Programme Officer - Lesotho

Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance – International IDEA – is an Inter- Governmental Organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. The Institute acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing global comparative knowledge resources and tools, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests, specifically in electoral processes, constitution building processes, political participation and representation, democracy and climate change, and democracy and digitalization.

International IDEA is managing a five-year EU Delegation Lesotho funded project- ‘Support to Inclusive Political Participation and Representation in Lesotho’. The undertaking aims to address recommendations from international Election Observer Mission (EOM) 2022 reports. The EU election observer mission highlighted the importance of implementing civic education campaigns as a continuous effort rather than limiting them to the months leading up to elections, while the AU election observer mission recommended political parties and other actors to undertake actions to promote gender equality and participation of persons with disabilities. To note, the project builds on previous EU-funded such as the Participatory Initiative for Social Accountability (PISA II).

International IDEA is therefore seeking to recruit a Programme Officer who will contribute to the design and implementation of the Lesotho programme, analyze political developments in Lesotho and support identified EU contractors overseeing programme communication, monitoring and evaluation. The Programme Officer will work in close collaboration with UNDP Lesotho, programme boundary partners including government institutions, civil society organizations and carry on any other relevant duties as assigned by the Programme Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support in the design, planning and implementation of programme activities as per the approved implementation plan and budget;
2. Support the development knowledge products for the Lesotho programme;
3. Support the Programme Manager in organizing national and sub-national stock-taking and agenda-setting policy dialogue sessions on pertinent themes on inclusion;
4. Produces regular update reports on trends and challenges of inclusion in electoral processes across the country for adaptive programming;
5. Advise the Programme Manager on strategic programme partnerships with national institutions;
6. Assesses and analyzes political developments in Lesotho and makes recommendations for the update and revision of the programme activities and initiatives;
7. Develop and maintains networks of key actors and networks of actors and stakeholders in Lesotho, and manages memorandums of understanding;
8. Contributes to monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of the programme ensuring timely communication to the donor and to International IDEA Headquarters;
9. Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, maintains regular communication with the donor delegation, and provides timely progress reports on programme activities;
10. Undertakes programme representational functions as delegated.

General Profile

• Requires in-depth knowledge, excellent skills and relevant experience ;
• 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 outside his/her projects area;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s core values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Programme Manager

Education and Experience

• University degree in political science/ international law, international development/ peace and development studies or related subject;
• A minimum five (5) years relevant experience working in the field of democracy and governance in Lesotho and/or Africa;
• Experience supporting projects in the different phases of project cycle in developing country contexts;
• Experience working with government institutions including election management bodies, political parties and CSOs in Lesotho and/or Africa;
• Experience with EU funded projects as well as familiarity with their processes and systems is essential;
• Relevant experience from an international and/or regional organization in the work of democracy assistance would be considered an asset;

Fluency in written and oral English is required. Any other widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region would be an asset

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.
• Fixed term appointment with an initial duration of two (2) years.
• Salary LSL 47 121 gross per month.

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Lesotho for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CET) 16 March 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 of 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.