Country: United States of America
Closing date: 29 Apr 2019
“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”
Position Description:
The Research Officer is an intermediate professional position at IFES providing both technical research and program administration support to the Center for Applied Research and Learning, including through participation in technical assessments, meetings/briefings and public events. The Research Officer is also the primary representative of IFES to the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network Coordination Unit. The Center manages IFES research and technical leadership activities to enrich electoral administration and democracy development assistance and ensure the consistent application of international standards and best practices. Job Responsibilities:
Lead and/or provide research and writing support for IFES technical leadership research projects and assessments. Research (for technical leadership projects and publications) may be country-specific, regional, or global, and may focus on a range of sources: international, regional, and domestic laws and jurisprudence; international obligations and best practices; rule of law and elections indices and barometers; media analysis of elections; election observer mission reports; and other sources for information. Assessments will be country-specific and may focus on electoral integrity; electoral dispute resolution; and the abuse of state resources in elections.
Coordinate IFES participation in the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network and ensure that IFES provides efficient and effective support to ACE in its current role as the coordinating organization for the network. As the Senior ACE Coordinator, the Research Officer will work with the Center Research Associate to coordinate and oversee implementation of the project activities of ACE. The Research Officer will liaise with ACE partner organizations and other stakeholders to guide their active participation in the activities of the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network. The Research Officer will design and coordinate implementation strategies for meeting program objectives while coordinating partner input and facilitating consensus building.
As needed, support Center interns and/or Research Associates/Coordinators working on ACE Electoral Knowledge Network task, research for technical leadership projects, and assessments.
Administrative management on technical leadership projects may include: leading work-planning and report writing; liaising with technical experts, drafting consultant contracts and managing payments; budget development and revision; and developing outreach pieces or planning events and training. Qualifications: POSITION SCOPE: Provide varied support functions and perform moderately complex job duties requiring knowledge of proposal development, program management, donor interface, and research and development initiatives. Contribution to program planning, development and management. Manage work activities with internal and external partners to help ensure achievement of assigned objectives project(s). Performance and outcomes are subject to management oversight.
DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Multi-factor decision-making requiring research and analysis, subject to supervisory guidance. Analyze and interpret issues, propose and implement solutions relying on knowledge of professional standards, principles and sound judgement. Initiate contact with staff in other departments to exchange substantive information and coordinates activities necessary to achieve work goals. Authority to make decisions on issues of program design, delegations to junior staff, and financial oversight for assigned projects.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Participate in project budget planning. Critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Program Administration team. Authority to research, negotiate, and recommend purchases of materials, equipment and logistical arrangements.
RELATIONSHIPS: Develop and maintain collaborative relationships, which require highly-developed interpersonal skills, involving active listening and problem solving, to assure desired outcomes. Seek opportunities to improve working relationships and work outcomes with internal and external partners.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise entry level or professional positions, including interns or fellows. Participate in planning and implementing work activities with internal and external partners and contribute to evaluation of results.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 4 years of overall work experience in the international development sector with NGO experience and interest in comparative election standards a plus. Academic and/or professional experience with detailed and high-quality research, writing, and editing required.
Related Skills or Knowledge: Professional, intellectually curious, and flexible, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Successful candidates will be meticulously detail-oriented and organized and have the ability to collaborate when needed and also work independently, prioritizing and handling varied tasks within deadlines. Experience managing or coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders is extremely helpful. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and Excel is required.
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LANGUAGE SKILLS**: English required. Knowledge of other languages a plus.
TRAVEL: Travel up to 10% of time
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment, with occasional field travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
How to apply: