International Voter Education Advisor

Interpeace, a Swiss non-profit organization, works in close partnership with national partner organizations and the United Nations, with the aim of building lasting peace. Interpeace supports the active involvement of local, national, and international actors in ongoing collective dialogue and participatory policy research that allows societies facing a risk of violent conflict to overcome its internal divisions. Interpeace assists and enables them to collectively respond to social, economic and political challenges.

Chaired by former President John Kufuor and headquartered in Geneva with regional offices in Abidjan, Guatemala City and Nairobi, Interpeace is supported by bilateral and multilateral donors. The organization is currently active in Africa, Central America, Europe and the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Background

Interpeace in partnership with the Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) and supported by the international donors organized in the Democratisation Programme Steering Committee, is seeking applications of suitable candidates for the position of the International Voter Education Advisor to be embedded in the NEC secretariat and to report directly to the NEC.

This consultancy position will be contracted for 3 months.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the NEC and its international partner, Interpeace, and in direct collaboration with his/her counterpart, the NEC Voter Education Manager, the International Voter Education Advisor will be responsible for providing guidance and mentoring to the NEC Voter Education Team in its efforts to:

• Create and implement Voter Education activity plans that meet the needs of the current Biometric Voter Registration process;
• Monitor and if necessary verify all budgetary activities involved in delivering the voter education programme, including compliance with EU rules for procurement of services;
• Ensure that all materials and manuals are designed to a high standard and produced on time and within budget;
• Advise the NEC Voter Education Manager in all areas of voter education activities, requirements, and responsibilities;
• Support the NEC Voter Education Manager in the implementation of voter education programmes.

The Voter Education Advisor will also be responsible for:

• Nurturing capacity and contributing to the institutional development of NEC and local partners in all activities;
• Mentoring the NEC Voter Education Manager, Interpeace staff, and other individuals responsible for voter education for the Biometric Voter Education Process;
• Ensuring that all expertise is embedded with specific NEC counterparts and supports the direction of the NEC.

Required Experience, Skills, and Education

• At least 3 years of experience in the development and implementation of voter education programmes and materials, preferably with election management bodies;
• Experience conducting voter education for a biometric voter registration process will be an asset;
• Substantial field experience, ideally in contexts with similarities to Somaliland;
• Proven ability to perform under pressure;
• Strong interpersonal and inter­cultural communication skills;
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, including abilities to:

o Recognize and navigate inter­cultural communication challenges;

o Persuade people with varying points of view;

o Convey difficult issues and positions to senior officials;

o Demonstrated experience of preparing written reports and orally conveying information in a clear, concise, and accurate manner.

• Demonstrated understanding of gender issues and their importance to democratization and voter education;
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English is essential;
• Relevant professional or academic training in mass communication, journalism, political science, or other related field;
• Specialized training in civic education, electoral management, training, or institutional development will be rated positively.

Start date: As soon as possible

Duration of contract: 3 months (consultancy)

Location: Hargeisa/Somaliland

Deadline: Start date: As soon as possible

Read more and apply here.