Embedded Technical Expert - Electoral Affairs at GIZ Nigeria

VA No: 056

Contract Duration: 16 August 2021 - 31 January 2023 with potential for renewal subject to extension of the Project by the commissioning parties.

Job Summary

• The Embedded Technical Expert – Electoral Affairs will be located within the Election Assistance Division (EAD) of the ECOWAS Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) Department and will support the overall conceptualization, planning and implementation of technical measures related to regional electoral assistance processes.

Responsibilities
In supporting the Head of the ECOWAS EAD, the Embedded Technical Expert  will undertake the following roles and functions: 

• Provide strategic and technical guidance and policy advice to the partner organisation for the enhancement of electoral assistance  processes and in line with international best practices and standards
• Support relevant areas of work of the EAD towards improvement in the  organisation and conduct of election observation missions of the  Commission
• Support the EAD in the design of conceptual/policy frameworks and  other guidelines for electoral assistance and observation
• Provide context analyses and technical briefs in support of Core Team  deployments
• Research, develop and present analytical reports, research papers, briefing notes, background papers, correspondence, and knowledge  products as required
• Support evaluation processes as well as internal/external reporting processes of the EAD and provide quality assurance
• Interface and liaison with key strategic partners and stakeholders of  the EAD, including the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions  (ECONEC)
• Support knowledge building and lessons learned processes with  respect to regional electoral assistance processes
• Provide support for the development of/ adjustments to operational plans  and budgets and ensure inline implementation
• Provide administrative and logistical support for activity implementation  including for mission deployments
• Facilitate and support a good flow of communication between the EAD  and the EPSAO Project Team and ensure regular consultation and  exchange with the GIZ Electoral Affairs Component Head
• Ensure consistent implementation of GIZ and EU guidelines
• Perform other project-related duties and functions as may be directed.
• Contract duration.

Required Competencies / Qualifications

• Master's Degree in International Relations, Law, Political Science, Social  Science or other related fields of study.

Professional Experience:

• At least seven years experience working in the areas of peacebuilding,  democracy and governance, conflict prevention or other related fields.
• Experience working on electoral assistance processes will be a strong added advantage.  
• A good understanding of the African Peace and security landscape and especially the ECOWAS region - with an established network.
• Experience working for an international organisation will be highly desirable as will experience working or engaging with national actors  (including governments, civil society and others).  

Other Knowledge, Additional Competences:

• Experience in conflict resolution management
• Experience with electoral observation processes (including field experiences) will be a strong asset as will familiarity with ECOWAS  electoral assistance work.
• BRIDGE facilitator accreditation will be an advantage
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary and highly political  context
• Excellent diplomacy and persuasion skills with a high sense of integrity  and transparency
• Good knowledge and understanding of results-based planning,  monitoring and reporting
• Impeccable writing, reporting and presentation skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Spoken and written language skills in English is required for this position. Working knowledge of the French language will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS region and established contacts with relevant actors is regarded as an asset.