The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance - International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.
International IDEA’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Director, Africa Region
Main functions of the post:
The main functions of the post are:
- The management and direction of International IDEA’s operations within Africa; and
- Within the framework set by the Secretary-General, representing International IDEA externally within the region.
Duties and Responsibilities:
General, Programme, Managerial and Administrative, as applicable
Under the immediate supervision of the Secretary-General the incumbent performs the following duties:
- Strategic leadership in promoting, developing and managing International IDEA’s activities in Africa, in contributing to the design of IDEA’s Programme of Operations within the region, and in implementing International IDEA’s Programme of Operations;
- Ensuring integration between International IDEA’s work in Africa and all other International IDEA programming;
- Initiating and piloting extensive fund-raising to support our projects in the Africa region;
- Maintaining and developing relevant professional contacts and networks of cooperation with those active in the field of political reform and democracy assistance in Africa, including the African Union and other regional organisations, democracy building practitioners, policy makers, academics and the international community;
- Representing International IDEA externally and acting as a competent and persuasive voice for International IDEA within the region;
- Managing the Africa programme, its offices and staff, giving guidance and support as required;
- Participating in and contributing to the general management, programming and future development of International IDEA;
- Performing such other tasks as are requested by the Secretary-General; and
- Actively integrating the inclusion of a gender perspective in all programming activities.
Basic qualification requirements:
Level and type of formal education:
- Post-graduate degree in political science, law, economics, international relations, or a related subject.
Professional experience:
- A minimum of 15 years of varied professional experience related to democracy, including 7 years in Africa, preferably in different types of position (managerial, political, analytical) and in different types of organisation (governmental, non-governmental, national, transnational). At least 7 years experience in managerial positions, including motivating and leading teams and solving problems..
Functional competencies:
- Proven leadership skills;
- Strategic thinking;
- Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English and French, including the ability to write concise, straightforward and jargon free material;
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, including the ability to present complex political/technical issues to non expert audiences;
- Excellent drafting and editing skills;
- Good analytical and problem solving skills;
- Good organisational skills and efficiency;
- Flexible, ability to work independently and to deliver against tight deadlines;
- Knowledge of development co-operation and key challenges in the area of democracy assistance; good understanding of various bilateral and multilateral donor policies, programming procedures, project cycle management etc would be a distinct advantage.
- Familiarity with general theories and practice of democracy and strong analytical knowledge of African political dynamics in particular. Specialised knowledge very desirable in at least one of the following: political institutions, electoral processes, conflict management, political participation, democracy assessment and gender issues.
Work relationships:
- Extensive exposure to international and multicultural environments. Ability to appreciate diversity and work as part of a team in such an environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
Supervisory responsibilities:
- Strong managerial skills, including motivating and leading teams.
- Ability to hire people with the skills and talent required for success.
- Substantial experience in effectively managing a team to deliver under pressure;
- The incumbent is expected to budget and control expenditure for all costs and income related to the work of the Unit. Legal and budgetary responsibilities will be guided by IDEA’s regulations and procedures as specified in the Administrative and Financial Regulations.
Independence of work:
- Authority to make decisions as delegated by the Secretary-General.
Impact of work:
- In charge of International IDEA’s programme within Africa and primarily responsible for IDEA’s profile in the region. The success of this programme will have a major direct impact on the fulfilment of International IDEA’s strategic objectives.
- The incumbent is expected to act with considerable autonomy based on his/her significant experience. Personal and institutional experience, sensitivity, flexibility, judgment, and demonstrated ability to plan, to deliver results and to manage change are important requirements.
Difficulty of work:
- Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas and to transfer knowledge and skills. Good sense of initiative, ability to set priorities and work under pressure with accuracy and dedication.
Language skills:
- Fluency in oral and written English and French. Knowledge of Arabic would be desirable. Working knowledge of Portuguese, Spanish or a major African language would be an asset.
Computer skills:
- Good computer skills and knowledge of standard computer software packages including internet use.
Terms of Contract:
Three (3) Year Fixed Term Appointment. Salary entry point €9, 297 per month.
Deadline for Applications:
Applications should be submitted no later than 14 September 2014
International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Send application (Apply Online)
Home page: http://www.idea.int
