Rakesh Rajani
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Dar es Salaam, 3 June, 2014
Seven years after the first conceptualisation of Twaweza, founder Rakesh Rajani will step down as Head of the organization at the end of 2014. A search process is underway to identify a creative, thoughtful and dynamic individual to lead the organization starting in 2015.
"Rakesh has been a terrific national and global leader on public accountability, citizen engagement and education issues and his departure is clearly is a big loss for the institution", noted Ben Witjes, Hivos Tanzania Director and Twaweza Advisory Board chair, "but he will leave behind a strong organization with capable and motivated staff, innovative programs and a deep commitment to learning. These are solid foundations for the future."
After having co-founded and led several civil society organizations, including Kuleana, HakiElimu, Policy Forum, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Twaweza over the past 23 years, Rajani seeks to engage in public development at a different level, so as to be able to "spend more time onreflection, learning, writing and strategic engagement, as well as with family."
Rajani will formally step down as Head on 31 December. For a short period in 2015, Rajani may undertake reflective writing on the first years of Twaweza's existence. He is also expected to continue representing Twaweza in the OGP leadership. Rajani is expected to join the Board of Twaweza sometime in 2015.
Twaweza is an East African initiative that seeks to promote access to information and ideas, citizen engagement and public accountability, with a special focus on basic education and open government. It works across the region, with staff and offices in Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Kampala. The initiative is housed by Hivos, a Dutch development organization with a long track record in human rights, freedom of expression and effective program management. Twaweza's first program phase ends in 2014, and the Advisory Board recently endorsed the strategic directions for 2015-18.
With its strong commitment to creativity, innovation and change, it is a natural time for Twaweza to seek new directions and fresh thinking. Although transitions always elicit mixed feelings, the organization is optimistic and excited about the future and committed to extending the high bar set by its founder.
A search committee consisting of Advisory Board members and senior staff has started its work. The post will soon be advertised on the Twaweza website. The new leader will be responsible for an exciting and well-functioning organization, with a revised, sharpened strategy, skilled management and staff, robust policies and systems and good relations with civil society, government, academics and donors.
For more information visit www.twaweza.org
