Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization composed of 34 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. 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. As part of this effort, it will co-implement with the Rule of Law Center 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, which will run during 2022 – 2023, will support 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 to the CEC and policymakers on options for a digitalized political finance disclosure system, facilitating dialogue and coordination amongst key institutions responsible for management and oversight of elections as well as fostering civil society capacities on the aforementioned topics.

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for implementing project activities, in cooperation with the Brussels-based Programme Officer. As the face of International IDEA's presence in Albania, s/he will coordinate or support the planning, design, implementation, communication, and reporting of all related activities. The Project Coordinator will also act as IDEA’s focal point for exchanges with counterparts in the field. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinates and implements activities under the assigned project throughout the project life cycle; participate in meetings and discussions, providing input to the general direction of the project;
  • Assists project experts during assessment missions in the country, including by supporting research on elections-related topics;
  • Supports the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) component of the project, ensuring adherence with International IDEA’s M&E results framework;
  • Supports the Programme Officer in monitoring the project’s budget and grant management,
  • Maintains and develops relevant professional contacts with the CEC, civil society, and other key stakeholders invested in strengthening election standards in Albania;
  • Regularly monitors and reports on important domestic political developments to inform project design and project interventions;
  • Attends events and represents the organization as delegated;
  • Collaborates closely with relevant International IDEA colleagues in Brussels and Stockholm involved in the project; 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;
  • Will contribute significantly to assigned projects all along the project life cycle, notably implementation and reporting;
  • Has a good understanding of political processes, general theory and practice of democracy;
  • Has knowledge and work experience in project implementation in the areas of democracy and governance;
  • Follows latest democracy trends and has a natural thirst for innovative ideas in the field of democratization;
  • Can work with minimal guidance and supervision;
  • Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
  • Acts as a model or mentor for less experienced colleagues;
  • Can be expected to occasionally travel outside Tirana for project activities;
  • Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
  • Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities;
  • Acts in accordance with International IDEA’ s core values; Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism.

Reporting line

  • Head of Programme, Regional Europe Office.

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 International IDEA’s Key Impact 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.
  • Fluency in written and oral Albanian and English is required.

Terms of Contract:

  • Local Post
  • Fixed-term appointment until 31 December 2023
  • Remuneration - EUR 1 916 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.

Applying for this position:

  • Applications should be submitted no later than 23:59 (CET), 24 March 2022.
  • 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. 

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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.