Election and Civil Society Capacity Advisor / Angola Country Representative

BACKGROUND: IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

IFES seeks an Elections and Civil Society Capacity Advisor for an anticipated US Department of State – DRL program in Angola focused on strengthening civil society to ensure credible local elections. This individual will be responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of activities over the course of the program (minimum 18 months) and coordinate programming with local and international actors – including but not limited to local partners, donors, and government stakeholders. The position is based in Luanda, Angola and will report to IFES’ Regional Director for Africa. This position is contingent on funding.

POSITION SCOPE: Manage and perform highly technical work requiring ingenuity and capacity to evaluate and respond to new and changing issues. Drive the technical implementation of IFES programming as it relates to technical assistance regarding elections and civil society. Oversee varied activities and processes to support effective project implementation, reporting and compliance.

IFES COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement:For HR entry
Job Responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for overall delivery of IFES’ program in Angola – including overseeing the day-to-day management and overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of program strategies and activities
• Serve as IFES’ country representative to lead project implementation and liaise with local stakeholders, partners and the international community; represent IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and donor meetings, as speaker and/or spokesperson for IFES
• Lead capacity building and institutional strengthening efforts with and across civil society organizations in accordance with the program description and workplan
• Provide expertise on programming focused on inclusive, transparent electoral processes
• Prepare and manage the implementation of annual work plans in fulfillment of the project’s strategic objectives and goals, and within the allocated budget
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with key interlocutors, including but not limited to civil society, government and electoral commission officials, donors, as well as democracy and governance implementers
• Produce high-level analyses and outputs, such as articles, briefings, and programmatic reports on key electoral and policy issues in Angola
• Lead the drafting and timely submission of detailed weekly and quarterly reports to HQ, and ensure that they meet donor and IFES reporting requirements
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing supervision of local national employees in coordination with IFES HQ
• Oversee assignments by short-term technical assistance personnel to ensure IFES work is carried out in a timely, coordinated, and professional manner
• Represent IFES and IFES interests in various forums

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Identify risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of program/project goals. Analyze issues, problems or opportunities and propose appropriate courses of action, based on knowledge of professional principles and best practices. Participate in the development and implementation of strategies to track and mitigate risk and its potential impact.

RELATIONSHIPS: Maintain collaborative working relationships with senior-level stakeholders within and outside IFES to ensure timely and successful achievement of project goals and objectives. Represent IFES with external contacts at professional and government levels.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Oversee support staff, as well as international and national consultants and field experts in order to complete the project’s work plan and participate in project monitoring and evaluation.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree preferred – in relevant fields such as social sciences,development studies, etc.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the successful implementation of international development activities managing sectors and/or subsectors of election interventions and support; and/or minimum of ten (10) years of working with civil society, including knowledge of trends and best practices in CSO development and advocacy on inclusive political participation and elections;
• Knowledge of Angola’s civil society, electoral, and political landscape;experience working with civil society organizations in Angola and/or Southern Africa preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and experienced in managing teams
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including in reporting
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working on policy, democracy and governance programs funded by international donors; experience with USAID or U.S. Department of State awards preferred
• Excellent knowledge of political issues and elections
• Demonstrated ability to quickly build and consolidate relationships
• Strong leadership, problem solving, coordination, and consensus building skills is a must, as is willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality and impartiality
• Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in written and spoken Portuguese and English are required.

TRAVEL: Periodic travel in-country may be required.

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.

“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”