Senior Research and Learning Expert

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 Senior Research and Learning Expert position who meets the following requirements.

Required number:         One

Reports to:                     Head, PMEL Department

Duty station:                  NEBE Head Quarter, Addis Ababa

Duration:                        Permanent

Salary:                             As per the organization salary scale (Competitive)

Job Summary

The Senior Researcher and Learning Expert within the NEBE will play a critical role in enhancing the organizational capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of electoral processes through rigorous research, innovative learning strategies, and the dissemination of best practices. His/her work will be instrumental in shaping electoral policies, procedures, and training programs that uphold the integrity and transparency of election processes. This position will collaborate closely with PMEL staff, program heads, and other stakeholders to ensure that Researches and M&E findings are effectively shared and utilized within the organization.

Duties and responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities of the Learning Expert:

Research Leadership:

• Lead strategic research initiatives related to electoral management, voter education, electoral technology, and democratic governance.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of domestic and international electoral practices and contribute to evidence-based policy development.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of research projects aimed at improving election administration and governance.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop and implement strategies for sharing M&E results and lessons learned with internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and forums to promote a culture of learning within the organization.

Capacity Building:

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify learning needs and design targeted capacity-building interventions.
• Implement knowledge-sharing mechanisms to foster continuous learning and professional development within the organization.

Partnership and Advocacy:

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration.
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives and publications to advance the field of election management and administration.

Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with program teams to identify areas for programmatic improvement based on research findings.
• Support the development of action plans to address identified weaknesses and enhance program effectiveness.

Strategic Planning:

• Contribute to the strategic planning process by providing evidence-based insights and recommendations derived from research findings.
• Assist in aligning future program strategies with research findings and organizational goals.

External Engagement:

• Represent the organization in external forums, conferences, and working groups related to M&E and learning.
• Collaborate with external partners to share best practices and experiences.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by your line manager.

Specification:

Education and Work Experience: 

• BA or MA degree in Economics, Statistics, Math, Management, and other relevant fields
• 8 years and Bachelors | 7 years and Masters | 4 years in a leadership.

Know-How (Skills) (Technical competencies)

• Knowledge of PMEA or MEAL system, preferably in the context of elections or governance-related programs.
• Knowledge of Election cycle management
• Familiarity with electoral laws, regulations, and processes is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Knowledge management, learning and documentation
• Knowledge of data analytics and proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of PMEL methodologies, tools, and best practices. Time Management skills,
• Relationship building and communication skills,
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences,
• Proven analytical skills which includes collecting, synthesizing, and analysing it all,
• Strong report writing skills to internal and external partners,
• Excellent ability to identify significant capacity building opportunities,
• Organizational skills, with the ability to undertake multiple tasks,
• Fluency in English and Amharic required (written and spoken),
• Persuasion
• Adaptability/ flexibility
• Customer orientation
• Persistence