Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization composed of 35 member states that supports democracy worldwide. Headquartered in Stockholm and with field offices in 18 countries, it promotes sustainable democratic change by providing comparative knowledge, assisting in democratic reform, and influencing policies and politics. The Institute’s key impact areas are: electoral processes, constitution-building, democracy assessments, as well as political participation and representation. In addition, the Institute has new work strains in the area of Digitalization and Democracy, as well as Climate Change and Democracy. International IDEA supports democratic change through its convening potential at the country, expert, and international levels. It works in the spirit of peer dialogue, nurturing an open and pluralistic understanding of democracy that is respectful of the national context.

Based in Brussels, International IDEA’s Regional Europe Programme (REP) implements democracy assistance projects in young democracies across Europe and liaises with European Union institutions and Member States. International IDEA is currently expanding its presence in the Western Balkans. Since 2022, it co-implements with the Rule of Law Centre of Finland the project “Integrity and Trust in Albanian Elections: Fostering Political Finance Transparency and the Safe Use of Information and Communication Technologies”. The project will embark on a second phase, which will run during 2024 – 2025. Support centres around the work of the Central Elections Commission (CEC), civil society and policymakers in their endeavour for greater transparency of political finance and interagency coordination when it comes to the use of ICT in elections.

Project activities will primarily focus on the provision of expertise and capacity building in the areas of political finance, ethics and regulation of online campaigning, electoral reform, as well interagency cooperation in cybersecurity in elections. The action foresees a combination of research/publications, national policy dialogues, trainings and regional events.

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for implementing project activities, in cooperation with the Brussels-based Programme Officer. They will coordinate and support the planning, design, implementation, communication, and reporting of relevant project activities. The Project Coordinator also represents International IDEA in meetings and events as delegated.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Monitors implements and coordinates International IDEA´s ongoing initiatives and activities; participates in meetings and discussions, providing input to the general direction of the project.
  2. Delivers thematic interventions at conferences and meetings. Undertakes other representational functions as delegated by the line manager.
  3. Supports in-country assessment missions and contributes to research on the elections landscape in Albania.
  4. Supports all aspects of event organization, including substantive, administrative and logistical elements.
  5. Supports the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) component of the project, ensuring adherence with International IDEA’s M&E results framework.
  6. Supports the monitoring of the project’s budget and contributes to grant management,
  7. Develops and maintains relevant professional contacts with the CEC, civil society, and other key stakeholders invested in strengthening election standards in Albania.
  8. Manages the engagement of consultants in projects, develops contractual documentation, and tracks the quality of deliverables, in line with International IDEA’s policies and procedures.
  9. Regularly monitors and reports on important domestic political developments in Albania to inform project design and project interventions.
  10. Collaborates closely with relevant International IDEA colleagues in Brussels and Stockholm as well as with the Rule of Law Centre; provides guidance to interns, where relevant.

General Profile

    • Combines in-depth knowledge of democratic development, acquired through excellent skills including project management skills, communication skills and relevant experience in their field; knowledge of the rule of law field is an asset.
    • Will contribute significantly to assigned projects all along the project life cycle, i.e. from project design and funding to project assessment; will lead meetings and discussions, supervise publications and review input from external providers.
    • Has contributed to publications on the relevant subject; is recognized as a knowledge resource in his/her broad professional community.
    • Can work with minimal guidance and supervision.
    • Adds value to team-based activities in their team; collaborates with other entities of the Institute.
    • Acts as a model or mentor for less experienced colleagues.
    • Can be expected to travel regionally to any geographical area involved in his/her projects.
    • Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines.
    • Acts in accordance with International IDEA's core values, Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism.
    • Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

    Reporting line

    • Programme Officer, Western Balkans

    Education and Experience

      • University degree in political science, law, international relations, public administration or other related disciplines.
      • Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in the implementation of projects in the field of democracy and governance support.
      • Knowledge of democratic development and democracy assistance in at least one of the countries of the Western Balkans.
      • Experience in one of the following areas: electoral assistance, political participation and representation).
      • Good knowledge of the political context in Albania, in particular of electoral cycles.
      • Experience with liaising with government and independent institutions, parliament, political parties, civil society and diplomatic missions present in Albania.
      • Experience mainstreaming gender in project activities.

    Terms of Contract:

    • This post is advertised subject to the confirmation of funding
    • Local Post
    • Two  (2) year fixed term appointment
    • Remuneration - ALL 320 417 (Gross) per month + benefits

    Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Albania at the time of the application and for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications.

    Applying for this position:

    • Applications should be submitted no later than 23:59 (CET) on the 28th of February 2024.
    • Please note that all applications must be made in English.

    Selection Process:

    • Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
    • Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
    • All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized
    International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality
    At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
    Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.