The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance — International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.
International IDEA’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.
International IDEA’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Main functions of the post:
- To provide expert advice, technical assistance, and inputs for activities, projects and events relating to elections in Africa;
- To conceptualise, implement and manage projects relating to the Africa Programme and any other project within Africa with a particular focus on election.
Under the immediate supervision of the Regional Director, Africa and the Middle East, the incumbent performs the following duties:
- Supports technical assistance requests in the area of electoral support in the region;
- Manages projects and events in the area of electoral and democratisation support in the region including donor reporting, monitoring and evaluation;
- Advises the Regional Director for Africa on matters pertaining to electoral and political developments in Africa and provides periodic written analysis and reports;
- Liaises and networks with Member States and IDEA partner organisations in the field;
- Provides input into possible funding sources and funding approaches for agreed programme components and participate as required in fund raising activities and negotiations in line with International IDEA fund-raising policies;
- Participates and contributes to the Africa programme and team activities as well as to the institutional consolidation of International IDEA;
- Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender perspective in all programming activities;
- Carries out other duties as assigned by the Regional Director or any person designated by him/her.
Qualifications and skills
Basic qualification requirements:
Level and type of formal education:
- University degree in Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Development or equivalent
Professional experience:
- Minimum of five (5) years professional experience working within the field of elections –ether at the national or international level;
- International experience in support of electoral institutions and processes would be an asset;
- Relevant field experience in Africa essential and other field experience in any of IDEA’s priority regions an advantage;
- Work experience with project management in support of electoral institutions and processes;
- Results Based Management experience would be a strong advantage.
- Work experience in donor reporting, project monitoring and project evaluation.
- Experience with training and or capacity building (especially BRIDGE) also an advantage.
Functional competencies:
- Good level of political maturity, personal initiative and creativity;
- Possess knowledge of major international trends and development in the field of Elections;
- Ability to relate to and influence senior policy makers, Member States’ representatives etc;
- Excellent analytical, drafting and problem solving skills;
- Good organisational skills and efficiency-driven perspective;
- Excellent negotiation, advocacy and communication skills, including public speaking, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences;
- Good sense of initiative, ability to set priorities and work under pressure with accuracy and dedication;
- Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas and to transfer knowledge and skills.
- Ability to provide inputs for conceptualising strategies and designing programmes of work;
- Ability to build and maintain broad networks of partners;
- Ability to work both independently, with minimum supervision and in teams;
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- Ability to operate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and be Gender-sensitive.
Work relationships:
- Ability to appreciate diversity and work as part of a team in such an environment;
- Ongoing collaborative contact with International IDEA offices (sub regional, regional and HQ);
- Liaises with partners and donors and especially in regards to donor reporting and project monitoring and evaluation.
Supervisory responsibilities:
- Supervision and management of Assistant Programme Officers and consultants working in his/her programmes, and on occasion interns/fellows.
Difficulty of work:
- The incumbent is expected to show a high level of professionalism, personal initiative and creativity. S/he will also be expected to possess and continuously update her/his knowledge of major international trends and development in the field of elections specifically and more broadly in the field of democracy and governance. S/he should be able to work under tight deadlines and to cope with situations of stress and in addition should be willing to travel on official missions. Complex and intellectually demanding work.
Language skills:
- English: Fluent written and oral
- Other: French, Portuguese or Arabic language skills would also be an asset.
Computer skills:
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, internet and web search tools.
Criteria for Professional Performance
The incumbent of this post is expected to act according to a set of principles when carrying out her/his responsibilities as appropriate to their role, display the following characteristics:
Be a Facilitator of Change
Get Results/ Be Accountable and Proactive
Lead by Example
Be a Model of Integrity
Celebrate Diversity
Be a Team Worker/Builder
Strive for Success and Excellence
Plan and Organize
Terms of Contract:
Level VI Post. Two (2) Year Fixed Term Appointment.
Deadline for Applications:
Applications should be submitted no later than 01 May 2011.
International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.
Should internet not be an option, applications can be submitted to International IDEA by fax: +46-20 24 22 or by post: International IDEA, SE-103 34, Stockholm, Swedenmore details information
