Background

Tanzania has held four credible general elections since the reintroduction of multi-party politics in 1992. Citizens and the government are eager to maintain this track record and to further strengthen democratic practice in Tanzania. Looking to the 2015 general election, government has undertaken early and comprehensive preparations for the electoral processes. Since receipt of official requests for UN assistance to the election cycle leading to the 2015 general election from the National Election Commission and Zanzibar Electoral Commission, a UN Needs Assessment Mission recommended the development of a project in support of the national efforts.

In addition, in 2014 the United Republic of Tanzania will likely conduct a first national referendum on a new constitution. The national Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and other stakeholders in preparing for these critical events have requested the support of UNDP to provide technical support to the preparation and execution of the referendum.
 
To these ends, the Democratic Empowerment Project (DEP) is a four year (2013-2016) UNDP, UN One Fund and other donor-funded project with the overall aim of contributing to Tanzania’s UNDAP’s Outcome 7: i.e. “key institutions of democracy, (i.e. EMBs, etc.) effectively implement their election and political functions”.   UN Women and UNESCO are implementing partners in a One UN Country Team context.
 
Project Objectives

The DEP seeks to promote democracy and contribute to the realization of the following four objectives:
  • Capacity of key democratic institutions (EMBs, CRC, RPP, etc.) enhanced to support and promote legal and institutional reform in the context of the on-going constitutional reform process and beyond;
  • Capacity of the EMBs to conduct credible elections enhanced through strategic, technical and operational support and improved EMB engagement with stakeholders (i.e. political parties, CSOs, and the media) to foster a democratic environment;
  • Inclusive participation in elections and politics enhanced through the empowerment of women, youth and PWDs; and
  • National peace infrastructure enhanced to mitigate and prevent election-related conflicts, including gender based violence.
Project Management

The project will be executed directly by UNDP and implemented under the overall guiding principle of national ownership and leadership in the electoral process. The international assistance provided should be considered as an extension of, and a complement to, national resources and is intended to support national management and coordination structures.

Objectives of Assignment
 
Working under the supervision of the DEP Election Management Specialist of Dar es Salaam, reporting to the DEP Project Manager and with the general guidance of the DEP Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), the Voter Education Outreach Analyst of Dar es Salaam will support the design and development of VE materials and activities by the NEC. S/he will liaise with CSOs and media organisations, and collaborate closely with the DEP Inclusion Analysts and DEP Gender Specialist to support mainstreaming of gender equality in voter education.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support timely and efficient development and implementation of voter education activities and processes, including:
  • Design and development of voter education materials;
  • Development of voter education plans and strategies.
Support close liaison with NEC, CSOs, media and other electoral stakeholders in relation to their voter education activities

Assigned activities under the DEP project, in particular in the following areas:
  • Support for project activities related to the development of human and institutional capacity of the two EMBs in the areas of voter education and information, strategic communications and outreach;
  • The organization and coordination of specific voter education and information capacity building activities (workshops, conferences, consultations, assessments, etc.) as directed;
  • Support for the design and implementation of voter education, information, communications and other campaigns of the NEC.
Coordination of the above activities with the DEP Project Management Unit and UNDP Tanzania Country Office, including:
  • Preparation of required documentation related to activities being coordinated to ensure proper administration and financial management of DEP activities under UNDP guidelines.

Collaborate with other DEP Technical and Project Management Team members to support the achievement of overall project goals and objectives.  In particular, work closely with the DEP Inclusion Analysts and DEP Gender Specialist to support mainstreaming of gender equality in voter education.

Support the efforts of the NEC in the implementation of the full range of electoral activities including voter registration, voter education and outreach, stakeholder engagement, polling operations and results management.

Competencies

  • Training skills, knowledge of Training of Trainers methodology, and capacity-building tools, techniques and strategies preferred;
  • Excellent analytical, networking, communication, writing and presentation skills;
  • Works effectively under pressure, manages stress well and adapts to evolving situations;
  • Willingness to travel frequently in various locations of mainland in Tanzania.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • A university degree in Political Science or Social Science with a specialization in public affairs, media relations, communications or a related subject.
Experience:
  • At least five years of relevant work experience in the development and implementation of public information and outreach campaigns;
  • At least five years practical experience with the design, development and implementation of: Messaging for mass audiences; Radio/television production; Strategic communications; Advertising campaigns; Microsoft Office programs; Document processing and storage;
  • Background/familiarity with training and/or adult learning methodology;
  • Familiarity with Government of Tanzania administrative procedures preferred.

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili is essential.