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Senior Programme Manager, Political Parties

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance ¡ª International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.

International IDEA¡¯s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Senior Programme Manager, Political Parties

The main functions of the post are:

¡öTo plan, design and manage the programme of work and its implementation of the Political Parties (PP) Programme, and in particular the PPR strategy 2010 - 2014;
¡öTo provide thematic inputs and collaborate with geographical programmes, develop synergies with other thematic Key Impact Areas (KIA¡¯s) and contribute to International IDEA¡¯s priorities, with particular reference to Political Parties;
¡öTo contribute to the development and implementation of the 2012 ¨C 2017 strategy of International IDEA;

Context:

The PP Team is responsible for the implementation of the work plan of the Political Parties Programme of International IDEA. The overall objective of this programme is to contribute to the PP Key Impact Area (KIA), develop and maintain communication and collaboration, and develop synergies with other thematic KIA¡¯s.

Under the immediate supervision of the Director of Global Programmes the incumbent performs the following duties:

¡öResponsible for the development, management and planning of International IDEA¡¯s thematic programme Political Parties; (prepares concept notes, background papers, agendas, terms of reference for staff and consultants, draft statements, talking points and other material, participates in workshops and seminars on behalf of International IDEA, prepares reports and review and approve reports prepared by team-staff and consultants etc.);
¡öProvides thematic inputs and collaborates with geographical programmes, develop synergies with other thematic KIA¡¯s and contribute to International IDEA¡¯s priorities, with particular reference to political parties;
¡öDesigns and develops new cutting edge programmes which position International IDEA as a leading authority in the field of political parties;
¡öCoordinates and fosters International IDEA¡¯s partnerships and networks in the political parties field, including management of the Agora Parliamentary Hub Project;
¡öManages the allocation and effective use of funds allocated to the PP Programme;
¡öActively participates in the planning process of Global Programmes and prepares draft narratives and budgets for future work plans in the field of PP activities;
¡öMaintains and develops relevant professional contacts and networks of cooperation, with those active in the field of political parties, including practitioners, policy makers, academics and the democracy assistance community;
¡öOversees and manages Programme Staff and Consultants designated to the Programme;
¡öEnsure the application of the Results-Based Management (RBM) system;
¡öActively integrates the inclusion of a gender perspective in all activities;
¡öPerforms such other duties as assigned by the Director of Global Programmes, or any person designated by him/her.

Basic qualification requirements:

Level and type of formal education:

¡öUniversity degree in Political Science or Social Sciences, Law, Economics, International Development or a related subject.

Professional experience:

¡öMinimum of ten (10) years relevant professional experience related to political party support, in various positions (managerial, analytical, field work), and preferably within international organizations;
¡öMinimum of seven (7) years management experience including motivating and leading teams and solving problems;
¡öRelevant practical experience in a political party or parliamentary working environment is essential;
¡öRelevant experience from an international and/or regional organization in the work of democracy assistance would be an asset;
¡öKnowledge of the field of development co-operation. Excellent understanding of various donor policies, programming procedures, project cycle management etc.

Functional competencies:
¡öCreativity and capacity to develop innovative analytical perspectives and approaches;
¡öAbility to build and enthuse partnerships and networks towards the effective agreement and achievement of objectives facilitated by building and fostering an extensive network of contacts at the level of international, regional and national political parties and parliaments;
¡öExcellent negotiation, conflict resolution, diplomacy and advocacy skills;
¡öExcellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to present complex political/technical issues to non-expert audiences;
¡öExcellent analytical, drafting, editing and problem solving skills;
¡öProven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas and to transfer knowledge and skills;
¡öFlexibility, ability to work independently and to deliver against tight deadlines;
¡öAbility to operate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and be Gender-sensitive.

Work relationships:
¡öExcellent interpersonal skills, ability to appreciate diversity and work as part of a team in such an environment;
¡öOngoing collaborative contact with International IDEA¡¯s offices (sub regional, regional and HQ);
¡öExtensive international network of professional contacts relating to International IDEA¡¯s work on political parties.
Supervisory responsibilities:

¡öTo manage, direct, guide, supervise and evaluate the work programme and the performance of designated team members.
Language skills:

¡öEnglish: Excellent knowledge required;
¡öOther: Any other widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region would also be an asset.

Computer skills:

¡öKnowledge of internet-based communication, research and knowledge dissemination mechanisms is essential;
¡öExcellent knowledge of Microsoft Office;
¡öKnowledge of Project Management tools, experience with Maconomy would be considered an asset.

Criteria for Professional Performance

The incumbent of this post is expected to act according to a set of principles when carrying out her/his responsibilities both at Headquarters and in the field and, as appropriate to their role, display the following characteristics:

Be a Facilitator of Change
Get Results/ Be Accountable and Proactive
Lead By Example
Be a Decision Maker
Be a Model of Integrity
Celebrate Diversity
Be a Team Builder
Strive for Success and Excellence
Plan and Organize

Terms of contract:
Three (3) years fixed term appointment

Deadline for applications:
Applications should be submitted no later than 13 March 2011. Please note that all applications must be made in English

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.

Apply at: http://idea.easycruit.com/vacancy/518466/26074?iso=gb


Should internet not be an option, applications can be submitted to International IDEA by fax: +46-20 24 22 or by post: International IDEA, SE-103 34, Stockholm, Sweden