Background
In response to the request by the Government of Ethiopia and with the view to supporting the reforms and general elections, the United Nations has performed a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM), the outcome of which is that the United Nations will design and activate an election support project.
In view of designing and activating the project, UNDP supported the development of the ‘Supporting Elections for Ethiopia’s Democracy Strengthening (SEEDS) project, which was established in June 2019.
One of the key components of the SEEDS project is the development of an “Electoral Violence Early Warning and Early Response Mechanism” which will be implemented through the Brussels-based EU-UNDP “Sustaining Peace through Elections” (SELECT) initiative developed by the EC-UNDP JTF on Electoral Assistance.
The component supported by the SELECT team entails assisting the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) with the development of an Electoral Violence Early Warning and Early Response system (EVEW). The objective is to provide the NEBE with the capacity to manage and respond to real time symptoms and events of violence through the electoral process. As a result, the NEBE should have the capacity to identify and resolve grievances in a timely manner.
In this context, the EC-UNDP JTF on Electoral Assistance is seeking to recruit an Early Warning Advisor to support the project team and the UNDP Country Office in Ethiopia in the implementation of the EVEW component of SEEDS project.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and in close cooperation with the JTF Electoral Conflict Prevention Specialist, and the national Early Warning System Expert, the selected candidate will support the NEBE in setting up the Electoral Violence Early Warning and Early Response System (EWER).
Summary of Key Functions on the basis of needs expressed by the NEBE:
- Support the NEBE with the development with protocols for the implementation of the JEOCs mandate;
- Support NEBE in assessing requirements for the set up of JEOCs. This include support in the recruitment of JEOCs secretarial staff, procurement of equipment and logistic planning;
- Support the NEBE in the deployment of necessary equipment for the JEOCs;
- Support NEBE in developing procedures for the JEOCs’ performance mangement and activity monitoring;
- Development of a communication strategy and plan on the role of the EWER. Support the development of the IT software in close collaboration with the JTF focal point and the SEEDS project team; Support NEBE in developing training curriculum for JEOCs’ secretarial staff and members;
- Support NEBE during the operational phase of the project including: monitoring of JEOCs activities as well as reporting and consolidation of data for analysis and response supporting.
- Coordinate with national Early Warning Expert to support NEBE in analyzing the Conflict Maps, including the impact of the hotspots on operational planning;
Support the development of the IT software in close collaboration with the JTF focal point and the SEEDS project team:
• Liaise with the NEBE to assess functionalities of the software;
• Support NEBE in the coordination of testing of the software;
• Support the translation of content for the different platforms.
Support the NEBE in the recruitment and training of all individuals involved in the EWER through the JEOCs and partnering institutions:
- Drafting of TORs
- Coordination of recruitments;
- Scheduling of trainings;
- Implementation of trainings.
Support the NEBE in the Coordination of the operational phase of the EWER deployment:
- Monitor JEOC operations and advise JEOC staff regularly on their operations;
- Ensure proper reporting of data through the platform and continuous cleaning of the database;
- Supervise the development of analysis and reports on the basis of collected information by the national EWER staff located at the NEBE;
- Coordinate with national Early Warning Expert in the provision of regular updates, draft reports and other documents according to the Project’s reporting framework as well as ad-hoc requirements;
- Perform other tasks and duties as requested by the Chief Technical Advisor related to the implementation of the EWER.
Evaluation and lessons-learnt:
- Support NEBE in designing the lessons-learned exercise concerning the of JEOCs;
- Complete all required reporting regarding the implementation of the EWER in close cooperation with the administrative, reporting and financial assistant.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the project;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity;
- Treats all people fairly and without favoritism.
Functional Competencies:
- Knowledge of dispute resolution and early warning practices in general, will be an advantage;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to foster networks and partnerships, and good working knowledge of information and computer technology. While representing UNDP views, the candidate should also be able to provide coordination among the UN family of agencies;
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and work with minimum supervision;
- Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environments;
- Displays analytical judgment and demonstrated ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities. Demonstrated ability to multitask under pressure and to meet strict deadlines often under hardship conditions;
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively in teams, delivering through and with others;
- Self-management, including conflict management and negotiating skills.
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
- Sound knowledge of UN/UNDP financial rules and regulations;
- Drafting and reporting skills.
Leadership and Self-Management:
- Focuses on result for the client;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
- Demonstrates openness to change;
- Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Masters’ degree or equivalent in Political Sciences, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Strategic Planning Studies or related field;
Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in areas of conflict prevention, early warning and risk monitoring including in electoral contexts;
- Experience in implementing trainings and and drafting procedures;
- Experience working within or with security forces is an advantage;
- The post requires considerable cultural and political sensitivity and an ability to meet deadlines;
- Familiarity with the UN in general and UNDP procedures in particular and/or previous experience with the UN is an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Workforce diversity
UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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More Information
- Address Addis Ababa
- Qualification BA/BSc, MBA/MSc/MA
