Job: Senior Electoral Dispute Resolution Adviser – Afghanistan

Location: Kabul 
Deadline: 10 Oct 2013 

Description

Technical Advisory Service to the Electoral Dispute Resolution Body in Afghanistan Senior Electoral Dispute Resolution Adviser – Afghanistan

Title: Senior Electoral Dispute Resolution Adviser – Afghanistan Start Date: September 2013 Period of Performance: One year

Background: An effective electoral complaints adjudication system in Afghanistan is essential for bolstering the legitimacy and credibility of elections and serving as an official outlet for electoral complaints. After the adoption of two new electoral laws in Afghanistan, the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC)—the key national body for electoral dispute resolution—has now been established as a permanent institution. This presents a unique opportunity for IFES to contribute to the sustained credibility of the electoral process in Afghanistan by supporting the institutional development and operation of the IECC.

IFES has considerable experience with electoral dispute resolution in Afghanistan, having provided technical support to the IECC and Independent Election Commission (IEC) for the 2009 and 2010 elections. IFES’ seeks to directly contribute to electoral integrity for the 2014 Presidential election and 2015 Parliamentary elections by providing technical advisory services to the IECC, and supporting the IECC as it establishes a permanent presence within Afghanistan’s fledgling democracy. Specifically, IFES will provide: strategic policy and implementation advice on electoral matters; assistance on operational planning and institutional cooperation; technical advice on regulations and procedures; and assistance in strategic planning and implementation for both training and public outreach.

Activities and Responsibilities: In support of these goals, the Senior Electoral Dispute Resolution (EDR) Adviser will perform the following tasks, with an emphasis on building sustainable institutional expertise:

• Lead the technical support team of Training Adviser, Legal and Procedures Adviser, and Public Outreach Adviser, and engage closely with IFES headquarters and an international peer review board, in strengthening the capacity of the IECC to function as a permanent, independent, credible and professional institution of governance; • Build knowledge within the IECC on EDR methodology; • Facilitate the provision of technical advice – in coordination with the peer review board, IFES headquarters and Legal Adviser – on the current legal framework regarding election adjudication in Afghanistan, including legal provisions regulating the conduct of various electoral stakeholders during various phases of elections; • Provide technical advice with regard to planning, reporting, systems design and implementation of electoral dispute resolution activities, drawing on comprehensive guidelines developed by IFES and sharing international best practices in line with local realities; • Develop the capacity of the IECC with regard to continuous strategic planning for all stages of the electoral cycle, advising on the development and implementation of operational plans for the electoral complaints process, as well as for training and public outreach; • Provide strategic advice with regard to the establishment and management of Provincial Electoral Complaints Commissions (PECCs); • Support the development of professional capacities of central and provincial-level officials; • Advise the IECC on effective procedures for oversight, monitoring and reporting; • Work in a consultative manner with the IECC, discussing current issues related to election adjudication, and developing consensus on complex areas to ensure buy-in from relevant stakeholders; • Facilitate and advise on protocols for effective institutional cooperation; • Support engagement and consultation with electoral stakeholders, including political parties and candidates, CSOs, media and other relevant actors; • Conduct other functions as requested by the IECC.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate must have at least 10 years in of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in elections, providing advisory services, managing projects in the field of elections, and maintaining work relationships with and among international organizations and national bodies. S/he will have a strong combination of the following experience:

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent, preferably in the field of International Law, Election Law, Electoral Processes, Political Science or related fields; • Excellent strategic planning, project design and management, and technical leadership skills relevant to EDR; • Demonstrated knowledge of EDR methodologies and best practices, as well as of Afghanistan’s electoral experience within broader cultural and Islamic contexts; • Excellent oral and written ability to convey, resolve, and advise on complex technical concepts in English, including presentation experience; knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is desirable; • Strong time and stress management skills, interpersonal skills, good judgment, flexibility, creativity, self-motivation, and ability to work well in a multi-cultural environment; • Dedication to promotion of equal rights of men and women, and respect for cultural, ethnic and religious diversity; and • Experience in Afghanistan or similar context; understanding of Afghan cultures and Islamic context is an advantage.

Applying:
Applications will be accepted online only, through the IFES website. To apply visit our careers website athttp://www.ifes.org/About/Careers.aspx . Then follow the instructions on how to upload your resume and answer prescreening questions. A cover letter is welcome and can be placed in the applicant notes section.

How to apply:

Applying:
Applications will be accepted online only, through the IFES website. To apply visit our careers website athttp://www.ifes.org/About/Careers.aspx . Then follow the instructions on how to upload your resume and answer prescreening questions. A cover letter is welcome and can be placed in the applicant notes section.