We’re Hiring: Seeking Consultant to Assist with Open Government Partnership Coordination and Evaluation

OpenTheGovernment.org seeks a consultant to assist in coordinating civil society organizations (CSOs) with a stake in US leadership of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and managing the development of measurement tools to evaluate the Administration’s open government efforts. The contract will extend through at least June 2012 (extension of time reliant on continued funding) and require a commitment of 20 hours per week. Compensation under the contract is dependent on experience.

OpenTheGovernment.org is an 8-year-old coalition of non-profit organizations and associations committed to promoting openness and defending against secrecy in the federal government.

The OGP initiative brings together partners from many countries and sectors to support governments’ efforts to become more transparent, accountable, and participatory. To participate in the initiative countries must embrace a high-level Open Government Declaration; deliver a country action plan developed with public consultation; and commit to independent reporting on their progress going forward. The US National Action Plan was released on September 20, 2011 and includes 26 commitments ranging from implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to managing the federal government’s electronic records.

Job responsibilities would include:

Coordination of civil society organizations

• Assist in the management of the coalition’s communication with the broad civil society community concerned with US openness;
• Take notes and report on OGP calls, meetings, etc.;
• Schedule meetings for the community with Administration and agency officials, as needed ;
• Other duties related to OGP as assigned.

Management of development of metrics

• Coordinate discussions with academics and groups relating to the development of metrics to evaluate whether or not the Administration has met its commitments;
• Take notes and report on calls and meetings;
• Other duties related to the development of metrics as assigned.

Assist in Assessment Reports on Progress toward Implementation

• Assist with the management of communications with OTG’s partners and the broader CSO community working on the implementation of the openness/transparency commitments in the US Plan as to whether or not the Administration has met its commitments;
• Take notes and report on calls and meetings;
• Draft reports on progress
• Other duties related to the implementation as assigned

Qualifications

• A demonstrated interest in issues of government openness and accountability
• At least a Bachelor’s Degree in political science or related field
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• High level of initiative and ability to work independently
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to prioritize
• Skills in using online technologies creatively a plus
• Experience working with coalitions a plus.

Applications must include a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample. These should be sent to pmcdermott@openthegovernment.org no later than December 1st. Calls in regard to this opportunity will not be accepted.