International Development Law Organization (IDLO)

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting the rule of law and good governance in developing countries, transition economies, and nations emerging from conflict. IDLO’s objective is to help these countries establish legal frameworks needed to achieve sustainable, equitable development. It is the only intergovernmental organization with a mandate to work solely at the nexus of law and development. For more information, please visit IDLO’s website at www.idlo.int

The Social Development Department is part of the larger Programs Management Division at IDLO. The other departments include:

• Economic Growth & Trade Programs
• Governance, Institutional & Justice Reform Programs
• Cross Cutting Programs
• Program Development & Compliance
• Field Operations

IDLO’s social development programs support actors in addressing legal and regulatory aspects of emergent global issues undermining development, such as climate change, scarcity of critical resources (e.g. land, water, and food), disease, economic instability, and human insecurity.

IDLO seeks an innovative and strategic leader to oversee the development and implementation of all Social Development programs. Reporting to the Director of Programs Management, the Manager coordinates, guides, and evaluates the work plans of the Department in conjunction with team members to set priorities and deadlines as well as create standards and targets in accordance with the Strategic Plan and Department objectives. Coaching and development of Department staff is also a key responsibility of this position.

In support of programs that require the Manager’s expertise, she/he will participate in project delivery when needed. The Manager must also become fluent in IDLO’s training and technical assistance methodologies to ensure they are uniformly applied. Additionally, with the organization’s recent launch of results-based management, the Manager must thoroughly understand its principles and carry out its mandate across all Department activities.

As the organization’s authority on all issues within the Social Development discipline, the Manager will actively seek out new programming opportunities that maintain IDLO’s leadership role in the field, which includes identifying sources of funding to support the work. By staying current on trends and emerging theories within the domain of social development, the Manager will act as IDLO’s external representative on these matters, including advising the Management Committee of innovative approaches and adaptations to existing and new programs.

The Manager monitors compliance and progress reporting as well as coordinates the activities of the Department with all supporting business units. Additionally, she/he is responsible for all resources expended throughout its program and field operations, including the staff, budget, and all other resource allocations.

The Manager provides overall leadership of a Department staff of seven and directly supervises four, including the (1) Senior Legal Officer – Health Law, (2) Legal Officer – Land Law, (3) Senior Legal Officer – Environmental Programs, and (4) Administrative & Budget Assistant.

PRIORITY WORKPLAN

• The Manager will be joining IDLO at an exciting time of growth and expansion. As a new position for the organization, the selected candidate will need to quickly establish a cohesive team within the Department and become thoroughly knowledgeable about its current portfolio of work.
• While the Strategic Plan 2009-2012 defines the overall framework to guide the organization’s programming, the Manager will lead the Department’s effort to create the Social Development program priorities and work plans for the team that will direct its activities over the next one to three years.
• In partnership with all senior members of the Programs Management Division, the Manager will contribute to the effort to establish the operating and infrastructure guidelines and methodologies to most effectively deliver and report back on programs and projects worldwide.
• The Manager will need to assess the resources within the Department, identify potential gaps between operational capabilities and program delivery, and make recommendations to resolve any potential support needs.
• Once the short-term strategies for project implementation have been created, the Manager will need to plot the longer-term course forward for Social Development programs, especially in identifying key areas of thought leadership for IDLO.
• Building a strong external network will be essential for the Manager’s success in staying at the forefront of program and development trends. The Manager must be part of the global dialogue on Social Development issues, continue to identify IDLO’s counterparts working in the same arena, and expand IDLO’s stature and representation in the global community on these matters.
• The Manager will contribute to the overall effort to develop the indicators and other metrics of success around IDLO’s programs and projects.
• The Manager will partner with the Director of Programs Management to develop and deliver Social Development Program content and outcomes to the Communications Unit and Strategic Networks Department for publication and dissemination.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
IDLO seeks a new Manager for its Social Development Programs Department who has a genuine interest and passion for the organization’s mission, with a specific devotion to the areas of Health Law, Environmental Programs, and Land Law. The ideal candidate will bring strategic guidance and project management skills to these program streams and act as the key project manager for the delivery of services.

As with most of IDLO’s programs, Social Development is a rapidly evolving discipline and field of study. The selected candidate must have the intellectual nimbleness to re-focus on emerging priorities and the capability to adjust program needs accordingly. Additionally, this role requires a natural ability to cultivate synergies and cooperation amongst global partners on Social Development issues.

The Manager must be disciplined in performing rigorous analysis to produce program, policy, or operational recommendations that are rooted in accurate data and strong forecasts. Given the high degree of expertise within IDLO across a variety of legal disciplines, we seek candidates who know how to leverage this internal peer-review network to produce the most effective programming for the organization.

The ideal candidate will be a strong listener and excellent communicator, particularly in articulating the strategic direction for programs within Social Development to internal and external stakeholders. In instances where the Manager acts as a representative of IDLO to external constituencies, he/she must be skilled in public speaking as well as presenting and summarizing salient points in an influential manner, often in cross- or multi-cultural settings. He/She should also have solid experience in fundraising.

Creating an environment of teamwork and cooperation is essential to the success of this position. The ideal candidate will have the knowledge and interpersonal skills to motivate and encourage relationships based on mutual respect and trust. The Manager will also inspire achievement and success in others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in law and international development with a minimum of fifteen years in progressively responsible leadership roles is required as well as three to five years of experience in direct project or program management. A Law Degree is necessary. An advanced Law Degree, a Masters, or other higher degree is ideal. Successful experience in intergovernmental agencies and the United Nations is a plus.

Fluency in English is required. A working knowledge of other languages, especially French, is preferred.

Job Location(s): Rome, IT

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