Job: Training Adviser – Afghanistan

Location: Kabul 
Deadline: 10 Oct 2013 

Description

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

Title: Training 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 Training Adviser will perform the following tasks, with an emphasis on building sustainable institutional expertise:

• Work in a consultative manner with the IECC to assess institutional training needs and develop a strategic plan for training IECC and PECC commissioners, staff and relevant stakeholders, with particular focus on professional and technical expertise of staff; • Assist the IECC in developing a robust and comprehensive training program for staff both at the central and provincial level that is tailored to specific responsibilities; • Coordinate and lead training for IECC commissioners, staff and relevant stakeholders on the effective application of the Guidelines for Understanding, Adjudicating, and Resolving Disputes in Elections (GUARDE); • Develop a handbook and training module focusing on international standards and best practices for the investigative processes, that will be utilized to inform the IECC, PECCs and other stakeholders about proper investigations; • In consultation with UNDP, develop criteria and select training partners (i.e., university departments, public sector training departments, or non-governmental organizations) to assist with training programs; • Provide training to these partners to ensure they are qualified to deliver high quality, professional, short-term leadership and management trainings, centering on the implementation of competency-based training and assessment; • Recruit and train Afghan training specialists; • Work with assessment specialists to develop instruments for assessing training impact and progress of participants during the award period; • Oversee training and implement a knowledge management platform to track progress and encourage continued professional development; • Conduct other functions as requested by the IECC.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in training relevant to election law, dispute resolution and institutional development, in challenging post-conflict and multi-ethnic environments. S/he will have a strong combination of the following experience:

• Excellent strategic planning, project design and management, and technical leadership skills relevant to adult learning; • Experience delivering training using a variety of highly interactive and participatory instructional techniques and formats, including an in-depth understanding of current trends in training; • Excellent teaching, communication and interpersonal skills with stakeholders at all levels; • Experience in monitoring, evaluating and recording training activities for program effectiveness, assessing training needs, and developing alternative training methods if expected improvements are not seen; • Excellent oral and written ability to convey complex technical concepts in English; knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is desirable; • BRIDGE facilitator accreditation is an advantage; 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.