DIRECTOR POLICY, GOVERNANCE AND ADVOCACY required for Indian NGO

POSITION SUMMARY: DIRECTOR POLICY, GOVERNANCE AND ADVOCACY


ORGANIZATION: INSTITUTE OF RURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (IRRAD)
Third Sector Partners, a leading CxO and board search firm in the Not for Profit sector has been retained by IRRAD to recruit a Director Policy, Governance and Advocacy.


OVERVIEW
Institute of Rural Research and Development (IRRAD), based in Gurgaon, Haryana, is an initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation, registered as a Trust in India since 1999 to further the well-being of rural communities in India. IRRAD's mission is to implement Integrated Sustainable Village Development (ISVD) in select village clusters, build capacity in rural development, undertake rural research, improve village governance, and serve as a premier knowledge institution for rural development and poverty reduction in India. IRRAD envisions rural people across India motivated and empowered to make their lives more secure and prosperous through education, better health, improved skills and supportive governance.


IRRAD has four centers; (a) Program Implementation; (b) Rural research; (c) Capacity building and Policy and (d) Governance and Advocacy.

IRRAD implements programs and conducts research in the following areas: (a) Life Skills Education; (b) Rural Health; (c) Income Enhancement including Agriculture; (d) Water Management; and (e) Alternative Energy.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The S. M. Sehgal Foundation is looking for a dynamic individual in the capacity of Director Policy, Governance and Advocacy who shall provide the leadership to IRRAD in its efforts to facilitate policy advocacy on issues related to rural governance.

The incumbent would have to work with diverse partner organizations, numerous stakeholders, and ensure effective networking on policy and advocacy. The incumbent is expected to be a self-starter and display initiative, patience, maturity, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a cross-cultural and flexible environment.

The role will be based in Gurgaon and reports to the Mr. Sanjiv Chatrath, Chief Operating Officer, of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR POLICY, GOVERNANCE AND ADVOCACY
1. Analyze and prioritize the impacts of local, state and national policies on rural development, helping the rural poor make best use of policies intended to benefit them; and advocate for policy reforms when needed.
2. Represent The Institute at policy-making forums and actively participate in such national forums and at international level including government ministries and departments and other stakeholders.
3. Involve and facilitate policy advocacy, analysis and lobbying concerning the rural sector. plan, direct and coordinate policy level initiatives.
4. Monitor and proactively engage in policy regulatory environment concerning the civil society and the poor with specific reference to the rural sector.
5. Analyze and gather public opinion about social issues affecting policy decisions.
6. The incumbent would require dealing with bureaucracy, politicians, political parties, government and media.
7. Organize meeting, symposia, and workshops on issues concerning governance in the rural sector.
8. Ensure that the department performs the role of an integrated centre for information on various issues concerning governance and policy with respect to the rural sector.
9. Ensure coordination among various stakeholders.
10. Create and maintain a favorable public image of IRRAD
11. Provide regular accompaniment and leadership to the staff of the unit.


KEY CRITERIA
• Ph.D/ Post graduate degree in public policy/Social sciences/Law or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of overall work experience in reputed civil society organisations. Minimum 5 years experience of managing capacity building programs with rural communities/panchayats with a focus of educating them on government schemes, their rights, and advocacy with relevant government departments.
• Sound analytical skills and knowledge/interest in public policy related to rural development. The incumbent should have experience of participation in relevant discussion forums/lobby groups.
• Demonstrated excellent skills in alliance building and relationship management across diverse partners.
• Excellent written and oral English & Hindi communication skills.
• Ability to represent the organization across media, government and national and international forums.
• Ability to travel 5 - 10 days a month.


COMPENSATION DETAILS:
The compensation is commensurate with qualification and experience.

Interested individuals may please submit their CV, a cover note and 3 references by email to application.directorpolicy@gmail.com with the subject line indicating Director Policy, Governance and Advocacy - IRRAD. Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

The last date for receiving applications is 30th September 2009.


Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.