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.
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.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:- Organization and management;
- Management for delivery of results;
- Capacity development for institutional reforms and development;
- Advocacy, networking and coordination;
- Provision of technical advice and recommendations.
In direct consultation with the Director of Elections of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and under the general supervision of the DEP Chief Technical Advisor, the Election Management Specialist will be required to provide advice and support on all matters relating to election planning and operations associated with the forthcoming referendum and 2015 general elections. S/he will contribute to the development of project policies and methods and ensure compliance with plans and regulations. S/he will provide overall support and assistance designed to further strengthen the institutional capacity of the NEC to effectively manage election cycles and deliver technically and operationally sound elections.
Organization and management:
- Assist with the development and implementation of systems, procedures and plans for effective management and implementation of election processes and operations;
- Review, assess and recommend required improvements to NEC’s election management plan, election calendar and other planning documents and tools;
- Assist in the preparation of technical specifications for election materials, supplies and equipment;
- Assist with the development and review of NEC’s logistics plans for the distribution, tracking and retrieval of election materials, equipment and personnel.
- Provide advice on scheduling and timing for the procurement of election materials (in close cooperation with the UNDP Country Office Procurement Unit);
- Assist with development of NEC’s warehouse management and systems, inventory control and asset management;
- Working with the DEP Gender Specialist, support the mainstreaming of gender equality concerns in plans, strategies and materials developed, and technical advice provided, by DEP technical staff to the NEC.
- Review voter registration processes and provide advice and feedback on previous and current registration events, including milestones, critical deadlines, etc.;
- Provide technical advice on issues pertaining to the permanent voter register, including updating, maintenance, and production and information management;
- Assist NEC in developing suitable conflict resolution mechanisms around voter registration issues and in planning other liaison with key stakeholders;
- Provide technical assistance and support for implementation to NEC and other stakeholders on voter education plans, campaigns, strategies and tactics within the context of Tanzania’s election cycle environment;
- Help ensure that the voter education materials and campaigns conducted by NEC are gender responsive and target women, men, youth and PWDs at all levels wherever possible.
- Support the preparations for effective elections results reporting, management, and communication;
- Support and strengthen NEC’s external communications strategy with relevant stakeholders, working in cooperation with the DEP Communications Analyst;
- Coordinate the provision of all technical assistance provided to NEC under the Democratic Empowerment Project and serve as a main focal point for all such support;
- Perform any other duties assigned by the DEP CTA that are in accordance with the DEP project documents.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Displays cultural gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
- Demonstrates diplomacy and tact in dealing with sensitive and complex situations.
- Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through mentoring and personal example;
- Promote knowledge building and sharing with regards to management and operations, organization of project staff training, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices and sound contributions to UNDP knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results based management and reporting;
- Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects;
- Ability to lead business processes and implement new systems;
- Good coordination and interpersonal skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- Master’s Degree in any of the following areas Political or social science, international relations, law, public administration, or other relevant field.
- Minimum 7 years of experience with an electoral management body or similar providing technical assistance for elections operations, management and planning;
- Specialist skills in an area relevant to elections management or broad knowledge of elections management;
- Excellent analytical, communication, writing and presentation skills;
- Training skills, and knowledge about the organization of training, preferred;
- Works effectively under pressure, manage stress well and adapts to evolving situations;
- Previous work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa an advantage;
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Software and IT packages;
- Willingness to travel frequently in Tanzania and work extensive hours.
- Fluent written and spoken English is essential;
- Knowledge of Kiswahili an asset.