Context
Since Uruguay recovered its democracy in 1985, after 12 years of dictatorship, it has been steadily developing processes to strengthen democracy. Since then, eight governments have passed, during which, despite changes in coalition, substantial progress has been made in institutional and democratic matters. The achievements in terms of participation, legislation on cutting-edge issues such as energy, parity, transparency, and modernization, have placed Uruguay among the leading countries in the region in terms of democratic quality indicators.
The Uruguayan Parliament has three main bodies: 1. Chamber of Senators, made up of 30 representatives plus the Vice-President, who is the President of the Senate; 2. Chamber of Representatives, both chambers have standing committees on sectoral issues such as Health, Internal Affairs, Education, Industry, Energy and Mining, among others, as well as Integrated Committees, in which members of both chambers participate, and some special committees. There is also the General Assembly, presided over by the Vice-President of the Republic, in which both chambers participate, totaling 129 members, who meet, and act separately or jointly as provided for in the constitution.
In recent years, they have made significant progress in legislative matters, generating important and advanced laws at the regional level in areas such as digital government, energy, participation, transparency, and access to information, positioning it as a benchmark in these areas in the region. Following this line, the Uruguayan Parliament has expressed its interest in exchanging experiences, best practices, and learning among peers in areas such as citizen participation, climate change, gender equality, and youth, among others. In addition, the chair of the Committee of the Future met with International IDEA to request support and collaboration in the 2nd World Summit of Committees of the Future.
International IDEA is looking for a Project Manager to lead the implementation of this EU funded project. This project will enhance European Union's engagement on parliamentary strengthening by working with the Parliament of Uruguay to identify and address emerging global issues and crises including climate change, anticipatory governance and to support and develop innovative approaches to strengthen its core functions (i.e., citizen engagement) as a key factor in assuring parliaments' relevance and effectiveness
Duties and Responsibilities
- Leads the implementation of International IDEA's project of Uruguay;
- Ensures oversight of project funds in accordance with donor and International IDEA regulations, and in close collaboration with the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional (RLAC) Office;
- Identifies opportunities for innovative project design and develops new fundraising initiatives;
- Provides timely project related progress reports to RLAC Office;
- Liaises and works programmatically with relevant local, national and intergovernmental bodies;
- Represents International IDEA at meetings and events, and develops and maintains positive and effective relations with governments, donors and other relevant interlocutors;
- Provide comparative research on best practices and promote the exchange of experiences among Congress.
- Provides technical advice and support to strengthen the capacity of parliamentarians to promote institutional reform;
- Contributes to the development of communications material; produces reports, and develops content for the International IDEA website and on social media;
- Conceptualizes, plans, facilitates, participates in and makes presentations at relevant meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences.
- Manages and directs the team of staff and consultants to ensure full delivery of agreed project outputs, in consultation with the RLAC Office;
- Manages the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) component of the Project, supporting their adherence with International IDEA’s M&E results framework and with the EU and International IDEA’s regulations and procedures;
- Documents lessons learned, stories, case studies and evidence related to the delivery of the Project’s results, in line with the EU’s communication and visibility guidelines.
General Profile
- Combines in-depth knowledge, acquired through academic achievements, excellent skills including managerial skills and relevant experience in their field;
- Manages assigned projects throughout the project life cycle, i.e., from strategic planning and project design, funding and budgeting to project assessment and accountability; leads meetings and discussions, supervises publications and input from external providers;
- Has contributed to publications on their relevant subject; is recognized as a knowledge resource in his/her broad professional community;
- Has the intellectual leadership in integrating innovation into his/her field of expertise;
- Directly manages a team of contributors to the project, including staff members and possibly consultants;
- Fosters team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
- Acts as a model and mentor for colleagues;
- Is expected to travel globally 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 inclusion perspective in all activities.
Reporting line
- Director Latin America and the Caribbean Region.4
Education and Experience
- Master's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, international relations, Latin American Studies, or related fields;
- A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience working on legislative, political, and constitutional analysis in Uruguay;
- Excellent understanding of programming, monitoring and evaluation approaches and procedures is essential;
- A minimum of five (5) years’ solid experience in successful project management and the management of teams;
- Experience in designing and organizing international seminars and conferences;
- Solid experience with resource mobilization, including experience in conceptualization and formulation of successful funding proposals and management of donor-funded projects and donor reporting
- Experience with EU funded projects and requirements, as well as familiarity with their processes and systems is considered an asset.
- Experience working in international organizations, civil society organizations, or think tanks;
- Fluency in written and oral Spanish and English is required.
Terms of Contract:
- Start - 01 June 2023.
- Local Post.
- Fixed term appointment until 31 May 2024
- Remuneration - UYU 188,127 gross per month
Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Uruguay for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications.
Applying for this position:
- Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CET) 26 March 2023.
- 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 on 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.