Deputy Head – Election Legal Department

Internal/ External Vacancy Announcement

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), re-established by proclamation No. 1133/2011, is the constitutionally mandated body to conduct elections, organize referenda, and regulate political parties in Ethiopia. NEBE is working to boost its institutional strength with a special focus on the enhancement of human resource capacity. Accordingly, NEBE would like to invite applicants for the Deputy Head – Election Legal Department Position who meet the following requirements.

Required number: 1

Reports to: Head, Election Legal Department

Duty station: NEBE Headquarters, Addis Ababa

Duration: Permanent

Salary: Based on the organization’s scale

Job Summary

The Deputy Head of Election Legal Department supports the Head in overseeing all legal matters related to electoral processes, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and providing legal guidance to the organization. This role involves managing a team of legal professionals, liaising with external legal counsel, and advising senior management on legal strategies. The Deputy Head of Election Legal plays a vital role in upholding the integrity of electoral processes and safeguarding the organization’s legal interests.

Duties and responsibilities

• Assist in the provision of legal advice and guidance to the NEBE and its stakeholders.
• Support NEBE’s compliance with electoral laws and regulations.
• Assists in the handling of legal disputes and electoral petitions in a fair and timely manner.
• Assist in developing strategies to ensure that electoral operations comply with the electoral legal framework and are applicable to the federal and regional regulations
• Draft and review electoral laws and election-related legal documents.
• Handles court cases where the NEBE is a party to the suit.
• Offers guidance to the NEBE on legal matters related to elections.
• Assists in the interpretation and implementation of electoral laws and regulations.
• Conducts legal research to support decision-making.
• Proactively identify, highlight, and manage regulatory risks and communicate to the relevant NEBE department to enact change.
• Establish mechanisms to ensure that all the NEBE staff and stakeholders are aware of and comply with electoral laws and regulations.
• Provide training sessions on legal matters related to elections.
• Supports reinforcing ethical principles, including impartiality, fairness, and transparency, in handling legal matters related to elections.
• Assist in planning and allocating resources for the legal department’s activities.
• Contribute to the development of departmental goals, budgets, and operational strategies.
• Support the Head of Legal Affairs in leading the department and ensuring effective legal service delivery

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• LLM or PHD in Law
• 9 years and Masters | 7 years and Ph.D | 4 years in a leadership role

Skills

• Strong understanding of electoral laws, regulations, and legal frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience managing legal teams.
• Ethical mindset with a commitment to upholding legal standards and organizational integrity.