Junior Networks and Partnerships Officer – Terms of Reference

The Organization

Accountability Lab makes governance work for people. We are seeking a world in which resources are used wisely, decisions benefit everyone fairly, and people lead secure lives. The Lab supports active citizens, responsible leaders and accountable institutions and is one of the leading eco-system building organizations within the governance field. The Lab is a “translocal network” registered as a local non-profit organization in the US, South Africa and in all the countries in which we work across Asia, Africa and Latin America. 

The Team

While our organization is headquartered in Washington, DC, and Johannesburg our team is spread across the globe. We have network offices in Abuja, Bamako, Bukavu, Harare, Islamabad, Kathmandu, Mexico City and Monrovia; we work with partners in Belmopan, Colombo and Hargeisa; and we run programs regionally in Southern Africa, South East Asia and the Balkans. We are all driven by shared values and the common goal of enabling people to use information and knowledge to hold those in power accountable and create lasting social change. We strive to reinvent the way that development organizations operate through radical transparency, creative awareness campaigns, cross-sector collaboration, and a culture of continual learning. 

We seek to invest in our people as much as we possibly can- with an emphasis on personal growth, learning, and cross-country support. Last year, Accountability Lab moved to a three person co-leadership model- read more about that transition and why we value shared leadership here. Through the translocal network we also operate with a number of shared leadership structures across Accountability Labs. The Junior NPO will work largely with one of the Co-CEOs- focusing on networks, partnerships and eco-system building- but will also support the work of the Lab as a whole as needed.

More about You

You have a deep interest in issues of governance, accountability, anti-corruption and open government; you are keen to get first-hand experience working on these issues within specific contexts and globally; and you are excited to support network, partnership and eco-system building efforts around these topics. You like nothing more than rolling up your sleeves and diving into challenges, and have the intuition and creativity to problem-solve. You are extremely well organized and driven to achieve collective goals in an organization that is open to and excited about your inputs.  You approach problems with flexibility, resourcefulness, and a positive attitude; and with an understanding that in a small but rapidly growing organization things can change quickly. 

You thrive in a fast-paced environment in which you can take direction but work independently, meet tight deadlines for research and writing, and are comfortable interacting with a variety of stakeholders. You see yourself as a sponge and jump at the opportunity to learn from and with your teammates. You are energized by a distributed environment and are excited to be surrounded by the diverse perspectives of our global team. 

Success Factors

Accountability Lab prioritizes cultural fit above skills and knowledge- which we feel can be learned as team members grow into their roles. We are primarily looking for the right person- and someone who works hard and is willing to take on more responsibility as the organization evolves. We seek a demonstrable record of assuming professional responsibility and delivering on professional goals with integrity and humility.

Responsibilities:

This is an entry level position. The Junior NPO will work directly for the Co-CEO of Accountability Lab that focuses on external partnerships, development and advocacy in support of eco-system building objectives. The Lab is growing into a leader within the governance space and 75% of the Junior NPO’s time will be spent supporting the Co-CEO on networks and partnerships. The remaining 25% of her/his time will be spent in supporting related organizational operations and programming. 

Networks and Partnerships (75%)

• Support to research activities and for speech writing and presentation development for partnership engagement;
• Support the maintenance of relationships with or on behalf of the Co-CEO at all levels- from local to international;
• Support for the development of partnership engagement opportunities including coordination, network mapping, communications, scheduling and logistical arrangements;
• Support for engagement in high-level governance and political processes, including the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the World Bank, G20, OECD and World Economic Forum, among others;
• Support the conceptualization, organization and delivery of events related to the Lab’s work;
• Provide research and writing support for blogs, op-eds and fundraising efforts including proposal writing and reporting.
• Other network and partnership related tasks are required.

Operations and Programming (25%)

• Provide support to the programs team as required, particularly as this relates to networks and partnerships;
• Support knowledge building and learning opportunities for Lab team members around the world;
• Provide support to operational issues as required, including support to internal governance mechanisms.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience in international development or a related field;
• A bachelor’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, or a similar subject;
• Resourcefulness and an ability to work independently. Organized, detail-oriented and committed to accuracy;
• Demonstrated writing, presentation and design skills;
• Excellent communication skills and problem-solving abilities;
• French language skills are not required but are a significant plus;
• International experience desirable.

Compensation and Logistics

Remuneration is $53,000 plus a generous benefits package including health insurance and pension contribution. Accountability Lab takes its duty of care to its staff very seriously- we offer a very generous leave and personal development package with plenty of opportunities to learn and travel, access to incredible networks across the international development and social entrepreneurship communities, and a fun, multicultural work environment. This position will be hybrid but based in Washington, DC.

Application Instructions

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter addressed to Mariana Martinez at [email protected] before 6pm EST on October 18th, 2024. Qualified candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis and will be required to complete a written competency evaluation. The position will begin as soon as possible.

Accountability Lab