Electoral Affairs Officer

STANDARD PRE-SELECTION TEST SCHEDULED for 1-3 April 2017.

Screened-in applicants will be invited by email to take the Standard Pre-selection Test (SPT); please ensure that your primary email address in Inspira is correct as this will be used for the invitation. No communications will be sent to your secondary email address.

Information on the SPT will also be available on your "My Upcoming Test Schedule" page in Inspira. The SPT will take place between 10:00 a.m. on 1st April to 9:59 a.m. on 3rd April 2017 (EST, New York time). Applicants must complete the test during this 48-hour testing window in order to remain under consideration.

All applicants should regularly check the United Nations HR Portal at https://hr.un.org/page/assessment or their "My Upcoming Test Schedule" page in Inspira for any updates/changes after the closing of this job opening, particularly during the week before the scheduled testing dates.

Please note that applicants who apply as rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and accordingly, will not be invited to participate in the SPT or any other assessments (including any written exam, interview, etc.) throughout the selection process. For more information about the assessment process, please visit the United Nations HR Portal.

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Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

This position is located in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Bamako. Bamako is classified as a “C” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Electoral Affairs Section.

Mandate
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political processes in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks. Security Council Resolution 2295 of 29 June 2016 gives MINUSMA a mandate “to support the conduct of inclusive, free, fair and transparent elections, as well as the holding of a constitutional referendum, including through the provision of appropriate logistical assistance and security arrangements, consistent with the provisions of the Alger’s peace Agreement." MINUSMA will make available and manage all available resources in the most economical manner to plan and execute its electoral support operations and provide, through Electoral Affairs Division (EAD), strategic, political, technical, logistics assistance as well as its good offices tor the electoral cycle 2016-2017 according to a timeframe specified by Malian electoral management bodies (EMB) especially the MATDRE (Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and State Reforms in charge of elections). Part of this support will be provided within the framework of United Nations Integrated Electoral Team (UNIET).

http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusma/

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide assistance and guidance to the Government, the Parliament, the Electoral Management Bodies and the Constitutional Court in respect to the recommended revision and reforms of the electoral system and structures;
• Interpret electoral policies and regulations in order to clarify and provide input in the development of procedure manuals;
• Advise on the revision of the Electoral Legal framework including the areas of disputes and complaints management, media complaints and structure of the Electoral Management Bodies;
• Assist the Electoral Management Bodies in Mali with the drafting of all legal reports according to the electoral legal framework;
• Assist in the review of all procedures and guidelines to ensure consistency with the international principles on elections and clarity of concepts;
• Provide periodic reports to Headquarters on electoral and political developments in the assigned area of responsibility in close collaboration with political, civil affairs and human rights Officers;
• Analyse political and electoral events in assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to the Mission;
• Participate in the discussion and formulation of political strategies in the electoral field;
• Compile regular reports to the Chief Electoral Officer on major electoral developments and issues on the field, including immediate and longer term problems;
• Provide political advice and assistance to the Chief Electoral Officer during all phases of the Electoral process;
• Assess implications and make recommendations to senior management on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives;
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, Government representatives, civil society actors, military and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters;
• Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political and reforms challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; monitor, evaluate and report on implementation;
• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the Section’s programme of work;
• Provide advice and contribute to the capacity-building in national electoral authorities;
• Monitor the impact of domestic and international norms and processes on female participation and provide advice to the Electoral Management Bodies on appropriate corrective measures;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter, notably in-depth understanding of and ability to evaluate electoral processes, knowledge of electoral processes and their technical and political implications; Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.

Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, electoral affairs, international economics, international relations, law, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in elections or related areas, acquired in at least two countries, is required. At least three years of experience must be in electoral work, including one year working in supporting state/electoral institutions in drafting or revising electoral legislative or regulatory texts is required. Experience in providing advice to national authorities on implementing the legal framework in such areas as electoral complaint processing or dispute resolution is required. Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. Experience managing a diverse team is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the position advertised, fluency in French is required. Knowledge of English is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Core values and competencies will be assessed throughout the evaluation process.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

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