The programme will support the active and inclusive participation of traditionally marginalised persons in electoral and political processes; strengthen the capacity of the election management bodies (EMBs) in Sierra Leone to conduct credible and inclusive elections in 2023 and beyond; improve the capacity of the EMBs and relevant civil society organisations capacities to contribute to resolving election disputes; and enhance stakeholder capacity for electoral and legal reforms beyond 2023.
The Associate Programme Officer will support the planning and implementation of the election-related programme outputs. The incumbent will also support the analysis of the developments in the electoral process in Sierra Leone and advise programme team members on the implications of such development for the achievement of programme outcomes
Duties and Responsibilities
Supports the provision of technical assistance to key electoral stakeholders in the electoral process including the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), and civil society organizations (CSOs).
Represents International IDEA to partners, national institutions and other stakeholders;
Supports the design, implementation and monitoring of training programmes, conferences, seminars and workshops in accordance with the work plan and the project’s results framework;
Supports the team to identify synergies and partnership opportunities for the implementation of electoral processes-related activities in the Programme;
Conducts basic research, analyzes and presents information on electoral issues and activities, including collecting, analyzing and presenting data and information gathered from diverse sources;
Maintains a database and follows up on beneficiaries of International IDEA’s training on elections-related work to document the implementation of learning from the training;
Contributes to the creation of mechanisms and opportunities that allow for the exchange of information and experiences in the country and regional programme;
Supports the deployment of experts and consultants and liaises with partners to support the achievement of electoral support-related programme objectives.
Assists in identifying issues of common interest and supports the implementation of related activities for democracy promotion;
Contributes to the design and development of knowledge products; supports the team in the research and development of papers and articicles;
Supports the promotion of dialogue and consensus building among political actors on key electoral issues in Sierra Leone;
Contributes to the monitoring and evaluation of the programme, through the collection of data from the ECSL, PPRC, CSOs and other stakeholders, and the documenting of outcomes and impact of International IDEA’s work in Sierra Leone;
Contributes to the preparation of periodic project reports in line with the project results framework, while ensuring disaggregation and profiling of gender, youth and other vulnerable persons;
Assist with the update and maintenance of the Institute’s internal website and other social media platforms, including drafting articles.
Ensures adherence to the communication and visibility plan of the project during planning and implementation of EP activities
General Profile
Requires in-depth knowledge, excellent skills and relevant experience in the field of elections, democracy and gender;
Contributes to assigned programmatic tasks in different aspects of the project life cycle, more specifically will conduct research and analysis, will draft various documents (articles, concept notes, agreements, etc.) and will support the projects vis-à-vis all internal and external stakeholders;
Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required; Interacts successfully with multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams;
Is expected to travel extensively within Sierra Leone at short notice;
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 rights-based approach and a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.
Reporting line
Head of Programme, Sierra Leone.
Education and Experience
University degree in political science, law, sociology, international relations, development studies, peace studies or another related field in the social sciences or humanities;
A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience working in the field of elections, democracy and governance, political participation and representation and gender;
Experience of working in an international context, e.g. in an intergovernmental organization, is considered an advantage;
Proven experience in engaging, cultivating and influencing stakeholders is essential;
Previous experience in managing EU-funded projects will be considered an asset.
Fluency in written and oral English is required. Fluency in oral Creole is required. Knowledge of French is considered an advantage.
