Project Analyst (Electoral Affair)

Background

Bangladesh is undergoing a pivotal electoral transition with significant reforms aimed at restoring trust in democratic processes. The newly established Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) has requested support from UNDP and international partners to strengthen its institutional capacity and deliver credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.

In response, UNDP is implementing a multi-year project. The Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation in Bangladesh (DRIP) project aims to advance a more inclusive and participatory democracy by ensuring that diverse voices—particularly those of women, youth, and socially excluded groups—are effectively represented in political, governance, and decision-making processes. The project emphasizes enhancing institutional capacities, generating data-driven evidence, and fostering civic engagement to support transparent, accountable, and inclusive electoral and governance reforms.

The project is structured around two key Outcomes:

• Democratic reforms and electoral processes are more credible, inclusive, and transparent.
• Research and evidence are generated and utilized to empower citizens in advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusive electoral processes.

The DRIP project will be jointly implemented by UNDP and UN Women in collaboration with academia, think tanks, media, and a broad spectrum of state and civil society actors, including Women Rights Organizations (WROs) and Women-Led Organizations (WLOs). 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and liaise closely with the UNDP Governance Cluster. The Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) at UNDP Bangladesh will oversee strategic direction support to electoral affairs.

Under the supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and in close coordination with the UNDP Governance Cluster, the Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) will support the implementation of the electoral assistance project by facilitating coordination, monitoring activities, and ensuring alignment with UNDP’s strategic framework. Key responsibilities include:

Technical and Policy Support:

• Provide technical support on electoral processes, including voter registration, civic education, and election operations.
• Support research and analysis on electoral reforms, challenges and best practices for strengthening electoral integrity in Bangladesh.
• Contribute to knowledge products, lessons learned, and documentation of good practices for future electoral processes.

Project Implementation:

• Provide technical and operational support to ensure smooth implementation of project activities in line with UNDP standards and donor requirements.
• Liaise with BEC, civil society organizations, and development partners to coordinate electoral support initiatives.
• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to strengthen BEC’s institutional capacities and voter outreach efforts.

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Support the monitoring of project outputs and indicators, ensuring timely and high-quality reporting to donors and UNDP leadership.
• Conduct field visits to District and Upazila election offices to assess needs, monitor voter registration efforts, and identify areas for capacity-building.
• Prepare progress reports, policy briefs, and analytical documents on electoral assistance efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:

• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, training sessions, and public outreach initiatives to enhance electoral transparency and inclusivity. 
• Support coordination with political parties, civil society, and media organizations to promote public trust in electoral processes. 
• Assist in organizing development partner coordination meetings and donor briefings.

Capacity Building & Knowledge Management:

• Support training programs for BEC officials on electoral management, voter education, and information integrity in elections.
• Facilitate technical exchanges with regional electoral bodies to incorporate global best practices in election administration.
• Facilitate technical exchanges with UNDP’s Democratic Institutions and Processes team. 
• Ensure documentation of lessons learned and best practices for future electoral cycles.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Digital and Innovation     

• Innovation capacity building. Ability to define and create the conditions for trying out new ways of working or introducing new problem solving approaches to an organisation. Ability to develop, manage and evaluate a learning curriculum that raises awareness, builds confidence, strengthens innovation capabilities around a certain method, tool or technique; or helps develop an innovation mindset. Ability to create the authorising environment (mandate, incentives) to embed and spread new ways of working. In-depth knowledge of one or more innovation methods, broad knowledge of innovation processes and innovation management. Ability to align a learning and development strategy with broader innovation strategy.

2030 Agenda: Peace    

• Governance. Electoral Cycle Support Communications. Advocacy strategy and implementation. Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change. 

Communications    

• Campaign management. Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change

Business Management     

• Result -based Management. Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
   

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master´s Degree or equivalent) in Social Science or any other relevant discipline is required such as Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Law is required OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with master´s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in electoral assistance, governance, democracy promotion, or public administration.
• Experience working with election management bodies, civil society, or international organizations in electoral processes.
• Strong knowledge of Bangladesh’s electoral system, governance structures, and political context.  
• Experience in leading, coordinating, and implementation of complex development and electoral initiatives.
• Experience in strong report writing, analytical documents, policy briefs and knowledge products. 
• Experience working in/with international agencies/development sector/academia/think tanks/donor organizations, etc.

Required languages:

• Fluent in English and Bangla is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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