Governance and Democracy Advisor

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance — International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.

International IDEA’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Governance and Democracy Advisor

Main functions of the post:
The main functions of the post are:• Undertake policy analysis on emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in strengthening governance and consolidating democracy in Africa
• Prepare briefing notes on emerging political trends in Africa for the Commissioners bilateral engagements
• Provide strategic direction and advice on policy interventions by the Commissioner for Political Affairs
• Provide technical and administrative support to the Commissioners resource mobilization initiatives and engagements with partners
• Editorial assistance and ensure a coherent communication and outreach strategy for the Commissioner public engagements
• Draft speeches, talking points, reports of activities and specific missions;
• Provide advice on governance issues, including input into official communications, statements and other documents;
• Liaise with other staff of the Political Affairs Department on programmatic areas;
• Perform any other relevant tasks assigned by supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent shall perform the following duties:• Facilitate the implementation of areas of work related to the ratification of the African Charter on Democracy Governance and Elections;
• Support the establishment of a framework for cooperation with Regional Economic Communities on the implementation of the principles of the Charter.
• Coordinate evaluation of implementation of the Charter with other key organs of the Union including the Pan-African Parliament, the Peace and Security Council, the African Human Rights Commission, the African Court of Justice and Human Rights, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council, the Regional Economic Communities and appropriate national- level structures.
• Prepare regular analytical briefs/reports on issues of interest to the Commission and Africa in general;
• Provide technical support to Member States in the realm of institution building;
• Design and implement a project to popularise and facilitate ratification of the Charter;
• Provide support to the Ministerial Programme on Public Service;
• Facilitate implementation of the Long Term Strategy on Public Service;Design and implement a project on local governance.
• Support preparation of the budget and work plans of the Department;
• Provide guidance for Policy, advice and support Head of Division for the effective implementation of AU programs and initiatives;
• Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender perspective in all activities;
• Coordinate, and maintain strong relationship with the African partners and relevant stakeholders;
• Undertake any other task as requested by the leadership of the Department and Commission.
 

Qualifications and skills
Basic qualification requirements:   
Level and type of formal education: • University Degree, preferably a post-graduate in Political Science, International Relations, Law or other disciplines related to democracy and good governance.

Professional experience: • A minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience in the area of inter-governmental relations, democracy and good governance .
• Knowledge of the African Union essential especially  Experience in the area of policy initiation, design and implementation
• Knowledge of democracy assessment.

Functional competencies:• Computer literacy;
• Ability to work in a team and maintain team spirit.
• Ability to work under pressure, and to act with discretion in a politically sensitive environment and to establish good working relationship both with Government authorities and colleagues
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills;
• Good communication and negotiating skills;
• Good planning and organizational skills.

Language skills: • English: Fluent written and oral
• Other: Any other widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region would also be an asset.

Computer skills:   • Knowledge of Microsoft Office, internet and web search tools essential

Terms of contract:Local Post, one (1) year fixed term appointment. Salary €4679

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to work in Ethiopia.

Deadline for applications:Applications should be submitted no later than 13 October 2013. Please note that all applications must be made in English.

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.

Should internet not be an option, applications can be submitted to International IDEA by fax: +46-20 24 22 or by post: International IDEA, SE-103 34, Stockholm, Sweden

Application deadline: 13 October 2013

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Send application

Home page: http://www.idea.int