Programme Officer – Political Participation and Representation

Context

Over the period since its establishment in February 1995, IDEA has had, in one form or the other, a presence in at least 44 of the countries of Africa and the Middle East. This broad footprint in all the geographical zones that make up Africa and West Asia has enabled the Institute to follow at close range, processes of change and transition in many of the countries of the Region. Integral to these changes and transitions are shifts in patterns of political participation and representation that have involved International IDEA contributing initiatives aimed at bolstering programmatic political parties, improving internal party democracy, establishing standards for the financing of political parties, promoting citizen-led assessments of democracy, enhancing parliamentary effectiveness and capacity to exercise effective oversight, supporting the use of digital platforms for political party outreach, better understanding the role of social media, promoting and sustaining the participation and representation of women, more effectively address the concerns of the youth, etc. The initiatives undertaken by the Institute have been complemented with a similarly diverse range of activities on constitution-building and electoral systems and processes.

The Programme Officer will contribute more broadly to the advancement of the work of the Institute in the domain of political participation and representation across the entire AWA Region. In doing so, the Programme Officer will support the Programme Manager in the design of political participation and representation activities, their implementation, and reporting for results.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports programming in and across AWA on political participation and representation;
• Support the Programme Manager in the development of AWA-related knowledge products on participation;
• Identifies funding opportunities, prepares concept notes and proposals to expand International IDEA’s reach, influence and presence in the AWA region;
• Provides technical inputs to the design and formulation of programme/ project proposals and initiatives related to Political Participation and representation;
• Contributes to the implementation of projects and initiatives throughout project cycle (including planning, budgeting, delivery of outputs and reporting);
• Supports the Programme Manager in organizing regional and sub-regional stock-taking and agenda-setting policy dialogue sessions on pertinent themes in political participation in the AWA Region;
• Ensures that programmatic activities are developed for International IDEA member states that bring them the direct and measurable benefits of membership;
• Advises the Programme Manager on strategic programme partnerships with sub-regional and continental bodies;
• Contributes to the development of advanced learning programmes for parliamentary, political parties, and civil society officials in partnership with other actors;
• Undertakes PPR representational functions as delegated;
• Produces regular update reports on trends and challenges in participation across AWA and the impact of IDEA’s interventions;
• Maintains and develops relevant professional contacts and networks of cooperation within the relevant fields, including practitioners, policymakers, academics and the international community
• Collaborates with International IDEA staff members in AWA country offices, other Regional Programmes and at headquarters.

General Profile

• Requires in-depth knowledge, excellent skills and relevant experience in their field;
• Will contribute significantly to assigned projects all along the project life cycle, i.e. from project design and funding to project assessment; will lead meetings and discussions, supervise publications and review input from external providers;
• Has contributed to publications on the relevant subject; is recognized as a knowledge resource in his/her broad professional community;
• Can work with minimal guidance and supervision;
• Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
• Acts as a model or mentor for less experienced colleagues;
• Can be expected to travel globally to any geographical area involved in his/her projects;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’ s core values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

Programme Manager, Political Participation and Representation, Africa and West Asia Region

Education and Experience

• University degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Social Science or relevant field;
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in supporting democracy building processes, governance, parliamentary support within the context of an organization working in the field of democracy and governance (national or international);
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the functioning of parliamentary, political parties and political participation in the AWA region is essential;
• Experience developing of concept notes and funding proposals
• Experience in establishing relationships among international organizations and national governments in the field of political participation and representation.
• Fluency in English is essential; Knowledge of at least one other widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region (Portuguese, Arabic, French, Spanish) would be an asset.

Terms of Contract:

• International Post
• Two (2) year fixed term appointment
• Remuneration – EUR 4 623 NET per month + benefits

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
• All candidates will be notified on the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality