Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) Coordinator

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 Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) Coordinator position who meet the following requirements.

Required number: One

Reports to: Head, Election Legal Department

Duty station: NEBE Head Quarter, Addis Ababa

Duration: Permanent

Salary: As per the organization salary scale

Job Summary

Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) Coordinator is responsible to oversee and manage the NEBE in the reception and administration of electoral complaints loaded against it. This role involves in-depth understanding of conflict resolution techniques and legal expertise. The coordinator plays a critical role in facilitating a timely response for election related grievances, safeguarding the integrity of elections and managing legal cases effectively.

Duties and responsibilities

• Oversee the management of cases where NEBE is the adjudicating body and perform legal duties, such as receiving complaints, notification, and collection of evidence, analysis of the issues and preparation of hearings.
• Provide a draft decision to the management Board when adjudicating cases.
• Compile, review and manage electoral complaints lodged against the NEBE
• Coordinate with plaintiffs and witnesses on the hearing of complaints, and organize and provide recommendations to the Management Board, based on analysis
• Coordinate with regional and constituency offices of NEBE on the submission and defence of election complaints and appeals where NEBE is a respondent
• Conduct legal analysis, research and develop recommendation on dispute resolution mechanisms and case management systems for electoral disputes
• Lead on the development of reports on electoral cases based on analysis and the decisions issued at investigative and hearing stages
• Lead the development of effective complaint handling system and process
• Use insight and expertise to develop lessons learned and best practices on effective electoral complaint resolution mechanisms
• Represents NEBE when party to a suit in courts on electoral and other legal affairs.
• Coordinate the establishment of grievance hearing committees on different election administration levels.
• Assist in the roll out of electoral trainings at NEBE HQ, regional levels, and field offices.
• Provide technical assistance to grievance hearing committee.
• Follow up and liaise with relevant bodies on electoral criminal cases
• Provide input on relevant directives and the legal framework on election dispute resolution.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of EDR processes and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay updated with emerging trends and best practices in dispute resolution, integrating new techniques into the EDR process.

Perform other duties as assigned by your line

Education and Work Experience:

• 8 years for Bachelor | 7 years for Masters in LLB or LLM 4 years in a leadership role.

  Know-How (Skills) (Technical competencies):

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to mediate effectively between parties with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the capacity to remain neutral and impartial during discussions.
• Proficiency in conflict analysis and resolution techniques.
• Ethical mindset with a commitment to confidentiality, fairness, and impartiality.