UNDP Jobs - 35570- Project Coordinator-Electoral Assistance

Project Coordinator-Electoral Assistance

Location :

Cairo, EGYPT

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-Feb-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The UNDP is cooperating with the Government of Egypt in the area of elections through the
'Strengthening the Democratic Process in Egypt' Project, which was signed in November 2011. The project focuses on a) strengthening public outreach and voter information; b) strengthening technical and operational capacity of national electoral authorities; c) incorporating lessons learned and best practices of the 2011-2012 elections in the subsequent elections processes; and d) increasing access of women and rural dwellers to their citizenship rights.

A number of improvements in electoral administration practices have been achieved since the revolution in order to meet international standards, such as a clearer understanding of making explicit electoral procedures (including for counting) to ensure consistency throughout the event, acceptance of training as a major tool to improve polling and counting, improving the polling station set-up (by creating flow strategies and giving specific tasks to polling staff), enhancing transparency and accountability measures (including printing of ballot papers in booklets with serial numbers in the stub, counting at the polling stations, facilitating the work of observers and politicalparties/candidate agents and giving out copies of the results sheets to those stakeholders), improving the registration process and substantially increase its credibility and comprehensiveness by deriving it from the national ID database. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to be achieved, including the consolidation of a permanent, professional and unified electoral administration, implying re-structuring of the electoral authorities and systematic training and networking efforts.

The project also looks at improving the level of awareness and knowledge of electoral matters among various stakeholders (decision and opinion-makers, as well as population at large, in particular women and youth). Awareness levels and knowledge of electoral issues needs to be significantly enhanced, including but not limited to electoral administration and electoral systems, despite efforts conducted since the revolution. The project has as future activities a number of awareness events, that include round-tables, conferences, networking (particularly sub-regional ones), study-tours and development of knowledge strengthening tools (BRIDGE modules, training programs and curriculre, regional lexicon) and women oriented electoral education campaign (in partnership with UN Women).

The project is implemented through Direct Implementation modality.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), the Project Coordinator supports the CTA in the planning, coordination and management of all UNDP electoral support activities. Specifically, the Project Coordinator will

Support the CTA in the technical coordination of the project focusing on:

Articulation of context-specific proposals and solutions based on lessons learned and best practices from similar relevant experiences.
Develop strategic and policy plans, concept papers, funding proposals and related briefs
in support of project activities.
Establish close cooperation and coordination with key national stakeholders to identify potential barriers as well as opportunities to achieve project objectives; work of the electoral support Project and support the CTA in overseeing their implementation.
Represent the CTA in her/his capacity of technical advisor when delegated.

Under the guidance of the CTA, support the Egyptian electoral authorities and stakeholders in the

Provision of strategic and policy recommendations and hands-on advice on a broad range of electoral issues b sed on prior experience
Provide advice on measures to safeguard the reliability and integrity of the electoral process, and to strengthen electoral institutions and practices

Liaise with development partners and donors working in the field of elections to

Promote cooperation and coordination of electoral activities amongst various stakeholders
Identify centres of excellence and other potential stakeholders which the project can partner with

Day-to-day management of the project team and resources, including

Lead preparation of project workplans, budget submissions and all related activities
(procurement, recruitment, etc);
Supervise subordinate personnel and consultants in their responsibliities and serve as the focal point and principal officer for recruitment of the electoral staff;
Maintain a system of performance evaluation of project personnel;
Ensure compliance with UNDP policies, rules and procedures in managerial and operational aspects;
Draft, and/or oversee the drafting of, various reports and documents on electoral-related and project activities, and present regular briefings to a wide range of interlocutors including donors, including the timely preparation of donor reports;
Develop and maintain timely and efficient communication with the UNDP Country Office to ensure smooth coordination and provision of support by the former;
Perform other relevant duties as required by the CTA.

Competencies

Corporate:

Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN/UNDP's values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional: Technical knowledge

Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
Shows political awareness and sensitivity;
Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
Remains calm in stressful situations;
Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality.

Communication

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and Organizing

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
Identifies priority activities and assignments;
Adjusts priorities as required;
Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently

Judgment I Decision-Making

Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly;
Gathers relevant information before making a decision;
Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization;
Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts;
Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Building Trust

Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion;
Operates with transparency;
Has no hidden agenda;
Places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients;
Gives proper credit to others;
Follows through on agreed upon actions;
Treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Law. International Relations, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Required Experience:

At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as electoral, political, civil, or legal affairs, with a strong managerial background is required, in case of Possessing an An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent), and At least twelve years of progressively responsible experience in case of Possessing A first-level university degree.
Experience working with UN administration, preferably in a number of different post-conflict or transitional countries as well as familiarity with UN support to electoral activities and understanding of UN/UNDP programming arrangements.
Professional experience at senior level interacting with a multitude of counterparts - such as diplomatic corps, representatives of the Member States, donors, counterparts in other UN and international agencies, representatives of the local government, and electoral authorities.
Experience in managing a diverse team.
Extensive experience in drafting official documents to be circulated at senior level.
Experience in operational planning, analysis and coordination.. Previous experience in the Arab region is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English.
Arabic is an asset but not a must.

FC: 30000