Program Officer or Senior Program Officer 47 views0 applications 231 views

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks to hire a Program Officer or a Senior Program Officer to staff the Elections Program in its Ethiopia office. NDI’s elections program works to strengthen election observation conducted by Ethiopian citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs) that work to promote free, fair and credible elections. The program also works to ensure active participation of women, youth and other communities in the electoral process. The position will report to the Program Director for Elections. The position will be based in Addis Ababa and will require regular travel within Ethiopia. The position is available immediately.

This staff position will work closely with NDI’s CSO partners to build capacity and skills and to coordinate domestic election observation during upcoming elections. The incumbent will liaise and communicate with partners and provide up-to-date analysis of the political environment and context. Under supervision of the Program Director the incumbent will coordinate staff and implementation of program activities at regional and national levels. The incumbent will be required to work closely with other staff in NDI’s Ethiopia and Washington D.C. offices for successful implementation of all programs and operations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as a point of contact and maintain close collaboration and communication with CSO partners.
• Closely monitor all aspects of daily implementation of activities.
• Under close supervision of the Program Director, take the lead in guiding and monitoring regional coordinators.
• Identify program challenges and propose solutions.
• Produce analytic political and electoral briefings and reports.
• Assist in organizing and implementing citizen election monitoring/observation, including training and presentations to relevant stakeholders.
• Organize program events, including conferences, consultations, seminars, workshops and meetings.
• Produce program-related documents and ensure their accuracy.
• Conduct forward planning and update activity plans and budgets.
• Maintain regular and timely internal communication on program plans, developments and outcomes.
• Prepare reports and communications products, such as impact and success stories.
• Contribute to developing strategic documents – work plans, reports, project proposals and briefings.
• Contribute to regular monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection for monitoring and evaluation purposes, in close collaboration with the M&E staff.
• As delegated by the Program Director or the Senior Resident Director, represent NDI to Ethiopian organizations and the donor community.

NDI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that has supported democratic institutions and practices in every region of the world for more than three decades. Since its founding, NDI and its local partners have worked to establish and strengthen civic and political organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

The position title to be offered will be based on level of past experience. Salary will be commensurate with experience and NDI’s salary scale.  A competitive benefits package will be provided.  NDI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, disability, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in a related field of study; graduate degree is preferred in political science, international relations or development, public policy, law, or a related field.
• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience, such as work the field of democracy and governance, research, civil society or organizational development; six (6) years of relevant professional experience is preferred.
• Experience with political processes or elections is desired.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and professionalism, to effectively interact with all levels of staff, CSO partners, policymakers and elected or appointed officials, Ethiopian and foreign government personnel, and members of donor organizations.
• Proven capacity for timeliness in completing all tasks and deliverables, including programmatic, financial and administrative responsibilities.
• Exceptional analytical skills for interpreting complex program and political issues.
• Excellent and professional teamwork and ability to work well as part of a high performing team.
• High level of attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• Superior oral and written communications skills in both Amharic and English to effectively present information in a clear and persuasive manner; capacity in other Ethiopian languages is desired.
• Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and a CV.  Please include three references from past employment or academic experiences.  Applications will be considered upon receipt. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter to: [email protected]