaching and mentoring support. With increase in the volume of work of Local Councils especially with the advent of the Decentralized Service Delivery Programme (DSDP), the terms of reference of the Coaches has been revised to reflect the current trends, hence they have been re-designated as Resident Technical Facilitators (RTFs). The positions are restricted to Sierra Leone nationals at home and overseas.JOB PURPOSE

The IRCBP through the Decentralization Secretariat wishes to contract the services of Resident Technical Facilitators (RTFs) to complement the existing RTFs to ensure that an RTF is assigned to each of the Local Councils. The RTFs will work with the Local Councils, the Ward Committees, and other state and non-state actors at the local level to ensure the successful implementation of the decentralization programme and effective service delivery at the local level.

REPORTING

The Resident Technical Facilitators (RTFs) will report for all outputs of Dec-Sec to the Capacity Building Manager through the Regional Coordinators in their respective regions of deployment. In addition s/he will ensure the timely and accurate reporting required to other Units of IRCBP.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The revised responsibilities of the Resident Technical Facilitators taking into consideration the additional demands of the DSDP are as follows:

1.To educate the Local Councils and other institutions on the new decentralization policy and monitor its implementation at local level

2.To support the preparation of sector development plans and budgets and their integration into the Local Development Plans and Budgets

3. Provide guidance to local council in developing and reviewing capacity development plans that are responsive to their requirements and facilitate their implementation

4. To provide report on the implementation of the Local Council Annual Work Plan

5. To facilitate communication flows between Local Councils and MoFED/MIALG&RD

6. To strengthen the knowledge base of Local Councils on the use of the Rapid Results Approach in project, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

7.Provide mentoring and coaching support to local councils in the implementation of projects and institutionalization of the RRA as a tool that can improve their overall management capacity.

8. To provide mentoring and coaching support to the Ward Committees especially as it relates to:

a) Building a strong interface between ward committees and the local councils;

b) Ward committees effectively monitoring development activities within their jurisdiction

c) Mobilizing residents to support the decentralization process - improving social accountability and resource mobilization

d) Building a strong interface between the ward committee and the citizens

9. Support the LGFD in the development of data base for devolved functions

10. To offer additional administrative support to Local Councils’ development operations as requested and appropriate.

11. To perform other activities assigned by the Director - Dec-Sec.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Applicants should posses a degree in the Social Sciences. Development or other related disciplines with at least five (5) years of relevant experience especially in the areas of capacity building or institutional development, decentralization and local governance. Experience in working for donor-funded projects or institutions is an added advantage.

OTHER QUALITIES OR REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of the decentralization or local governance
• Experience in training, facilitation, coaching and mentoring
• Willingness and ability to work effectively under pressure and in difficult terrains
• Strong leadership, conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrated organizational, management & supervisory skills
• Willingness and ability to manage a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of MS word, Excel and Power Point

General Information:

Equal Opportunity Employer

All posts are advertised on an equal opportunity basis and qualified women and men are encouraged to apply.

Salaries and Conditions of Service

Attractive salaries and conditions of service will be offered to the successful candidates.

Duration of Contracts

In all cases, Contracts will be for One Year initially, subject to annual review with a possibility of renewal.

Mode of Application

All applications in writing should be accompanied by up-to-date Curriculum Vitae and supporting documents with the names and addresses of three Referees, one of which should be the latest employer and addressed to:

The Programme Coordinator
Integrated Project Administration Unit
Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
Ground Floor
Treasury Building
George Street
Freetown
Sierra Leone
Or

E-mail application as attachment (including all supporting documents) to: aisesay@mofed.gov.sl (Copy: sandelol85@gmail.com; laminvandi@yahoo.com;)

Please indicate clearly on the envelop or in the email the post for which application is made.

Closing Date

The Closing Date and time for receipt of applications is 24th March 2010 at 5pm GMT.