UNDP Liberia

UNITED NATIONATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT No. UNDP/SSA/2007/002

Post Title : Electoral Programme Officer (Electoral Systems and Processes)
Contract Type : Service Contract (NPPP A at medium level)
Duty Station : Monrovia, Liberia
Duration of contract : One year with possibility of extension
Contract Starting Date : Immediately
Advertised on : 17 April 2007
Deadline : 1 May 2007

Programme Background

UNDP and other partners are supporting the Government of Liberia in reinvigorating the promotion of democratic governance through, among other efforts, support to electoral processes and systems.
The Government of Liberia has developed and finalized an interim Poverty Reduction Strategy that has identified National Security, Economic Revitalization, Governance and Rule of Law, and Basic Services and Infrastructure as key principal areas of cooperation for the period 2007 - 2008. UNDP remains responsive to the changing needs of a nation transitioning from conflict to peace and reconstruction. UNDP Liberia Governance programme focuses on seven areas: Public Sector Reform; Parliamentary Development; Electoral Systems and Processes; Decentralization, Local Governance, Support to Civil Society Organizations, Microfinance and Policy Support.
UNDP’s support to Electoral Systems and Processes in Liberia focuses on strengthening institutional and administrative capacity of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and promoting constructive civic engagement through civil society.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), the Programme Officer (Electoral Systems and Processes) reports to Assistant Resident Representative (Programme). In this capacity, s/he is entrusted with the following tasks and responsibilities:
A – Programme Development and Policy Advice
• Provide policy, programme, technical guidance and support to the NEC, Civil Society organizations and UNDP CO to strengthen UNDP’s role in promoting democratic governance through efficient electoral administration and management
• Follow up and contribute to the implementation of the recommendations made by the UNDP programming mission on support to electoral systems and processes and civil society-state engagement in Liberia;
• Manage the project development and approval process and ensure approved projects are results based;
• Oversee the preparation of TORs for missions and participate in briefing and debriefing of consultants;
• Establish and maintain information on developments in the support to electoral systems and processes within UNDP’s Democratic Governance Practice Area, and provide updates on related issues to the management;

B –Programme Coordination, Management and Support to Democratic Governance Practice Area
Perform project identification, planning design, programmatic and financial management for selected projects such as capacity building for NEC, and the management of Local and Municipal elections, and constitutional/ law (electoral) reform in close cooperation with the project management units, through:
• Ensuring that substantive work programmes and activities are carried out in a timely fashion within the allocated budget;
• Coordinating electoral support, law reform and civic education projects within UNDP Country Office and with other agencies within and external to the UN system;
• Effectively closing projects following completion of activities including evaluation, audit, and lessons learnt/best practices.
• Monitoring and reporting of project implementation
• Represent UNDP in project steering committee meetings, tripartite reviews and ad hoc meetings with counterparts to discuss the evolution of projects and undertake joint decisions and activities.
C - Support to Strategic Partnership Development, Donor Relations and Resource Mobilization
• Build/strengthen liaison with relevant Government departments, donor agencies and other relevant partners such as NGOs and CSOs;
• Support programme networking and partnership development with the aim to enhance coordination and cooperation among parties concerned;
• Support UNDP fund-raising efforts at the country level for mobilization of donor interest and support to UNDP programme activities in the country
• Provide comprehensive and timely donor reporting where necessary;
D – Capacity Building and Rolling Out of Project Activities
• Participate in capacity audit and restructuring of NEC, and work with consultants and other partners in identifying staff training needs and arrange appropriate learning plan for staff development based on the available resources.
• Support NEC in planning, management and administration of Local (Chieftaincy) and Municipal Elections and By-elections.
• Support NEC in the process of initiating electoral reform agenda.
• Work with the COS unit and provide support to civil society organizations in the implementation of National Civic Education Master Plan for Liberia.
• Perform any other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Social Sciences, Public Administration Public Policy, or a related field.
• At least 5 years’ relevant professional experience and
• Minimum of 2 years experience in election administration including electoral operations.

COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and oral English, with good report-writing skills
• Computer literate
• Well developed inter-personal skills, a proven ability at networking with Government, civil society and donor agencies
• Proven flexibility and dedication, with a disciplined work ethics.
• Ability to work innovatively and offer creative and dynamic alternatives and produce results within often short deadlines.
• Have a track record of being resourceful, able to take initiative and imaginative in creating opportunities and in resolving constraints related to the broad range of issues.
• Mature personality, capable of handling sensitive situations, and ability to establish professional rapports within Government and amongst Liberia’s key developmental partners.
• Team player and self-starter

Email application to this vacancy should be sent to vacancies.lr@undp.org. Please insert vacancy announcement number in the subject of the email or written application. Attach photocopies of qualifications (i.e. technical certificates and academicals) and a one-page cover letter indicating your interest and suitability for the position.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Please forward all written applications to:

Deputy Resident Representative (Operations)
Attention: HR Unit
United Nations Development Programme
Simpson Apartment, Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia

 

Note: All applications/queries must be addressed to: vacancies.lr@undp.org
Also you can download the P11 Form here