Country Director- Job Ref. RDC/IFES/2709/2303

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:

IFES is recruiting for a Country Director (CD) for its USAID/DRC Electoral Integrity Activity in the DRC. The CD serves as IFES primary in-country representative and coordinator of programming with local and international actors. The primary focus of the position is providing technical support to stakeholders and ensuring successful completion of project activities. The CD will provide vision and technical leadership for project activities. S/he will be responsible for maintaining pro-active contacts with stakeholders and the international community. The CD will direct technical implementation of IFES program in the DRC and oversee management of the country office.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Direction and Program Implementation

•  Serve as IFES senior election technical advisor for the assigned project, providing technical support and advice to various government and non-government stakeholders.
•  Provide expertise on programming focused on inclusive, transparent electoral processes.
•  Oversee the day-to-day management of IFES project(s) in the DRC.
•  Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of program strategies and activities.
•  Prepare and manage the implementation of the project(s) annual work plans in fulfillment of the project’s strategic objectives and goals, and within the allocated budget.
•  Establish and maintain close working relationships with local government and non-government stakeholders, including high-level officials in government ministries and election management bodies.
•  Establish and maintain working relationships with international NGOs and the donor community to ensure successful implementation of the project and avoid duplication of efforts.
•  Coordinate closely with consultants and experts on program components.
•  Lead the drafting and timely submission of detailed, combined quarterly reports to HQ, and ensure that they meet donor and IFES reporting requirements.
•  Contribute to weekly reports submitted to IFES HQ, providing updates on program activities, progress, and challenges; outreach activities; relevant events in the DRC; support required from IFES/HQ; and activities planned for the coming period.
•  Lead and/or contribute to written technical reports, briefing papers, and IFES thought pieces, both program-specific and non-program specific.
•  Represent IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, at donor meetings and other fundraising activities, as speaker and/or spokesperson for IFES.
•  Ensure the highest quality of program monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and communications.
•  Perform other duties as assigned.

Management

•  Ensure, in conjunction with IFES HQ team, compliance with IFES and USAID rules and regulations, particularly with respect to fiscal management.
•  Establish strong working relationships with country office staff to facilitate the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget.
•  Provide general supervision and mentoring of local and international country office staff, including performance appraisals, staff development and other management issues.
•  In coordination with IFES/HQ, assist in the identification, recruitment, and hiring of in-country office staff, as well as local and international technical consultants.
•  Provide oversight and management of technical consultants, including review of all consultant reports and deliverables.
•  Assist in program development for IFES in the DRC by identifying additional technical needs in-country, contributing to the development of project proposals and reaching out to the international donor community in an effort to diversify IFES funding sources.

POSITION SCOPE:

Serves as the primary in-country representative and directs the technical implementation of IFES programming. Oversees the management of assigned country office. In conjunction with IFES HQ, ensures compliance with IFES and USAID rules and regulations. Recommends policies, controls and procedures to guide performance.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING:

Evaluates risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of strategic goals and sets appropriate course of action in response. Investigates and analyzes current information from various sources and in various formats to inform decision making and the development of protocols and procedures. Leads development and oversees implementation of strategies to track and mitigate risks and their potential impact.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Ensures the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget. Ensures compliance with IFES, USAID or other donor rules and regulations, particularly with regard to fiscal management. Oversees preparation and presentation of financial reports to internal and external partners. Oversee and approve local and international procurement in accordance with IFES policies and USAID rules and regulations. Authority to regularly make purchases and incur expenses, subject to established controls and procedures.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Serves as primary in-country representative of IFES with local and international actors. Develops, manages and maintains collaborative working relationship with senior level stakeholders within and outside IFES to ensure timely and successful achievement of project goals and objectives. Represents IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, and at donor events and fundraising activities, as a spokesperson for IFES

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises and mentors local and international staff and provides oversight and management of consultants and experts. Leads project planning, monitoring and evaluation.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree in international politics, international development, public policy, or other related fields preferred.

Experience:

•  Have minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in the democracy and governance field, including a minimum of seven years of experience with election administration and international program management.
•  Have demonstrated experience in capacity building, election management/voter registration operations and electoral legal framework development.
•  Have demonstrated experience with election systems.
•  Have demonstrated experience with monitoring and evaluation methodology.
•  Have experience working in Francophone Africa, preferably in the DRC.
•  Have experience with USAID regulations and the implementation of US Government- funded project activities; and,
•  Written and spoken fluency in French and English.

SKILL REQUIRED:

•  Prior experience managing an international office in a politically sensitive, fast-paced and challenging environment.
•  Ability and skills to promote and inspire effective collaboration between individuals, organizations and networks, demonstrating strong diplomacy skills and cultural sensitivity.
•  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 overseas, preferably within the assigned region and/or other transition environments.
•  Knowledge of local/regional politics and development preferred.

TRAVEL:

Travel required up to 50% of time

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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