Electoral Assistance Officer

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After the passage of a comprehensive electoral and political reform in 2023, followed by a National Referendum in May 2024, Vanuatu has entered into new phase of implementing these reforms, which provide for greater independence to electoral management bodies, introduces more modern and inclusive electoral management, regulation and registration of political parties.

The Vanuatu Electoral Environment Project (VEEP) has been providing technical assistance to Electoral Commission, Vanuatu Electoral Office and Civil Registration and Identity Management (CRIM) Department since 2016. The third phase of the project “VEEP III” builds on previous electoral assistance to Vanuatu with the objectives of consolidating the achievements of previous electoral assistance and to further the democratic development of Vanuatu. The project will do this by further strengthening the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO) to more effectively implement their newly independent mandate, and ensure inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral processes and by improving the institutional environment and practice of democracy.

The project strategy is twofold: (i) to support the positive growth of the institutional environment: the laws, rules, and regulations of the democratic processes; and (ii) to empower the agency of stakeholders: notably the Electoral Commission / VEO on one hand and individual citizens and civil society organisations on the other. In this regard, VEEP III will support to the EC/VEO, to work in partnership with key stakeholders, including with civil society organisations, to improve voter education and to maintain trust in the electoral and broader democratic system.

The VEEP III project has the following objectives:
1. Provide services to support all citizens, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, to be increasingly aware of elections and the importance of democratic practices and processes
2. Voter register kept accurate and updated with every eligible voter registered
3. Political parties operate within the legislated regulatory environment
4. Effective and efficient electoral governance with less reliance on external assistance

Assist the Provincial Electoral Officer (PEO) with voter registration updates

Support the planning and implementation of electoral preparations and operations

Identify outreach needs arising from electoral activities and operations

Identify and support standardization and training needs within the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO)

Maintain a cross-cutting focus and contribute to initiatives targeting or engaging youth

Perform any other duties as required