Country: Iraq
Closing date: 23 Mar 2020
About the International Foundation for Election 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 everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops 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
IFES seeks a Senior Election Specialist to advise the IHEC on preparations and conduct of electoral operations such as voter registration, elections planning, staff training, general and special voters polling procedures, elections technology solutions for electoral operations, elections security, and post-elections activities. This is a full-time staff position based in Baghdad with occasional in-country travel.
Since 2003, IFES has provided technical electoral assistance to Iraqi authorities and civil society stakeholders. IFES has provided advice to these stakeholders on incorporating electoral processes into Iraq’s post-conflict transition and establishing a legal and institutional framework for elections, including the creation of an independent election body.
The overall objective of IFES’s current electoral assistance program is to support the Independent High Elections Commission (IHEC) in planning and conducting credible elections and ensuring integrity of the electoral process. IFES Iraq Provincial Election Activity (IPEA) project provides technical and operational assistance to the IHEC.
Job Responsibilities:
- * Conduct an internal capacity assessment that evaluates existing structures, procedures and capacities; analyze expected workload; and identify areas where additional capacities need to be established;
- Prepare Capacity Building and Training Plans;
- Provide technical advice, recommendations, and on-job training on electoral planning, procedures, and implementation based on international standards, best practices and comparative analysis;
- Facilitate the transfer of relevant experience on electoral management to the IHEC’ staff members, especially newly appointed commissioners and directors of departments, heads of sections and governorate electoral offices (GEOs) managers through daily advice and trainings;
- Review and assist with drafting of electoral regulations and procedures related to election operations as requested by the IHEC;
- Advise the IHEC on new technology solutions for electoral operations focusing on voter registration, voting, counting, and results transmitting systems;
- Conduct trainings for the IHEC staff members on election issues as identified by the IHEC,
- Establish, maintain, and develop relationship with the IHEC, international and national partners, peers, subordinates, and consultants at large;
- Liaise as necessary with international and national technical advisors and experts, the IHEC’ technical subcontractors, and civil society organizations in consultation with the IFES Iraq Country Director and/or IFES HQ;
- Identify new approaches and modalities that are adaptable to achieve established targets;
- Contribute to project internal and external reporting and delivering presentations and briefings to the relevant stakeholders and donors as required.
Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Political Science, International Development, International Law or other relevant discipline; Masters preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience directly related to elections technical advice, election administration and operations; with minimum 5 years of experience in working in international environment preferably in MENA region; Experience in providing specialized technical assistance, capacity building, and training on electoral processes to election stakeholders in Iraq or the region; Experience in advising national electoral authorities on electoral frameworks and systems and elections planning and operations; Proven management experience with sound knowledge and experience in all aspects of project cycle; Experience in working with USAID-funded programs is a plus.
Required Skills and Knowledge: Ability to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations. Demonstrated understanding of the issues and challenges of the existing electoral system in Iraq; Proven track record with democracy and governance programming in developing countries;
Familiarity with political, economic, and social issues in Iraq and/or the MENA region; Ability to manage and develop strong local relationships; Team player with excellent interpersonal/representational skills; Ability to builds strong relationship with counterparts, focusing on impact and results; Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills; Proven networking, team-building, organizational, and communication skills; Capacity to work under pressure, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations; Sound time management and organized skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks; Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of national counterparts; Flexibility and willingness to live and work in hazardous conditions.
Language Skills: Fluency in written and spoken English and written and spoken Arabic language skills highly preferred
Travel: Occasional in-country travel may be 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.
To be considered, applicants must apply directly through the IFES application system.
“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” **
How to apply:
https://www.vs4.vscyberhosting.com/ifes/Careers.aspx?req=20%3a029&type=JOBDESCR