Deputy Head, Political Parties Affairs Department

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.

Job Summary

Deputy Head, 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 play 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.

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 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;

Mandatory Requirement:

• Not member of political party.