Responsibilities 

In supporting the Head of the ECOWAS EAD, the Embedded Technical Expert  will undertake the following roles and functions:  

• Provide strategic and technical guidance and policy advice to the  partner organisation for the enhancement of electoral assistance  processes and in line with international best practices and standards
• Support relevant areas of work of the EAD towards improvement in the  organisation and conduct of election observation missions of the  Commission 
• Support the EAD in the design of conceptual/policy frameworks and  other guidelines for electoral assistance and observation
• Provide context analyses and technical briefs in support of Core Team  deployments
• Research, develop and present analytical reports, research papers,  briefing notes, background papers, correspondence, and knowledge  products as required
• Support evaluation processes as well as internal/external reporting  processes of the EAD and provide quality assurance
• Interface and liaison with key strategic partners and stakeholders of  the EAD, including the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions  (ECONEC)
• Support knowledge building and lessons learned processes with  respect to regional electoral assistance processes
• Provide support for the development of/ adjustments to operational plans  and budgets and ensure inline implementation
• Provide administrative and logistical support for activity implementation  including for mission deployments
• Facilitate and support a good flow of communication between the EAD  and the EPSAO Project Team and ensure regular consultation and  exchange with the GIZ Electoral Affairs Component Head
• Ensure consistent implementation of GIZ and EU guidelines
• Perform other project-related duties and functions as may be directed. 

Contract duration

• Contract duration: 16 August 2021 - 31 January 2023 with potential for renewal subject to extension of the Project by the commissioning parties. 

Required Competencies 

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in international relations, law, political science, social  science or other related fields of study  

Professional Experience 

• At least seven years experience working in the areas of peacebuilding,  democracy and governance, conflict prevention or other related fields. 
• Experience working on electoral assistance processes will be a strong added advantage.  
• A good understanding of the African Peace and security landscape and especially the ECOWAS region - with an established network. 
• Experience working for an international organisation will be highly desirable as will experience working or engaging with national actors  (including governments, civil society and others).  

Other knowledge, additional competences 

• Experience in conflict resolution management 
• Experience with electoral observation processes (including field experiences) will be a strong asset as will familiarity with ECOWAS  electoral assistance work. 
• BRIDGE facilitator accreditation will be an advantage
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary and highly political  context
• Excellent diplomacy and persuasion skills with a high sense of integrity  and transparency 
• Good knowledge and understanding of results-based planning,  monitoring and reporting
• Impeccable writing, reporting and presentation skills 
• Strong organisational and project management skills 
• Spoken and written language skills in English is required for this position. Working knowledge of the French language will be an added advantage. 
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS region and established contacts with relevant actors is regarded as an asset.