Community/ Civil Society Engagement (CSE) Manager

Background: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI) is an independent, non-partisan and a not-for-profit civil society organization working on issues of peace and development in Pakistan. It is registered under section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017. CPDI needs services of this advertised position for implementing the USAID’s Citizens’ Engagement Program (CEP), which will be implemented in selected districts of South Punjab and Northern Sindh over a period of five years. This program aims to strengthen effectiveness of citizen-led interventions; and improve government responsiveness to citizens’ concerns. Based on CPDI’s analysis of social change, political economy considerations, adverse impacts of natural calamities like floods and conflict dynamics in South Punjab and North Sindh, the program pathways and interventions focus on (a) enhancing quality of research, including about social trends, impact of recent floods on inter-communal relations, VE and conflicts, to inform policies and civil society engagement; (b) promotion of informed debates, dialogues and discussions to counter narratives that cause extremism and conflicts, especially involving journalists, media houses and young men/ women from diverse urban/ rural communities; (c) engaging legislatures and relevant executive bodies for effective policies, laws and oversight to achieve project objectives; (d) facilitating civil society/citizens’ engagement with journalists, legislatures and government institutions to discuss challenges, and collectively find ways to address perception of alienation or exclusion; (e) extension of technical support for strengthening government policies and legislative procedures (e.g. deployment of online Apps) for sharing information, engaging citizens, receiving feedback and complaints, and to become more responsive to citizens’ concerns; (f) leveraging and building upon the existing resources within communities (e.g. individuals respected across communities) that could help in improving inter-community relations by managing/resolving differences; (g) developing and promoting ideas and disseminating facts that help in strengthening counter narratives and mobilizing public support for peaceful and inclusive society/ communities; and (h) enabling young leaders to effectively engage authorities for promoting transparency and effectiveness of relief/ rehabilitation work in flood affected areas, especially for women and marginalized communities, and mitigating risks of alienation and social conflicts.

Job Description and Responsibilities: 

Community/ Civil Society Engagement Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage civil society organizations, community-based organizations, community groups, youth groups, college/ university students, and other community stakeholders to advance objectives of the program. These responsibilities will include the following:

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive community and civil society engagement strategy aligned with the program’s goal and objectives.
2. Identify key stakeholders and build relationships/ partnerships with them to facilitate implementation of the project. Such stakeholders may include madrassahs, churches, universities, civil society organizations, youth groups, women leaders, political leaders, and relevant government bodies.
3. Assess the capacity-building needs of community-based stakeholders and provide support and resources to enhance their ability for community outreach and engagement with authorities.
4. Organize training sessions, workshops, and webinars to empower civil society and community-based partners.
5. Coordinate advocacy efforts in collaboration with civil society partners to mobilize youth and communities to influence policy change and raise awareness of key issues.
6. Develop and implement outreach plans to engage civil society stakeholders in activities related to the program.
7. Facilitate inter-community dialogues and discussions to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.
8. Lead and oversee project initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, budget compliance, and successful outcomes.
9. Monitor project progress, evaluate impact, and report results to senior management and stakeholders.
   1. Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and community-based or civil society partners, maintaining open and transparent communication.
   2. Prepare regular reports, updates, and presentations on various aspects of the project including activities, outputs, and outcomes.
   3. Establish collaboration/ coordination with similar programs for mutual learning, synergies and to avoid overlaps.
   4. Ensure that all partners and sub-awardees adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, as well as donor regulations.
   5. Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with implementation of the program.
   6. Any other, as required by the COP/ CPDI.

Required Qualification: 

• Advanced degree in Social Science subjects such as development studies, political science, governance, civil society, or any other related subject.
• A minimum of 08 years of progressively responsible experience of working on development sector projects, including at least 03-year experience of working in management roles.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of project related themes including community-based organizations/ civil society sector, effective advocacy strategies, natural disasters like floods, extremism, youth development, civil society, citizens’ engagement, and government responsiveness.
• Experience supervising teams of diverse staff and demonstrated leadership capacity.
• Previous experience of working on or managing USAID-funded programs will be preferred.
• Demonstrated experience of establishing cooperative relationships and partnerships with civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
• Experience in managing programs in complex, politically sensitive, and resource constrained environment.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver quality outputs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively within a team.