Resident Program Director / Elections Expert: Guinea

For the second time since independence in 1958, Guineans plan to elect their president in a multiparty contest on October 11, 2015. A second round may be take place before the end of the year. Local elections could be organized during the spring of 2016. The National Democratic Institute (NDI) seeks a Resident Program Director/Elections Expert to manage a one-year election-focused program in Guinea. The position is contingent on confirmation of funding with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2015. The ideal candidate is fluent in French and has experience in West Africa in implementing fast-paced, multi-tiered election programs. The Resident Program Director/Election Expert will oversee the implementation of program activities, manage grant funds, liaise with NDI headquarters in Washington, D.C., and provide leadership to a team of nine local staff. The Resident Program Director will also be NDIs principal liaison with donor and diplomatic communities, the Guinean government, political parties, civil society organizations, and lawmakers. The position is based in Conakry, Guinea, and currently adult-dependent only.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Programmatic

1. Lead the design and implementation of NDIs election program in Guinea.
2. Develop and maintain relationships with political party members, government officials and civil society activists and act as a neutral facilitator in a sharply divided political environment.
3. Assist Guinean civic groups in developing election monitoring methodologies and tools.
4. Assist Guinean political parties in developing policies and platforms, improving inclusiveness and voter communication.
5. Assist political parties in training and deploying party pollwatchers during all phases of the electoral cycle.
6. Liaise regularly with DC-based staff on political developments and program implementation.
7. Direct the drafting of field-based reports, work plans and other written materials.
8. Ensure the timely submission of monthly program reports and monitoring and evaluation data.
9. Serve as main local point of contact with funders on all program matters.
10. Build and maintain relationships with key partners, including the leadership and members of the legislature and other branches of government, political party and civil society representatives, donors, other stakeholder groups and individuals.

Financial/Administrative

1. Ensure compliance with both NDI and donor financial regulations and the enforcement of procedures that guarantee the integrity of all financial transactions.
2. Ensure the utilization of sound financial, office and personnel management systems.
3. Work closely with the Resident Senior Manager of Finance and Administration in overseeing program budgets and to implement financial systems and policies.
4. Review and approve monthly financial reconciliation statements in consultation with the Resident Senior Manager of Finance and Administration before submission to the DC office, ensuring accurate posting and description of all costs.

Personnel Management

1. Engage staff in short-term and long-term goal-setting for appropriate program areas.
2. Assign and guide staff in overall areas of programmatic responsibility to ensure full utilization of staff capacity and talent.
3. Identify professional development opportunities for collaboration and cross-training for national staff, as appropriate.
4. Actively include staff in all phases of program planning, implementation, assessment, and.

Required Experience:

1. Bachelors degree in International Relations or related subject; masters degree preferred.
2. Oral and written fluency in French required, English proficiency a plus.
3. A minimum of 14 years of experience in lead positions in managing/implementing fast-paced, multi-tiered programs. Training experience a plus;
4. Proven dedication to the principles of universal human rights and democracy building.
5. Experience with USAID, UNDP, European, or other bi- and multilateral funding mechanisms.
6. Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, and the ability to operate in challenging political environments.
7. Experience in program design, strategic planning, and monitoring and evaluation.
8. Proven ability to manage budgets and to lead and manage a diverse national staff effectively.
9. Strong negotiation, communication, and networking skills, and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
10. Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, funders, and policy makers.
11. Outstanding ability to effectively transfer skills and experience to others as a mentor, trainer, advisor, and consultant.
12. High degree of organization and attention to details.
13. Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve problems with flexibility and patience and to think innovatively
14. Ability to analyze political developments, define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
15. Ability and willingness to travel to locations which are often remote and difficult to reach.
16. Working knowledge of PC-based word processing, and familiarity with Google software and applications including Google Docs, calendars and Gmail, etc.

NDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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