Senior Election Advisor at International Foundation for Electoral Systems

About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pays, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

IFES is seeking a Senior Election Advisor for an anticipated program in Malawi to strengthen civil society’s capacity to deliver effective, inclusive voter and civic education ahead of elections in 2025, with potential to support the Malawi Electoral Commission.

The Senior Election Advisor will serve as IFES’ primary in-country representative and program manager. The Senior Election Advisor will provide vision and technical leadership for project activities and will be responsible for maintaining pro-active contacts and collaboration with national stakeholders and the international community. The Senior Election Advisor will direct the technical implementation of IFES’ program in Malawi and oversee management of the field office under this program. Contingent on funding, this position will be based in Lilongwe for 12-15 months.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical direction and program implementation

• Serve as IFES’ technical lead for the program within an existing consortium, provide technical assistance, including guidance and training, to civil society and other electoral stakeholders in support of inclusive and transparent electoral processes.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of program strategies and activities. Adjust activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders, and in consultation with donors.
• In consultation with IFES headquarters, prepare and manage the implementation of annual work plans within the allocated budget and timeframe.
• Lead the preparation of written reports and presentations on IFES’ program as required and  provide inputs for weekly updates and donor reports;
• Work with relevant personnel to review, refine, and manage program monitoring and evaluation systems. Regularly spot check program data in compliance with USAID standards for data quality.
• Establish and maintain constructive working relationships with Malawian governmental and non-government stakeholders, including high-level officials in election management bodies, international NGOs, CSOs and the donor community to ensure successful implementation of the program and identify opportunities for expansion.
• Represent IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and at donor meetings as IFES speaker.
• Assist in new business development for IFES in Africa by identifying additional technical needs in-country, contributing to the development of project proposals and reaching out to the international donor community in an effort to diversify IFES funding sources.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the HQ-based Regional Director for Africa.

Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management of IFES’ project(s) in Malawi.
• In coordination with IFES HQ, lead the re-establishment of the country office including registration, liaison with tax and other authorities, recruitment and hiring of in-country office staff, and oversee necessary procurement and administration actions.
• Establish strong working relationships with country office staff to facilitate the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within budget. Provide general supervision and mentoring of country office staff, including performance appraisals.
• Provide oversight and management of contractors, including review of all consultant reports and deliverables, service providers and subawards.
• Oversee subaward competition and implementation with local civil society organizations for voter and civic education campaigns, ensuring technical and financial compliance. In conjunction with the IFES HQ team, ensure compliance with IFES and donor rules and regulations, particularly with respect to fiscal management.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required, master’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in democracy and governance programming, with significant experience in Africa required; minimum of five (5) years of experience working directly on elections (administration, civic/voter education, technical assistance).
• At least seven (7) years of program management experience.
• Demonstrated experience successfully building relationships with government officials, NGOs, and the international donor community.
• Familiarity with the international donor community and experience as an action-oriented interlocutor with democracy-development actors at all levels.
• Experience managing USAID-funded projects preferred, with demonstrated knowledge of USAID regulations.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Wide knowledge of electoral topics and the electoral cycle, including voter and civic education, political finance, and election dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of proposal and report writing, activity planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and management of budgets.
• Ability and skills to promote and inspire effective collaboration between individuals, organizations and networks.
• Training facilitation skills and experience are desirable.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Fluency in written and spoken English.

TRAVEL:  Travel within Malawi outside Lilongwe may be required, up to 10% of time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Standard office work environment, with occasional field travel. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

IFES is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.