The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is seeking a Long Term Observers Coordinator for its International Election Observation Mission in Ethiopia (IEOME). In partnership with the International Republican Institute (IRI) the IEOME will assess Ethiopia’s 2021 national and regional parliamentary elections and the degree to which they are inclusive, transparent and accountable and are conducted in accordance with international and regional standards for credible elections. 

The LTO Coordinator will report to the IEOME Deputy Mission Director and provide support in the design and implementation for all aspects of the LTO component. The LTO Coordinator is expected to be deployed to Addis Ababa from April through mid/late July.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assists with the development of long and short term observation deployment strategies, activities and methodology implementation

• Acts as principle point-of-contact for LTOs in the field, and liaise with operations and security points of contact as necessary. 

• Coordinate LTO reporting including collection of all weekly reports from LTOs and providing analysis by drawing appropriate conclusions and trends on the political environment each week

• Monitor the quality of LTO teams’ meetings, campaign events and overall observations to ensure they are effectively capturing observation of the entire political process and environment

• Maintain frequent communication with LTOs based in the field, but also with LTAs based in Addis Ababa. Along with the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director, communicate logistical updates, facilitate conference calls between all LTOs and LTAs as needed, and work with the Deputy Mission Director and NDI staff to solve any problems, 

• Assists in developing briefing materials and briefs for LTOs/LTAs and STOs.

• Collects, reviews, coordinates and submits LTOs’ pre- and post-elections reports on a weekly basis. Develops a weekly summary report for the observation mission that covers the LTO and LTA weekly reports for that period.

• Travel to regions throughout Ethiopia as necessary.

• Anticipates potential problems, troubleshoots project problems, offers solutions and actively takes part to lead resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions

• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders , including domestic and international NGOs, election administrators, security officials, journalists and other media, and elected and appointed officials), consultants, field and DC staff.

• Collects, coordinates and submits to IOM Core team LTOs’ invoices

• Monitors budgets and expenses, in collaboration with DC program staff, EIOM  project accountant, to ensure that expenditures remain within budget allocations

• Provides information and contributes to sections of quarterly and final EIOM reports. 

• Provides logistical assistance to IRI and NDI program staff on the election observation mission as necessary.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in international relations, law, political science, gender studies or related subject

• A minimum of five (5) years relevant professional work experience at the national or international level implementing programming in the field of democracy and governance, with experience during election processes preferred

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a sensitive political environment

• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of an internationally and culturally diverse team, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity

• Exceptional interpersonal and managerial skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of local stakeholders and foreign government personnel

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively present information in a clear and persuasive manner

• Analytical skills for interpreting complex program and political issues

• Experience working and living in Africa preferred

• Experience as a long-term observer or long-term analyst on an international observation mission preferred

• Experience in analysis of political and campaign environments given special consideration

• Knowledge of PC-based word processing and e-mail technology

• Fluent in written and spoken English

Comments:

The application deadline is January 22, 2021.

NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and employees.  NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical related condition. 

To apply please visit our website at http://www.ndi.org/careers.