Job Summary: RTI is seeking a Local Government Lead for an anticipated project. The Local Government Lead will be responsible for capacity building at the municipal level and civil society. This position will report to the Chief of Party and will be based in Quito, Ecuador.

Position is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities:

• Enhance service delivery and capacities at the municipal level, with a focus on climate-resilient infrastructure and incorporating feedback from civil society organizations.
• Improve information systems within local governments to enhance transparency and citizen participation in climate action planning and monitoring.
• Increase municipal revenues through innovative financing mechanisms, including climate-related grants and public-private partnerships, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits among citizens.
• Support municipal governance and service delivery, with an emphasis on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and collaboration with civil society.
• Support gender equality and female empowerment in the public and private sectors, particularly in climate-related decision-making roles and access to green jobs.
• Support system upgrades to increase tax and fee collection, with a focus on incentivizing sustainable practices and ensuring transparency and accountability in collaboration with civil society.
• Work with women and young community leaders to demonstrate increased leadership in policy and decision-making related to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Improve citizen perception in service delivery, particularly regarding climate-related services and responsiveness to community needs.
• Promote collaboration and partnerships between local government, civil society organizations, and community groups to address climate change challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the project, including tasks related to climate change adaptation, mitigation, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience, Master’s degree and 10 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience in capacity building, public finance, democracy and governance or other related fields.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with government development and strengthening in Ecuador and/or other countries in the region, including working with civil society organizations or climate change.
• A demonstrated track record of managing projects with success.
• A demonstrated ability to engage with multiple stakeholders, including local civil society and Indigenous groups, at the local and national levels, with a sensitivity to the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and a commitment to participatory approaches.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, with the ability to build consensus and foster participation among diverse stakeholders.
• Fluent written and oral communication skills in Spanish and proficiency in English.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree 

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements