IEOM Mission Director 113 views0 applications

Job Summary:

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day to day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include: Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The International Republican Institute (IRI) is seeking a Mission Director for the Ethiopia International Election Observation Mission (EIOME). In partnership with The National Democratic Institute (NDI) the IEOME will assess Ethiopia’s 2020 national and regional parliamentary elections and the degree to which they are inclusive, transparent and accountable and are conducted in accordance with international and regional standards for credible elections.

The Mission Director will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the joint IEOME, including providing strategic program guidance; high-level representation; coordination with the government and other international observer missions; and achievement of the overall objectives of the CEPPS IEOME program. The mission director will work closely with the deputy mission director to realize efficient management of the overall mission.

Responsibilities

• Manage overall implementation of the joint observation mission in Ethiopia.
• Manage relationships and serve as key liaison with key partners, including USAID and the US Embassy, the National Elections Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), Ethiopian government representatives, the Legislature, civil society, political parties, other international observer delegations, and the donor community, in coordination with the Mission Director.
• Provide overall program leadership, management, and technical direction of staff and consultants, project activities such as implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation, and partner coordination. He/she also oversees program work planning, performance management, and strategic communication.
• Oversee, monitor and continuously evaluate project activities to ensure that the mission’s goals is achieved, and make adjustments based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders.
• Inform the overall strategic direction of the observation mission and spearhead the drafting of statements, reports and any public documents released by the mission.
• Ensure compliance with USG regulations and Ethiopia government regulations regarding procurement rules, human resource and other administrative aspects as needed.
• Make necessary inquiries and planning and provide guidance on how to organize the logistical, administrative and security component of the EOM.
• Maintain communication with the CEPPS Resident Program Directors in Ethiopia and IRI leadership in Washington DC.
• Close coordination and cooperation with NDI to oversee and execute all IOM related activities before, during and after the elections.
• Any other duties as required by leadership which are relevant for EOM support or related activities.

Position Requirements:

• Graduate degree in a field of study related to international development; graduate degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of relevant professional work experience at the national or international level in organizing, directing and/or observing election processes; elections and political processes programming, including leadership and key roles on international election observation missions;
• Demonstrated expertise in one of the following areas: political analysis, human rights, post-conflict transition, elections and voter registration; preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa and/or Horn of Africa;
• Demonstrated experience in managing relationships with election authorities, civil society and senior political leaders, as well as members of the donor and diplomatic community and media representatives;
• Proven experience managing staff members, election observers and analysts, and demonstrated success in collaborating with a senior management team;
• Demonstrate previous experience applicable to election observation logistics and operations management; excellent organizational and coordination skills; excellent analytical and drafting skills;
• Demonstrated experience in managing similar programs in complex operating environments and ability to work under pressure in a sensitive political environment;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team composed of individuals of different cultural and political backgrounds, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Demonstrate political impartiality; cross-cultural understanding, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well in a small team;
• Demonstrate experience working in developing countries and political transition contexts particularly in Africa.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in order to rapidly adjust program activities based on changing political or electoral circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders;
• Preferred experience managing a USG-funded International Elections Observation Mission.
• Ability to live in difficult conditions, perform well under stress, and maintain professionalism;
• Familiarity with Windows and Office products;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.