The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is seeking a Long-Term Analysts (LTA) Coordinator to oversee the reporting of eight long-term analysts for the 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, including the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers and relevant laws of Ethiopia. 

The LTA Coordinator will report to the IEOME Deputy Director and provide support in the design and implementation for all aspects of the LTA component. This is a full-time temporary position, and the LTA Coordinator is expected to work remotely from April through July for a duration of up to five months. Potential in-person deployment to Ethiopia to be determined on further assessment of local COVID-19 pandemic conditions and global travel contexts. S/he will have primary responsibility for setting deadlines and overseeing the work of the long-term analysts to ensure timely and relevant reporting, in conjunction with local research assistants and regional assistants. 

Responsibilities:

• In coordination with NDI staff, serve as lead LTA coordinator, develop reporting plans, and ensure that eight Long-Term Analysts produce reporting that is timely and cohesive;
• In coordination with NDI and IRI, design the scope of work and terms of reference for each of the eight Long-Term Analysts. 
• Lead preparatory activities for the mission, including designing and implementing orientation materials in coordination with DC and Ethiopia-based staff 
• Coordinate with NDI and IRI in Washington, DC to ensure that activities meet the standards of the Declaration of Principles and incorporate lessons learned in other long-term observations
• Become familiar with Ethiopia’s constitutional and legal framework for elections, overall political environment, and issues being handled by thematic long-term analysts;
• In coordination with relevant analysts, monitor reporting and resolution of election-related complaints and disputes by candidates and political parties;
• Establish systems for analyzing and collating findings from analysts and, in coordination with mission Director and Deputy Director and DC-based team, serve as lead author of reports and public-facing documents;
• Develop regular communication with key National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) officials, political party leadership, CSO watchdog organizations, and other electoral stakeholders;
• As appropriate, work with other mission staff to analyze impact of COVID-19 and security situations on electoral preparations and relevant thematic areas;
• Work closely with the thematic analysts to ensure the integration of various issues into the election administration analysis;
• Along with other members of the core team, coordinate regular communications and meetings with other international observation missions;
• Communicate sensitive or critical information to the mission Director, Deputy Director, Security Coordinator, and DC program staff, such as logistic or security concerns, major local political situations and events, etc.;
• Draft regular reports and updates as stipulated by NDI and IRI for internal and external audiences; 
• Serve as key drafter for the mission’s public statements and reports, including developing recommendations for key electoral stakeholders; 
• Support the activity of the mission and of the international observers in any other aspect as necessary

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in international relations, law, political science, development studies or related subject
• A minimum of ten (10) 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 management experience
• 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 organizational 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 electoral and political issues
• Experience working in southern or east Africa preferred;
• Experience as a long-term observer or long-term analyst on an international observation mission preferred
• Knowledge of PC-based word processing and e-mail technology
• Fluent in written and spoken English

Comments:

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department.