Senior Adviser- Ethiopia

Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), established in 1995, is a global intergovernmental organization with membership spanning all continents. Its primary goal is to foster sustainable democracy worldwide. To achieve this, International IDEA engages in several core activities: it generates comparative data and knowledge, offers specialized technical advice, hosts dialogues on democratic governance, manages expert networks, and develops practical tools for democracy practitioners. Additionally, the Institute conducts training and capacity-building programmes at international, regional, and national levels.

International IDEA effectively fosters strong partnerships with several key entities, including the African Union (AU) and various African Regional Economic Communities (RECs). These collaborations are managed by the Africa and West Asia (AWA) Regional Office located in Addis Ababa, which coordinates directly with the AU and RECs through formally established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Specifically, the MOU with the African Union incorporates a Joint Activity Programme (JAP), which actively supports the Union’s preventive diplomacy initiatives upon their request. Additionally, International IDEA is engaged in implementing a significant project funded by the European Union titled "Strengthening Pan-African Capacities for Electoral Observation and Assistance." This project is conducted in collaboration with the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), aiming to enhance electoral processes across the continent. Furthermore, International IDEA is poised to commence a project funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which is designed to increase political participation and representation of women in Africa.

The collaboration with AU and RECs manifests in a series of support initiatives to enhance constitutional governance, improve electoral processes, foster political pluralism, and advance peace and security for women and youth. The efforts focus on conflict early warning and mitigation, increasing awareness and capacity regarding AU instruments, improving coordination within AU departments and between the AU and RECs, and promoting the adoption of continental and sub-regional standards in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The Senior Adviser for AU plays a pivotal role in this framework, tasked with the daily coordination and operational management of the MoU between International IDEA and the African Union Commission and other Key Regional Economic Communities. This responsibility is delegated by the Director of the Africa and West Asia Region, ensuring that strategic objectives are met, and that collaboration is effective and aligned with both entities' goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Act as the primary liaison between International IDEA and the African Union (AU), managing and coordinating the existing portfolio of programmes to ensure alignment with strategic objectives;
2. Continuously evaluate the partnership dynamics with the AU, recommending strategic updates and revisions to enhance programme impact, alignment with evolving goals, and stakeholder engagement;
3. Formulate comprehensive work plans for all projects, in consultation with Project Managers and seconded experts, ensuring meticulous adherence to timelines and objectives, and overseeing the execution of activities as per the strategic plans;
4. Monitor the implementation of projects in consultation with Project Managers and seconded experts, to ensure compliance with International IDEA’s regulations and donor requirements, addressing any discrepancies and ensuring rectification;
5. Dynamically propose (to Project Managers and seconded experts) and secure approval for necessary adjustments to annual work plans to respond to changing conditions and ensure the successful delivery of project outcomes;
6. Support Project Managers to develop and deliver detailed progress and final reports, adhering to project specifications and deadlines, to maintain transparency and accountability with the AU and donors;
7. In collaboration with Project Managers, oversee the deployment and integration of short-term consultants within AU Commission departments, ensuring their contributions are targeted and effective;
8. Provide managerial oversight to experts seconded to the AU and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), fostering a supportive and effective working environment;
9. Coordinate with the Head of Finance and Operations to manage budgetary aspects, ensuring fiscal practices align with donor agreements and financial plans;
10. Coordinate with Project Managers to maintain regular communication with donors, providing updates and insights into all project facets and strategic developments with the AU;
11. Perform high-level representational duties as required, managing stakeholder relations, and enhancing project visibility among key audiences;
12. Lead resource mobilization efforts in conjunction with the Head of Programmes and Regional Director, aiming to bolster support for the AU and RECs through strategic partnerships and funding opportunities;
13. Serve as the secretary to key consultative and review meetings under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the AU and International IDEA, and also with other AU organs as well as key RECS ensuring structured and effective dialogue and decision-making;
14. In consultation with Regional Director and the Head of Programmes, assist with strategic coordination and partnerships management;
15. Lead in the initiation and conduct of key strategic continental and regional research.

General Profile

• Requires in-depth knowledge, excellent skills and relevant experience in their field;
• Will contribute significantly to assigned projects all along the project life cycle, i.e. from project design and funding to project assessment; will lead meetings and discussions, supervise publications and review input from external providers;
• Has contributed to publications on the relevant subject; is recognized as a knowledge resource in his/her broad professional community;
• Can work with minimal guidance and supervision;
• Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
• Acts as a model or mentor for less experienced colleagues;
• Can be expected to travel globally to any geographical area involved in his/her projects;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Director Africa and West Asia Region.

Education and Experience

• University degree in Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, Law, Human Rights Public Administration, or a related field;
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the area of democratic governance, including extensive experience in leadership positions (proven track of substantive development policy and management expertise required) with international organisations in Africa;
• Strong analytical judgement; efficiency and results-orientation in a multi-tasking environment and excellent management capabilities;
• Experience in engaging with high level national or international actors from governments, political parties, civil society, and other stakeholders;
• Experience in working with regional organisations such as the AU and RECs;
• Excellent networking and partnering skills with a demonstrated successful resource mobilisation record;
• The incumbent shall reflect high moral standards, dedication, accountability and delivery drive towards results and impact;
• Experience in providing written and/or verbal technical advice in a relevant field;
• Experience in managing donor-funded projects would be an asset;
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required; Knowledge of French or any other AU language will be considered an advantage.

Terms of Contract:

• International Post
• Ethiopia is considered a Non Family Duty Station
• Two (2) years fixed term appointment
• Remuneration - EUR 6 018 NET per month + benefits

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted no later than 23:59 (CEST) 20 January 2025.
• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
• All candidates will be notified on the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality