David Jacobstein

David Jacobstein is a Democracy Specialist at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), specifically within the Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Center. He has been with USAID for over 13 years, focusing on various aspects of democracy and governance, including capacity strengthening, political economy, and cross-sectoral integration.135

Professional Background

Jacobstein's work emphasizes the importance of local capacity strengthening, which aims to empower local organizations rather than merely supporting them through traditional donor practices. He was involved in drafting USAID’s first-ever Local Capacity Strengthening Policy, which seeks to shift the agency's approach toward more collaborative and humble partnerships with local actors.12 His philosophy revolves around the idea that effective development comes from listening to and investing in local communities, rather than imposing external solutions.1

Contributions and Philosophy

Jacobstein advocates for reducing bureaucratic barriers that can hinder effective collaboration between donors and local organizations. He believes that fostering genuine relationships and understanding local contexts are crucial for successful development outcomes. His insights are informed by his experiences in the field, where he observed that informal connections often lead to significant impacts in community resilience and advocacy.12

Current Role

In his current role at USAID, Jacobstein continues to contribute to policy development and implementation strategies that enhance democratic practices globally. His expertise is recognized within the agency, and he frequently engages with various stakeholders to promote effective governance practices.34