UNDP Jobs - 55861- Technical Expert,International Cooperation & Capac

Technical Expert,International Cooperation & Capacity Building, UNDP Project

Location :

Election Commission of India, New Delhi, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

03-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

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

Election Commission of India (ECI) has been managing a ‘free and fair’ electoral process that remains unparalleled in the world given the massive numbers, geographic spread and organisational logistics involved. This has also led to a demand for sharing of experiences and learning with other developing countries. Concerted efforts by ECI and other bodies have succeeded in increasing the voter participation, as witnessed in the last Parliamentary election and subsequent state legislative assembly elections. However, measures have to be taken up for further increasing the participation and involving all sections of the society for achieving further inclusive elections.

UNDP in partnership with ECI is implementing a project “Supporting Democratic Electoral Management” for the cycle 2013-2017 with the broad outcome of “Promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the field of election management and administration through ECI to other developing countries.”

The Election Commission of India and its International Cooperation Division has constantly engaged itself and others in generating innovative ideas and practices to respond to the emerging challenges. This has been done through bilateral and multilateral cooperation in promoting participatory democracy and best practices in election administration, professional contact and exchange activities, study and observation missions and technical support and advice.

There has been a visible movement of late in several parts of the world in the direction of election based democracy, and the ECI is increasingly being approached for sharing its skills and knowledge in election management.

Summary of Key Functions:

The Technical Expert (TE) will assist ECI officials and contribute towards successful delivery of the expected outputs under the project.

The position will be located at Election Commission of India, New Delhi. The TE will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the ECI officials and overall guidance of Project Manager /Assistant Country Director (Governance) UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Technical Expert (TE) would have the responsibility to assist in imparting training and capacity building for all stakeholders in Election Management process. This would include the following:

Undertaking professional research, report writing, talking points, assessments, etc.;
Coordinating and supporting the UNDP and ECI in facilitating the International delegations to ECI/India for study visits;
Documenting international delegations visits, research on the international best practices for conducting and managing elections and come out with replicable and implementable ideas;
Preparation of the detailed work plan and assessment outline regarding International Conferences/ Seminars etc.;
Coordinating and collaborating with the International multi-lateral election organisations and election management bodies in fostering regional, sub-regional and bilateral co-operation in electoral field and execution of programmes;
Assisting in capacity building, international training programmes, conferences, seminars and exposure visits;
Liaisoning between the Election Commission of India and the institutions/organisations concerned for the sharing of experiences and learning with other countries/organisations;
Any other responsibility assigned by ECI and UNDP.

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;
Integrity and Confidentiality.

Core Competencies:

Communicate information and ideas in an effective manner;
Ability to work in teams;
Collaboration and Conflict Management skills.

Functional Competencies:

Job Knowledge and Technical Expertise:

Keeps abreast of new developments in the area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop himself/ herself professionally. Shares knowledge and experience with the team and other stakeholders;
Possesses knowledge and understanding of democratic governance, electoral management;
Possesses ability to research on issues related to electoral management, conceptualize issues and analyze data;
Has exposure to public policy issues related to electoral management;
Possesses ability to implement new systems.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Effectively builds and sustains strategic partnerships with Government Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies;
Builds strong relationships with the Project Management Team and with the project partners, focuses on impact and result for the project partners and responds positively to feedback.

Leadership, Team and Self-Management:

Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Supervises the work of other team members;
Demonstrates strong influencing and facilitation skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change, new ideas and ability to manage complexities;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Proven ability to coordinate the work of others and to work as part of a team.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Post graduate degree in International Relations, Political Science, International development, International Law, Mass Communication, Social Sciences, Public Relation or any related disciplines;
Any additional qualification in electoral management / administration, development studies or management will be an advantage.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in the field of, diplomacy, International Relations, research, reporting and documentation;
Have a good knowledge and working experience of International Diplomacy and prior experience working for International organizations;
Good understanding of issues pertaining to democratic governance, electoral management and public policy;
Good understanding of development and International issues i.e. gender, youth and participation etc.;
Good understanding of the electoral process;
Experience in writing reports/papers in English and Hindi;
Experience as a team leader to handle International/Domestic delegation;
Strong analytical skills and ability to conceptualize complex and multi-faceted aspects of an issue into a concise and clear-cut assessment conclusion;
Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills;
Experience in participatory approaches involving a broad range of stakeholders;
Previous work experience with government agencies, Embassies/ High Commissions would be an advantage;
Ability to work independently and under pressure.

Language:

Proficiency in spoken and written English;
A good command over state specific language is an asset.

Travel:

Willingness to travel.

Note:

Remuneration package is INR 136332/- per month (taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which include medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for contract holder and encourages work life balance.