Political Affairs Officer, Democracy Section The Commonwealth Secretariat

General Information

The Political Affairs Division (PAD) is the lead division in undertaking the Commonwealth Secretariat’s work to promote democratic values, practices and institutions. It is directly responsible for the organisation of election observer groups, workshops and other activities to strengthen democracy and works with other Secretariat divisions in response to requests for technical assistance to reinforce democratic processes in member countries. PAD also:

• facilitates consultation and consensus-building among Commonwealth governments;

• advises and supports the work of the Secretary-General on political issues, particularly regarding his ‘good offices’ role;

• monitors and researches international political developments and prepares briefings on political issues;

• liaises with the United Nations and other international, regional and non-governmental organisations.

Job summary
Reporting to the Head of Section and through her/him to the Director of the Political Affairs Division, the Political Affairs Officer will be part of the Democracy Section in the Political Affairs Division and will participate in its work to promote democratic values, practices and institutions in the Commonwealth.
Task description

The post-holder:

• supports the Head of the Democracy Section in managing and co-ordinating the Commonwealth Secretariat’s activities to promote democracy;
• contributes to the Democracy Section’s advice to and support for the Secretary-General and other senior Secretariat officials, including making proposals for the future development of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s work to promote democracy.
• Works on Commonwealth election observation activities. This will include but is not limited to planning observer missions, preparing briefings and background papers for the Observers and ensuring there is follow up after the elections. It will also include periods of deployment overseas in support of Observer teams.
• Prepares and manages technical assistance projects, including the design of project documents, and supports the Section in the financial management of projects.
• manages workshops and capacity building exercises aimed at consolidating democracy. The post holder will be expected to conceptualise and design programmes, organise seminars/workshops ensuring high level of participation, facilitate discussions and produce high quality written documentation to support these activities.
• Supports the Network of Commonwealth Election Management Bodies as required.
• monitors and analyses developments relating to the promotion of democratic values, practices and institutions in the Commonwealth as necessary.
• undertakes research into democracy related issues and relevant developments around the Commonwealth, to assist in the production of high quality proposals, briefing, background papers etc.
• represents the Secretariat at meetings and contributes to strategic partnerships with the United Nations and other international and regional organisations, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions, as may be required;
• performs any other duties as may be required from time to time.

Person specification

Education:

A degree in a relevant subject such as political science or international relations.

Experience

At least five years work experience in the area of democratic processes and institutions.

Sound understanding of international affairs.

Desirable: Experience gained in an international organisation or government department, with expertise in developing countries.

Competencies
Respect for Diversity
Works effectively with people from all backgrounds.
Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally.
Shows respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates understanding in daily work and decision making.
Examine own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group.
Changes systems and processes when biases are identified
Working with Others
Promotes team work and removes barriers to effective team working
Provides advice and guidance for others sensitively and where appropriate
Establishes ownership for relevant activities from the outset
Develops a wide network, including senior level contacts to facilitate activities and further own knowledge
Manages expectations of member states e.g. to ensure the alignment of what is requested and what Commonwealth Secretariat can offer
Demonstrates an ability to negotiate with and influence senior colleagues and contacts
Proactively liaises with other divisions, partners & third parties
Managing Resources
Identifies targets for team activities and manages progress against objectives
Plans and manages activity spend accurately against budget
Takes responsibility for team activity and finds solutions to set backs in a timely and professional manner
Effectively motivates team e.g. by recognising and promoting team and individual contribution inter alia
Recognises strengths and weaknesses in others, structuring teams based on this knowledge
Drives forward results of others
Takes ownership for team wellbeing
Decision Making
Considers the relevant justifications for a particular course of action
Takes context into consideration when making decisions
Makes effective decisions when acting on behalf of a senior colleague, seeking advice where appropriate
Bases actions and approaches on the root cause of an issue, rather than the symptoms
Accountability
Takes ownership of assigned tasks, honours deadlines.
Ensures timely delivery of outputs within defined cost and quality standard parameters.
Takes responsibility for own shortcomings and compliances.
Leadership & Development
Mentors colleagues effectively e.g. by suggesting development goals and providing on the job coaching inter alia
Provides constructive feedback to team members and colleagues with confidence and sensitivity
Actively seeks feedback on own performance and acts to modify behaviours where necessary
Inspires others through own enthusiasm

Job Email id:

HQ-Recruitment(at)commonwealth.int