Electoral Expert/Team Lead-Democratic Republic of the Congo
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Division: Program Management
Status: Consultant
Position Number: C16:14
Project Description:
IFES is anticipating a USAID-funded project with the goal of promoting dialogue regarding election planning and possible timelines among key electoral stakeholders ahead of the upcoming election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In support of this goal, IFES will take part in conducting an assessment of current elections preparations undertaken by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) and other state stakeholders, notably on the process of the voter roll revision. This will include an analysis of relevant and applicable alternatives to the CENI’s proposed operational plan at reduced time and cost, in order to better inform international and domestic partners.
Job Responsibilities:
The suspension of the global electoral calendar released in February of 2015 has left the DRC without a fixed road map for the upcoming elections. Preparations for the elections, still scheduled for November of 2016, are stalled as a result. Several political obstacles remain, including issues surrounding the voter roll, which has become a key sticking point in the Congolese electoral process. The CENI has proposed an operational plan for revising the voter roll which will take up to 16 months to implement, placing the elections well into 2017, after the current president’s constitutional term ends. This has the potential to provoke far-reaching political and constitutional consequences which must be weighed against the technical obstacles to holding elections.
The Electoral Expert/Team Lead will provide leadership, as well wide-ranging political and electoral expertise to the assessment mission and the drafting of the mission’s findings and recommendations. Specifically the Voter Registration Specialist will carry out the following tasks:
• Liaising with USAID/DRC on the design of the assessment framework and prioritized areas of interest;
• Communicating with CENI staff and other partners about the assessment to ensure their buy-in and appropriate appointments for participation;
• Determining the current status of political discourse around the electoral process to identify key obstacles to and opportunities for constructive dialogue;
• Assessing the sequence of political and operational decisions, steps and processes required to begin implementation of a voter registration exercise and other electoral operations;
• Ensuring comprehensive consideration of the complex and varied factors hindering the progress of the electoral process throughout the assessment mission and report, to include historical, political and technical considerations;
• Providing recommendations for promoting an informed, fact-based and timely dialogue around the electoral process, political succession and the voter roll;
• Take the lead in delivering on the following:
o an in-brief with USAID and the US Embassy, including an explanation and sharing of the assessment methodology
o an external out-brief to stakeholders and the CENI, conducted in consultation with USAID/DRC, summarizing the findings and potential actionable items with a particular focus on alternatives to the 13-16 month voter roll revision plan and how they might be implemented, thereby expediting the process and reducing costs.
o an assessment report, to be prepared in English, outlining findings and recommendations from the assessment mission.
Qualifications:
• Master’s degree or equivalent in election administration or related field, plus a minimum of 15 years functionally-related professional experience;
• Extensive comparative experience in election administration, with significant experience advising election commissions and promoting political dialogue;
• Extensive knowledge of electoral operations and processes, operational planning and voter registration;
• Previous work experience in sub-Saharan Africa required, previous DRC experience highly preferred;
• Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision;
• Strong communication and teamwork skills;
• Professional proficiency in both English and French required.
HOW TO APPLY:
To Apply:
You must go to http:www.ifes.org/ to the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (ie. cover letter and application, etc.). Resumes are only reviewed and accepted if submitted through our careers page.
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