Project Assistant - Disability Inclusion

The project is based on the concept of the electoral cycle which addresses both one-off and resource-intensive election support and capacity development for democratic institutions based on a longer-term development agenda within the broader context of democratic governance. This approach therefore emphasizes institutional capacity building of the ECP, and other governance institutions; encourages sustainable electoral policies and the participation of traditionally disadvantaged groups.

In addition to institutional reforms, SELP has an extensive public outreach and civic and voter education component to enhance the participation of vulnerable groups including women, youth, PwDs, and transgender persons in electoral processes. This involves outreach through radio broadcasts, SMS and social media campaigns, and distribution of information material among potential voters. Furthermore, SELP develops regular content for the UNDP website in the form of project updates, human interest stories, and blogs; these are in addition to donor and internal reports shared with counterparts on a regular basis. SELP also supports innovative communications-based work aimed at enhancing linkages between youth and parliamentarian through digital platforms and countering hate speech and elections related disinformation/misinformation through software applications and strategic communications on social media.

In the above context, UNDP is hiring a Project Assistant – Disability Inclusion to support the Strengthening Electoral and Legislative Processes Project (SELP) in research, policy, and resource mobilization support, contract management, and partnership-building support with a focus on the social, political and electoral inclusion of marginalized groups in the electoral process.

I.    Support Project Implementation

• Assist in implementing project activities related to disability inclusion in electoral processes, ensuring tasks are carried out in alignment with the project plan, timelines, and budget through the following activities:
• Assist the project in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and disability advocacy groups, to facilitate the successful implementation of project initiatives.
• Assist in identifying potential risks to the project and support the development of strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring smooth project execution.
• Provide regular updates and support in preparing reports on project progress, documenting key milestones, challenges, and outcomes related to disability inclusion efforts.

II.    Assistance in Research, Policy, and Resource Mobilization 

• Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, and direct supervision of Gender Officer, assist in developing and operationalizing research designs focused on the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWwDs) in electoral processes.
• Assist in drafting background thematic concept notes and policy briefs on disability inclusion in electoral and legislative processes.
• Assist in identifying potential partners and funding sources for projects focused on the electoral inclusion of PWDs.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and case studies related to disability inclusion in elections and disseminate them through appropriate channels.
   

III.    Support Partnership Development and Stakeholder Management 

• Development: Assist in Identification and building partnerships with organizations that focus on disability rights and inclusion.
• Support in disseminating high quality knowledge and visibility of the project activities among the relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain regular communication with partners to ensure effective collaboration and progress towards project goals.
• Assist in liaison and develop strong partnerships with all relevant stakeholders including the Government, private sector and other partners (relevant local institutions, academia and CSOs) to ensure smooth implementation of project activities.

IV.    Assistance in Project Planning and Monitoring

• Support in perpetration of all project related reporting and writing including weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual report.
• Ensure achievement of project targets as per project plans and M&E framework including close monitoring and handholding of on-ground partner agencies where required.
• Ensure quality of project deliverables in addition to achievement of numbers.
• Assist in organization of timely review and progress meetings with the project partners and ensure timely reporting by on-ground partner/s.
• Assist in effective risk management for the project with a well-documented risk mitigation plan.
• Support meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, exposure visits, evaluations, interviews, etc. in UNDP SELP and document the same for effective project monitoring.

V.    Assist in Knowledge Management, Communication and Reporting 

• Assist in the preparation of weekly, monthly and quarterly project reports as per templates for the project.
• Assist in documenting case studies and human-interest stories for visibility.
• Maintain organized records of project data, case studies, photographs and other relevant documents in the appointed folder.