Head, Election Legal 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 Head, Election Legal Department position who meets the following requirements.

• Required number: One
• Reports to: Board Chairperson of NEBE
• Duty station: NEBE Head Quarter, Addis Ababa
• Duration: Permanent
• Salary: As per the organization salary scale (Competitive)

Job Summary

The Head of Election Legal Department is responsible for 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 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

Legal Advisory & Compliance

• Provide expert legal advice and guidance to the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and its stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with electoral laws, regulations, and relevant federal and regional legal frameworks.
• Develop and implement strategies to align electoral operations with the legal framework.

Electoral Dispute Resolution & Litigation

• Handle legal disputes and electoral petitions efficiently and impartially.
• Represent NEBE in legal proceedings and manage court cases where NEBE is a party.
• Offer strategic counsel on dispute resolution mechanisms to uphold electoral integrity.

Legislative Drafting & Review

• Draft, review, and refine electoral laws, regulations, directives and election-related legal documents.
• Assist in the interpretation and practical implementation of electoral laws.

Regulatory Risk Management

• Conduct proactive legal assessments to identify and mitigate regulatory risks.
• Collaborate with NEBE departments to address legal and compliance issues.

Training & Capacity Building

• Develop and deliver training sessions on electoral laws and legal compliance for NEBE staff and stakeholders.
• Establish mechanisms to promote awareness and adherence to electoral laws and ethical standards.

Governance & Ethical Oversight

• Uphold and reinforce principles of impartiality, fairness, and transparency in legal matters.
• Ensure ethical legal practices within NEBE’s electoral processes.

Strategic Planning & Resource Management

• Plan and manage resources, including budgeting for legal activities.
• Oversee the department’s legal operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.

Perform other duties as assigned by your line manager.

Specification:

Education and Work Experience:

• MA degree or PHD in Law or related field.
• 10 years for Masters or 8 years for PHD (4 years in leadership position)

Know-How (Skills) (Technical competencies)

• 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.

Behavioural competencies:

• Adaptability/ flexibility,
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality and impartiality,
• Data protection/Sensitivity,
• Customer orientation,
• Persistence/Endurance,
• Maintaining organizational etiquette, Integrity and Honesty,
• Operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment,
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment, with an emphasis on high performance, teamwork, accountability, and results,
• Showing initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness.