International Foundation for Electoral Systems Chief of Party - Ethiopia Jobs

International Foundation for Electoral Systems Chief of Party - Ethiopia Jobs

Closing date: 13 May 2019

“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”

Position Description:

About IFES:

IFES is an international, nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies. IFES provides targeted technical assistance to strengthen transitional democracies.

Founded in 1987 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, IFES has developed and implemented comprehensive, collaborative democracy solutions in more than 120 countries.

Primary Function/purpose:**

IFES is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated electoral assistance program in Ethiopia. The COP serves as IFES’ primary in-country representative and coordinator of programming with local and international actors.

The primary focus of the position is providing overall project oversight to ensure successful completion of project activities, as well as providing technical support to stakeholders.

The COP will provide vision and technical leadership for project activities. S/he will be responsible for maintaining proactive contacts with stakeholders and the international community.

The COP will direct technical implementation of IFES’ program in Ethiopia and oversee management of the field office under this program.

Job Responsibilities:

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Technical Direction and Program Implementation

Provide technical support and advice to various electoral and democratic institutions, especially the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE).

Provide expertise on programming focused on the capacity building of the electoral management bodies (EMBs) at national, regional and local levels, providing technical advice on election administration.

Oversee the day-to-day management of IFES’ project in Ethiopia.

Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of program strategies and activities.

Prepare and manage the implementation of the project(s) annual work plans in fulfillment of the project’s strategic objectives and goals, and within the allocated budget.

Establish and maintain close working relationships with local government and non-government stakeholders, including high-level officials in government ministries and the EMBs.

Establish and maintain working relationships with international NGOs and the donor community to ensure successful implementation of the project and avoid duplication of efforts.

Coordinate closely with consultants and field experts on program components.

Lead the drafting and timely submission of detailed, combined quarterly reports to HQ, and ensure that they meet donor and IFES reporting requirements.

Contribute to weekly reports submitted to IFES HQ, providing updates on program activities, progress, and challenges; outreach activities; relevant events in Ethiopia; support required from IFES/HQ; and activities planned for the coming period.

Lead and/or contribute to written technical reports, briefing papers, and IFES thought pieces, both program-specific and non-program specific.

Represent IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, at donor meetings and other fundraising activities, as speaker and/or spokesperson for IFES.

Ensure the highest quality of program monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and communications.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Management

Ensure, in conjunction with IFES HQ team, compliance with IFES and USAID rules and regulations, particularly with respect to fiscal management.

Establish strong working relationships with the field staff to facilitate the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget.

Provide general supervision and mentoring of local and international field staff, including performance appraisals, staff development and other management

issues.

In coordination with IFES HQ, assist in the identification, recruitment, and hiring of in-country office staff, as well as local and international technical consultants.

Provide oversight and management of technical consultants, including review of all consultant reports and deliverables.

Assist in business development for IFES in Ethiopia by identifying additional technical needs in-country, contributing to the development of project proposals and reaching out to the international donor community in an effort to diversify IFES funding sources.

Position Scope:**

Serves as primary in-country representative and directs the technical implementation of IFES programming. Oversees the management of assigned field office.

In conjunction with IFES HQ, ensures compliance with IFES and USAID rules and regulations. Recommends policies, controls and procedures to guide performance.

Decision Making/problem Solving:**

Evaluates risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of strategic goals and sets appropriate course of action in response.

Investigates and analyzes current information from various sources and in various formats to inform decision making and the development of protocols and procedures. Leads development and oversees implementation of strategies to track and mitigate risk and its potential impact.

Fiscal Responsibility:**

Ensures the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget. Ensures compliance with IFES, USAID or other donor rules and regulations, particularly with regard to fiscal management.

Oversees preparation and presentation of financial reports to internal and external partners. Oversee and approve local and international procurement in accordance with IFES policies and USAID rules and regulations. Authority to regularly make purchases and incur expenses, subject to established controls and procedures.

Relationships:**
Serves as primary in-country representative of IFES with local and international actors. Develops, manages and maintains collaborative working relationship with senior level stakeholders within and outside IFES to ensure timely and successful achievement of project goals and objectives.

Represents IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, and at donor events and fundraising activities, as a spokesperson for IFES

Supervision Exercised:

Supervises and mentors local and international field staff and provides oversight and management of consultants and field experts. Leads project planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Qualifications:

Position Requirements:

Education: Master’s degree in political science, international development, public policy, or related field required.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of experience in elections and political processes programming in complex operating environments. Experience working in Africa, especially the Horn of Africa, preferred;

Previous experience serving as a Chief of Party, Program Director, or similar role;

Demonstrated experience working with the Ethiopian government, including leadership and technical staff, preferred;

Technical expertise and experience supporting election systems, particularly in countries in democratic transition;

Experience implementing democracy and governance programs targeting vulnerable groups;

Knowledge of USAID regulations and experience implementing US Government-funded project activities; and

Fluency in written and spoken English. Amharic a plus.

Related Skills or Knowledge:

Prior experience managing an international office in a politically sensitive, fast paced and challenging environment. Ability and skills to promote and inspire effective collaboration between individuals, organizations and networks, demonstrating strong diplomacy skills and cultural sensitivity.

Strong consultative, collaborative and participatory way of working. Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Experience living and working overseas, preferably within the assigned region and/or other transition environments. Knowledge of local/regional politics and development preferred.

Physical Requirements/work Environment:

Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

How to Apply:
careers@ifes.org