Deputy Head, Political Parties Affairs 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 referendum and regulate political parties in Ethiopia. NEBE is working to boost its’ institutional strength with a special focus on enhancement of human resource capacity. Accordingly, NEBE would like to invite applicants for Deputy Head, Political Parties Affairs Department position who meet the following requirements.

Required number: One

Reports to: Head, Political Parties Affairs Department

Duty station: NEBE Headquarters, Addis Ababa

Duration: Permanent

Salary: As per the organization’s salary scale (Competitive)

Job Summary

The Deputy Head of, Political Parties Affairs Department is responsible for፡-

• Oversee the coordination and engagement with political parties, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and understanding of their perspectives and needs.
• Providing strategic guidance to the organization’s leadership and playing a key role in fostering political inclusivity and democratic processes.

Duties and responsibilities

Political Engagement:

• Assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with political party leaders and representatives, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Participate in discussions, negotiations, and initiatives that promote political stability, cooperation, and understanding.

Policy Analysis:

• Contribute to the analysis of political policies, party platforms, and legislative proposals, providing valuable insights to organizational leadership.
• Research political trends, public sentiment, and electoral dynamics, supporting the organization’s strategies and decision-making.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to enhance political dialogue, cooperation, and democratic governance.
• Assist in organizing forums, conferences, and roundtable discussions to facilitate dialogue between political parties and other stakeholders.

Election Support:

• Provide support to political parties during election campaigns, ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to electoral regulations.
• Monitor electoral processes, political campaigns, and election-related developments, reporting findings to the Head of Political Parties Affairs.

Conflict Resolution:

• Support in mediating disputes and conflicts among political parties, promoting peaceful resolution and political stability.
• Contribute to providing conflict resolution training and resources to political parties to enhance internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

Strategic Planning:

• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic plans for engaging with political parties, aligning activities with organizational goals and democratic principles.
• Provide input and recommendations on political strategies, risks, and opportunities related to political parties’ affairs.

Capacity Building:

• Assist in organizing and conducting capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and educational programs for political party members, enhancing their understanding of democratic processes and governance.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Support in preparing reports, briefings, and analyses on political developments, party dynamics, and electoral processes.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions, agreements, and outcomes related to political parties’ affairs.

Budget and Resource Allocation Support:

• Assist in planning and allocating resources, including budget requirements, for all operational activities at each election level and for referendums.
• Support efficient resource utilization.

Specification:

Education and Work Experience:

• MA degree or PHD in in Law, Political Science, Human Rights, International Relations, or any related field.
• 9 years for Masters or 7 years for PHD (4 years in a leadership position)

Knowledge:

• Sound knowledge of political systems, electoral processes, and political party dynamics.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex political situations and trends.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and project management skills in political or civic engagement initiatives.

Know-How (Skills) (Technical competencies):

• Knowledge of Ethiopia’s political context;
• Knowledge of the electoral cycle approach, election observation/electoral assistance is a must;
• Strong planning, communication, and writing skills;
• Excellent computer literacy;
• Excellent working level of English and Amharic languages, in both writing and speaking;

Behavioral competencies:

• Enthusiastic team player;
• Ability to perform effectively under high-pressure, hardship conditions, and long working hours;
• Ability to work with senior management;
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality;
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness;
• Good negotiation skills;
• Sound analytical judgment;
• Ability to prioritize work, multi-task and meet deadlines;
• High sense of integrity, have a strong ethical and moral principles, confidentiality and initiating sound judgment.
• An energetic self-starter with resilience, pace, interpersonal flexibility and comfort with ambiguity to succeed within the evolving and sometimes demanding context;
• Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility, responsibility, integrity, team work, self- motivation, preparedness to work off-time;
• Ability to work with result-orientated and efficient manner;
• Capacity to handle sensitive political issues with diplomacy and in a responsible and flexible manner;
• Not member of a political party.