About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES):
IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.
The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.
PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:
The Senior Electoral Administration Specialist will provide technical support to key institutions in election activities including capacity building, legal reform, electoral operations, electoral dispute resolution, voter registration, inclusion, strategic communications, and voter education.
POSITION SCOPE:
Provides broad technical and organizational development expertise to assure successful achievement of goals and objectives. Monitors and evaluates interim results and develops contingency plans if objectives are off track. Demonstrates mastery of electoral administration, with comprehensive knowledge of professional best practices.
Uses global/ industry outlook to determine the impact on IFES strategy.
Applies thought leadership and innovations to work approaches.
TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION:
- Build and foster the organizational and technical capacity of electoral management bodies (EMBs), including the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, the Election Commission, the Constitutional Court, and the General Elections Directorate.
- Conduct a detailed and ongoing assessment of the EMBs capacity and establish a technical assistance plan based on a proposed election calendar.
- Advise on the general implementation of electoral activities, providing support to improve electoral systems and procedures.
- Serve as the lead expert in the implementation of the electoral integrity management plan.
- Develop and provide advice on training programs on relevant revisions to the electoral laws and regulations.
- Develop an electoral agent training program, including training materials and guidebooks.
- Conduct strategic planning workshops and, using the BRIDGE methodology, lead training for members and staff of EMBs as required.
- Facilitate roundtable discussions with EMBs, international stakeholders, and other relevant bodies on the electoral framework and implementation issues as required.
- Liaise with other election assistance implementers, the donor, and the diplomatic community to coordinate activities and maximize the impact of collective technical assistance efforts.
- Develop and maintain constructive working relationships with national counterparts, national and international assistance providers, and democracy and governance organizations and strategic partners.
- Evaluate strategies and activities on an ongoing basis to ensure maximum impact, proactively identifying appropriate next steps.
- Draft activity reports, collect monitoring and evaluation data, and participate in the drafting of quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports.
- Other duties as assigned by the Country Director.
DECISION-MAKING / PROBLEM-SOLVING:
Identify risk factors with the potential to disrupt the achievement of operational goals. Consult with internal and external stakeholders to identify, propose and build consensus around the best solutions. Complex decision-making is subject to management review.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Provides oversight and management of host country national staff, consultants, and field experts, as assigned or delegated by the Country Director, in order to complete the project’s work plan.
EDUCATION:
A bachelor’s degree is required (graduate degree preferred) in a field of studies such as political sciences, social sciences, law, development economics, international development, public/business administration, or governance, or another relevant field.
EXPERIENCE:
- At least 10 years of relevant work experience directly related to technical assistance for electoral administration, systems, and processes in developing countries.
- Extensive experience in election systems and administration, with specific experience in electoral training and capacity-building of EMBs.
- On-site and medium/long-term capacity-building of election administration staff.
- Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong professional and collaborative management skills.
- Extensive experience with implementing electoral cycle projects in post-conflict settings.
- Demonstrated ability to develop effective training materials.
- BRIDGE certification is required.
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
- Prior experience working in an international office in a politically sensitive and challenging environment. Strong professional and collaborative skills when working with a team.
- Ability and skills to promote and inspire effective collaboration between individuals, organizations, and networks, demonstrating strong diplomacy skills and cultural and gender sensitivities.
- Strong consultative, collaborative and participatory way of working.
- Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience living and working in West Africa is strongly preferred. Knowledge of local/regional politics and development is preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Fluency in written and spoken French is required, fluency in English is preferred.
TRAVEL:
As the need arises to support the project.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
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