Van James Email and Phone Number

Chief of Party for USAID's Strong Hubs for Afghan Hope and Resilience (SHAHAR) program. SHAHAR is a five-year, $72.0 million program being implemented in 14 provincial municipalities across Afghanistan. Its primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of Afghan municipalities to meet citizen identified service priorities and service delivery needs through program activities in three components: (1) assistance to the Deputy Ministry of Municipalities (DMM) to establish a linked system of municipal governance throughout Afghanistan, which has DMM at its center, and builds DMM's human and institutional capacity to function as intended.; (2) assistance to mayors and municipal administrations to enable them to become more resilient, transparent, self-sustaining, and effective in meeting the needs of citizens; and (3) assistance to Municipal Advisory Boards (MABs) to function as forums for citizens to collectively advocate for their priorities and monitor municipal service delivery. The crosscutting themes of women's empowerment, gender equity and equality, and the inclusion of both women and youth in municipal governance are integrated into each of SHAHAR’s three components.

Responsible for technical startup activities, preparation of work plans and activity monitoring and evaluation plans (AMEPs); preparation of reporting deliverables; and coordination with key USAID and Afghan officials. Manage and provide technical direction to international short-term technical advisors (STTAs), 11 senior Afghan technical directors and managers, 20 regional technical advisors, and 100 municipal embedded advisors.Responsible for developing and implementing all three components of the annual work plan, as well as cross-cutting activities (Women and Youth Initiatives).Managed the design and implementation of baseline capacity assessments for all 20 SHAHAR partner municipalities, institutional capacity assessment of the GDMA, and organizational capacity assessment of MABs.Collaborated with GDMA to design and implement the National Municipal Network Establishment Conference, resulting in the establishment of Afghanistan’s first National Municipal Network.Designed interventions for SHAHAR’s partner provincial municipalities to become learning hubs for neighboring district municipalities. Managed the development of capacity building plans for GDMA, all 20 partner municipalities and their MABs.Managed the process of creating and implementing Action Strategies to Increase the Participation of Women and Youth in Municipal Governance.Designed and managed the implementation of initiatives to increase public outreach, transparency and accountability in the annual municipal budget preparation process.Managed the development and implementation of municipal strategic communications plans and public awareness campaigns.Designed and developed systems to establish Citizen Service Centers in each of SHAHAR’s 20 partner municipalities. ssessed the feasibility of mobile money applications in each partner municipality for the payment of municipal taxes, charges and fees. .

Short-term technical assignment (April 2014 to June 2014) for ICMA International as a Local Economic Development (LED) Consultant for the Jordan Local Enterprise Support (LENS) Program based in Amman, Jordan; a USAID-funded program implemented by fhi360 (with ICMA as a subcontractor). Designed and delivered a series of four workshops to introduce the mayors in three governorates to the key principles and concepts of LED strategic planning and provided technical assistance to LENS LED component staff regarding the establishment of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the use of LED scorecards to measure program and municipal performance in relation to stated program objectives and outcomes.

Technical Program Team Leader / Municipal Governance Advisor for the Regional Afghan Municipalities Program for Urban Populations – Regional Command North (RAMP UP – North) in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan; a USAID-funded program implemented by DAI. Managed and provided technical direction to three international technical advisors, ten senior Afghan technical and field operations directors, four Afghan community engagement officers, and 80+ Afghan embedded municipal advisors. Responsible for developing and implementing all four components of the annual work plan (capacity building, service delivery improvement projects, local economic development and revenue generation, and gender and youth mainstreaming). Managed the design and execution of municipal assessments in targeted municipalities to identify capacity development needs. Designed and managed the delivery of functional training and technical assistance to support municipal budget preparation and execution. Managed the design and delivery of capacity building programs and activities, emphasizing a “learning-by-doing” approach. Managed the development of eight (8) citizen service centers. Provided technical direction and assistance for the establishment of twelve (12) public-private partnerships. Managed the development of Local Economic Development Strategic Plans in six municipalities. Responsible for technical program management, including technical start-up activities, preparation of work plans and development of performance monitoring plans (PMPs); preparation of weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual/final reports; coordination with key USAID and Afghan officials; and serving as Acting Chief of Party for technical matters in the absence of the Chief of Party.

Team Leader for the National Work Element Division May 2010 – May 2011Iraq LGP III Coordinated development of the national work plan for LGP III. Managed the development of curricula and intellectual content for national training programs to increase the capacity of Iraq’s provincial councils and governors to perform the basic functions granted to them by Law 21 of 2008 (legislating, planning, budgeting, monitoring, and organizational development). Coordinated national conferences for provincial officials. Managed four international subject matter experts (SMEs) and eight CCN staff. National Subject Matter Expert for Organizational Development Apr 2010 – May 2011 Iraq LGP IIIICMA Developed curricula and intellectual content of national training programs to provide management principles training for senior provincial officials. Provided training and technical assistance to assist provincial councils and governors in establishing structures and processes to support the performance of their basic governance functions. Provided training and technical assistance to support the establishment of Human Resource Management Departments (HRMDs) in the governors’ offices, as required by relevant COMSEC orders. Provided training and technical assistance to facilitate increased public participation in provincial decision-making. Civic Participation Specialist Jan 2010 – Mar 2010 Iraq CAP IIIProvided leadership and technical input into development and delivery of local council basic, core, intermediate, and advanced training. Developed curriculum for advanced trainings in target communities on subject matter of civic participation, community outreach, project formulation, and advocacy. Provided training oversight of delivery of basic, core, and intermediate training for newly targeted communities.

Reorganized entire City staff, resulting in improved productivity and responsiveness and the implementation of an organizational structure more capable of responding to growth and development. Established the City’s first Development Review Committee (DRC) process for development related projects, ensuring a coordinated review of all projects by appropriate staff members and consultants. Developed and implemented the City’s first customer relations and public information function, significantly improving customer service and the flow of information to the community. Negotiated a new 380 Agreement with the Bridgeport Doctors’ Hospital. Developed and implemented the City’s first five-year Capital Improvements Plan, Staffing Implementation Plan, and Technology Improvement Plan. Completed planning, design and construction of the Harwood Park Small Communities Grant, the ATV Park Trails Grant, the Activity Center Indoor Recreation Grant and the update of the Parks and Trails Master Plan. Completed construction of the new Law Enforcement Center on time and within budget. Established a Development Advisory Group, comprised of representatives of the development and building communities, to assist the City in identifying and responding to development-related issues. Developed the Bridgeport Community Plan. Successfully negotiated Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreements to secure the construction of a LaQuinta Hotel and Suites and a McDonald’s Restaurant. Created Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 1 to provide a designated funding source for re-development of Halsell Street and the historic downtown district and capital improvements for Harwood Park.

Local Governance Advisor Jan 2008 – Dec 2008Iraq Local Governance Program II (LGP II), Babil PRT, Al-Hillah, IraqDeveloped proposal and SOW for $4 million Iraq Transition Assistance Office (ITAO)-funded water and sewer master plans to restore and expand the water and sewer infrastructure in Babil Province. Drafted proposal and SOW for the development of a solid waste master plan for Babil Province for submission to ITAO. Served as PRT Team Leader for Infrastructure and Essential Services Team and as the budget execution specialist for the Babil PRT. Developed presentations regarding the Government of Iraq’s budget formulation and execution processes and the 2008 Provincial Powers Act (Law 21) for Department of State and US Military personnel and PRT advisors. Developed proposals for the formation of a Local Government League and a Budget Execution Team for Babil Province.

Town Manager Nov 1997 – Oct 2005Town of Flower Mound, Flower Mound, TXManaged the land development process for the nation’s tenth fastest growing community from 1990-2000. Developed and implemented the Flower Mound SMARTGrowth Program. Received 2000 Recognition Award from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 6, for outstanding contribution to livable communities through Smart Growth and Environmental Quality of Life. Completed an update of the Town’s Comprehensive Master Plan over a two-year period with more than 150 public meetings. Developed and adopted the Town’s first-ever Strategic and Marketing Plans for Economic Development. Developed and implemented an innovative $26 million public-private partnership with landowners in the Lakeside Business District; resulted in Town recognition as the runner-up for the 2000 Community Economic Development Award (CEDA). Approval of a Chapter 380 Agreement with Hines Interests Limited Partnership to provide incentives for the construction of a 280-room luxury hotel and conference center in the Town’s Lakeside Business District. Added approximately 300 new high-tech and biomedical research and development jobs through the relocation of two of Stryker Corporation’s California divisional headquarters. Expanded community policing initiatives, including the Community Oriented Policing Partners (COPPS) program. Developed and implemented the Citizen Budget Partners program to encourage civic groups to participate and assist in the earliest stages of the annual budget process. Managed a fiscal and budgetary process consisting of $70.2 million annual operating budget, $212.0 million five-year CIP, and 416 full-time employees. Received on a continuing basis, the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” and the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” from the GFOA.

City Manager Jul 1995 – Oct 1997City of Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Springs, COCompleted the Steamboat Springs Area Community Plan. Formed, by special election, a Downtown Development Authority (tax increment financing district) as an economic development tool to promote redevelopment and enhancement of the commercial and resort districts in the Mountain Base Area. Developed and implemented a new employee pay plan and compensation system, including a merit or pay-for-performance component; updated and standardized all current job descriptions; and implemented a new employee performance evaluation system. Established a new Department of Intergovernmental Services to foster and maintain positive and productive intergovernmental and legislative relationships which secured more than $12 million in grants in its first year. Developed and coordinated an unprecedented partnership between agriculture, conservation, recreation, business, tourism, and government interests to develop and implement the Yampa River System Legacy Project; this partnership obtained $12 million in grant funding and received the Governor’s 1997 Smart Growth Award for Public-Private Partnerships. Initiated a collaborative relationship with the Trust for Public Land, resulting in the execution of a contract for the purchase and preservation of approximately 4,000 acres of productive agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and biologically significant riparian areas in the Yampa Valley south of Steamboat Springs. Received on a continuing basis, the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” and the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” from the GFOA.

Town Manager Jan 1991 – Jun 1995Town of Flower Mound, Flower Mound, TXInitiated and completed the Town's Comprehensive Master Planning Project. Received the 1994 Comprehensive Planning Award from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association for the Town's Comprehensive Master Planning Project. Received, on a continuing basis, the "Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting" and the "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award" from the GFOA.

City Manager 1984 – 1991City of Mount Pleasant, TX, Mount Pleasant, TXObtained a $6.325 million State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan from the Texas Water Development Board for construction of a new 2.53 MGD wastewater treatment plant and interceptors. Received and administered $810,589 in community development grant funds, $491,000 in economic development grant funds, $791,000 in EDA industrial development grant funds, and $150,000 in rental housing rehabilitation program funds. Received, on a continuing basis, the "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award" from the GFOA. Published the City's first Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and received the "Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting" from the GFOA.

City Manager 1982 – 1984 City of Canadian TX, Canadian, TXImplemented more effective and professional law enforcement services by establishing a police department. Implemented a comprehensive personnel management system, including a new personnel policies handbook, position classification plan and salary schedules, and performance evaluation and merit pay systems. Reorganized the City’s financial structure, chart of accounts and budgetary format.

Director of Human Resource Development 1979 – 1982 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TNCoordinated the University's state-wide management and organization development efforts, including its participation in the American Council on Education's Higher Education Management Institute. Developed and conducted the following management development training programs: work group needs assessment; program for group facilitators; performance evaluation; motivation; delegation; change; supervision for results; team building; management concepts; conflict management; setting goals and objectives; organizational climate; time management; creativity; planning; leadership effectiveness; and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action.