JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION. Programme Officer Commonwealth Electoral Network (Two year Fixed-Term)

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1 JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION Job Title: Division: Grade: Reports To: Programme Officer Commonwealth Electoral Network (Two year Fixed-Term) Governance and Peace Directorate J Head of Electoral Support Section General Information The Commonwealth is committed to advancing norms and principles for good governance and more specifically elections observation and electoral standards. The first article of the Commonwealth Charter addresses the inalienable rights of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through elections, in order to shape the society in which they live. The Governance and Peace Directorate (GPD) is the lead Directorate in the Commonwealth Secretariat s work to promote democratic values, practices and institutions. Among its priorities, The Political team (POL) within GPD is directly responsible for supporting member countries in conducting fair, credible and inclusive elections. Within this context, POL leads on the organisation of election observation and responds to requests for technical assistance to reinforce democratic processes and institutions in member countries. The election observation programme, a brand strength, has been integral to the Secretariat s work in advancing political values and principles in member states. The Secretariat has deployed approximately 137 election observer missions to presidential or parliamentary elections since Background This post is a project specific position. The Project: Enhancing the Commonwealth Secretariat s capacity to assist member states to strengthen key electoral process and deliver more credible and inclusive elections. This project aims to complement and expand the Secretariat s existing programme of work assisting member states to strengthen key electoral processes and deliver more credible and inclusive elections. For this project, the programmatic approach is multi-tiered and includes the development of products and tools that aim to foster good electoral practice as well as a series of activities including election observation, technical assistance to election management bodies and post-election forums to encourage and support the implementation of observer recommendations. In addition, this project is will also support the Commonwealth Electoral Network (CEN). The CEN s aim is to facilitate experience sharing, create peer support mechanisms and promote good practice across the Commonwealth in the field of election management. The project is funded by the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office from

2 Job Summary The Programme Officer, under the supervision of the Adviser and the Head of the Electoral Support Section, will be responsible for programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting in-line with the Commonwealth s results-based management framework, aligned to the Secretariat s Strategic Plan. S/he will oversee the delivery of all CEN programmatic activity. Task Description The post-holder will: Support the CEN Steering Committee, including through the provision of regular progress reports; Act as a focal point for Network members in respect of support, and information dissemination; Organise and deliver meetings of the CEN Steering Committee and thematic Working Groups as required; Organise the CEN Biennial Conference; Manage the CEN online communities developed as part of the Commonwealth Connects platform; Support the Electoral Support Section in the preparation of briefings, advice, reports and presentations on CEN matters; Support on the drafting of the narrative and financial donor reporting requirements as set out in the Grant Agreement, as well as the Secretariat s own internal reporting requirements; Adhere to the Gender Equality values of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Charter and Secretariat s Gender Equality Policy; and Perform any other duties that may be required from time to time. Person Specification Education: A graduate degree in a relevant subject, preferably political science or International Relations. A relevant post graduate degree will be desirable. Experience: Project or programme management experience, including budget management, preferably gained in an international or intergovernmental context.

3 Ability to present, assimilate, analyse and distil complex information. Familiarity with electoral assistance models; experience in working with donor agencies and managing grants. Experience working with practitioner networks is highly desirable Desirable: A relevant post-graduate degree or other advanced qualification; Experience working on projects funded by international aid agencies; Familiarity with democratic governance systems and electoral cycle activities; Familiarity with gender inclusive strategies and models; Experience co-ordinating events in remote locations.

4 Competencies: Respect for Diversity Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally. Shows respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates understanding in daily work and decision making. Examine own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group. Changes systems and processes when biases are identified Working with Others Promotes team work and removes barriers to effective team working Provides advice and guidance for others sensitively and where appropriate Establishes ownership for relevant activities from the outset Develops a wide network, including senior level contacts to facilitate activities and further own knowledge Manages expectations of member states e.g. to ensure the alignment of what is requested and what Commonwealth Secretariat can offer Demonstrates an ability to negotiate with and influence senior colleagues and contacts Proactively liaises with other divisions, partners & third parties Managing Resources Identifies targets for team activities and manages progress against objectives Plans and manages activity spend accurately against budget Takes responsibility for team activity and finds solutions to set backs in a timely and professional manner Effectively motivates team e.g. by recognising and promoting team and individual contribution inter alia Recognises strengths and weaknesses in others, structuring teams based on this knowledge Drives forward results of others Takes ownership for team wellbeing Decision Making Considers the relevant justifications for a particular course of action Takes context into consideration when making decisions Makes effective decisions when acting on behalf of a senior colleague, seeking advice where appropriate Bases actions and approaches on the root cause of an issue, rather than the symptoms Accountability

5 Takes ownership of assigned tasks, honours deadlines. Ensures timely delivery of outputs within defined cost and quality standard parameters. Takes responsibility for own shortcomings and compliances. Leadership & Development Mentors colleagues effectively e.g. by suggesting development goals and providing on the job coaching inter alia Provides constructive feedback to team members and colleagues with confidence and sensitivity Actively seeks feedback on own performance and acts to modify behaviours where necessary Inspires others through own enthusiasm February 2016