UNDP Jobs - 52187- Regional Electoral Specialist

Regional Electoral Specialist - UNDP/ELECT Project

Location :

Kandahar, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

18-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

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

UNDP supports stabilization, state building, and governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.

Years of conflict have damaged Afghanistan’s economic, political, physical, social and institutional structures. Reconstruction demands a secure environment in which there is credible leadership and enforced rule of law. Strong, legitimate and effective public administration structures, responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens - including the poor – are a precursor to any sustainable development. To this end, UNDP supports Afghan electoral institutions so that they can become more effective vehicles for development.

The UNDP Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow (ELECT) project- phase I (2006 – 2011) provided technical and operational assistance to Afghan electoral bodies throughout the 2009 Presidential and provincial council elections and 2010 parliamentary elections.

ELECT II which commenced January 2012 was conceived as a targeted and focused project providing a support and advisory role, with a particular focus on institutional strengthening and capacity development during the inter-election period. In line with the process of transition or Afghanistan, as articulated in the Kabul Conference in July 2010, the number of international staff was significantly reduced from previous years.

As the result of a project Mid-term Review and a UN Needs Assessment Mission, the ELECT II project has been extended beyond its original end date of December 2013 until December 2015, and the project objectives have been revised to now include direct electoral assistance for the conduct of the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council Elections and the 2015 Parliamentary elections.

The overall objective of ELECT II is to support the national electoral institutions to plan and conduct credible elections, most immediately the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections and the 2015 Parliamentary elections, and to better ensure the integrity of the process. Continuing long-term assistance through support to capacity building of national electoral authorities beyond 2010 is in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2096 (2013).This assistance is closely coordinated with UNAMA, UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and UN Electoral Assistance Division (EAD).

This is being accomplished through seven focused outputs:

Output 1: Output 1 - Sustainability of the IEC is enhanced via both its institutional and staff capacity development;
Output 2: A sustainable, long-term approach to voter registration in Afghanistan, which also promotes maximum participation of eligible citizens in the 2014 and 2015 elections, is developed and implemented;
Output 3: The IEC’s engagement and informational outreach with key stakeholders, including the electorate, is enhanced.
Output 4: The IEC’s operational management functions, and the project support services, are strengthened;
Output 5: The conduct of key electoral operations for the 2014 and 2015 elections by the IEC is improved;
Output 6: The electoral dispute resolution mechanism is enhanced;
Output 7: The media regulatory mechanism for the electoral process is enhanced.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Regional Electoral Specialist advises the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan on the conduct of elections in accordance with guidelines issued by the IEC and instructions from ELECT HQ. The Regional Electoral Specialist is an advisory position to the IEC and also has management responsibility in coordinating all ELECT activities at the provincial level.

The Regional Electoral Specialist works under the direct supervision of the ELECT Field Operations Specialist.

Key Responsibilities:

Based in the Regional Office Regional Electoral Specialist provides advice, assistance and support to the IEC Provincial Electoral Officers on all electoral, and where required, administrative matters;
Deploys regularly to the provinces in the area of responsibility;
Assumes responsibility for the day to day management of the regional ELECT office, and the supervision of staff;
Engages in capacity development of IEC national counterparts and fosters national ownership;
Manages other regional/provincial ELECT staff;
Establishment of regional/provincial communications and procedures systems between IEC and ELECT.
Coordinates with UN agencies, ISAF and other international agencies/bodies at the regional and provincial level on electoral and security related issues (in coordination with the ELECT Regional Security Advisor;
Provides timely reports to the ELECT HQ on election activities and administrative issues;
Focuses on capacity building within the regional IEC in the preparations and conduct of forthcoming Parliamentary and District Council Elections;
Enhances the capacity of the IEC staff - with a view to significantly reducing reliance on international experts in administering future elections;
Enhances the capacity of the IEC provincial Training Officer to provide training of trainers and Polling Centre Staff to District Field Coordinators and other office staff;
Enhances the capacity of the IEC provincial Public Outreach Officers to provide effective public outreach awareness;
Enhances the capacity of the IEC provincial External Relation Officer for better coordination with external election partners and media;
Managing the liaison between the UNDP and IEC on assessing and developing provincial infrastructure as approved by the IEC;
Provides timely advice to the IEC at Provincial level on key activities in the different phases of the electoral operation: finalization of polling centers, movement plans, voting, counting and announcement of results and other related activities;
Develops planning mechanisms with IEC counterparts for each phase of the electoral operation;
Participates in Provincial planning and meetings on electoral operations and election security issues;
Undertakes other duties, tasks and responsibilities necessary for the successful completion of the project.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the ELECT project operations, as it relates to the overall coordination of IEC daily operations, effective communication between headquarters and the field structure of the Provincial Offices, and development and implementation of relevant security policies, measures and arrangements. The Regional Electoral Specialist contributes to the enhancement of the organizational structure, through the provision of effective professional and sustainable management of the department and effective and efficient management of the organizational structure of the IEC.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’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;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Support the organizations corporate goals and values;
Comply with UNDP Rules and Procedures and code of conduct;
Demonstrate a high degree of integrity.

Functional Competencies:

Judgment/Decision-making:

Good judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact;
Ability to ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve the goals and objectives of the Security Unit.

Leadership:

Strong managerial and leadership skills;
Demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial or administrative management policies;
Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment;
Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor and transfer knowledge/skills.

Managing Performance:

Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work of others;
Ability to make timely decisions;
Ability to coach, mentor, motivate and develop staff and encourage good performance.

Task Management:

Plans, prioritizes and delivers a variety of tasks on time;
Exercises sound judgment/analysis;
Develops creative risk management solutions;
Is able to operate and function at a senior level.

Building Trust:

Reputation for dealing honestly and openly with issues and staff;
Recognized and respected by peers, clients and staff.

Teamwork:

Build effective client relationships and partnerships, both within and outside the organization;
Display excellent interpersonal skills;
Building and sharing knowledge;
Provides guidance and support to others;
Make valuable practice contributions to the Security Unit, the Country Office and the organization.

Communication:

Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Listens actively and responds effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree preferably with a focus on preferably in the field of Management, Political Science, International Relations, Electoral Policy, Law, or other related fields.

Experience:

5 years with a Master's degree, and with Bachelor’s degree 7 years of experience in field operations, project management in challenging environments, managing staff and operational systems;
Practical experience in Elections is essential;
Knowledge of the UN system is desirable and familiarity with UNDP procedures is, in particular, highly desirable;
Proven team building and leadership skills;
Advanced computer skills and strong knowledge of various software including Excel, Power-Point and Word.
Previous experience in Afghanistan an advantage; including knowledge of Afghanistan’s culture, tradition and Islamic context an advantage.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

Note

Interested and qualified international candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at UNDP Afghanistan Vacancy Announcement and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at UNDP Personal History Form (P.11 Form) .

Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af.

Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 6 weeks of the offer of appointment.

Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.