Job Title: Embedded Technical Expert – Electoral Affairs
Min. qualification: Master’s degree in international relations, law, political science, social science or other related field of study; at least seven years’ experience working in the areas of peacebuilding, democracy and governance, conflict prevention. Experience working on electoral assistance processes will be a strong added advantage.
Organization: GIZ Nigeria, ECOWAS Peace and Security, Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project
Place: Abuja
Salary: Accord to GIZ Band 4
Closing Date of advert 14.07.2020
Background: GIZ. Working together for change
As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, we are dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment promotion, energy and the environment, and peace and security. The diverse expertise of our federal enterprise is in demand around the globe – from the German Government, European Union institutions, the United Nations, the private sector and governments of other countries. We work with businesses, civil society actors and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity. Our main commissioning party is the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The registered offices of GIZ are in Bonn and Eschborn. Our 19,506 employees, almost 70 per cent of whom are national personnel, work in around 120 countries (December 2017).
GIZ has worked in Nigeria since 1974. From 2004, GIZ has maintained a country office in the capital city Abuja. Currently 345 national and 70 international employees and 4 integrated specialists are working in the country (as of 30.01.2020).
Programme: Since 2006, GIZ through the commissioning and funding of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) implemented the “Support Programme to the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)”. The Programme was aimed at strengthening the Commission in executing its core mandate of facilitating economic and political integration. GIZ support has had a focus in three principal areas including; 1) Organisational Development, 2) Trade and Customs, and 3) Peace and Security in which the Programme supported the strengthening of sector-specific expertise as well as strategic planning and management structures, capacities and processes.
Presently, GIZ implements the “ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations” (EPSAO) Project with co-funding from the European Union
(EU) and the BMZ. The main objective of the project is to support ECOWAS in the prevention and management of conflict and security threats in West Africa. There are four strategic areas of focus for the project: the strengthening of ECOWAS mechanisms for the promotion and maintenance of peace, stability and post crisis operations; enabling ECOWAS to manage emerging or existing conflicts; contributing to the creation of a secure and safe post conflict environment; and supporting non-violent, fair, transparent and inclusive electoral processes. Responsibilities & tasks: Responsibilities
The Embedded Technical Expert – Electoral Affairs will be located within the Election Assistance Division (EAD) of the ECOWAS Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) Department and will support the overall conceptualization, planning and implementation of technical measures related to regional electoral assistance processes.
In supporting the Head of the ECOWAS EAD, the Embedded Technical Expert will undertake the following roles and functions:
• Provide strategic and technical guidance and policy advice to the partner organisation for the enhancement of electoral assistance processes and in line with international best practice and standards;
• Support relevant areas of work of the EAD towards improvement in the organisation and conduct of election observation missions of the Commission;
• Support the EAD in the design of conceptual/policy frameworks and other guidelines for electoral assistance and observation;
• Provide context analyses and technical briefs in support of Core Team deployments;
• Research, develop and present analytical reports, research papers, briefing notes, background papers, correspondence, and knowledge products as required;
• Support evaluation processes as well as internal/external reporting processes of the EAD and provide quality assurance;
• Interface and liaison with key strategic partners and stakeholders of the EAD, including the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC);
• Support knowledge building and lessons learned processes with respect to regional electoral assistance processes;
• Provide support for development of/ adjustments to operational plans and budgets and ensure inline implementation;
• Provide administrative and logistical support for activity implementation including for mission deployments;
• Facilitate and support a good flow of communication between the EAD and the EPSAO Project Team and ensure regular consultation and exchange with the GIZ Electoral Affairs Component Head;
• Ensure consistent implementation of GIZ and EU guidelines;
• Perform other project-related duties and functions as may be directed.
Contract duration and duty station
• Contract duration: 16 August 2021 - 31 January 2023 with potential for renewal subject to extension of the Project by the commissioning parties. • Duty station: Abuja
Required qualifications, competences and experience: Required Competencies
Qualifications
• Master’s degree in international relations, law, political science, social science or other related field of study
Professional Experience • At least seven years’ experience working in the areas of peacebuilding, democracy and governance, conflict prevention or other related field. Experience working on electoral assistance processes will be a strong added advantage.
• A good understanding of the African peace and security landscape and especially the ECOWAS region – with an established network.
• Experience working for an international organisation will be highly desirable as will experience working or engaging with national actors (including governments, civil society and other).
Other knowledge, additional competences
• Experience in conflict resolution management
• Experience with electoral observation processes (including field experiences) will be a strong asset as will familiarity with ECOWAS electoral assistance work.
• BRIDGE facilitator accreditation will be an advantage
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary and highly political context
• Excellent diplomacy and persuasion skills with a high sense of integrity and transparency
• Good knowledge and understanding of results-based planning, monitoring and reporting
• Impeccable writing, reporting and presentation skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Spoken and written language skills in English is required for this position. Working knowledge of the French language will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS region and established contacts to relevant actors is regarded as an asset.
Submission Guideline: You are kindly requested to submit your CV and letter of motivation as one document with complete contact details via email to: [email protected]
(Please include vacancy no. 056 in mail subject)
GIZ is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity. All qualified candidates, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, race and religion are encouraged to apply.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted 
