The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) has a vacancy at the EISA Head Office, Johannesburg for the position of Elections and Political Transition Specialist (EPT). EISA envisages to commence the implementation of a continental programme to provide support to electoral processes and political transitions in Africa. The successful candidate is expected to resume duties in February 2016, pending the availability of funds for the designated project.

EISA offers a competitive remuneration package based on qualifications and experience. EISA is a continental not for profit organisation located in Johannesburg, South Africa with field offices in Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Madagascar and Somalia and has continental and sub-regional programmes. EISA strives for excellence in the promotion of credible elections, citizen participation and the strengthening of political institutions for sustainable democracy in Africa ‘

Reporting to the project Chief of Party, the EPT specialist will be required to:

Key tasks and responsibilities

  • Assist the Chief of Party : in the implementation and management of a continental programme on elections and democratic transitions in Africa
  • Conceptualise, coordinate, monitor and evaluate country level interventions in the area of elections and political processes
  • Oversee the work of country project teams working on relevant EPT projects.
  • Prepare and oversee project budgets in liaison with the Finance Department as required by the Chief of party
  • Liaise with the project partner organisations
  • Liaise with project donors as delegated
  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partner organisations in the elections and democracy fields
  • Provide technical assistance to partners in the areas of elections and democracy
  • Prepare periodic departmental, project, annual and donor reports as required by donors and management
  • Conduct, manage and publish research and opinion papers on elections and other relevant topics related to EISA’s work in reputable/refereed journals and books
  • Represent EISA at conferences, workshops and other events
  • Attend to any other matters of the Project as directed by the Chief of Party.

General

  • Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings, organisational reviews and planning as well as other meetings that relate to the work of EISA

Education

  • Post-graduate degree in International Relations, Political Science or related field strongly preferred

Experience

  • At least 8 years of experience in the area of democracy and governance, human rights, particularly in elections.
  • Specific experience in the areas of technical support to election management bodies, political parties and civil society will be an advantage.
  • At least 5 year experience in project design, management and evaluation; report writing and financial management of election and political transition programs in Africa. Specific
  • experience in managing USAID funded projects will be an advantage
  • Experience in training, facilitation and organisation of conferences / workshops

Knowledge and Skills

  • Familiarity with academic and research networks in Africa
  • Familiarity with key electoral stakeholders in Africa: election management bodies, political parties and civil society
  • Ability to relate diplomatically at the highest levels
  • Possess good analytical skills
  • Programme management and organisational skills
  • Ability to work under deadlines and set priorities
  • Working knowledge of MS office package

Languages

  • Fluency in English. Knowledge of French or Portuguese will be an advantage

Personal attributes

  • Level-headed and well organised
  • Strong people management skills
  • Adaptable – able to work with people from different cultural backgrounds and educational levels
  • Willingness to work beyond official working hours
  • Willingness to travel extensively (domestic and internationally)

Please format your application using the template below and include three references to be submitted to the attention of Ms Zahira Seedat, by Monday 7th December 2015. Résumés must be three pages maximum. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted to attend an interview.

Interested applicants must submit a completed Letter of Availability and Exclusivity with their application, provided below.

EISA reserves the right not to appoint.

Résumé

Assignment title / Regional and Local Support for Elections and Political Transitions
Proposed role on the team / Elections and Political Transitions Specialist
Personal Data / Full Name
Nationality
Gender
Contact details – email address, contact number
Education
Language skills
Key competencies
Employment History
Name of institution, duration of employment, Designation, Key responsibilities
Relevant experience related to the assignment
Contactable References

Statement of exclusivity and availability FOR THE ELECTORAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA (EISA)
NOTICE OF fNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: SOL-OAA-15-000106

I, the undersigned, hereby declare that I agree to participate exclusively with the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) in the above-mentioned Notice of Funding Opportunity.

I declare that I am able and willing to work for the period(s) set for the position for which my résumé has been included if this application is successful, namely from February 2016 up to December 2020 on a full time basis.

I confirm that I do not have a confirmed engagement, or any other professional activity incompatible in terms of capacity and timing with the above engagements.

I also declare that I am not in a situation of conflict of interest or unavailability and commit to inform EISA of any change in my situation.

Name
Signature
Date

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EPT Specialist - USAID