Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire an Elections Capacity Building Specialist for the recently awarded four-year USAID/BiH Support to Electoral Integrity (SEI) Activity. The activity seeks to improve the administration of elections, strengthen the capacity of the Central Election Commission (CEC), municipal election commissions (MECs), and polling station committees (PSCs) to oversee and conduct elections and strengthen civil oversight of elections. For more information, visit this link.
The activity is built around two objectives:
- Electoral administration improved.
- Civil oversight of elections strengthened.
This is a full-time position based in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina (BiH). This position is open to BiH nationals.
The Elections Capacity Building Specialist will focus on strengthening the capacity of electoral stakeholders, analyzing all aspects of the electoral/legal framework and its application, election administration, and collaboration with local observation entities. The successful candidate must be a development professional with experience working on elections and building electoral capacity in BiH and demonstrated expertise in international administration, election observation, elections and political processes, civil society engagement, political inclusion, and democratic systems development.
The Elections Capacity Building Specialist will work closely with the SEI field team to carry out the day-to-day implementation of activities and engagement of election institutions, CSOs, and other local stakeholders. They support the implementation of program activities, provide support to partners, support the collection of data on indicators as related to Objectives; liaise with the home Office management team, and contribute to reporting as needed.
Essential Job Duties:
The position’s responsibilities will include:
Programmatic
- Support local stakeholders with capacity building related to electoral developments. Examples include CEC/MEC/PSC and observer capacity building on electoral procedures and processes, including amendments to the electoral law/code, regulations, and strategic and program planning.
- Lead data collection and analysis for the program’s Election Reports; this may include technical assistance and coordination of information to be included in grantees’ observation reports.
- Be responsible for documenting program successes and challenges for dissemination to USAID (in close coordination with the COP and HQ management team);
- Be responsible for designing and conducting operations research.
- Analyze legal framework for elections concerning regional and international standards as well as best practices.
- Provide qualitative and quantitative analysis of key institutions’ adherence to the legal framework, the political context, election administration, the electoral process, security, CSO voter education efforts, media operations, and the resolution of election-related disputes.
- Prepare briefing materials and talking points on the performance of the CEC, MECs, and PSCs in the administration of the elections and the adjudication of election-related matters, and offer advice to the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, and others as needed.
- Closely collaborate with the team to support the CEC and MECs with the development of training and procedures manuals, virtual training tools, conduct pre- and post-election assessments, draft reports, election day statements, and other external communication.
- Collaborate and attend meetings hosted by the CEC, PSCs, MECs, civil society organizations (CSOs), courts, political parties, or international observation missions. If required, facilitate working groups with key electoral stakeholders such as CEC, EU, OSCE/ODIHR, UNDP, etc.
Election Technology:
- Research, coordinate, and propose technology solutions appropriate for the local context. This may include coordination with technology vendors and CEC.
- Closely coordinate technology pilots and their application with the CEC and MECs.
Administrative:
- Contribute to all deliverable development, including required reporting.
- Continue to build DI’s dynamic local team – this could include support with recruitment and capacity building for short-term and/or long-term observers.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree and 7 years’ relevant work experience.
- In-depth knowledge of BiH’s electoral (constitutional and legal) framework for elections, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) operations, and the political environment.
- Significant relevant experience in electoral capacity building, research, and writing.
- Substantial experience working with the CEC, MEC, and/or on election observation, polling, civic engagement, civil society, media, or other topics relevant to democratic development.
- Familiarity with the USAID regulatory environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience collaborating with advocacy groups, and election-related civil society organizations required.
- Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) is required.
- This position is open to BiH nationals.
Reporting:
- This position reports to the Chief of Party.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.
About the Organization:
DI provides technical assistance, analytical services, and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance, and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department, and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.
DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.
