Election Management Advisor – Liberia Full Time

IFES is seeking an Election Management Advisor for an anticipated elections-focused program in Liberia, contingent upon receipt of funding. The Election Management Advisor supports the Country Director (CD) by coordinating field office activities and managingthe office. S/he will also oversee select program objectives, which will be determined in consultation with the Country Director and the Division Director. In particular, s/he will provide technical oversight of activities to build capacity of electoral management bodies (EMB). S/he will ensure that the key interventions are successfully implemented in accordance with the goal, objectives and expected results of the project.Job Responsibilities:

• Assist the CD in ensuring timely execution of project activities within the allocated budget, and strategic development and implementation.
• Build and foster relationship with EMBs and other electoral stakeholders.
• Advise on general implementation of electoral activities, providing support to improve electoral systems and procedures.
• Support integration of the election component with other components of the program related to strengthening political processes and democratic institutions.
• Support operational planning efforts of EMBs, including operational and logistical planning, planning for special voting, training, electoral dispute resolution, results management, and any other priority areas as identified by IFES and the EMB.
• Coordinate with other donors and implementers, to ensure collaboration, especially regarding support to the EMBs.
• Oversee specific project activities as directed by the CD and provide technical input as needed. Serve as the IFES representative to Heads of Missions, Embassy staff and donors on a variety of issues when the CD/DCD is not available.
• Prepare papers, reports, briefings on election related topics and programmatic work.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, donors and partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION SCOPE: Manage and perform highly technical work requiring ingenuity and capacity to evaluate and respond to new and changing issues. Support CD in the technical implementation of IFES programming for assigned projects. Oversee varied activities and processes to support effective project management and implementation.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Identify risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of program/project goals. Analyze issues, problems or opportunities and propose appropriate courses of action, based on knowledge of professional principles and best practices. Participate in the development and implementation of strategies to track and mitigate risk and its potential impact.

RELATIONSHIPS: Maintain collaborative working relationship with senior-level stakeholders within and outside IFES to ensure timely and successful achievement of project goals and objectives. Represent IFES with external contacts at professional and government levels in the absence of the Country Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Oversee in-country project staff and participate in project monitoring and evaluation.Qualifications:

Education: Master’s degree in project management, international development, development studies, public policy, political science, or related fields required.
**
Experience:**
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in elections and political processes programming.
• At least 8 years of experience managing similar programs in complex operating environments.
• Familiarity with political, economic and social context within Africa.
• Significant experience working with elections management bodies, including providing technical assistance in areas such as special voting, training, electoral dispute resolution, results management.
• Strong knowledge of election administration and operations.
**
Related Skills or Knowledge:**
• Demonstrated leadership, national staff management, project administration and financial management skills.
• Familiarity with USAID and other donors strongly preferred, including experience managing relationships with international donor community.
• Detailed oriented and organized.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff, prioritize and handle multiple tasks and consistently meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to develop and manage effective local relationships by applying cultural awareness.

“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.