Long-Term Observer: Ethiopia (multiple positions)

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is seeking Resident Long-Term Observers (LTOs) for the  International Election Observation Mission in Ethiopia (IEOME). In partnership with the International Republican Institute (IRI) the IEOME will assess Ethiopia’s 2020 national and regional parliamentary elections and the degree to which they are inclusive, transparent and accountable and are conducted in accordance with international and regional standards for credible elections.  LTOs are expected to be deployed from mid-June through mid/ September.

LTOs will deploy in teams of two and will be responsible for observing and assessing the pre-election environment in an assigned geographic area. LTOs will report directly to the LTO Coordinator, collaborate and share information with the Core Team- Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, Long-Term Analysts (LTAs) and Short-Term Observers (STOs) to ensure specific analysis is incorporated into findings and recommendations. The LTOs will also assist in logistics, briefings and other preparations for short-term observers to be deployed in their geographic areas.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide a qualitative and quantitative observation and analysis of the pre-election, election day and post-election environments, including the conduct of the campaign
• Establish the presence of the IEOME in their assigned Area of Responsibility (AoR)
• Meet, consult and establish working relations with all relevant political actors in an assigned geographic region, including candidates, political parties, civil society, local community and religious leaders, media representatives, election officials, individual voters, and local citizen and international election observers
• Attend political events in the AoR, such as rallies, press conferences and meetings as necessary
• Track electoral disputes, complaints and appeals submitted by local civil society, political parties, voters, etc.
• Prepare briefing materials and talking points for the mission’s short-term observers (STOs)
• Assist with trainings and briefings for STOs deployed in the AoR, as requested by the Core Team
• Communicate any and all updates and changes in the security environment with the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, and Security Coordinator and Logistics Manager
• Collaborate with the four thematic analysts (Legal/Election Administration; Inclusion of Marginalized Groups; Security and Violence; and Campaign and Political Environment) to ensure an effective monitoring methodology is deployed in monitoring of priority issue areas
• Prepare and submit weekly reports using standardized forms as stipulated by the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director providing observations and analysis of the electoral environment
• Alert the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director and Core Team in Addis Ababa to any urgent political or critical incidents
• Prepare an End of Mission report reflecting the electoral process in the AoR, and participate in an evaluation meeting with the Mission Co-Directors at the end of the mission
• Support the activity of the mission and of the international observers in any other aspect as necessary

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in international relations, law, political science, gender studies or related subject
• A minimum of two (2) years relevant work experience at the national or international level with some experience in monitoring elections
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a sensitive political environment
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of an internationally and culturally diverse team, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity
• Exceptional interpersonal and managerial skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of local stakeholders and government personnel
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively present information in a clear and persuasive manner
• Analytical skills for interpreting complex program and political issues
• Experience as a long-term observer or long-term analyst on an international observation mission preferred
• Experience working in Africa preferred
• Ability to quickly adapt to new and challenging living environments
• Knowledge of PC-based word processing and e-mail technology
• Fluent in written and spoken English