Senior Election Advisor – DRC (Consultant) – Job Ref. RDC/IFES/2709/2304

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 Elections Advisor /DRC consultant will provide technical support to the CENI and other key institutions in electoral activities including capacity building, electoral operations, electoral dispute resolution, strategic communications and voter education in the DRC.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical direction and program implementation:

•  Act as IFES technical focal point for the election commission and provide ongoing high level technical assistance in line with international good practice.
•  Advise on the general implementation of electoral activities, providing support to improve electoral systems and procedures.
•  Develop and provide advice on strategic planning and communications in the lead-up to the elections.
•  Develop an electoral agent training program, including training materials and guidebooks.
•  Facilitate roundtable discussions with EMBs, national and international stakeholders and other relevant bodies on issues pertaining to the elections and the pre-electoral period.
•  Liaise with other election assistance implementers, and the donor and 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 weekly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports.

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 impact on IFES strategy. Applies thought leadership and innovations to work approaches.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING

: Identify risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of operational goals. Consult with internal and external stakeholders to identify, propose and build consensus around best solutions. Provide input to management for complex decision-making.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

A bachelor’s degree required (graduate degree preferred) in a field of study such as political sciences, social sciences, law, development economics, international development, public/business administration, or governance or another relevant field.

EXPERIENCE:

•  10 to 15 years of relevant work experience managing election-related programs, including managing donor-funded elections-related awards, and/or providing technical assistance on 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.
•  Experience providing technical assistance to elections-related civil society organizations.
•  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 and implement effective training materials.

RELATED SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE:

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 Central and/or West Africa strongly preferred. Knowledge of DRC’s/regional politics and development preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Fluency in written and spoken French required.

TRAVEL:

Travel within DRC as required.

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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