Job - Program Officer/Field Research Manager, Justice for the Poor Timor-Leste

The World Bank Group is seeking expressions of interest from qualified candidates for the position of Program Officer/Field Research Manager, Justice for the Poor Timor-Leste. The assignment is expected to commence in January of 2009. Details of the assignment and information for applicants can be found at the bottom of the posting.

Program Officer/Field Research Manager, Justice for the Poor Timor-Leste

Location: Dili, Timor-Leste, with extensive field work

Duration: Short Term Consultant – 75 working days (w possibility of extension)

Recruitment: Local

The World Bank’s Justice for the Poor (J4P) program is a global research and development program aimed at informing, designing, and supporting pro-poor approaches to justice reform. J4P seeks to understand how governance and justice systems function at the local level, and how individuals and communities navigate those systems in order to resolve disputes and to make claims to (or against) state- or non-state authorities. J4P aims to inform operations in the areas of governance and justice, build the capacity of local institutions and researchers to design and implement high-quality research, disseminate findings, and use such findings to inform ongoing policy reform.

The J4P program has been active in four countries (Indonesia, Cambodia, Sierra Leone and Kenya) and with the support of AusAID is developing a regional program in East Asia and the Pacific, which includes two new country programs (Timor-Leste and Vanuatu). In each context, research and activities are tailored to the Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy and where possible are integrated into the Bank’s operational initiatives.

In July 2008, the World Bank launched a J4P program in Timor-Leste. The J4P program supports the World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy, in particular the Pillar 3 (Strengthening Governance) outcome of improving access to justice, with a focus on economic rights. The Timor-Leste program is being developed as Asia’s newest country seeks to better define roles for local/traditional authorities, and looks to identify more effective mechanisms for dispute management and resolution. In Timor-Leste, J4P will embark on a program that contributes to an enabling environment for equitable growth, state stability and participatory citizenship through 1) enhanced citizen understanding, claiming, and enforcement of economic and social rights, and 2) improved accountability, conflict management and dispute resolution in reform processes.

As J4P builds up its programming in Timor-Leste, we are seeking a local Program Officer/Field Research Manager to provide day-to-day management of program administration and logistics (particularly field logistics), participate in program design and management activities, and assist in the recruitment and daily on-site management of a team of local researchers.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program and Research Activities

* Review literature and legislation relevant to the program;
* Contribute substantial input to development of work plans, research questions, project concept notes, and field research guides;
* Conduct interviews with a variety of actors (government, traditional leaders, CSOs, youth groups, women’s leaders, etc), using a variety of qualitative research techniques;
* Identify and develop possible areas for J4P partnership with local organizations, universities, research institutions, etc;
* Represent the J4P program in coordination meetings, staff meetings, workshops, and meetings with stakeholders;
* Assist in the recruitment and management of a local research team, including providing training, mentoring and on-site monitoring of researchers;
* Assist in authoring research reports, briefing notes, policy papers, and other materials as required; and
* Help to develop and coordinate research dissemination and follow-up activities, including providing substantive advice on the future direction of the program.

1. Logistics and Administration
2. Provide written and oral translation from English to Tetun and/or Bahasa Indonesia (and vice versa) for meetings and program materials;
3. Plan field research trips throughout Timor-Leste as required, including:
* Working closely with World Bank staff to schedule vehicles and drivers, hotels, and other travel logistics;
* Identify potential respondents and schedule meetings;
* Identify additional translation assistance as needed; and
* Other duties as required.
4. Ensure that terms of reference (TORs) for all J4P-TL local staff and/or partners are drafted according to World Bank and J4P requirements, and that claims are submitted in accordance with these terms;
5. Schedule videoconferences, teleconferences, staff meetings, workshops, and other events as required;
6. Provide writing and editing assistance as needed, and general project backstopping; and
7. Other duties as required.
Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following characteristics:

* Fluency in written and spoken English and Tetun (knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia and/or Portuguese will be an advantage);
* University degree in law or the social sciences (advanced degree preferred);
* At least 3 years experience working in the field of international development, law, or research at a professional level;
* Willingness and ability to spend extensive periods of time (at least 50% of contract, to include weekends and evenings) in remote areas throughout Timor-Leste, often at minimal notice;
* Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a diverse array of backgrounds, including government officials, police, traditional leaders, women, the elderly, youth, CSOs, etc;
* Demonstrable experience conducting and analyzing qualitative research and managing a local research team;
* Proven interest in issues of justice and governance in Timor-Leste (experience with land rights or public service delivery is an advantage);
* In-depth understanding of the social and political environment in Timor-Leste;
* Ability to conduct evidence-based policy analysis and play an active role in the development of program policy and direction;
* Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel;
* Experience in program management and logistics;
* Punctuality, intellectual curiosity, willingness to take initiative, multi-task, and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

For more information or to apply for this position, please send your current CV (not to exceed 2 pages), a letter explaining your interest in this position and detailing relevant achievements,, and the contact information for 2 professional references (employers, professors, etc) to Pamela Dale, Interim Program Coordinator (pdale@worldbank.org). Only successful candidates will be contacted.