Programme Assistant – Commonwealth Electoral Network

Reference: 130100441
Location: London, UK | Salary: £28,103 per annum gross
Duration: Fixed term to 30 June 2014
Closing Date: 31 Jan 2013

Job Summary

The Programme Assistant will be responsible for supporting the delivery of Commonwealth Electoral Network programmes, in particular the Junior Election Professionals initiative. S/he will be required to assist with training documentation, plan and coordinate participant travel, administer financial processes, and assist with event logistics. S/he may also be required to assist in the general administrative duties of the Democracy Section where feasible.

Working closely with the Head of Democracy section and JEP Programme Officer, the Programme Assistant will:

• Assist in the development and production of training material for the JEP initiative;
• Develop and maintain a systematic and well-organised electronic register of participant details;
• Liaise with the Secretariat’s designated travel provider to arrange all participant travel in accordance with the Secretariat’s travel procedures and guidelines;
• Liaise with the Secretariat’s Finance Section to ensure all administrative arrangements are made in accordance with Secretariat requirements;
• Act as point of contact for participants as regards travel and financial arrangements;
• Assist in the preparation and dispatch of invitations, training material and other documentation;
• Assist in other logistical and administrative issues relating to training events, meetings or electoral missions organised by the Democracy Section;
• Perform any other duties that may be required.

Qualifications and Work Experience

• Secondary qualification to ‘A’ Level, or equivalent vocational qualification with a high standard of professional writing skills. 
• At least 2 years’ experience of administrative procedures in an office environment.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team to achieve shared objectives.
• Desirable: Experience in event planning and co-ordination.

About the Political Affairs Division

The Political Affairs Division (PAD) is the lead division in the Commonwealth Secretariat’s work to promote democratic values, practices and institutions. PAD facilitates consultation and consensus-building among Commonwealth governments, including its work with the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and Heads of Government Meetings. The Democracy Section of PAD is directly responsible for the organisation of election observation groups and responds to requests for technical assistance to reinforce democratic processes in member countries. 

The Commonwealth Electoral Network (CEN) was launched in 2010 to facilitate experience sharing, create peer support mechanisms and promote good practice across the Commonwealth in the field of election management. This is achieved through, for example, the development of good practice guides, management of an online networking environment, and provision of targeted programmes of assistance.

Further Information

How to apply

Apply online

Full Job Description for Temporary Programme Assistant – Commonwealth Electoral Network