Global Core Theme Advisor: Institutions and Governance At SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Company Description

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work.

Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all.

In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the Agri-food, Energy, and Water sectors, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. Together, we are committed to effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximising positive, lasting impacts. Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

In SNV’s strategic framework (2023 – 2030) our focus is on contributing to a transformational level of change in agri-food, energy, and water systems – resulting in sustainable and more equitable lives for all. In all our work, the wider goal of transforming systems is embedded in the choices we make, inclusive of the enabling, facilitative, and partnership-centric approaches we take within our projects and programmes.

For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org.

Job Description

The Global Sector Heads (GSHs) of SNV’s sectors of focus (Agri-Food, Energy and Water), jointly with the global sector teams and sector leads in the countries, are responsible for the technical steering which includes developing and consistent application of a set of high-impact products responding to development needs and opportunities, and market demands and are responsible for quality and innovation in proposal development. We combine breadth and focus, entwining our sector expertise with three cross-sectoral core themes: gender equality and social inclusion (GESI); climate adaptation and mitigation; and strong institutions and effective governance.

The institutions that exist to ensure peace, protect residents, and provide equitable and sustainable access to vital goods and services – including food, energy, and water – are not always functioning fairly, efficiently, and effectively. Ensuring that institutions are more effective, accountable, inclusive, and transparent – and that governance systems are inclusive, responsive, and representative – is fundamental to the achievement of SNV’s objectives in all our sectors of focus and core themes.

Our aim is to transform the systems which prevent people from leading dignified and thriving lives. This systems approach requires us to support and contribute to developing effective, responsive, inclusive, accountable, and transparent governance structures and institutions. The governance dimension is critical to every aspect of SNV’s work across our three sectors of focus and core themes. It is also central to a sustainable exit of our programmes.

SNV has a long-standing history of working with civil society organisations, public entities and private sector organisations. Strengthening governance has always been at the heart of our work and we aim to strengthen coherency in approach across sectors and countries to further improve the quality and effectiveness of our work. For SNV governance is about institutions, systems and processes that deliver services to citizens and through which citizens articulate their interests and needs, mediate their disputes, exercise their rights and fulfil their obligations. Governance is mediated by interactions based on laws, norms, power or language, transparency and accountability and is done by governments, markets, institutions or networks.

SNV is seeking a Global Core Theme Advisor: Strong Institutions and Effective Governance to support the organisation integrating aspects of governance and strengthening institutions in the Agri-Food, Energy and Water sectors. In collaboration with the Global and Country Teams, the Global Core Theme Advisor will: i) assess current approaches and tools in the 3 sectors; ii) develop, overarching as well as sector specific innovative tools and approaches aiming at impact at scale; iii) define relevant and specific outcomes and indicators; iv) strengthen internal and external communication; iv) assist in identifying new funding options and partnerships, and vi) provide backstopping and knowledge brokering to project teams in the countries where SNV operates.

The Global Core Theme Advisor reports directly to the Managing Director Sectors and will work in close coordination with the two other global theme advisors and the Global Heads for Agri-Food, Energy and Water.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy Development: Coordinate and define with SNV’s Global Sector Teams (Agri-Food, Energy, Water) and country teams the integration of approaches and tools to realise effective governance and strong institutions in SNV’s products and broader vision on how to achieve systems change.
Advisory Services, Quality Assurance and Project Cycle Management: Provides advice and support to relevant project and programme staff in the 3 sectors to implement tools, approaches and metrics in governance and institutions strengthening according to set standards, ensuring consistency of approach and alignment across SNV’s project and programme portfolio. Ensure that the sets of tools and approaches to implement governance and institutions strengthening within and across the 3 sectors is updated and adjusted to meet required high-quality standards. Develop innovative and relevant methodology enhancements or new approaches based on experience and external developments.
Business Development: Provide expert support to prospect teams in design and review quality of new technical proposals on aspects of effective governance and strong institutions. Act as technical lead in selected business development processes focusing on governance and institution strengthening.
Knowledge and Learning: Support practice development on aspects of governance and institution strengthening and translate external trends into internal improvement actions and innovations within and across the 3 sectors. Support the development, maintenance and updating of the governance and institution strengthening knowledge agenda and how it plays out across SNV’s sectors and supports organisational learning.
Profiling, positioning and partnerships: Build and expand partnerships with relevant actors (knowledge organisations, companies, impact investors, development banks, venture philanthropists, foundations, donors, etc.) through professional profiling of SNV’s strategy, vision, knowledge and experience. Represent SNV at selected events.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline.
10+ years of working experience in governance and strengthening institutions at a strategic level with a focus on development cooperation in Africa and Asia.

Competencies

Extensive (international) network in implementing approaches and projects focusing on effective governance and strengthening institutions in low and middle-income countries.
Proven experience in developing programme strategies and positioning of governance and institution strengthening within an international cooperation context.
Strong methodological skills and proven ability to design knowledge, learning and development processes
Good understanding of the development issues, especially as they relate to Agri-Food, Energy and Water
Affinity in business development with external donors: proven ability and experience designing impactful projects and programmes, writing successful proposals and managing international donor relationships.
International work experience and proven ability to effectively advice and, coach a team of advisors in a multi-cultural setting.
Experience with knowledge management, learning and innovations in governance and institution strengthening.
Strong influencing and interpersonal skills and the ability to be flexible.
Good communication and negotiation skills as well as intercultural sensitivity.
Self-motivated achiever with excellent intercultural leadership, teamwork, coaching, communication, networking and organisational skills.
Entrepreneurial, result-oriented and driver for change.
Excellent social and networking skills, ability to engage with governments and the private sector including influencing skills and experience of working effectively in a matrix organisation.
Experience living and/or working in a developing country will be an advantage.
Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. Proficiency in French is highly desirable.

Additional Information

Contract Type: Full time
Contract Duration: 2 years with possibility for extension
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Information Duty Station: Preferably The Hague, The Netherlands (negotiable)
Travel: Approximately 30%

Working at SNV
SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a stimulating work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and international working environment. Our staff contribute to and benefit from collaboration with an internal and global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org.

How to Apply:
If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and letter of motivation by 7th of March 2023.