Programme Adviser, Commonwealth Electoral Network

Reference: 140100509
Location: London, UK
Duration: 3 years fixed-term
Closing date: 14 February 2014

Job summary

In consultation with the Head of Democracy Section, you will be responsible for developing, managing and growing the capacity of the Commonwealth Electoral Network (CEN) to assist members achieve the  standard of electoral management and democratic practice generally to which they have committed themselves. You will oversee delivery of all CEN programmatic activity, including management of project staff and other resources and key relationships.You will also provide substantive and logistical support to electoral assistance missions where required.

You will:

• Provide advice on the development and operations of the Commonwealth Electoral Network (CEN) in line with Commonwealth Secretariat priorities and identified member needs;
• Manage the budget and other resources allocated to the CEN;
• Design, develop and manage implementation of CEN programme elements (including technical assistance projects) by:
  • defining project parameters in response to Member requests for assistance;
  • obtaining project approvals;
  • managing and reporting on project implementation and monitoring performance;
• Defining, mobilising and supervising specialist technical and other inputs to projects made by external consultants as required;
• Develop strategic partnerships and initiatives with multilateral and bilateral agencies in relation to CEN programmes, and maintain contact with senior electoral officials and other partners;
• Act as a focal point for Network members in respect of advice, support, and information dissemination;
• Support the CEN Steering Committee, including through the provision of regular progress reports;
• Organise and deliver meetings of the CEN Steering Committee and thematic Working Groups as required;
• Organise the Biennial Meeting of the Network;
• Manage the CEN online communities developed as part of the Commonwealth Connects platform;
• Assume overall responsibility for the accuracy and currency of information on the CEN sub-pages of the Commonwealth Secretariat website and relevant sections of the Commonwealth Connects website;
• Support the Democracy Section in the preparation of briefings, advice, reports and presentations on CEN matters;
• Contribute to international seminars, conferences and expert group meetings relating to the CEN;
• Carry out any other duties as required.

Qualifications and experience

• A degree in a relevant subject, preferably political science. A postgraduate qualification, ideally in political science, is desirable.

Skills and abilities

• Substantial project or programme management experience, including budget management, preferably gained in an international organisation.
• Policy formulation and strategy development.
• Ability to present, assimilate, analyse and distil complex information.
• Staff management experience, including management of external contracts and consultants.
• Familiarity with electoral assistance models; experience in negotiating with donor agencies and managing grants is desirable.

​About the Political Affairs Division

The Political Affairs Division (PAD) is the lead division in Commonwealth Secretariat’s work  promoting 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 and responds to requests for technical assistance to reinforce democratic processes and institutions in member countries.

The Commonwealth Electoral Network (CEN) was endorsed by Heads of Government at their Meeting in 2009 and subsequently launched at a pan-Commonwealth Conference of Election Management Bodies in Ghana in May 2010. Its aim is 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 technical assistance.

How to apply

• How to apply (PDF)
• Full job description (PDF)
• Terms and conditions of service (PDF)
• Monitoring form (Word)
• Apply online

If you have an enquiry about this role,  please contact HQ-Recruitment@commonwealth.int