Country Representative – Tunisia

Background

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. DRI promotes the political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies and the development of democratic institutions worldwide.

DRI has supported Tunisia’s democratic transition since 2011 through an office in Tunis and outreach around the country.
Accompanying the country’s transformation for over a decade, DRI has been working with a large number of Tunisian government and non-government actors such as the parliament, different ministries, the judiciary, civil society organisations, universities, political parties, and local governance actors, on various topics such as the constitutional process, judicial reform, decentralisation, participatory democracy, human rights, elections, and public discourse online. DRI’s current projects in Tunisia address a broad scope of thematic areas including access to justice, local governance and youth participation. A core element of DRI Tunisia’s work is our close cooperation with Tunisian civil society partners. Learn more about DRI Tunisia on our website.

DRI is currently recruiting a Country Representative for its Country Office in Tunis. We are in search of an experienced professional with a deep background in the democratic development sector, strong programme management skills, a commitment to impact, and the ability to lead a team of 18 staff in Tunis. The position is subject to funding.

Tasks

Under the overall supervision of DRI’s MENA Programme Manager, the Country Representative will be responsible for overseeing the entire work of the DRI Tunisia country office. This entails strategic positioning, the design, implementation and evaluation/reporting on DRI Tunisia’s project(s), representational duties, and the management of the DRI Tunisia office, in close cooperation with DRI Tunisia’s Director of Finance and Administration. A specific focus of the position is on ensuring the continued financial stability of the DRI Tunisia’s programme.

More specifically, the Country Representative will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Leading on planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the projects to ensure the effective, timely and efficient execution of project deliverables, while responsive to the overall project goals and the local political and security context
• Identifying significant in-country developments (political, legal, security, etc.) and their impact on the DRI priorities, project activities and entry points for engagement
• Leading and overseeing the development of new initiatives and projects in the country, grants acquisition and diversification of funding sources ensuring long-term health and stability of DRI programme in the country
• Develop brand and reputation among foreign and national governments, partners, donors and other stakeholders, and develop and maintain productive relationships and networks with civil society organisations and local and state authorities. Be DRI’s representative and spokesperson to all public, including local and international media/audience.
• Direct and manage staffing in the country office while focusing on developing capabilities appropriate to the strategic and operational needs of projects/programmes and the needs of both the present and the future presence of DRI in the country and create ownership among staff
• Drafting, reviewing and contributing to reports, briefing papers and other knowledge products
• Execute and advance DRI Tunisia’s country strategy, visibility/outreach strategy and fundraising plan
• Drive, develop, and ensure the adaption, integration, and learning around key areas including gender equity and diversity, monitoring and evaluation framework, security and safeguarding
• Overseeing project budgets and financial reporting, in cooperation with DRI Tunisia’s Director of Finance & Administration and DRI HQ, as well as ensuring adequate systems are in place and followed regarding program procurements, project assets, regular inventories and similar activities
• Ensuring effective coordination with and reporting to DRI’s MENA Programme Manager and other relevant staff at DRI Headquarters
• Representing DRI Tunisia, respecting DRI’s mission statement of promoting political rights as enshrined in international human rights standards, as well as DRI’s reputation and status as a charitable, non-profit company
• Providing support to other DRI teams present in Tunis, if needed

Required

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience managing projects and programmes, of which at least four related to democracy assistance, human rights, local governance or governance reform;
• Academic degree in law, political or social science or a related field;
• Sound knowledge of international democracy and human rights standards;
• Excellent outreach, presentation (written and oral) and donor liaison skills;
• Proven experience in building relations with funding partners and knowledge of donor landscape;
• Proven experience in supervising and managing staff;
• A strong administrative track record, with financial management competencies;
• An entrepreneurial mind-set, with an ability to get things off the ground quickly;
• Good negotiation skills and the ability to work as part of a diverse team;
• Fluency in English as well as fluency in Arabic and/or French. If only Arabic or French, knowledge of the respective other language is a strong asset.

Preferred

• Experience with international non-profit organisations;
• Background in rule of law and civil society focused projects;
• Strong networks with relevant stakeholders in the governance field in Tunisia (CSOs representatives, state agencies and officials, international stakeholders);
• Prior experience in heading a project office in Tunisia or the MENA region