UNDP Jobs - 39672- Technical Specialist (Elections)

Technical Specialist (Elections)

Location :

Cairo, EGYPT

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

29-Aug-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

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, 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 so far, to meet international standards, such as a clearer understanding of making explicit electoral procedures (including counting), to ensure consistency throughout the event, acceptance of training as a major toot 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 political parties/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 curricula, regional lexicon) and women oriented electoral education campaign (in partnership with UN Women).

The project is implemented through Direct Implementation modality.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide advice to the electoral authorities in the development of regulations, methodologies,tools and working instruments for elections.

Advice on the development of regulatory procedures;
Interpret electoral laws and regulations in order to clarify and provide inputs in the development of procedures manuals;
Advise the electoral authorities on the development of all electoral procedures (polling,counting,complaints,administrative procedures, nomination of candidates,accreditation of agents and observers, etc.);
Advise on development and production of materials,manuals,forms and simulation videos for all electoral processes, including the nomination of candidates, accreditation of electoral observers and party agents, registration, polling and counting.

Contribute to the capacity building of the electoral authorities.

Identify key areas of potential capacity building focus.
Supervise the skills transfer and capacity development through workshops, study sessions, study tours, conferences,seminars, roundtables,etc.
Contribute to knowledge management, networking and communities of practice in elections.

Provide advice on the design and implementation of a capacity building strategy for operational staff.

Provision of strategic advice in the formulation,implementation and revision of the capacity building plan.
Observe and give input into the design and content of the tools required to successfully implement the capacity building plan.
Monitor the evaluating methodologies of the capacity building plan for operational staff and provide advice as needed.

Lead on how to mainstream gender in the electoral body's activities.

Direct the discussions for gender perspective when advising the electoral authorities on all electoral aspects.
Give concrete guidance and recommendations on how to initiate gender mainstreaming.

Other electoral tasks

Carry out any other electoral tasks at the request of the Project Coordinator.

Competencies

Corporate:

Demonstrates integrity and fairness,by modeling 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 a good understanding of elections preferably in the context of Arab countries;
Exhibits a good knowledge of institutional and capacity development issues;
Substantive knowledge and understanding of development cooperation with the ability to support the practice architecture of UNDP and inter-disciplinary issues;
A sound global network of institutional and individual contacts.

Management and teamwork

Builds strong relationships with stakeholders and clients, focuses on impact and results for clients and responds positively to feedback;
Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
Excellent interpersonal skills;
Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively;
Demonstrates ability to collaborate with others; acknowledge others' contributions;
promote collaboration and facilitate teamwork.

Knowledge Management and learning

Ability to strongly promote knowledge sharing and knowledge products and services;
Demonstrated ability to understand clients' needs and concerns;respond promptly and effectively to client needs;and customize services and products as appropriate.

Judgment I Decision-Making

Mature judgment and initiative;
Proven ability to provide strategic direction in practice areas.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master's degree or its equivalent in social sciences, international law, political science, economics, international relations or other disciplines related to the assignment.

Experience:

At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in electoral administration and systems at international level;
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;
Experience in working in elections in the Arab region.

Language:

Fluency and proficiency in English;
Working knowledge of Arabic desirable.