Capacity Development Officers, USAID Local Solutions Support Project
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International is an independent nonprofit research institute and leading development organization headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA. Since 1958, RTI has worked in over 150 countries and designed and implemented cutting-edge solutions in the sectors of economic growth, governance, education, and health.
Position Summary
RTI is currently accepting applications for one Capacity Development Officer for a USAID-funded Local Solutions Support project in Laos. The goal of this project is to strengthen the operational and managerial capacity of academic institutes, businesses, and other local organizations that serve vulnerable populations in the country so that they can be more effective and sustainable. The Capacity Development Officer will work with the Capacity Development Lead (CDL), grant management team, and MEL Specialist to prepare trainings and provide technical assistance to local organizations. She/he is expected to be trainer and individual experienced in adult learning, mentoring, and coaching. She/he will ensure capacity development activities to target beneficiaries are successfully delivered with exceptional quality. This position will be based in Vientiane but travel throughout the country will be required, as needed. Nationals of Laos are strongly encouraged to apply.
Primary Responsibilities
The Capacity Development Officer, under guidance of CDL, will conduct the participatory local organizational capacity assessments (PLOCA), facilitate the development of Capacity Development Action Plans (CDAPs), and work to support these organizations in the long term. She/he will be responsible for designing and delivering a broad range of capacity development assistance to target beneficiary organizations throughout the country. She/he will ensure that all capacity development support is streamlined, able to meet the needs of local partners, and is implemented with exceptional quality. She/he will form a core team of experts to provide support and will be complemented by selected local consultants. The Capacity Development Officer report to CDL and work closely with the grant management team, MEL Specialist, and selected local consultants.
Capacity Development Support
Conduct local organizations selection based on LSS/RTI guidelines. Facilitate PLOCA of selected local organizations that may receive grants and/or technical assistance under the project. Facilitate the development of CDAPs with correspondent organizational capacity development interventions for selected local organizations. Participate in Grants awarding and monitoring process. Design a wide range of capacity development activities for target local organizations Provide direct capacity development support to the local organizations that may address a wide range of institutional areas including financial and administrative management, human resources, institutional governance, marketing and communication, strategic planning, networking, leadership, etc. Provide coaching and mentoring support on organizational capacity development for the target local organizations in a creative and innovative way and beyond traditional approaches. Work with selected local consultants to deliver capacity building activities as guided by CDL. Lead quality assurance of capacity development activities carried out by local consultants to ensure exceptional standards.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Knowledge Management
Work closely with MEL Specialist to create and maintain a database to record relevant information and verify data using supporting documentation. Lead project baseline, midterm and end-line surveys with exceptional standards. Make sure high-quality data is available on demand for LSS team, RTI regional and head offices, donors and government partners. Produce case studies, conduct surveys, and carry out other monitoring activities as required. Lead in establishing learning platforms and enabling environment for LSS project stakeholders, civil society organizations community, and beyond. Develop and execute communications, marking and branding, media, marketing and advocacy plans in line with USAID and RTI policy and requirements. Prepare reports for CDL (monthly reports, quarterly reports, six-month reports, end of year reports, performance reports and others as necessary). Carry out other relevant tasks as directed by CDL.
Required Skills and Qualifications
The successful applicant will have extensive experience in working with and supporting local organizations in Laos. They will also have direct experience in helping them to develop capacity in a range of operational and managerial areas. Required skills also include:
Bachelor’s degree in social studies, development studies, business administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. At least 5 years of experience in working with academic institutes, social enterprises and/or NGOs, especially in the area of capacity development. At least 5 years in strengthening the managerial and administrative capacities of academic institutes, businesses, and social enterprises and other types of local organizations in Laos. Excellent communication skills and the ability to coach and mentor organizations in a collaborative and innovative fashion. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Fluency in Laotian required. Experience in working on projects with international donors is preferred. Experience with USAID funding requirements is an advantage
Application Instructions: Qualified candidates are invited to apply for this position by September 30, 2022. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
This vacancy is archived.